marantz nd8006 vs Ruby vs n30


I'm at a dilemma point... I can get either the Marantz Ruby amp or perhaps the Accuphase e-480 (and be "done").  So... I'm lucky if my hearing makes it to 12k hz, so there's that; however, everything up to 10hz or so is crystal clear on my endpoint ears... But I'm not a "golden ear" able to discern subtleties in the 15-20hz range which is beyond my imperfect hearing. I have no intent of getting into sacds, so there's that, too.  However I do have many cds and enjoy browsing thriftstores and picking 'em up at a dollar or two. 

OK, so... the Marantz nd8006 gives me two optical (TV and legacy 5-disc changer for those days when I just want background) and optical in dacs... one more optical than either the Ruby sacd and n30 sacd players...  

The 8006 also has HEOS, while not as great as Blue perhaps, Heos should get me basic Pandora and Tidal, right?  So why not the nd8006 instead of the n30 or even the Ruby?  I can get an 8006 for about $1100, new w warranty.  The Ruby and n30 are about triple the price, have one less optical in, and the Ruby doesn't even have a streamer.  Thoughts? 

curtdr

Showing 2 responses by mcstin

I don’t know if I can help much. I am looking at the nd8006 also. I need a CDP, and streamer. I have a tube integrated on back order that should be here in a few weeks. 
 New amp doesn’t have a phono Stage or DAC, my current one has both. I just can’t find a better option for the money than the 8006. I have looked at many combinations, but it gets more complicated (and expensive)than I want to deal with quickly. I know most Marantz product are not the “end all be all” products for everyone, but I don’t have a golden ear either. A good amp, some well matched speakers, and the 8006 with my Rega P3 seem like a pretty good system to me. 

The 8006 has all the flexibility I will ever need . I have  always liked the Marantz sound from what I have heard. At  some point I may consider a DAC upgrade, but that would probably do it for me.

I have seen the 8006 for $1099 for open box with full warranty, have you seen it new in the box for $1100, if so where?