Can you buy multi CD players anymore?

[pwrshift]

My multi disk Pioneer CD player has given out and I need a replacement so I can play music through a pre wired house of speakers in several rooms.

Now I'm finding that CD players like this are pretty rare probably because of MP3, USB drives, SD disks, etc. I used to just pick out 6 CD's and put them on random for hours of music. But I don't want to buy something that's already obsolete. I tried an extra DVD player I have but it only played one disk and I couldn't program it.

This is a music system housed and wired to a different room than my theatre room for movies, so I think it's better to get a separate player...but do any of them play all the other forms of music than on just CD's? I would prefer to just hook up to the existing system and let it play.

Any suggestions?

Brian

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

My multi disk Pioneer CD player has given out and I need a replacement so I can play music through a pre wired house of speakers in several rooms.

Now I'm finding that CD players like this are pretty rare probably because of MP3, USB drives, SD disks, etc. I used to just pick out 6 CD's and put them on random for hours of music. But I don't want to buy something that's already obsolete. I tried an extra DVD player I have but it only played one disk and I couldn't program it.

This is a music system housed and wired to a different room than my theatre room for movies, so I think it's better to get a separate player...but do any of them play all the other forms of music than on just CD's? I would prefer to just hook up to the existing system and let it play.

Any suggestions?

Brian

Get a cheap computer (on old XP computer that is essentially worthless would be fine) that has a CD burner, download and install the pay version of Winamp, rip those CDs to MP3 or FLAC format, and begin playing them using that computer by plugging the audio out jacks to the inputs on your sound system. If you need more power, then run the computer signal into the AIUX input on an amp. If you have a large collection you may need to get an extrenal drive to store the files.

Once you do that you can manage your music collection in Winamp. You can easily create custom playlists, organize by music type - whatever you like.

You obviously want the multi-disc capability, but managing your collection and creating playlists with Winamp will blow away using a changer.

Also once you have them ripped, you can then load playlists into a portable player and take your collection with you when you go someplace.

+++++++

I ripped my CD collection years ago, and I simply can't imagine trying to manage a CD collection anymore. It's just so much easier to do on-line. I still have the CDS, but I never play them. They're just around so if I have a disaster I can rerip them. But since I have the files backed up, it would have to be a really huge disaster.

++++

I now rip most of my stuff in FALC format, because that's a lossless format. The only issue there is that many portable music players don't support FLAC format, so those tracks can't be loaded onto my portable player unless I rerip to MP3.

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

Added comment.

Also when you set up a computer as I described, if you give the computer an internet connection you can start to access online music programs, such as Pandora.

In addition to my collection, I've got about 30 Pandora stations set up, each for a different musical style. So sometimes I just get Pandora going on a browser, select the style I want and let Pandora pick selections for me. That's also a good way to get exposed to some new artists.

 

[NWL]

Good advice T_R_Oglodyte.

pwrshift - it sounds like you have a house system similar to mine. T_R's advice is compatible with your system. Just swap out the CD changer for the computer.

Cheers!

 

[LUVourMarriotts]

How about connecting an iPod where the CD player was. Now you've got hours and hours of music.

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

How about connecting an iPod where the CD player was. Now you've got hours and hours of music.

How would he be able to access his CD collection? Seems to me that replacing his player with an would also require that he rebuy anything that's currently in his collection that he wants to be able to access.

In addition, isn't anything he gets from iTunes a proprietary, DRM-protected, non-transferable music format? I've always gone MP3 because I like to create compilations that I can burn to CD or put on a thumb drive and take with me when I'm going somewhere. Or I can create a custom compilation as a gift for someone. In my early days with my music collection I found that I couldn't do that with DRM-protected material.

 

[Ken555]

How would he be able to access his CD collection? Seems to me that replacing his player with an would also require that he rebuy anything that's currently in his collection that he wants to be able to access.

It's quite simple to just rip CDs you own into iTunes, and then they're available. Did you really think the only way to get music into iTunes was to buy it from Apple? (FYI, you can also buy music for iTunes from Amazon and other sources).

I like my (old version) Apple TV, which stores music locally. The new version will stream it, too. So assuming you have a network in the area and a computer for managing your music, you can buy the $99 Apple TV and simply stream your music. If you have a larger budget, we've had great success with the Sonos music systems - very, very easy to use and flexible.

To directly answer the OPs question, yes you can still buy a 6-disc CD player. Just search online - they're all over. However, now's a great time to consider updating to a computer based solution, if you have the time to do so.

 

[LUVourMarriotts]

How would he be able to access his CD collection? Seems to me that replacing his player with an would also require that he rebuy anything that's currently in his collection that he wants to be able to access.

In addition, isn't anything he gets from iTunes a proprietary, DRM-protected, non-transferable music format? I've always gone MP3 because I like to create compilations that I can burn to CD or put on a thumb drive and take with me when I'm going somewhere. Or I can create a custom compilation as a gift for someone. In my early days with my music collection I found that I couldn't do that with DRM-protected material.

I have my entire CD collection on my iPod. It is very easy to rip them all. I prefer to use Windows Media Player to rip my CDs because it is a little quicker than iTunes. I just went into my WMP config page and set it up to rip on insertion. It is smart enough to just know about a root folder, then it creates sub-folders based on artist, then another sub-folder for CD. It applies all the track names, etc.

My machine would rip an entire CD in 3-5 minutes. So it took a while when I did this, but I have not used an actual CD in years. They just sit in a big Case Logic binder rotting away. My desktop has dual CD/DVD drives, so I was staging one while ripping the next, etc, etc.

 

[pwrshift]

Your iPod suggestion caught my attention as I have the original one buried in a drawer and haven't touched it in years. It may not have the capacity of today's iPod but it's worth a try. I assume I'd need an adapter to plug the two RCA plugs into the headphone plug.

It all sounds like a lot of work converting and cataloging some 3,000 CDs to my computer when I usually just picked out 6 disks and let them go in random order. I read about the only 6 disk player I could find here (Sony $225) but a review said it only plays in random on one disk and not from disk to distance like the Pioneer did.

Ken, how would I use the new Apple TV to such a system. I'd hate to give up my old Marantz amplifier but doubt it has the modern plug-Ins. Maybe there's a way I could put my iPad to use instead of an old laptop as the iPad already has about 300 songs on it with more space to go with 64 GB.

Brian

 

[Ken555]

Ken, how would I use the new Apple TV to such a system. I'd hate to give up my old Marantz amplifier but doubt it has the modern plug-Ins. Maybe there's a way I could put my iPad to use instead of an old laptop as the iPad already has about 300 songs on it with more space to go with 64 GB.

You could use your iPad to store the music, but that would be cumbersome since you'll probably find a need at times to use the iPad while listening (I've been reading books on my iPad while music is on, for instance). And, even though you have a 64GB iPad your music won't fit on it (assuming you rip all 3000 CDs you own). This is really a larger discussion on the best/easiest/everything is subjective method of storing and listening to music. There are lots of great solutions out there, so if you're ready to make the change (from a 6-CD changer) then I suggest you read up a bit on it and make the best choice for you. I can only tell you about my own use, and other solutions I know about from work and friends.

You'll probably find that it's time to upgrade the Marantz as well. But you don't have to do that on day one.

I use an Apple TV to listen to music (the new model will work very well for this). It has the advantage of also providing other features, like TV Show/Movie rentals, Netflix streaming, and more. For music and photos, it requires a computer to stream the data from (Windows or Mac).

If you don't want to go this far, you can use your iPod instead. Just get the correct adapter, sync it to your computer and you're done. That's how I get music in my car (mine has a built-in iPod dock and I just leave it there permanently - other than some trips where I grab it). This may be a good transition item for you since I expect in a year or so you'll want more. For instance, I really like the ability to select the music using a remote viewing the options on my TV - this isn't possible with an iPod, as you need to physically walk over to it to select, etc.

 

[LUVourMarriotts]

Your iPod suggestion caught my attention as I have the original one buried in a drawer and haven't touched it in years. It may not have the capacity of today's iPod but it's worth a try. I assume I'd need an adapter to plug the two RCA plugs into the headphone plug.

It all sounds like a lot of work converting and cataloging some 3,000 CDs to my computer when I usually just picked out 6 disks and let them go in random order. I read about the only 6 disk player I could find here (Sony $225) but a review said it only plays in random on one disk and not from disk to distance like the Pioneer did.

Brian

It would take some time to get 3000 discs converted. Plus, the storage would be significant. OK, here's my other solution. Onkyo DX-C390 6 disc changer. It does have the random play with all 6 discs. I currently own 2 Onkyo receivers and a Onkyo 6-disc changer (haven't used that in a while). Onkyo is top notch products that is less known, but better than most.

 

[Elan]

There are a zillion possible solutions to this problem. From audio bridges to wi-fi radios to HTPCs to a new 6-disc changer. I'd go to Amazon.com and poke around a little bit before I bought any hardware. There might be some additional features that the OP would find useful (streaming video, Pandora, etc) that would influence what he purchases.

 

[Passepartout]

Am I missing something here? A quick Amazon search turned up several 6-disc changers, if that's what the OP wants and is used to. I happen to have a couple here that get barely any use that I could- and should- part with. The computer-based solutions are efficient ways to store and play thousands of tunes, and may be something worth migrating towards, as are streaming solutions like Pandora or wi-fi radio.

There's no reason to tie ones self to just one solution.

Best.

Jim Ricks

 

[Elan]

Am I missing something here? A quick Amazon search turned up several 6-disc changers, if that's what the OP wants and is used to. I happen to have a couple here that get barely any use that I could- and should- part with. The computer-based solutions are efficient ways to store and play thousands of tunes, and may be something worth migrating towards, as are streaming solutions like Pandora or wi-fi radio.

There's no reason to tie ones self to just one solution.

Best.

Jim Ricks

I guess that's what I was trying to get at. If the OP wants to get a new 6-disc changer, then he should go for it -- certainly nothing wrong with going with what one knows. OTOH, if he wants to expand into digital streaming, then the spectrum of possible solutions is nearly infinite. Personally, I wouldn't lock on to any one piece of hardware until I explored the possibilities.

 

[Clemson Fan]

You can probably find a multi disk CD player on eBay.

 

[tlwmkw]

Try Crutchfield- they have a bunch of multi cd players. We have a multi player dvd player that will play dvds and cd's and mp3's and home burned discs (not all players will do that) and since it is hooked into our house sound system we use that to listen to music. I keep thinking about getting a blu-ray but then that means finding a home for the actual unit but also adding more wires to the mix and figuring out how to get all the connections right- too much hassle for this old brain.

Good luck,

tlwmkw

 

[pwrshift]

You guys are great...and I would never thought of using an iPod without you. I dug out my old original iPod, bought a cheap adapter and it works perfectly for what I need right now as I can make several playlists from music I've already converted to mp3 on my computer. In the process of looking at AV stores I think I'm going to buy a whole new tv/music system maybe even a large Panasonic 3D. Expensive search but my current music system is 20 years old.

Brian

 

[AwayWeGo]

1-Disk-At-A-Time CD Player.

I just ordered a new 1 via internet last night.

The old Sony 1-disk player flat-out quit playing.

It has enough age on it to have earned retirement, so I am not complaining.

New 1 is TEAC -- $107.35 -- free shipping.

Even so, it is way past time to start merging the audio system with the computer system -- learn how to rip CDs, burn CDs, convert LP & cassette tracks to digital media, etc. I am way, way behind the times on all that.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[Talent312]

...it is way past time to start merging the audio system with the computer system -- learn how to rip CDs, burn CDs, convert LP & cassette tracks to digital media, etc. I am way, way behind the times on all that.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

I have no intention of catching up with "the times."
I'm quite content to remain stuck in the last century with my CD's.
They're decent storage devices and hold their own as self-contained playlists.
I see no reason to spend a ton of time converting them to another format, for use with another toy. <grumble, grumble>

 

[AwayWeGo]

You Typed A Mouthful.

I have no intention of catching up with "the times."
I'm quite content to remain stuck in the last century with my CD's.
They're decent storage devices and hold their own as self-contained playlists.
I see no reason to spend a ton of time converting them to another format, for use with another toy.

Me neither.

But sometimes I want to give somebody else a recorded copy of a particular tune we've been talking about, or I want to provide a (bootleg) audio recording of an old radio show that I specially like, or I'd like to make the digital equivalent of a mix tape for somebody -- & I can't do that any longer.

Sure, I've got outstanding & still functioning high-end stereo cassette recorders all hooked up to the stereo. And I still have shoeboxfuls of perfectly good blank cassette tapes that still work.

Trouble is, hardly anybody plays cassettes these days -- mainly, just people driving around in pre-2006 cars equipped with in-dash stereo cassette players that still work. So if I hand somebody a custom-recorded stereo cassette, the response is likelier to be a blank look than a Thank You.

Just about everybody can play CDs, & an increasing percentage of music lovers just listen via digital formats sent & received by internet -- no CDs involved.

It's all that stuff on which I'm way, way behind.

So it goes.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[Ken555]

cassette

Huh? What's that?

(At least you didn't say 8-track!) :rofl:

 

[Ken555]

On a related note...

Sony retires the cassette Walkman after 30 years

 

[pwrshift]

Hey Ken, I bought a new version Apple TV Saturday and having a ball with my $100 investment. What's becoming of me...now I have an iPad, an old iPod I'm using to replace my CD changer, an Apple Tv and considering an iPhone 4.

Still prefer the PC for computing however...can't give it all to Mr. jobs.

Brian

 

[AwayWeGo]

Replacement 1-Disk CD Player Hooked Up & Working.

UPS delivered it yesterday afternoon. I hooked it up & tried it out right away. Chose a recording of Rachmaninoff's Italian Polka as the inaugural test tune. Sounded great -- the tune & the playback.

The TEAC unit (made November 2009 according to sticker on the back) is not an exact replacement for the old Sony (July 1990). Main difference I've noticed is in programming the selections, in case I want to pick the sequence myself instead of just going from start to finish or letting the cuts play in random order.

If all else fails, I can read the instructions.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​