need suggestions for cd and cassette player

Nick B · March 03, 2023, 12:36:46 PM

I have a dear friend who just texted me that she wants to buy a CD player and maybe a cassette player too. She has an integrated. It's a cheapie and sounds muffled most of the time. She's not an audiophile in the least, but just loves listening to music. Her budget is $500.

I found this very nice deal on Audio Advisor for a Denon, integrated with cd player and other capabilities.

https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=1DERCDN10

She'd be much better off with a unit like this, but I still want to solicit some suggestions. I'm sure there are combinations cd, and cassette players out there, but they are likely just pieces of junk. I just started searching and any suggestions are welcome.

GDHAL · March 03, 2023, 01:06:27 PM

Not a bad choice on your part.

However if you can obtain a TEAC AD 850 SE CD and Cassette Player, it cost but a fraction over 500, *BUT* not only does it have cd and cassette deck, it has USB!

Not to mention Teac gear is hard to come by and in general good quality.

James Edward · March 03, 2023, 02:05:55 PM

I think what you've chosen fits the bill nicely. I am the 'audio guy' for family and friends, and have done what you're doing many times. Simple is good- a single box solution would fit her needs and is probably better in SQ than whatever cheapie she currently owns.
The minimalist front won't be intimidating, and it has some streaming capabilities too.

P.I. · March 03, 2023, 02:48:26 PM

Quote from: James Edward on March 03, 2023, 02:05:55 PM
I think what you've chosen fits the bill nicely. I am the 'audio guy' for family and friends, and have done what you're doing many times. Simple is good- a single box solution would fit her needs and is probably better in SQ than whatever cheapie she currently owns.
The minimalist front won't be intimidating, and it has some streaming capabilities too.

+1

Nick B · March 03, 2023, 03:33:15 PM

I'll search for that Teac unit, but then she's still stuck with that cheapie integrated. If she gets the Denon, I can persuade her to eventually get better 2 way speakers. I think she'd really enjoy the improved sound.

BobM · March 04, 2023, 09:43:30 AM

I would definitely look used, especially since sound quality probably doesn;t matter too much. Almost anything that is functional would do.

Nick B · March 04, 2023, 10:23:14 AM

Quote from: BobM on March 04, 2023, 09:43:30 AM
I would definitely look used, especially since sound quality probably doesn;t matter too much. Almost anything that is functional would do.

Not sure where to look for used lowfi/midfi... don't think my friend wants ebay. That Denon unit might work as it appears the remote has tone control capabilities. She definitely still wants a cassette player, so I'll check cheapie 7nits, Onkyo etc

Response Audio · March 05, 2023, 10:49:25 AM

It's nice to see people still interested in cassette decks. I have a few and just received my Nakamichi. I think your original choice is a great idea. You can grab a cassette deck fairly easily and for really good prices. I picked up a newer Sony in like new condition for $20 at a thrift store.
I would recommend checking out your local Craigslist for cassette a deck.

Nick B · March 06, 2023, 12:52:36 PM

Quote from: Response Audio on March 05, 2023, 10:49:25 AM
It's nice to see people still interested in cassette decks. I have a few and just received my Nakamichi. I think your original choice is a great idea. You can grab a cassette deck fairly easily and for really good prices. I picked up a newer Sony in like new condition for $20 at a thrift store.
I would recommend checking out your local Craigslist for cassette a deck.

I couldn't find a decent new cassette deck. I've passed along these suggestions to my friend. She also loves finding stuff in thrift stores.

Response Audio · March 06, 2023, 01:31:50 PM

I wouldn't bother with a new one. You can get a decent used but not too old Sony or Pioneer used for about $50. Be careful though now as cassette decks are becoming much more popular again and prices are going up.

Nick B · March 06, 2023, 06:51:14 PM

Quote from: Response Audio on March 06, 2023, 01:31:50 PM
I wouldn't bother with a new one. You can get a decent used but not too old Sony or Pioneer used for about $50. Be careful though now as cassette decks are becoming much more popular again and prices are going up.

Haven't heard back from my friend. If she can't find a deck locally in our small town, she'll find something in nearby Vegas. She's a bloodhound sniffing out great deals...