2 channel system (on a budget)

[thekid]

Keeping in mind that price is a major issue, I found a Marantz PMD 320 on CL for $59. Would I be better off with a new budget blu-ray player or the Marantz PMD-320?

I am not in the camp that a DVD player can not make a good CD player as I use a Oppo DV-970HD as the SACD/CD player in one of my 2-channel set-ups. Having said that just because the Blu-Ray is newer than the Marantz it does not automatically mean better sound. I think you need to research the exact Blu-Ray players you are looking at for your budget and then if possible give them an audition to see if you like them. The Marantz appears to be a solid player but you always have to be wary of how much laser life is left on an older CD. I have purchased several quality stand alone CD players for less than $59 but I have been a bit lucky in that area. If you can get the seller down some on the Marantz and none of the Blu-Ray players sound good to you then I think you have your answer.