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Dedicated Red Book CD player vs. "Universal" type players....

I surmise this discussion has been debated a fair amount but here goes....I'm searching for the "final" cd player. Red Book playback is important to me as I have an extensive cd collection and am not into computer based sound (yet). So, I don't mind grabbing and popping those silver disks into a player. What are my fellow Audiogoner's thoughts on a dedicated cd player vs. the universal (see Oppo) type of player? Does a one-box solution sacrifice some cd playback performance trying to be a jack of all trades? If so, can you hear that difference? Input and comments most appreciated!
128x128beernut
beernut's avatar
beernut OP
293 posts
 
Thank you! I opted for a Marantz SA 8005 that I snagged for a good price. I have a sizable investment in cd's and a few SACD's so this is still my medium of choice. Computer audio just doesn't buzz me, yet anyway. I don't mind that tactile feel of dropping a disk into the tray, gets me off the couch :)
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,323 posts
 
Congratulations on the new acquisition. Yes, I feel the same about the discs, compared to computer audio. Have fun, REDISCOVERING all your CD/SACDs.
beernut's avatar
beernut OP
293 posts
 
Thanks Milpai. I have about 900 +/- cd's and a small # of SACD's. Why wouldn't I want to preserve that investment and get the best I can from them? Let me put it this way, I wish I had my vinyl record collection I accumulated while stationed in Berlin,GE in the late 70's. Oh, that I sold for pennies on the dollar because they were "antiquated" technology..
tomcarr
1,473 posts
 
Beernut, I am currently going through the same thought process. Hope you are liking your 8005. My collection sounds similar, played through an Oppo 103. My “audiophilia nervosa” has convinced me I need a “better” source. Please report how your 8005 sounds. I am still on the journey...

Tom
beernut's avatar
beernut OP
293 posts
 
Tomcarr, initial impressions are very favorable on the 8005. Nice build quality, sound is very refined. Nice soundstage and a good match for my new Klipsch Forte III's. Paired with a Rogue Sphinx integrated the synergy is really impressive. I had a high end Yamaha SACD player that I enjoyed, smoothest drive system ever. The Marantz is right there with the sound quality. Scored a nice sale on a new unit as well!
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