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Need recommendation for new CD/SACD player

I bought an Oppo 981 secondhand a while back to test the waters of SACD/DVD-Audio. I will say that the SACD sounds pretty good on this player and of the two DVD-Audio discs I have the sound is ok. The redbook audio is absolutely terrible, which I am finding out is a major weakness of this player. My old Technics CD from 1992 sounded better.

I am now in the market for a new SACD/CD player. DVD-Audio is not important and in fact I would like to leave DVD out of the equation all together if possible. So I am here to ask what are users opinions on the best CD/SACD player for under $2000? I have been looking at the Marantz, Denon, and Sony ES models. Also, do you think if I get a model for $1000 that I should add an external DAC for the RBCD? Is there a model that would be great standalone (even if I need to spend a bit more money?). Lastly since I think the SACD and DVD-Audio of the Oppo is decent, should I just spend a grand on a decent DAC (like Benchmark) and use that setup for a while? My other equip for reference is an old Carver C-1 preamp (the next upgrade), a Macintosh MC 250 amp, and Klipsch Heresey speakers, I also have a modded Technics 1210 coming soon. Thanks for the advice.
jlc76

Showing 3 responses by jlc76

jlc76 OP
37 posts
 
I would really rather keep it 2 ch for now, as I have about 1500 CDs, 500 LPs, 300 45s, and about 10 multichannel CDs. I have a cheaper setup for my home theater which will play multichannel and I will probably move the Oppo there if I get a dedicated CD/SACD.

I don't know much about HDCD, does the music have to be recorded with it? I bet most of what I listen to (indie, electronic, Texas country, and some jazz) isn't encoded this way.

I am hesistant to go with another Oppo, it seems they are great for DVD but I think they are just cramming too much in one box. There is a bug whereby the first second is cutoff of every song when you use the analog out but apparently not when you go digital, so I may just buy a cheaper DAC now and make due until I can upgrade to something really nice.
jlc76 OP
37 posts
 
Reubent, I checked out the link and am worried it would be like "putting lipstick on a pig" (I know, politcal ref but appropriate here). If the cost was half the $1100 I would seriously consider it. I am going to pick up a Sony 9100es as recommended by Chayro and I will do a side-by-side. If the Sony sounds decent I will just relegate the Oppo to my bedroom setup which consists of a cheap 720p 32" and HD cable box (it will probably only be used by the wife or visiting nieces though).

If the Sony isn't what I expected then I will buy an external DAC and see which is better. After that I may consider modding the winner (www.modwright.com for the Sony but it is a lot more money than the EVS). Anyway, thanks for the tip.
jlc76 OP
37 posts
 
No, I will feed the SACD through the analog out and the red book cd out digitally.
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