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Is it worth upgrading a CD player?

I’ve had my Marantz CD6002 for around 14 years and it’s still going strong. I have it connected to an Audiolab M-DAC+ and play via my Rega amp. I’m mostly vinyl but have started to playvmy CD’s more recently and wondered whether upgrading the CD player would be worth it or not, given the fact it’s played via a dedicated DAC. Am I right in thinking there would be little noticeable improvement?

side22olto

Showing 2 responses by socalml528

socalml528's avatar
socalml528
150 posts
 

Another point, I use a Marantz NA6005 for streaming, but I optically connect it to the McIntosh MCD85 to use the newer McIntosh DAC for conversion to analog.  

socalml528's avatar
socalml528
150 posts
 

I went from a Marantz CD5004 to a McIntosh SACD 85 paired to a McIntosh MA352. While the DAC in the McIntosh is an improvement, added SACD capability is the most significant. I will note the little old Marantz still sounds very good in the same set up, but there’s richer details with the McIntosh; enough to justify the significant expense differential? That’s up to the individual.

Also noted, there’s limited availability of SACDs and not all are exceptional, when you have a great one you’ll know, it just stands out. Maybe that’s the reveal, you can tell the difference between really detailed and flat CDs and SACDs.

Another mod was I also added balanced cables from the SACD to the MA352 (never compared them to RCA, but couldn’t resist using that option). So many options for SACD players today, but not so much material in that format, you’ll have to hunt for it online.

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