Compared stock Marantz 8260 vs heavily modded CD25 and the 2 players were extremely close.
Figure that the stock 25.2 will be half as good as the 8001....roughly speaking.
The difference between stock CD25 and 8260 was that the 8260 had smoother treble and better soundstage. 25 had a nice sound, but the treble gave it away. 8260's high frequencies were redered more naturally.
With the 25.2, I doubt they performed some kind of magic to make a huge improvement over the 25, but I haven't heard the 25.2 so can not say for sure.
Don't forget that the 8001 has SACD capabilities and the CD25.2 does not.
Figure that the stock 25.2 will be half as good as the 8001....roughly speaking.
The difference between stock CD25 and 8260 was that the 8260 had smoother treble and better soundstage. 25 had a nice sound, but the treble gave it away. 8260's high frequencies were redered more naturally.
With the 25.2, I doubt they performed some kind of magic to make a huge improvement over the 25, but I haven't heard the 25.2 so can not say for sure.
Don't forget that the 8001 has SACD capabilities and the CD25.2 does not.