I have not heard it mentioned but I assume this player/transport will not process SACD surround recordings?
Annoying newbie CD/SACD player question
I am still using my Sony 5 disc carousel CD player that I bought in 1992. I have loved this thing for years and years. Recently it started skipping. I cured that with some budget isolation feet from Amazon. After about a year it’s starting to act up again, not being able to register that a CD is in the tray. Turning it off and on fixed that but even without the recent problem I’ve been looking for a replacement for a while now.
I have around maybe 25 hybrid SACD’s and have always wanted to try the format. The only SACD player I can afford new is the Arcam CDS50. I’ve also looked at a used Marantz 8005 SACD player and various used Sony’s. On the other hand I’m thinking of just forgetting about SACD and I’m primarily looking at the Cambridge transport and the Audiolab 600cdt. I would consider the new Audiolab CDT models as well. Part of me wants to scratch my SACD itch. I think the Marantz used is the best option. It’s a recent model so likely still a lot of life left in it. Looking at gut shots it seems much better built than the Arcam. Am I wrong about that? As far as the Cd transport option It seems that the Audiolab is the best bang for the buck with the only downside being the slot loading mechanism that scratches some people’s discs.
I’m having a hard time deciding which avenue to take. I guess, like most people, I’m looking for the most bang for the buck. Sorry for the rambling post. I thought maybe it would instigate some suggestions to help me with my decision. Thanks
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I didn't see your budget mentioned I have ~ 30 SACDs. I bought a Oppo 105 maybe 10 years ago specifically for them. I also had a Pioneer PD 65 for redbook, but it died. I replaced it with a Marantz HD CD-1, which also eventually died but before it did it sounded better than the 105 for which I replaced the crappy OEM power supply and power inlet with an aftermarket from E-Bay, which was a big improvement, but still the 105 didn't sound much better playing SACDs then the Marantz playing them in DSD. My transport of the last 2.5 years is a Audiolab CDT 6000 it plays the DSD layer of SACDs quite well, but I have my eye on the new Shanling SCD 1.3 SACD transport that also plays CDs $1279! HTH |
Also have the Audiolab 6000CDT along with the KEF LS50 Wireless V2 in my final "compact" system. Will be moving to a smaller place and all previous gear will be for sale including a Luxman D06u SACD CDP, Pass Labs amp, Conrad Johnson pre, Joseph Audio, REL and Shunyata Research wire. Will be listed in a couple of weeks at very reasonable prices. Please PM if interested. Best. Gordon |
Forget Arcam, dull sounding at best. I have a Opera Audio with a tube output stage that is very nice. T he Marantz, Oppo and Lexicon's are good units that won't break the bank. The nice thing about the Opera,besides the tube output is that it is a audio only player, not a DVD/Blu Ray unit, so it's only concentrating on audio playback. Hard to find but worth it. Built like a tank and with the blond wood case,looks like a piece of mid-century Danish Hi-Fi. SACD is still a format worth investing in,especially when you have an internet outage.... Buy something!!
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@mahler123 ; How do you like the Cambridge Audio CXN 60 Streamer? I still have the Marantz 8005NA and have thinking about replacing with Aurender, Cambridge or Lumin. |
plasticspoon8, this is what I would do if I was in your position: 1. Get the Sony UBP-X800M2 for around $300 2. Get an HDMI/MHL Interface box capable of DoP output, like this one, for around $100 3. Get a non-ESS Sabre chip based DAC that supports DoP. My recommendation would be the GUSTARD A26 for around $1500, or better yet, used, for around $1000 I use a similar setup for listening to my collection of SACDs and DVD-As but use a Nuprime DAC-9 as my DAC and pre-amp. If you're interested, the DAC-9s are pretty inexpensive ($300-$400) when they come up for sale regularly. This setup works very well for me except the occasional 'freeze' that the Sony transport throws out when I'm impatient with its remote. The build quality of the Sony is excellent and makes for a great CD transport as well as a Spotify Connect device. |
I have bought several used Multi players over the last 10 years starting with a Yamaha, then a Denon. They both died after around 8-12 months. I then got an OPPO DV870. A little later I saw a N.O.S. OPPO BDP-95. I bought it and now can play Blu Ray Audio. I was able to save and got Denafrips Venus II. I am in an Audiophile heaven and will never give up my Discs. It took 8 years of upgrading every couple years, but I am glad I did not settle for OK Chinese FI. I just got Excellent Singapore Fi. For my space, may physical ability I LOVE CD's Usually from Discogs, and Ebay. |
@arcam88 some CD players or transports play gaplessly, while others do not. I know all Denon players play gaplessly which is why I bought one. Best to consult the manual or even better to seek out reviews or ask someone who owns one to be sure. It is infuriating that here in 2024 we have to dig and do research for a "feature" that just "was" in the 1980s and 1990s. CDs are recorded as one long file and a "schema" is used to tell the laser where the beginning and end of each tracks are, so there's no good reason for a CD player to not be gapless, but with the use of cheap "computer drives and software" today, we have to be careful and not just assume that. |
Off-topic a bit, but while this thread is discussing CD players, Does anyone know if any of the newer players or transports do gapless playback? (I would not personally buy one that does not.) Also I have an older Ayre sacd player that no longer reads the sacd layer of the discs. but plays Redbook cd's flawlessly. Is the laser weakening or possibly dirty?(Never cleaned) 🤔 Any thoughts/comments on this is much appreciated! |
If you are on a budget and looking for oldie but good sound quality CD/sacd player try to find a Philips 963SA player. I still have one and use it as a transport. Used as a player it still has competitive sound compared to current good low priced dacs. I originally bought it as a player because of its very good sound. There are a few reviews on it you can check out if this is of interest. |
I will chime in only because I have had several sony and marantz players that were modified by ModWright over the years. I had the Sony 999ES, Sony 5400 and the Marantz 8005. I kept the Marantz for a period of 7 years and never had a problem with it. I would say that the top end was very, very slightly rolled off but it was my favorite and the most reliable compared to the Sony's. If you could find one of the Marantz Ruby players, that's what I would do. |
You are correct that the Marantz is the better built piece. Many people don't realize just how well done any of the higher end Marantz pieces are - CD,SACD, or amplifiers. They are anything but mid-fi. And because they are a manufacturer, not a re-packager, they have better control over the quality and longevity than most. That is why they are so highly valued on the vintage market - over 60 years building to a higher spec. The mainstream offerings are still above average build - and sound - quality, but they are clearly not built to the level of their high-end products, |
I feed dsd over hdmi from a Sony 1100es to my Moon 390, but you're right: you can't output the sacd layer without a breakout box. If you want to hear the sacd layer you will need to rely on the player's internal dac so that part is very important. Cheap Sony bluray probably not going to do it for you. Good luck! |
Thanks so much for the helpful information, and letting me know I’m not annoying. 😀. I was a bit intimidated by posting on this site because I’m really not educated well as an “audiophile.” I have had a solid two channel stereo system since I first purchased one in 1992 but have never known much on the technical side. Everyone has been very nice and helpful on this site. Thanks! |
I had a Marantz SA 8005 and I upgraded to a KI Ruby. Interesting comments about the high frequencies of the 8005 - that was not my experience. The frequency response was very flat as far as I could tell. I compared the 8005 directly with my PSA PerfectWave MK II DAC and they sounded very similar. I would easily recommend the 8005. It is built well and will last many years. The one caution I would give you is to make sure that whatever SACD player or transport you buy uses a brand-name transport. Marantz makes its own transports so you are safe with them and since Denon is owned by the same company their transports will be good quality as well. Two other well known transport manufacturers are TEAC and Phillips. The Phillips transports are no longer in production but you can find players with them on the used market (some of the top end transport makers still use them from new old stock). I would avoid any transport manufacturer that doesn't specify exactly where they get their drive units. There are several companies that use cheap computer grade drives that fail quickly. |
cd lens cleaner (as other members mentioned) I was assuming you had one of these and tried it. IF NOT, buy one, you will need it in the future anyway. I cannot believe how many of my friends who will spend far more on equip/cables/etc do not have this simple tool. I use mine, get them back to working, might solve yours. |
Two things; You are not annoying! This forum belongs to all who play by the rules. Secondly, CD and SACD players are now a buyers marketplace as not so many people want them as they once did. A DAC that used to sell for $6000.00 I think just sold used for $1200.00! It's the Ps Audio directstream DAC. Keep this one in mind. Good luck. Joe |
@plasticspoon8 -I echo the recommendation for the Denon DCD-1600. Fit and finish, sound are top notch. When auditioning CD players and transports I listened to both the DCD-1600 and the Denon DCD-a110 anniversary CD player. The difference between the two was closer than I expected. Another reason I would get the DCD-1600 is Denon's warranty. David |
I just replaced my Cambridge Audio CXC v2 with a significantly more expensive PS Audio Transport. The Cambridge Audio gave me many years of listening pleasure, and restoked my interest interest in CDs. If you are interested, in the Cambridge Audio, let me know. It is going to be listed as soon as I can retrieve the box. |
@plasticspoon8 -- I was in a similar position last October, when I was looking for a CD player to replace a tried a true Nakamichi that I had owned since 1988 and a Sony SACD player that died. I only had a handful of SACD's, so I weighed that against what was out there and the price. I, too, looked at the Audiolab 6000CDT and read numerous user reviews comparing the Audiolab to the Cambridge Audio CXC v2 Transport, and ended up going with the Cambridge Audio CXC v2 when I found a brand new open box unit online for $399.00 under full warranty. I could not pass that deal up.
I freaking love the Cambridge Audio CXC Transport. It doesn't have a bunch of bells and whistles that I don't need and wouldn't use -- when I play a CD I put it in the tray and hit play. Seldom do I skip tracks, and I can count on one hand the number of times I've scanned forward or backwards during a song. I don't even use the remote, although it is a nice, solid remote for the price point. The Cambridge Audio unit checked every box for me. When I bought the Transport, I also bought a Cambridge Audio DACMagic 100 that was on sale for $199.00 -- so I solved my CD and DAC needs for $600.00, which is the usual price for the Audiolab 6000 unit alone. Below is a link to an Open Box Cambridge Audio unit here in North Carolina for $500.00
I have the Cambridge Audio CXC v2 in my Den system which consists of a Dennis Had Inspire 45 SET amp with Emission Lab tubes, a Dennis Had LP3.1 Preamp with Emission Lab tubes, Klipsch Forte II's, a Bluesound Node Streamer, a Cambridge Audio CXC v2 Transport with a Cambridge Audio DACMagic 100, and a Dual CS5000 turntable with an Ortofon Red cartridge and a Sutherland KC Vibe Phone Preamp. I hope my thoughts help.
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I have the Sony UBP-X800 M2. According to the owner's manual, it will play all manner of Blu-ray, DVD and SACD. They do provide a disclaimer stating that disc specifications are an evolving format, and some may be unplayable. Unfortunately, I can't be of much help beyond that as I don't own any SACDs. |
I agree with mahler123 on the Marantz SA8005 CD/SACD player tending to roll off some of the high end. Like him, I had a SA8005 also. I didn’t notice the roll off so much until upgrading to a Marantz KI Ruby CD/SACD player, which clearly delivered the missing high end elements. That was quite a pleasant surprise at the time. Mike |
@plasticspoon8 Please message me, I think I can be of help. |
I have the Denon DCD-1600NE SACD/CD player, and like it. Bought new about two years ago. I considered the competing Yamaha, but was dissuaded by reports of quality control problems. Aside from a considerable break-in period, the Denon has performed well. It's neutral to slightly cool, and responds well to upgrade power cords and good interconnects. |
Never heard the Yamaha. What I recall reading is a somewhat brighter house sound to this brand. Also thought I read about reliability concerns--do some research there. The only thing I don't like with the Denon is the (often typical) small display and the lack of a drawer open/close button on the remote. |
@plasticspoon8 As I type I am listening to that exact SACD player. It is a solid player with neutral sound--the Marantz sound may be a touch on the warmer side of neutral. They are both excellent players but a new Denon 1600ne is a killer bargain at that price. Do not see how you will find better for the $$. Buy it and be done! |
It’s to bad, I had my eye on a used xa5400es at Hawthorne Stereo in Seattle. I’m across the state from them but know they are a trustworthy dealer. Anyway it’s gone as of earlier this week.
i have a Marantz PM8006 integrated amp with Wharfedale Linton speakers. I guess my budget is $1000 because I was willing to buy the Arcam cds50 which is on sale at Music Direct for $999. |