cw: IMO, the best "hard core audiophile" sacd player is the transport/dac combo made by accuphase (models DP-100 and DC-101). unfortunately, accuphase has yet to reduce the msrp on this pair from $28k (in the usa). nor would i expect them to do so unless sacd proves to be a bust. these units do play redbook cd's better than anything else i've heard, with the exception of the boulder 1012 pre/dac and a first rate transport (e.g., the accuphase DP-90, which was replaced by the DP-100). BTW, the 100/101 sounds best when driven directly into an amp. -kelly
Best SACD player?
With prices crashing and new models being announced, is there any consensus on the "best" hard core audiophile SACD player? Are the "best" players equally successful with standard CDs? I am still disappointed at the availablility of SACD software, but in my experience these things sound pretty good. I would be especially delighted to hear that the old $5000 Sony monster is the one and is now very cheap.