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CEC CD 5 CD Player Purchased from Audio Connection, can't remember when maybe 2018 as a demo model. Developed a fault when I got it so I sent it to JLS in Melbourne just needed grease on spindal. Out of frustration and while i was waiting for it to get repaired I purchased a Estoteic Sacd K-O3X. I've probably used the CD5 for a couple of hours. Manuals remote are all there. Happy to demo. Condition: Excellent Payment Method: Paypal, Cash, Direct deposit. Region/State: (VIC) Victoria/Australia By stand 0 Comments AUD $1,500 Date: August 2, 2025Aug 2
At A$1,500, the asking price for the CEC CD 5 is ambitious, sitting well above the 75th percentile of A$1,149 from the 12 recent AUD comparable listings, and notably higher than the median of A$437. This price exceeds typical used market values for this product in AUD, making it a tough sell unless the condition is pristine and accessories are complete.
However, the CEC CD 5 is a well-regarded Japanese belt-drive CD player that reproduces natural, rich, and energetic sound with minimal digital glare, thanks to its patented spindle system and high-quality DAC capabilities supporting PCM 32-bit/384kHz and DSD128. If this listing is from an original owner with the brass CD stabilizer and all cables intact, it could still represent a worthwhile opportunity for a buyer seeking high-resolution CD playback with a warm, analog-like flow.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
CEC, or Chuo Denki Co., traces its roots to Tokyo, Japan, where it was founded in 1954 amid the nascent audio industry. That same year, the company pioneered Japan's first belt-drive turntable mechanisms, which gained rapid adoption by major manufacturers worldwide, including Grundig, Marantz, Sony, and Pioneer. From high-precision phono motors to full turntables, CEC quickly established itself as a leading OEM supplier, laying the groundwork for its enduring legacy in mechanical innovation.
The brand's product focus has evolved to center on digital playback, particularly its signature belt-drive CD transports and complementary DACs. Iconic models like the 1991 TL1—the world's first belt-driven CD transport—set the standard, protected by CEC's global patents for reducing jitter and acoustic feedback. Today, the lineup features ultra-premium offerings such as the flagship TL0 3.0 with dual belts, suspended chassis, external power supply, and proprietary Superlink interface, alongside models like the TL5, TL2N, CD5 player/DAC, and DA5.
Positioned firmly in the ultra-high-end market, CEC commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its mechanical purity and refusal to abandon CD as a viable medium. With flagship pricing around $34,000 and manufacturing returned exclusively to Japan since 2011, it appeals to niche collectors seeking boutique refinement over mass-market convenience, its transports praised for rich, musical retrieval that rivals streaming in sophistication.
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