Advice re CD Player upgrade requested


So I have upgraded all the components in my  2 channel system recently.The only thing left is the CD player.Replacing a 20 year old Sony ES 5 disc carousel unit.Still sounds pretty good.

My budget I know is "low" for this forum but I would like to keep it between $400-1K.

Not thrilled with the Rega player as it does not fit ergonomically into my audio rack.

Right now I'm considering the Marantz CD 6006 the cheaper 5005 or if I can get my dealer to give me some discount maybe the Musical Fidelity M3scd.

Don't care for Cambridge audio.

My dream CD player would be either a Bryston or MCIntosh player.My amp is the McIntosh MA 252.

Any other alternatives in the 'Low/mid price" category?
Thanks all!

Gabe
gabor2525
@gabor2525. I am so glad you are pleased with it! No doubt a fantastic value. You should have many years of musical satisfaction from it.

Don’t know if you are into vibration/resonance control or not, but a few Herbie’s Audio Labs Tenderfeet would be a nice inexpensive tweak when funds permit.

Happy listening!
HIFIMAN 5 said:
"Congratulations on your purchase!  Once you have it and have it broken in, it would be nice to hear how it sounds in your system."

Well I'm happy to report that the Marantz CD 6006 sounds great.It's connected to my McIntosh integrated amp in two separate ways.

One ,to an unbalanced input with high end RCA cables.And  secondly via optical input to a Musical Fidelity MX DAC which goes into the balanced inputs of the amp.

The unbalanced direct source sounds better than that going through the DAC.I am surprised as the DAC costs twice as much as the Marantz CD 6006.

This is my first new CD player in 19 years and although it is not a "HIGH END" unit, it sure sounds great!

The only thing I was disappointed in is that it's made in Vietnam,not even China.It's seems well built however with no obvious flaws.

The  other electronic device I have owned made in that country was a Vox electric guitar amp.That one was very heavy, durable and worked just fine.

Gabe
You are so right mental, most of us have different combinations of components.

Mike,I do own an Oppo BDP 103 which is used exclusively for DVD video.My 2 channel system is dedicated toward music, housed in a custom made cabinet.Since the 1970s,my stereo system has always taken priority over the TV.
According to my dealer,a long time respected retailer in our area, the Marantz CD 6006 is a very good unit.We shall see....
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Believe it or not a new or used Oppo would be really a great unit. Bdp 95 or bdp105 is excellent and should be cheaper by now.
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@gabor2525. 

Congratulations on your purchase!  Once you have it and have it broken in, it would be nice to hear how it sounds in your system.
I have had quality issues with CA products as well as Panasonic/Technics thus my bias.No issues with Marantz,Sony or Yamaha.
Not sure why you dismiss Cambridge, as some of their players will best a lot of the players on your list. IMHO.
Thanks all.

I ordered the CD 6006 by Marantz.Like it's features .Delete function, random play,USB A slot for iPod.Also got a 15% discount on the list price....
@gabor2525. I just recently replaced an 8 year old MacBook Pro with a new one.  The difference in performance, speed especially, is amazing.  The improvement in the processing of your music with a new player with current technology processing chips alone should be remarkable.  You'll notice the difference in the little details and soundstage.  You will enjoy the "realness".  Go for it!
Thanks everyone!

I will consider all of your options.The MAC player is out due to my budget.So is the Bryston I guess.

My Sony player is over 20 years old so I was thinking that perhaps the newer  technologies would enhance listening.As they say, the source component is crucial in the chain.

Gabe


gabor2525Marantz, Musical Fidelity, Bryston and McIntosh are all great considerations.
If the Sony ES is still sounding good to your ears keep it until it truly expires.My Sony ES lasted from 1988 to 2005.  Might not be a bad idea to mate a McIntosh player with your MA 252.
Happy Listening!
Marantz build quality (Japan) is truly excellent in their price class relative to most other brands.  Marantz disc players' circuit design is well laid out and their sound is remarkably musical in their price class.  I don't know of another player in the 6006 price class that would better it.