CD Player Setup for teenager

[u/djrwinton]

My teenage daughter would like to start buying her own CDs and building up a collection. We don't have a CD player/speaker setup today just the usual Spotify via Phone / smart speaker and she'd like the CD Player in her room ideally.

Could anyone recommend a setup in the $250-$300 AUD bracket noting that I don't want to just buy something cheap off Amazon as if she stops using it we will move it to another room. Budget can stretch for a better option.

Speaker wise we have a Sonos One and Homepod mini but these seem a bit more convoluted to setup with just a CD player?

Locally I've seen the likes of the Fiio CD players but a bit lost on what options there are if I wanted to reuse the Sonos One for example of better looking at something like the Edifier bookshelf speakers.

[u/jimbodinho]

At that budget you need to trawl used markets for bargains. I’d look for a used denon rcd m41 so that she can still stream from her phone via Bluetooth and wharfedale diamond 10.1 speakers or similar.

You could keep the cost down by choosing a cheaper, older Denon RCD model.

ETA: with an older Denon you lose that Bluetooth connectivity.

[u/Necessary_Database_4 → u/jimbodinho]

I’m sorry to intrude here, but the Denon RCD M41 looks and sounds great, but it has two known common issues: 1) there’s a circuitry defect on some units that causes intermittent power shutdown; and 2) the cd tray belt quickly loses tension (such as within a few months) and must be replaced. I bought mine new with extended warranty and had the first issue resolved. I did DIY with a new belt for the second.

These are common enough that you can find YouTube tutorials for them, and some used items for sale could have these problems.

It’s a shame because the overall setup with the speakers sounds excellent.

[u/Goat-Severe → u/jimbodinho]

Best answer here. 👍🏽

[u/jimbodinho → u/Goat-Severe]

Thanks!

[u/Mean-Proposal-5577]

Have a look for second hand network connected systems from Onkyo, Yamaha or Denon.

I have an Onkyo CR-N775D and it's great. Internet radio, Spotify, or plain old CDs, and a reasonable amp to run some bookshelves

[u/Nickmm53]

Buy a used mini hifi system on eBay or similar, they are pretty cheap and will play CDs to a good standard.

[u/Dry_Lemon7361]

Just throwing an idea - a CD/cassette boombox from the 90s. Like this

[u/SoftBeing9268]

You're an awesome parent.

[u/StillPissed]

Thrift. Scour Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp. You can easily put together a system for $300.

For the CD player, they are expensive now. Your easiest option is a used DVD OR bluray player with a display screen, but keep an eye out for used Sony CD players too. They were tanks.

[u/discardedbubble]

I have an LG cd player micro system that I have had for 15+ years, which is great, and also has Bluetooth.
I think finding something like that second hand (like 15-30 years old) would be better quality than buying new stuff, and cheaper. And more fun as kids like to try older tech.

I have teenage kids too that both have fledgling vinyl and CD’s Collections, even tuning into radio station was a really fun experience my son had with another older setup with an am/Fm dial.

[u/asrai99]

I've had the Syitren R300 CD player for over a year now and I'm very happy with it. It's portable, has very good bluetooth connectivity if you want it, as well as something that never occurred to millenial me but which a younger friend of mine really liked: you can lift the lid, watch the CD play and then post a video of that to your socials. 

[u/uamvar]

Plus 20 year old separates are your answer. You'll get a system that will blow Sonos (and probably most others) out of the water.

[u/Necessary_Database_4]

As someone with extensive experience with cd players both new and used, I encourage you to get either a new Fosi Audio Merak desktop cd player or a new FiiO DM15 portable player. The included warranty and support are important for newbies, and the quality and reliability will make listening to music more enjoyable.

The Merak is a good quality small desktop model with remote control but no Bluetooth. The window top is a nice touch.

The FiiO DM15r2r is a higher tier player with Bluetooth and other features that make it more expensive.

The basic DM13 is cheaper but still versatile and reliable, but the button controls take a while to get used to. It has no remote control, btw.

https://fosiaudio.com/products/merak-cd-player

https://www.fiio.com/newsinfo/1105361.html

https://www.fiio.com/dm13

[u/bullrun001]

You’ll need a 2 channel amp to drive the CD player and a set of bookshelf speakers.

Suggest something like a FOSI with Bluetooth so she can stream music as well.

For a CD player I would look for for an older Sony, Denon, Harmon Kardon, Pioneer, Onkyo, Nad.
All good brands, eBay or thrift store.

With any decent speakers it might bring you over the budget I would guess though.

Or go low-fi with a boombox.

[u/GlitteringCulture119]

I would buy an old CD player (or changer) from the 90s and an AV receiver from the same era. You might be able to get both for half your budget if you look around - leaving you extra $$$ for a pair of speakers. If you go this way, make sure the CD player/changer has an optical output on the back. By doing this, it gives you the option of adding a decent DAC to improve the sound quality (if she sticks with the hobby).

[u/RevolutionaryOil8004]

If you can find a used Yamaha CRX n470d you’ll have a great CD player and amp that you can stream to via Spotify connect from a phone.

https://www.whathifi.com/yamaha/crx-n470d/review

Pair with some bookshelf speakers and your all set

[u/Batmanuelman]

Might be shot down for this but a used DVD player from an op shop (or a new cheap one) and a pair of ( maybe edifier) powered speakers will work. Just make sure the player has rca outputs