Is There A Need For Stand-Alone CD Player?

[Neo991lb]

I am looking to buy a HT system with a receiver, 7.1 sound and iPod dock. My worry is that my iPod is filled with music compressed at (on average) 160 kbps. Sounds great for headphones but I'm thinking it might not sound so hot on 7 speakers. My questions:

-Is there a benefit of having a stand alone CD player or does a BD Player suffice? (Will a BD player even play CDs? I assumed it would)
-What would the benefit of taking the plunge and adding a stand alone CD player to the mix? What should I take into account when buying one?

Thanks.

[crazzeto]

I am looking to buy a HT system with a receiver, 7.1 sound and iPod dock. My worry is that my iPod is filled with music compressed at (on average) 160 kbps. Sounds great for headphones but I'm thinking it might not sound so hot on 7 speakers. My questions:

-Is there a benefit of having a stand alone CD player or does a BD Player suffice? (Will a BD player even play CDs? I assumed it would)
-What would the benefit of taking the plunge and adding a stand alone CD player to the mix? What should I take into account when buying one?

Thanks.

some early bluray players could not play CD's from what I understand but I'm thinking anything you buy now would be able to... I don't see the point of having an SA cd player unless you want SACD support or some such thing.

[Crypter]

some early bluray players could not play CD's from what I understand but I'm thinking anything you buy now would be able to... I don't see the point of having an SA cd player unless you want SACD support or some such thing.

Then again doesn't the PS3 support SACD?

[crazzeto]

Then again doesn't the PS3 support SACD?

I can't say one way or the other, I don't own one... I would be interested in getting a bd player that supports it in the future (other than ps3) assuming it doens't cost too much... I have the NiN SACD version of downward spiral and I'm curiose what it sounds like with compatible hardware.

[sehnzeleid]

I know certain GB models of the PS3 play SACD, but certain ones don't. The 60GB can, but I think the 40GB can't. Unsure about the 20GB and 80GB.

[halcro 1]

Im more of an audiophile than a videophile .. But the Ps3 is a very good player and my 60GB PS3 does SACD ... But why buy SACD anyway the dics are pricey ... and unless you have hi end speaks amp dont bother just use the PS3 ...My .02

[aaronwt]

My 20GB plays SACDs. But I use my OPPO with DSD over HDMI which sounds better that what comes from the PS3.

[SLARITY]

Every version of the PS3 can play SACD EXCEPT the 40gb.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playstation_3

[johnADA]

I once asked the same question and got the same type responses and really thought about it, plus what a few real philes had mentioned.

Using a DVD player for its ability to transport, you lose life on the drive. Thats a peace of mind issue and would depend on how often you use CD's. For me that was enough, I did burn one DVD player up and had to change the belt which is not fun. Then the door jammed awhile later.

SO I decided to get a SA CD player, but I was looking for one that had known good DAC's,.

I LOVE my AMC player, 4 burr browns, sounds FANTASTIC. I've compared it to both the Blu Ray, A30 and Oppo I had, no comparison!!

[requiem960]

I am looking to buy a HT system with a receiver, 7.1 sound and iPod dock. My worry is that my iPod is filled with music compressed at (on average) 160 kbps. Sounds great for headphones but I'm thinking it might not sound so hot on 7 speakers. My questions:

-Is there a benefit of having a stand alone CD player or does a BD Player suffice? (Will a BD player even play CDs? I assumed it would)
-What would the benefit of taking the plunge and adding a stand alone CD player to the mix? What should I take into account when buying one?

Thanks.

In your case, having a stand alone CD player is pointless. If you were looking to add a unit, such as a NAD C542 and benefit from the Burr-Brown Sigma-Delta 24 bit DACs and Nichicon capacitors, yeah it would be a huge benefit. But, using something like an entry level AV receiver and mediocre speakers aren't going to get you the benefits of something like that.

Stick with a BD player that will play CDs, and use your iPod. Also, unless you are using SACD or DVD-A... Music is meant to be listened to in stereo, not 5.1 or 7.1! I'd strongly suggest listening to music that is encoded in stereo using a 2.0 or 2.1 direct mode.

When you're ready to go pre/pro with audiophile-esque speakers, then look into a good CD player and a good turntable! Otherwise, you'd just be spending money on something you don't need!!!

[Rishi]

SO I decided to get a SA CD player, but I was looking for one that had known good DAC's,.

I LOVE my AMC player, 4 burr browns, sounds FANTASTIC. I've compared it to both the Blu Ray, A30 and Oppo I had, no comparison!!

Couldn't you just use the digital output of a run-of-the-mill player and have D/A conversion done by your receiver (presumably with high-end DACs)?

[johnADA]

Couldn't you just use the digital output of a run-of-the-mill player and have D/A conversion done by your receiver (presumably with high-end DACs)?

If they had them, mayne.

As the poster said above you about the NAD, is what my AMC has within it.
I ran my AMC through the DAC's in my Integra, then used the Pure Audio mode and its night and day different.

Lossless comes no where near that difference!!!

[johnlt]

I use my PS3 as a media center and play music from my laptop via wireless and in mp3 form the music sounds fantastic.no need to change CDs .