I just bought the Marantz CC4300 from AC4L and it is broken. I am going to send it back later this week. I asked for a replacement unit, but they are out of stock on this player all of a sudden, so I am just going to ask for a refund. I spent $150 on it, and I would like to spend close to the same, maybe somewhere upwards of $200 if necessary. I want something solid (i.e. well built) and with good sound quality. I am a value hunter, so used is fine, just as long as it will serve me well.
I would agree with Art. You can get the NAD 525bee CD player for about $240 or less. Big improvment over the Marantz, IMO. I know you can get a Cambridge for about another $40, also a big improvement over the Marantz.
I wouldn't say the 525bee is big improvement over the CC4300 (one of the best sounding changers around relative to price imho), but an improvement all the same - though on those mentioned above you are getting a single disc player. If you can get C542 around your budget, you would be getting into significently better player territory, albeit at the lower end. Changers are not renowned for great SQ or reliability.
I have to agree with Hawk that the 525BEE represents a pretty big leap over the CC4300 which was a pretty darn good sounding changer in it's own right. The 525BEE sounds very nice I listened to it through the new Titan Monitors at my friends store yesterday.
As near as I can tell, the new 525bee is identical to the 542, except there is no HDCD playback circuitry (hence no royalties to pay). It is a big improvement over the 521 to my ears. I am thinking very seriously about getting it for my HT system.
I don't want to spoil the NAD party, but the new Marantz CD 5001 ($250) sounds very good too.
Very fluid and rich sounding, reminiscent of older 90's Marantz cd players, not as 'cool' as say the CD 5000, CD6000 OSE and CD5400. Yes you trade in some of the details, but you'll get a more musical involvement.
I personally would be hesitant to buy a NAD cd player, the sonics are good, but everyone I know who owns a NAD player (the following models: C541i, C542 and C521BEE) complaints about very slow disc reading and not accepting many cd-r's and some cd's (NO DISC)
Alright, well here is the latest. I am getting a Rega Planet (the original one)! My dad decided to upgrade to a Rega Jupiter. My birthday (21st) is next week and he said that for my birthday he is giving me his planet! I was pretty excited when I saw the e-mail. I am sure that this player will sound much better than my CC4300, broken or not. I am really excited about this!
It may not surpass the newer Marantz and NAD models on the detail and soundstage front, but tonally it remains exceptionally good, the first cd player without the often criticized so-called digital hardness.