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Upgrading a CD/SACD player with integral DAC

I’ve described my system on site before and it was pointed out the CD/SACD player was the weak link in the system. I’m not in disagreement, and would like to start researching an upgrade that would be commensurate with the rest of the system.

Here is what I have at present:

Marantz SA 8005 CD player with integral DAC
VPI Classic 2 turntable with an Ortofon 2M Black cartridge
Luxman L507 uX Mk2 Integrated Amplifier
Magico A3 speakers
Hydra Denali 6000S Power Conditioner

I have only Redbook CD’s, no SACDs but it would be nice to retain that capability. It would also be nice to retain an integral DAC, although at a higher price point maybe you would advise on getting a separate DAC. I’d rather avoid doing that if possible, as that would mean having to add more cables that would detract from the overall budget. But let me know what you think on that score. I have no plans to add any other components, or to stream music, so that doesn’t need to enter the equation. I listen to mostly fifties jazz and Rock ’n Roll and R&B, among other things, if that is at all relevant. I want to buy new, and not Chinese manufactured products.

So what CD players would you recommend looking into that would be similar in quality to the rest of the system. And what if any sonic improvements might I look forward to with your recommended upgrade. I purposely did not mention price point as I don’t know what price point would put the CD player into the performance range of the rest of the system components. You were all were very helpful to me choosing the rest of the system components, especially the amp and speakers. So I’d appreciate, and am looking forward to your recommendations and guidance on this selection. If there’s any more information you need, please let me know. Thanks

Mike


skyscraper

Showing 7 responses by twoleftears

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 

Marantz is an excellent recommendation.  I'd love to hear from someone who's heard the Ruby K1 and SA-10 side by side; the Ruby may be the sweet spot.

Don't overlook Luxman, excellent machines plus again SACD.  Luxman is about to introduce new models, so there should be some excellent prices on the current D-05u, -06u and -08u.

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 

I have the Luxman D-05u and it bettered the Bryston BCD-3.  The current line-up includes -06u and -08u.  New models just being released will be D-03x and D-10x, not sure if anything in between.

OP: got mine from Audio Exchange in Richmond, and while I was there (a while ago) they also had a Marantz Ruby.  Worth a phone call if nothing else?

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
@skyscraper  It was a while ago, so definitely call before jumping in the car.  I was pretty set on a Luxman, so I didn't do a comparison, but now I wish I had, just so I could comment.  Who knows what A.E. have in stock these days--they may even have the new Luxmans in.

I'm very happy with the D-05u.  I have the Bryston in my second system, where it's entirely at home.  I prefer a slightly forgiving (rather than in-your-face) presentation, and the Bryston's absolute neutrality is tempered by the other components and the room's acoustic.  In the big rig the Luxman gives me just what I'm looking for--all the usual audiophile virtues, with just a hint of warmth.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 

@skyscraper  See the very end of this thread:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/new-or-old-cd-player/post?highlight=consonance%2Bhegel&postid=1542969#1542969

The Hegel is based on a much older Consonance design, manufactured in the same Chinese factory.

For one-box CD players, I think it's best to stick to Bryston, Marantz, Luxman, and Esoteric.  The Primare is a bit of an unknown quantity, but doubts arose about this.  Given the iffy situation re. servicing Esoteric (see another thread), I'd stick to the first three.

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
@skyscraper

Various issues here. I haven't heard any R2R DACs.  My overall impression is that they tend to be more in the warm/forgiving camp.  Often they incorporate tubes, though some must be SS.  Although they're a subset of all DACs, there are plenty of makers and models out there, and there are several threads here.  Everyone seems to have their own favorite.  A bit of a rabbit hole.
Then you get to the transport issue.  I owned a Cambridge CXC for a while, perfectly good sound, hated the user interface/remote.  Also, the Schiit Gungnir had the well-known click syndrome with it.  They both moved on.  Jury is out on how far up the $ scale you really need to go with a transport to get optimal sound.
Three.  There are a bunch of different chips and different implementations in one-box CD players.  People will tend to ascribe certain sonic features to certain chip manufacturers, but it does also depend on the implementation.
For instance, in my experience the Bryston BCD-3 is very good and very neutral, neither warm nor "ruthlessly revealing".  The Luxman D-05u is a tad warmer, but I don't think it trades off any detail for warmth.  It also adds SACD.
Simaudio Moon also make excellent players, and is also another very reliable company, like Bryston.
I don't know of any currently-offered R2R CD players, though someone will probably be able to name one--they certainly proliferated in the past, but presently must be rare or perhaps non-existent among the current crop.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
@skyscraper If you're curious, there's a review of your Marantz in the February issue of Absolute Sound.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
Brand new issue, just recently out.
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