Need help buying a cd player.

[chaska]

I'm going to buy a portable cd player in the next couple of days. I happened to run across one for $18 (new, not used) at a dollar store. As I consider portable cd players basically disposible (they always die a few months after purchase ... or is it just me?), I'm wondering why I should spend more. Does more expensive necessarily mean better? There was something on the package about "one bit", does that mean a lousy sampling rate or something? At this point I don't care about mp3's or data discs or any of that stuff, just cd's.

[cheezus]

1. best buy has (had?) one that played mp3s too for like $20

[GOPisEvil]

2. I bought a refurbished Sony for $50.

It's NICE, and since it's meant for those who work out, it's tough and does not skip. I've had other cd players fall off work out machines, and break but this one has survived a couple of falls.

I'd say you get what you pay for.

[AlCzervik]

3. I got my daugter a Sony

Pysc for christmas, it was about $50 and well worth, sound great.

[Redneck Socialist]

4. Panasonic

I bought a panasonic almost five years ago and it is still going strong.

It was more than eighteen dollars though.

[St. Jarvitude]

5. Higher cost can mean a lot of thing:

Skip protection is often better in the "high-end" models. ESP is a must if you'll be taking the player in a car, on a plane, while you're walking... etc.

I've noticed that sound quality is slightly better in the more expensive models. But the most important thing is still a good set of headphones - I'd buy the $18 model if it has ESP, and spend the money you saved buying that player on upgrading your headphone selection.

[chaska]

6. Thanks everybody.

I'm gonna look around a bit before I decide.

[yellowdawgdem]

7. Costco has panasonics

and I bought one there. It works fine, though I had to replace the batteries sooner than expected. It was around 15-18 bucks. I wish they had some that were smaller, and easier to stick on your pocket - not so big and bulky. Complain, complain.

[ButterflyBlood]

8. I've had the same discman for 3 years now

if they die every few months for you it's because you're buying crappy cheap ones.

[yellowdawgdem]

9. Yeah I should buy some better batteries

But it seems like no matter what kind I buy, they seem to drain out quicker than they should. I hope it's not cause I'm storing them in the freezer. Anyway, good luck on the cd purchase, it's really alot of pleasure to be able to listen to music wherever you go.

[Blue-Jay]

10. To be honest, MOST of them are pretty good.

Get something with skip reduction, a tough case, and MP3-compatible. Also, shell out for some good headphones, as that makes a huge difference in sound quality. You'll still have a good one for not-too-much money.