2. digital
  3. 183041-138596

Cary CD 306 SACD player vs newer Marantz SA 10 CD/SACD player

I'm a current owner of an older Cary CD 306 SACD player (non professional version) and have been very happy with the sound quality of it. The CD 306 SACD is Cary's flagship CD/SACD player. This model along with its professional version both have received praises and spectacular reviews from both professional reviewers and users. And the build quality is superb and this player weighs about 45 pounds. The player has been working flawlessly aside from having to replace a new laser assembly last year which was done by Cary Audio itself which is very common with older CD/SACD players or transports. And I think the CD 306 SACD has been discontinued since 2015/2016.  

 

But I'm curious if the newer Marantz SA 10 CD/SACD player, which is also Marantz's flagship CD/SACD player, would sound better or the Cary CD 306 SACD would sound better than the SA 10. Seems like the Marantz SA 10 is most of the time is being offered at discounted price and it makes me want to pull the trigger on one. 

 

What do you guys think? Both the Cary and the Marantz players can used as a standalone DAC and have various digital audio inputs on the back. 

Advises, thoughts, suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance.

dilatante

Showing 4 responses by elliottbnewcombjr

elliottbnewcombjr
5,230 posts
 

I would simply buy from someone that accepts returns, try/keep/return

Here is an Open Box that popped up

 

I don't know the seller, but they have 30 day returns. Use payment methods that protect you.

Cameras, if open box, the receipt is the initial date of sale, and you get maker's full factory warranty. I would clarify that with the seller.

 

elliottbnewcombjr
5,230 posts
 

another, seller, 100% rating, says comes with 3 yr factory warranty, takes returns

 

 

elliottbnewcombjr
5,230 posts
 

your Cary, IF you keep it, you might keep your eye out for parts, belts, lasers, ....seems not much is available worldwide now

 

My Sony, belts aplenty, and a few seller's have the entire laser assembly available, one of the reasons I chose it

 

elliottbnewcombjr
5,230 posts
 

You certainly know what you have inside and out, and the maker still works on it, that's a bit of luck.

Despite the words of someone else, even someone you respect, I would get a Marantz I could return at home and compare them myself.

More to discover