I heard that playing CD's on a DVD player increases wear and tear of the DVD player since the laser has to refocus. Is that a true statement? I'm upgrading my audio system and I'm not sure if I should buy a separate CD player or use my DVD player (Toshiba SD5109) to play CD's. I would appreciate your comments. Thanks.

Its true, but I seriously doubt it is that big of a deal. You will probably want a new player long before the laser wears out. The DVD player gives you great PCM digital sound (If you use the digital out) for your audio CDs and they will sound better than on a standard CD player. Don't buy an extra CD player. Spend the money on something else like a good subwoofer.

One thing though. If you are planning on playing CD-Rs you will need a DVD player that is dual laser or you will need a separate CD player. I don't think Toshibas play CD-Rs.



[Edited by darkside on 05-10-01 at 04:40 AM]

Or, if your collection is big enough, get one of those cool Sony 350 disc changers. I plan on getting one someday, and if I can ever afford a pronto, it will be so cool to have one touch access to all my CDs from the remote....very very cool.

I think that a separate CD player is a good idea. Especially if you play a lot of CDs.

Yeah, I was using my DVD player for CDs for awhile..and decided to get a regular one anyway.

I went with a JVC 3 to 1 burner. I love it.

i'm wondering if you can elaborate on why you think a DVD player will provide superior sound over a standalone CD player. my experience has been just the opposite.

I'm wondering that myself. CDs played on my Toshiba SD-3109 using the digital out sound harsh and rather thin. They do sound better using analog out, but neither sound as good as my 11 year old Carver (Yamaha) CD player.

However, the sound from CDs on the new Panasonic DVD RV-31 with dual lasers is very, very good. Perhaps dual lasers do make a difference.

My Sony has great sound. Certainly better than my old analog out CD player. It probably varies player to player. My Laserdisc player actually gives the best sound when playing CDs through the digital out.