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Best 2 Channel SACD with Analog Outs

Hi
i know that this topic has been around here in various formats, but I am wondering what peoople think the best SACD player is out there that could be added to my two channel system.

I currently have three systems, with 3 SACD players. Two are multichannel.
Briefly:
2-Channel System:
Ayre Pre Amp (critically, No Digital or HDMI inputs)
Parasound Power Amp
Sources: NAD Universal Player feeding PSAudio Digital Link III DAC (CD & DVD_A); Marantz SACD 803-B (for SACD and the crux of the question here)
Speaks are B&W 803-D

My two multichannel systems (will discuss SACD only):
Sony 5400 ES feeding Onkyo AVR via HDMI (speakers--Silverline)

Pioneer Elite Universal Player (DVD,no Blu Ray) feeding a Pioneer Legacy AVR via an i-link. Speakers are a mishmash of Paradigm

I'm really happy with the SACD sound via the two multichannel systems but a little less so in the 2 channel system. The Marantz is a good player but just isn't as detailed as the two multichannel players, despite the superior electronics and speakers in the 2 channel system . It should be noted that the 2 channel use different types of inputs--HDMI and i-link (firewire).

I have tried both the Sony and the Pioneer in the 2 channel system, using the analog outs of both players. While they sound different from the Marantz, they are not nearly as impressive as they sound in their multichannel domains.
The biggest dissapointment is the Sony, which has been praised to death here. I don't think the Sony sounds nearly as good in any of my systems analog vs it's HDMI.
Thoughts? Any idea what to replace the Marantz with? I'm tempted by the Oppo which would let me play my Blu Rays but I don't really want to add a monitor to the 2 channel system.
I should add that I exclusively listen to Classical Music and have several hundered SACDs.
richardfinegold

Showing 2 responses by richardfinegold

richardfinegold OP
196 posts
 
My other Blu Ray players require a monitor.
Your suggestion about the Oppo is good. How does the Oppo SACD performance alone stand up to other SACD players that you have heard?
richardfinegold OP
196 posts
 
I really like the Ayre preamp and want to keep it in the 2 channel system.
There is a great synergy between it and my DAC for all digital sources and it is great with analog as well.
There is a clear difference with the Sony between the HDMI and the analog outs, so I don't think the issue is the Onkyo AVR digital processing.
I had tried the Sony in the 2 channel before and found it wanting. This player was really meant for an all digital system.
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