now that I have a sherbourn PRE-1 I have the urge to buy the matching CD player cause it looks sharp with the pre.
is it any good or just ordinary? I Have a SACD player that sounds good so I wont be downgrading if it is just ordinary.
I'm resurrecting this old thread for two purposes.
First - altho likely too late to assist - to share my experience with the Sherbourn CD-1 with the OP.
The second purpose is (paradoxically) to seek advice now myself on a new CD player - including feedback from others on the Emotiva ERC-4, its newest CD player
Part 1)
I bought the Sherbourn CD-1 CD player 6 or 7 years ago. Great sound, superb build quality.Until 2 weeks ago it was totally functional. Now it doesn't play.
[The slot accepts and inserts the CD - then "loading" appears on the display as per usual - but whatever next step is supposed to occur in the sequence doesn't happen, the word "loading" continues... Using the function buttons on the unit or the remote does nothing. I then have to turn the power off - at which time I can eject the disc safely.] [If anyone has experience with this issue - please let me know !]
I entered a service request on the Emotiva web site two weeks ago - meaning a request for response by email or phone in order to troubleshoot or receive suggestions on returning the unit for service. I never heard back despite repeat requests by email and by phone - until I reached out to Lonnie Vaughn, see below.
(I found the lack of response strange in itself, and not only because I am a proud owner of several Emotiva products and have referred lots of folks to Emotiva. I have also considered this to be in some ways a 'community'.)
I was looking for quick guidance, not for free service. I learned recently that unlike most Sherbourn products the CD-1's warranty was for 5 years, not 10 as in the big print. And that's perfectly fine, because as I said I was not seeking a freebie, and b/c the warranty on most CD players I am now researching (because I seem to be back in the market for a quality CD player) is for 2 or 3 years. So my 6+ years of great performance from my Sherbourn is fine. Just unfortunate that Sherbourn is out of business and its products (at least the CD-1) no longer supported.
(BTW - the Sherbourn CD-1 was essentially the same, I understand, as the Emotiva ERC-1 CD player. Emotiva is now into 'Gen 4' of CD players with the ERC-4.)
A week ago a fellow Emotiva Lounge member suggested contacting Lonnie Vaughn, Emotiva VP well-known to us faithful Emotiva community members, which I did.
Lonnie called me back in part he said to apologize for the delay in someone responding to my original and repeated requests for contact.
He also provided the contact information for a repair shop he recommends in Austin b/c parts for my unit are not easily available, in case I want to try to go the repair route.
I'm no fan of planned obsolescence, but it may be cost-ridiculous to repair it.
So now I'm considering my options - with a focus on buying a new unit - which brings me to:
Part 2) of this longer than intended epistle. This is the short part, now that I've vented my frustration on my service experience.
- does anyone have experience with the ERC-4 ? I am interested in experience subsequent to posts already made on this site - I have read every word of the few threads in the Lounge, most of these posts were entered at the time of launch or soon after. I am struck by the paucity of posts, and by the fact that on the Emotiva company site there is just one review.
Believe it or not, despite my not so great experience with the service issue I am considering buying the ERC-4.
I'm wondering if the ERC-4 has simply not had sales success ?
- suggestions for other CD players ? I'm looking for units (like the ERC-4) that will play other digital sources.
I'm also looking at the NAD 586. Its $799 price is likely my ceiling.
I understand the transformation in media. But like many here I listen to my hundreds of well-maintained LP's on my t'table and my well-maintained CD's...
Thank you for listening !
