Well, I bought an SA8005 and sent it directly to Modwright for full on modifications. I'm fourth in line so it shouldn't take very long. It's more than I was planning on spending but this will more than likely be my last player as I'm getting "long in the tooth" as the old saying goes. I'll post back when I get it. Thanks for the participation folks.
I know Modwright has been doing mods for a long time and get great reviews but I would be very reluctant to spend much money on mods as you NEVER get a good return on resale.
Some reasons why Modwright likes the marantz SA8005 for high quality 2 channel audio.
1. No video circuitry 2. All digital circuitry are fully isolated from analog circuitry. ("very important with modern Hi Rez media and I have not seen this in other players" ) 3. All linear power supplies, well executed.
Modwrigth is very impressed with the
Marantz SA8005 CD/SACD player as a good platform for a dedicated 2 channel audio player. He will soon offer modifications to this player. There will be a tube modification as well as a SS modification at different price points.
He noted that this model has good power supplies and discrete audiocircuits (no op-amps). (my Sony uses op-amps)
Had I known this before I would have purchased a new Marantz SA 8005 for $1000 and have it modified after about 6 months.
I found the lexicon RT-20 to still be a great sounding transport, but not a particularly good stand alone player...there is a point at which it is simply what you like best...many good machines have been mentioned
Is the Lexicon still that good? I worry about buying a player that is over 10 years old. Do you know the model # of the remote? Have yo ever compared it to a Marantz or Oppo of the same era?
I used to have Sony 9000es modwright it's now under repair, the laser gave up, ten years ago it's one of the best SACD DVD player, but technology is now different, better and cheaper, I bought the Yamaha s1000 SACD, and the marantz SACD 8005, I used my marantz to my other system, the Yamaha right now is on my main system, to tell you the truth both of this player are very very good, either one you can't go wrong, for me I don't have any preference they are both neutral, powerfully musical, smooth, well made, I like Dan Wright (modwright) I don't have any desire to modify any of this players, even if there is any available modder, they are that good.i will never buy Sony , no parts, no available service.
The Absolute Sound Magazine in their current (2016) buyers guide recommends the OPPO 105D as a best buy in the price range $1000 to $1400. Here is what they had to say:
Oppo BDP-105D $1299
Few disc player/DACs can compete with Oppo’s BDP-105 at its price point
(or even near its price point), because the Oppo offers a seemingly
unbeatable combination of versatility, flexibility, and serious high-end
sound quality. Clean, clear, and decidedly detail-oriented, it hews
somewhat toward sonic leanness, but is far more revealing than it has
any right to be for the money. With the BDP-105 what you hear is what’s
on the record, with no comforting (but perhaps sonically misleading)
infusions of softness, warmth, or bass enrichment. In sum, the do-all
Oppo is a multi-format disc player and multi-input DAC with which your
system can grow (and it is also the vehicle of choice for many firms
offering ultra-high-performance upgrade mods). Finally, did we mention
the Oppo sounds terrific when heard through top-tier headphones?
The Absolute Sound Magazine recommends the Marantz SA 8005 in its 2016 buyers guide ( In the price range $1000 to $1400). Here is what they had to say:
"This two‑channel only SACD/Red Book player boasts parts, circuitry, and
construction way disproportionate to its low price—virtues that are
mirrored in its equally superb-for-the-money reproduction of music.
Tonally neutral, authoritative and natural, with just a hint of
warmth—thus simply sumptuous on big material like operas and
nineteenth-century symphonies—the SA8004 is a music lover’s dream. Fans
of hard rock, heavy metal, and the like may—may—find it a little too
smooth, but it’s certainly no sluggard with such fare. It’s hard to
imagine anyone who appreciates what real music actually sounds like not
being seduced. The reviewer (PS) bought the review sample." The price is listed as $999
The OPPO 105D $1299 is also recommended in this $1000 to $1400 price range.
The fact that the reviewer purchase the Marantz sample he tested is HUGE in my opinion.
I use an Oppo 105D. It has a separate DAC and separate RCA or Balanced outputs for dedicated stereo. Sounds great once broken in and with the right cables.
@tubes444 Amen! In fact one of the most satisfying parts of our hobby can be finding those pieces of gear that perform well above what their lower price point would lead you to believe possible. Hence the delight in the Marantz SA 8005.
hifiman5 is R-ON> Marantz SACD 8005 can not be beat unless you spend triple the BUCKS. Even them its splitting HAIRS.
I belong to a Audio Club. Did side by side with (3) CD players other brands in the $3,9 to $ $5,700 range. running thru same Pre-A & Amp& Planer with Sub woofers.
Double blind test. 3 out of 5 of us. Picked the SA-8005.
Bigger Bucks don’t always equate to always the best sound..
I would wait til the Fall when the new players are available. There is a new Sabre DAC that is supposed to be much better than the current one. Oppo has a standalone DAC that will use it and I suspect their new players will too.
I agree the oppo 105D is great unit that does many things well. However I need a player for one single purpose only. For 2 channel stereo playback.
That is PRECISELY what I do with my Oppo 105. No multi-channel, no movies. The days are long gone where a multipurpose spinner has to be inferior to a dedicated two-channel system. I play two-channel CDs, SACDs, and Flac files on a USB stick.
RE: the Oppo 105... the reviews are superb, and everyone who comments about it seems very pleased. And it would be tempting - the ESS Sabre DAC is one of the best, if not the best.
But... the sound of the Sony is just... so incredible... so... if you have it... and you can keep it operating properly... you’d have a difficult time giving up on it. The known vs the unknown... I guess.
And... the Modwright mod is costly for such an old player. And... I’m not sure I want the Sony to sound more... "analog" - if that means it could lose any of the clarity and detail resolution of the stock unit. I’d want to be sure that will not happen before I spring for an expensive mod.
"SO to be clear none of you are going with the $1200 Oppo 105, with ESS
saber Dacs and audiophile grade outputs with XLR connections and is
rated among units that cost thousands more in the latest class A
recommendation from Stereophile? "
I agree the oppo 105D is great unit that does many things well. However I need a player for one single purpose only. For 2 channel stereo playback. I have no need for a DAC, blueRay player, or even multi channel. Nor do I need its video capabilities. I am getting excellent results with the Sony which works very well in my system. The Sony works synergistically with my existing components to create great music. Sometimes the question is not "which unit is better" but "which unit is best for my system?
I have not yet discussed details of the modifications. This will be done when a laser assembly is found. Generally speaking modifications are made in the following areas:
1. Power supply: Replacement of caps and diodes in critical areas. Fast recovery diodes and higher quality film caps make huge improvements.
2. Jitter Reduction: This is usually achieved by replacing the master clock. I know he uses the Audiocom master clock in his "TRUTH" mod.
3, Analog sound quality: replacement of op-amps and caps in critical areas.
4. Mechanical vibration: Mass damping to the drive mechanism and chassis. This, by the way, also reduces jitter.
Dan Wright mentioned a two week turnaround. If things go according to plan I should have everything done in about a month.
I would be interested in what "repairs and mods" you ultimately decide upon and why. Because, I may do the same.
Though, I agree, I'm not sure I would want to do anything to diminish the detail resolution, and clarity of the Sony... if... the tube mod does that. That's the reason I prefer the Sony to the Marantz - so, I wouldn't want a mod to make it sound more like a Marantz (though the Marantz does sound good).
SO to be clear none of you are going with the $1200 Oppo 105, with ESS saber Dacs and audiophile grade outputs with XLR connections and is rated among units that cost thousands more in the latest class A recommendation from Stereophile? OK.
I would buy this over the Marantz anyday.
I have also heard this unit connected (via USB audio input) to a Aurender music server and the results are stunning with the stock Oppo!!
"Used Marantz SA-14S1 sometimes come up for low price and is excellent"
There is an excellent review of the Marantz SA-14S1 by Jeff Parks in issue 52 of Positive feedback online. Based on this review, I actually decided to purchase the Marantz for list price ($2500) from Sound Components who is an authorized dealer. They offered a 5 year warranty. However after speaking to Dan Wright, I decided to modify my Sony and save $1500.00
The Marantz is now my PLAN B if the deal with Modwright fails?
What would you consider " a low price" for a used the Marantz? How would you describe its sound?
BY THE WAY do you drive an Infinity?. My wife used to drive an Infinity and if I remember correctly, the model name was JI135
Thanks for your recommendations. Modwright has agreed to modify my Sony disc player. I am not doing his famous "TRUTH" mod as I do not need the added warmth of tubes.
Modwright told me he does not do repairs only, but he will repair AND modify. We have not gone into the details of the proposed modifications but I am not prepared to spend more than $1000.
By the way I agree with you that the " The Sony player is that good" I have provided an ideal environment for my Sony. It sits of a Symposium Acoustics Svelte Plus platform, with Rollerblocks JNR, Audience AU24SE power cord. It is fitted with two Synergistic Research black fuses. I have also prevented the top cover from ringing.
Also - regarding the failure of the laser unit of the Sony - search on YouTube for repairs and maintenance of the laser sled. It may just need to be cleaned and lubed (with some electrical lube). Otherwise, try and find a NOS unit on eBay or Amazon, or whatever. They are simple to repair, maintain, replace.
Well... I would send my Sony to Modwright... only if... I intended to have him modify my Sony - which is well worthwhile.
I would not send it to him only to replace the laser sled unit. You can buy one for about $50 on Amazon / eBay. I bought 2 NOS units from a supplier in Greece - so, I would have plenty of back-ups. The Sony player is that good.
As I recall the units on Amazon are cheap clones made in China... and... there is poor customer support (from reading the reviews).
Sony no longer provides service for that unit in Laredo, TX - that's their "game" to motivate fans to buy new equipment, much as many mfrs do.
Do some searches on Amazon, eBay, Google to find some replacement units.
Thank you for replying to my post. I spoke to Modwright a few minutes ago. He is of opinion that parts are available. He does not do repairs but would repair AND modify my unit.
He promised to confirm parts availability, at which time I will ship the player to him.
It is so very kind of you to reply to my plea for help
Sony will have an authorized repair facility. It used to be located in Laredo TX. Now, I believe it is located in NY state. This would be my 1st consultation.
"If it were me... I'd get a NOS / lightly used Sony SA-5400 ES and an
extra laser sled / laser assembly for it - off eBay / Amazon. I would
not get it without the backup laser sled / laser assembly - which is the
most likely part to need replacement after a bit of use."
I have a SA-5400ES SACD player which I love. The laser is now having problems reading discs. What options do I have for repairs? Where can I purchase a new laser assembly?
I like the Sony SA-5400 ES SACD player a bit better than my Marantz SA-8001. It seems to have a bit better detailed resolution and clarity. The Marantz has a more rich, tube-like sound at the expense of a bit of detail and clarity.
The reviews of the SA-5400 were outstanding - Google them. You would be very pleased with the improvement in sound - unless, you like / prefer the warm sound of the Marantz equipment.
If it were me... I'd get a NOS / lightly used Sony SA-5400 ES and an extra laser sled / laser assembly for it - off eBay / Amazon. I would not get it without the backup laser sled / laser assembly - which is the most likely part to need replacement after a bit of use. Sony does not support their products after about 7 years - so, be fore-warned.
@tpreaves You are looking at the Marantz SA 8005? I have had mine since they first came out (I pre-ordered). Every parameter of performance is met to a very high degree well beyond what you will pay for it. It appreciates clean power and high quality cables. The detail, sound staging, and smoothness are all there. The bass is deep tight and harmonically rich. You can hear the mouth and the chesty resonance of well-recorded vocals.
In a word this component is "musical". I have yet to hear of any disc spinner that can match its performance at anywhere near the price.
If you find such a piece of gear please post it here.
You must have a verified phone number and physical address in order to post in the Audiogon Forums. Please return to Audiogon.com and complete this step. If you have any questions please contact Support.
