Sony CDP-70 Single Disc CD Player – Vintage 1985
$125.00
Out of stock
Get first dibs on the next one
Sony CDP-70 Single Disc CD Player – Vintage 1985, Tested and Working Well, Plays CD-Rs, Good Condition
Experience the authentic sound of early digital audio with the Sony CDP-70—a classic second-generation CD player from 1985. As one of the earliest players to bring high-fidelity digital playback to home systems, the CDP-70 features the legendary Sony CX20017 16-bit DAC and robust Japanese construction. Fully tested and working well, this unit plays both standard CDs and CD-R recordings—a useful feature for burned audio collections. Good cosmetic condition throughout.
Vintage 1985 Engineering:
The CDP-70 is built around the Sony CX20017 16-bit DAC—a non-oversampling (NOS) chip famous for its “analog-like” character. Unlike modern players that use heavy digital filtering and oversampling to smooth the sound, this early design delivers a direct, impactful presentation with excellent rhythmic drive. Enthusiasts prize these early 16-bit/NOS players for their raw, engaging musicality that differs significantly from the “polite” sound of later delta-sigma converters.
The player uses the Sony KSS-121A laser pickup, a durable glass-lens mechanism known for longevity and reliable tracking. The entire chassis reflects the build quality of mid-80s Japanese electronics—heavy metal casing, tactile buttons, and a clean fluorescent display.
Key Features:
RMS (Random Music Sensor) – Early programmable playback allows you to select up to 16 tracks in any order
AMS (Automatic Music Sensor) – Instant track skipping and searching
Repeat Function – Repeat single track or entire disc
CD-R Compatible – Plays burned CD-R recordings (verified through testing)
Clear Digital Display – Classic 1980s fluorescent display showing track and time info
Headphone Output – Standard 6.3mm jack for private listening
Control S System Connector – For integration with vintage Sony systems
Specifications:
Type: Single Disc Compact Disc Player
Disc Format: CD audio (standard Red Book), CD-R compatible
DAC: Sony CX20017 (16-bit linear, non-oversampling)
Laser Pickup: Sony KSS-121A (Glass lens)
Frequency Response: 2Hz – 20kHz (±0.5dB)
Dynamic Range: >90dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >90dB
Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.004%
Output Level: 2V RMS
Dimensions: 430 × 70 × 280mm (16.9″ × 2.8″ × 11″)
Weight: 4.1kg (9 lbs)
Year: 1985
Made in: Japan
Why the CDP-70 is Collectible:
The CDP-70 occupies a sweet spot for collectors: it features the classic mid-80s Sony aesthetic (metal faceplate, square buttons) and the desirable CX20017 DAC, but typically costs less than the flagship ES models of the same era. The sound is often described as “punchy,” “dynamic,” and “solid”—a perfect match for vintage receivers and amplifiers from the same period.
Condition:
This unit is in good cosmetic condition, showing expected signs of age for a 40-year-old component (light marks consistent with normal use). It has been thoroughly tested—loading discs quickly, playing both standard CDs and CD-Rs without skips. The display is bright and all controls function properly.
Summary:
The Sony CDP-70 is a genuine piece of digital audio history—a robust, Japanese-made player from the dawn of the CD era. With its non-oversampling 16-bit architecture, durable construction, and proven CD-R compatibility, it offers a unique listening experience that modern players simply don’t replicate. Tested and ready to spin.
Purchase with Confidence
Includes Radique Audio “Bumper to Bumper” Warranty
Perpetual Trade-Back Policy—upgrade or swap with peace of mind
Authentic 1985 Japanese digital audio—tested, good condition, CD-R compatible, and ready to perform; asking $125.
| Weight | 11 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 14 × 21 × 7 in |
Sony began in Tokyo in 1946, founded by Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita, and it helped bring the world the Walkman and the compact disc. We carry Sony stereo and AV receivers, CD players, cassette decks, amplifiers and speakers. We've had more than 220 Sony listings so far, covering more than 185 different models. Every used Sony here is inspected, tested and serviced as required, then photographed in-house and covered by our Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty and Perpetual Trade-Back Program. Don't see the model you want? Tell us on First Dibs and we'll email you when one arrives.
Sony models we've sold more than once include the TC-K61 cassette deck, the CDP-CE305 and CDP-C335 CD players, the STR-DA5700ES AV receiver and the STR-4800SD stereo receiver.
The Sony story, 1946 to today
Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita founded Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo ("Totsuko") in Tokyo in 1946, growing out of a radio repair business Ibuka had started the year before. The company was renamed Sony in 1958.
Tape and transistors. The G-model tape recorder of 1950 is described as Japan's first, and the TR-55 transistor radio of 1955 was the first Sony-branded product.
ES. Sony describes the TA-1120 integrated amplifier of 1965 as the first all-silicon-transistor stereo amplifier and dates its ES ("Elevated Standard") line from it.
Walkman and CD. The Walkman went on sale in Japan in July 1979. Sony worked with Philips on the compact disc, and Sony's CDP-101 was among the first CD players on sale in Japan in October 1982. Sony still makes ES AV receivers.
Which Sony is which?
STR receivers: stereo receivers from the late 1960s on, such as the STR-6120, and later AV receivers, including ES models.
TA amplifiers and ES separates: from the TA-1120 to the TA-E86 preamplifier and TA-N86 power amplifier (1978).
CDP CD players: from the CDP-101 (1982) and CDP-701ES (1983) to changers such as the CDP-CE305 and CDP-C335 we sell often.
TC tape decks: reel-to-reel recorders until 1985, and cassette decks such as the TC-K61 and the three-head TC-K777ES.
SS speakers: such as the SS-G7 floorstanders of 1978.
Buying used Sony: what to check
CD players. Open and close the drawer several times; hesitation can be an early sign of trouble. Laser pickups wear, skipping is a symptom, and tray belts age.
Cassette decks. Belts dry out and cause slipping or uneven playback, and worn heads dull the sound. Run fast-forward and rewind, and check Dolby.
Amplifiers and receivers. Noisy switches and dirty relay contacts cause many faults, and bias settings drift with age. On tuners, look for blown bulbs and broken dial cords.
Everything we list is inspected, tested and serviced as required here, and comes with our warranty.
Related Products
Sony CDP-CE375 5-Disc CD Changer — Optical Out | Play & Exchange
A five-disc carousel using Sony's Play 1/Exchange 4 mechanism — you can swap four discs while the fifth keeps playing. Hybrid Pulse D/A conversion, 0.0045% distortion, better than 102 dB signal-to-noise, and a Toslink optical output for an outboard DAC or receiver. Reads CD-R and CD-RW. A third-party universal remote comes with it, covering the key functions but not all of the original ones.
NAD 513 3-Disc CD Changer – Original Remote, Serviced
A 1995 NAD 513 three-disc CD changer hidden in a slim, minimalist case, with a 1-bit MASH converter, CD-R playback and NAD's original remote.
✔️ Serviced on our bench
✔️ Original remote included
✔️ Very good condition
✔️ Covered by Radique Warranty
✔️ Includes Perpetual Trade-Back Program eligibility
✔️ Expertly packed for safe shipping
