Just wanted to add a 5th company manufacturing its own transport - Simaudio/Moon. The new CD1 uses their own transport, but that's their low-end model and their better players still use a Phillips transport. In talking with their reps at the FSI show in Montreal last week, they told me that the plan is to use their own transports in all future models.
Ayre C-5xe, Classe CDP-202, Marantz SA-7S1
Having spent much time contemplating, I have decided that surround audio is something I can live without, but excellence of sound is imperative.
So I am considering these to replace a 17-year-old Sony C77ES, new and not used.
Does it simply come down to features vs. sonics?
Ayre supports SACD, DVD-A, and DVD-V soundtracks. Classe does not support SACD. Marantz does not do DVD anything.
All are fairly close to one another in price.
I listen to classical, jazz, and older rock (e.g. Beatles, Pink Floyd, Santana, Grateful Dead). I have a large CD collection, but can see purchasing SACD and/or DVD-A in future.
Current system is B&W fronts, center, and sub, and Boston surrounds. Amp is Classe CA-5100, and am using loaner NHT processor until Classe SSP-800 arrives.
Thoughts and suggestions much appreciated!
So I am considering these to replace a 17-year-old Sony C77ES, new and not used.
Does it simply come down to features vs. sonics?
Ayre supports SACD, DVD-A, and DVD-V soundtracks. Classe does not support SACD. Marantz does not do DVD anything.
All are fairly close to one another in price.
I listen to classical, jazz, and older rock (e.g. Beatles, Pink Floyd, Santana, Grateful Dead). I have a large CD collection, but can see purchasing SACD and/or DVD-A in future.
Current system is B&W fronts, center, and sub, and Boston surrounds. Amp is Classe CA-5100, and am using loaner NHT processor until Classe SSP-800 arrives.
Thoughts and suggestions much appreciated!