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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
anwar
119 posts
 
Hello Mike,

Congrats on your SA-KI Ruby purchase. I don’t have SA-KI Ruby, but I have 2 units of SA-10 in different locations. The break-in time is very long, but it sounds good out of box and it gets better over time. DSD files sound the best, either playing physical SACD layer or playing downloaded DSD files from its iPod/USB port. I suggest you download demo hires files from various sites, format USB stick as FAT32, then copy the downloaded hires files into it. If you use external SSD, please ensure it consumes less than 1A at 5V, otherwise it will not get recognized.

https://dsd-guide.com/where-can-you-find-dsd-music-downloads#.Xhz3A8gzZaQ

Please try download free DSD demo files from Blue Coast, NativeDSD, and many others.

These are some of my recommended SACDs:

Shelby Lynne - Just a Little Lovin’ (transferred from master tape)
Freddy Cole - Merry Go Round (directly recorded to DSD by TELARC)
Norah Jones - Come Away With Me (get the 2012 version which was transferred from master tape, not 2003 version which was made from redbook)

All the best.

Anwar
skyscraper OP
829 posts
 
Thanks Anwar. I wasn't aware there were free DSD downloads anywhere. That's interesting. You're lucky to have the SA-10. I wonder how they compare to the Ruby's. Do you ever utilize the wide variety of filters the SA-10 has? I've yet to check out the Ruby's two filters. I do like Norah Jones music and just saw her on TV a couple of days ago. That would be a good SACD choice for me. Thanks.for the recommend,

Mike
pettyofficer
462 posts
 
Hello Skyscraper,

     I once had a computer that crashed from a virus, it also took out my external hard drive back-up. Oh-yeah, remember when they tried selling us those things as protection to back-up our files; against potential intrusion? Anti-Virus programs, defragmentizing, maintaining  updates on OS and anti-virus, continuously scanning and maintaining firewalls; all of it was a joke to even an amateur hacker. It was all a paper tiger, just a pacifier to give us a false sense of security while the thieves robbed the shirt off of our backs. They sold this lemon of music file downloads to the public, as a Trojan horse to rape the security of the unspecting  public. The final insult to injury is that the public is now trapped by their false pride; against admitting that they have been grifted wholesale. They will continue to give these thieves access of the keys to the kingdom, pretending to be oblivious; hoping that it will be the other guy who gets victimized, just so long as it isn't them. You want your music ( File ), better cough up a credit card number so I can use the Internet to rape your personal information; then sell it, sell it, and sell it again!
     Sure, I regrettably use downloading; since disks are being squeezed out. Given very little choice, at least I know what is really going on in the background. Your hands are tied while the grifter vultures pick your carcase clean. I may love my music, but it shouldn't cost me my soul to have access to it. The silver disks at least didn't give the father of lies access to everything that I hold dear. Can't put that genie back in the bottle, and what a reckoning that he will be indulging in.
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