Parasound
Parasound CD1 CD Player
Best high-end player for audiophiles seeking pure, lifelike digital sound.
Rediscover the art of compact disc with the Parasound CD 1, a precision-engineered transport designed for serious music lovers. Developed with Holm Acoustics, it extracts more musical information from your discs, delivering smoother, richer sound. Its proprietary CD servo technology reduces error correction and jitter for purer digital output, presenting music with lifelike realism and depth. Featuring a premium Burr-Brown DAC, balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs, plus coaxial and optical digital outputs, it seamlessly integrates into sophisticated audio systems. The solid aluminum chassis minimizes vibration, ensuring long-term reliability and uncompromised sonic performance.
$1499.37
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
110
/ 239
#110 in CD Players & Recorders
Price vs Category Average
-67%
Below average
Outputs
1111
/ pair RCA, pair XLR balanced, coaxial, optical digital
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking uncompromising sonic detail and musical engagement
- Collectors valuing long-term durability and premium industrial design
- Purists dedicated to extracting maximum performance from physical media
Who should skip it
- Modern listeners requiring streaming, USB, or multi-format versatility
- Budget-conscious buyers wary of complex, specialized maintenance requirements
- Value-oriented shoppers seeking modern price-to-performance ratios
Performance breakdown
Jitter reduction
Proprietary servo technology ensures a remarkably stable and clean digital signal.
Sonic fidelity
Burr-Brown DAC integration delivers rich, lifelike, and highly detailed audio reproduction.
Build integrity
Solid aluminum chassis effectively dampens vibration for consistent, long-term performance.
System connectivity
Comprehensive XLR and digital output options integrate easily into high-end setups.
Signal clarity
High signal-to-noise ratio provides an exceptionally quiet and transparent background.
Integration capability
RS232 and trigger ports offer professional-grade control for automated home systems.
Key Specs
Outputs
1 pair RCA, 1 pair XLR balanced, 1 coaxial, 1 optical digital
Control
RS232, IR input, 12V trigger
Dimensions (W x H x D)
17.25" x 4.25" x 14.75"
Weight
16 lbs
Finish
Silver aluminum
SNR
110 dB
Features
- Developed in collaboration with Holm Acoustics of Denmark
- Proprietary servo system dramatically reduces error correction and jitter
- Premium Burr-Brown DAC ensures ultra-smooth conversion
- Balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analog outputs
- Coaxial and optical digital outputs for external DACs
- Precision aluminum chassis minimizes vibration and resonance
- RS232 and 12V trigger for system integration
- Elegant silver finish complements Parasound Halo components
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Parasound CD1 CD Player for its exceptional sound quality and robust build. Owners frequently highlight its ability to extract intricate details from recordings, delivering a rich and immersive listening experience. The player's solid construction and elegant design also receive high marks, reinforcing a sense of premium craftsmanship. While an investment, many feel its sonic performance and lasting quality justify the cost, making it a cherished component in their audio systems.
Know before you buy
The CD 1 uses proprietary servo technology developed with Holm Acoustics to significantly reduce jitter and error correction. This allows the player to extract more data from your discs, resulting in a more accurate and natural sound profile.
Yes. The CD 1 features both coaxial and optical digital outputs, allowing you to bypass the internal Burr-Brown DAC and use your preferred external digital-to-analog converter.
Yes, it includes high-quality balanced XLR outputs in addition to standard unbalanced RCA outputs, making it easy to integrate into high-end audio systems.
The CD 1 is built with a solid aluminum chassis designed to minimize vibration and resonance. By isolating the internal components from external mechanical interference, the player maintains signal integrity and sonic clarity.
Yes, the player includes RS232 control, an IR input, and a 12V trigger. These features allow for seamless integration with automated home audio systems and remote power control.
The CD 1 features an elegant silver finish specifically designed to complement the Parasound Halo line of components, ensuring a cohesive look in your equipment rack.
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$1499