Sony CDP-C85ES, HiEnd 5-disc Carousel

The Sony ES series of audio components was developed to provide state-of-the-art performance in consumer audio technology. Although they were hardly inexpensive, most ES components were priced well below most so-called "high-end" audio products.

The CDP-C85ES aptly illustrates the ES approach by using an innovative and unconventional 45MHz Pulse Length Modulation ("PLM") digital-to-analog converter. The concept moves beyond a certain number of switched bits with oversampling, to a completely different conversion method called a High Density Linear Converter ("HDLC"), using a single pulse at a massively high frequency to keep the bit transfer precisely in alignment.   Add on Sony's Servo Stabilizer, 18-bit digital filter and the result is glitch-free and sonically excellent music. 

The CDP-C85ES is moderately large chassis featuring beautiful mahogany wood side panels - and weighs a hefty 20 pounds. At first glance, it appears to be a fairly conventional front-loading disc carousel with all the usual controls and features, plus some that are less familiar. In addition to the standard transport controls, the player has a 32-disc programmable memory, and 184-disc custom file memory. 

If you're looking to upgrade your CD experience with a truly High End vintage player stop right here. We have found this machine to perform flawlessly. Comes complete with original remote as well. A gem of a CD player that will bring your digital experience to new levels.

Demos are available in Lawrence, MA.

$199 (plus applicable sales tax)

* Due to risk of damage on the disc mechanism, we cannot reliably ship this piece.