Dedicated SACD players with digital inputs?


I'm interested in upgrading my Benchmark DAC1, but I'd also like to buy a SACD player, so combining the 2 would be ideal. My list so far includes:

Esoteric SA-50
McIntosh MCD-500
Wadia 781i
Cary 306 Pro
Cary 303T

Any other comparable players that I'm missing from this list? I'm not interested in universal/dvd players like the Linn Unidisk. Multichannel is also not necessary.
dhoff01

Showing 4 responses by dhoff01

Thanks Mhedges. I thought about Marantz, but I think only their lower end SACD model has digital inputs (SA8004). None of their reference series have them as of yet, and I doubt the 8004's DACs will be that much of an improvement over my Benchmark.

One other caveat: I'm not interested in players that do not have at least one 24/192 input. That's why the Luxman D-5 is not on the list.
Interesting. A quick check to their website shows that even Marantz's description of the SA-15s2 lacks any mention of a digital input, yet a picture of the back panel clearly shows one. I wonder if it offers much improvement over my Benchmark.

You have to think moving forward all brands will start considering adding digital inputs. It's really a no brainer..
I was not aware of the MPS-5. Looks like a great unit, but $15K is out of my ballpark. I'm hoping for something used between $3 and $5k.

Right now 306 and SA50 probably rank 1/2, with the MCD 500 a close 3rd..

Any other suggestions in this price range?