Looking to upgrade my SACD/CD Player, Ideas??

Toolfan66
Toolfan66 Posts: 17,243
edited August 2011 in 2 Channel Audio
As stated above would like to keep it around $1000 max or less, would also like Balanced XLR/and RCA hook-ups. "I am not looking for an all around player DVD/BLURAY" ect..

I have a few Ideas but would like to here from some of you guys that have been around the block..

Thanks!!
Post edited by Toolfan66 on
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  • BuckeyeTim
    BuckeyeTim Posts: 483
    edited July 2011
    Well, my first idea is that you let me know when you are ready to unload your current sacd player. I have a few sacd's now and nothing to spin them with.

    Tim
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited July 2011
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    As stated above would like to keep it around $1000 max or less, would also like Balanced XLR/and RCA hook-ups. "I am not looking for an all around player DVD/BLURAY" ect..

    I have a few Ideas but would like to here from some of you guys that have been around the block..

    Thanks!!

    Do you want XLR because you just want to try them and look cool, or because you really need them for your application? If you want to experience that termination so you can see if there's a sonic difference, go for it. Just asking but don't limit yourself in the sub 1K bracket for this reason alone and it's not common. Don't compromise the player just for the output option.

    I'm still thinking about recommendations but the Marantz SA-8004 is a front runner for me. It has a lot of trickle down technology from the big brother UD-9004 and older super high end SA-X series. The build quality is really solid, has usb connectivity, can be a standalone DAC and includes a dedicated headphone output as well, not just an outlet. It's what I would buy. Just read about it...

    http://us.marantz.com/us/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=HiFiComponents&SubCatId=0&ProductId=SA8004
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,243
    edited July 2011
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Do you want XLR because you just want to try them and look cool, or because you really need them for your application?

    LOL!!! I have the cables and my pre gives me the option so I would just like to play with both but it's not necessary..
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,338
    edited July 2011
    Sony, Cambridge Audio and Marantz make some very nice players in that price range new. I like Sony and Marantz.

    If you are willing to spend $1K on a used player, you can go up several steps.
    Carl

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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited July 2011
    SACD Carl. He just doesn't care about Blu-Ray and DVD. I thought the same thing in regards to the Cambridge Audio 840C, for example, but it didn't fit his bill. As far as non-SACD, I'd go with the Cambridge.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • BuckeyeTim
    BuckeyeTim Posts: 483
    edited July 2011
    ::back to my corner::
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited July 2011
    A used Sony XA5400es fits the bill or a Marantz SA-11S1. I've had both of these units and they both deliver a very different perspective, so it really comes down to your preferences and system synergy. I found the Marantz to be smooth, warm and open sounding and very musical. I found the Sony to be more detailed and a tad on the bright side.
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,420
    edited July 2011
    I love my Pioneer PD-Dj9... It looks pretty cool, has twin Wolfson DAC's and the sound is very good.


    Product Description
    PERFORMANCE FEATURES

    •AIR Studios Sound Tuning to ensure music is reproduced as near to the original as possible
    •Twin Wolfson? Digital to Analog Converters guarantee the most subtle music detail reproduction and delivers enhanced linearity, dynamic range and distortion-free response
    •Legato Link PRO ensures minimum phase shift across the entire audible frequency band
    •The SACD DSD Single-Chip Decoding in the PD-D9 reduces the digital circuitry signal path length, creating brilliant noise-free sound. An extremely stable, high performance Low-Jitter crystal oscillator circuit serves as a highly precise master clock for sound reproduction
    •Equipped with an aluminum front panel and an original professional readout mechanism with smooth loading
    •Pure Audio listening mode switches off the digital circuitry and display for a clean and detailed analogue sound reproduction
    •Finely selected high-grade parts in order to reproduce music in its purest form
    •TAOC Insulators provide added weight, stability and shielding for the ultimate sonic performance
    •Sampling Rate Converter for higher resolution digital processing
    •Twin Toroidal Transformers for higher resolution digital processing
    •Isolated Power Supply Blocks insure each section of the player has its own power source to be shielded from electromagnetic interferences
    •High Quality Pin Jack for the best possible connections with no signal loss
    •Professional Level Build Quality
    •Rigid Underbase Construction
    •Aluminum Side Panels and Top Plate
    •Rigid Laser Mechanism Cover
    FORMATS

    •SACD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 and WMA Playback
    .



    This thing is built like a tank.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,243
    edited July 2011
    I have had my eye on the Cambridge Audio 840C for some time now I just wish it played SACD as well..
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited July 2011
    Ern Dog wrote: »
    A used Sony XA5400es fits the bill or a Marantz SA-11S1. I've had both of these units and they both deliver a very different perspective, so it really comes down to your preferences and system synergy. I found the Marantz to be smooth, warm and open sounding and very musical. I found the Sony to be more detailed and a tad on the bright side.

    +1 on the Sony XA-5400ES. Great player for the price. stereophile A+ with a $$$ rating (performs at a higher level than the price suggests).

    I also thought it was bright at first, but it either has a long break-in period, or the MIT Shotgun 1.3 XLRs tamed it, because now it is great on SACD and CDs.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,287
    edited July 2011
    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1315571141&/Shanling-scd-t200-a-cd/sacd-cd
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,243
    edited July 2011
    txcoastal1 wrote: »
    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1315571141&/Shanling-scd-t200-a-cd/sacd-cd

    Saw that one, but wounder what it would cost to fix it??
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  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited July 2011
    There's a "like-new" open box Sony SCD-XA5400ES at Amazon marketplace for $995.

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CS7M5U/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=A1P1E3R3IBNWVY
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  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited July 2011
    And, this looks nice:

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1314755297&/Modwright-LLC-ns999es-sacd/cd-
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited July 2011
    I'm not a tube CDP fan but that's uber cool. The price is pretty reasonable as well.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited July 2011
    Look for last year's version of this Pioneer. It's one nice unit! Ask John (nooshingjohn...), I think he owns one. I've heard this demoed.

    http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/Audio-Components/Hi-Fi+Audio/PD-D9MK2-K

    Find older unit under 1000 if you can.

    Interesting that Mark is not that into Tube players. I like them quite a bit...even the 1000 dollar or so stand alone DACs don't have that musical 'warmth'. They have 'everything' else. But some of us just have to have our music 'warmer'.

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,338
    edited July 2011
    Big Dawg wrote: »
    And, this looks nice:

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1314755297&/Modwright-LLC-ns999es-sacd/cd-
    dorokusai wrote: »
    I'm not a tube CDP fan but that's uber cool. The price is pretty reasonable as well.


    I agree of course. I've owned that Modwright NS999ES with the Platinum Truth mods for the past five years. Got it from another Polkie. Fabulous sound!
    Carl

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  • sand viper
    sand viper Posts: 16
    edited July 2011
    While I'm not an audiophile like most of you who go out and audition new gear, I do have a Marantz SA8004 and like it very much. Very smooth and detailed sounded, but then I don't have much to compare it to. I bought it for $850 and am very happy about it.
    Polk LSi9, Focal Chorus 714V, Marantz PM8004, Marantz SA8004, Oppo BDP-93, Pro-ject Debut III w/ acrylic platter and Ortofon 2M Bronze, Nordost Wiring
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,420
    edited July 2011
    cnh wrote: »
    Look for last year's version of this Pioneer. It's one nice unit! Ask John (nooshingjohn...), I think he owns one. I've heard this demoed.

    http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/Audio-Components/Hi-Fi+Audio/PD-D9MK2-K

    cnh


    I posted some info about it already. I love it and see no need to upgrade from it for a very long time. It does a nice job of even making a regular CD sound better, almost vinyl-like.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2011
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    As stated above would like to keep it around $1000 max or less, would also like Balanced XLR/and RCA hook-ups. "I am not looking for an all around player DVD/BLURAY" ect..
    You're going to have to compromise somewhere.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,287
    edited July 2011
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    Saw that one, but wounder what it would cost to fix it??

    Got this off an A-gon thread for repair...not sure if info is still correct but worth a shot

    Joe in Milford, NH---Audio Service Labs 603-881-9131
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,243
    edited July 2011
    Face wrote: »
    You're going to have to compromise somewhere.

    Yeah I know but I thought I would post just in case I was missing a brand,and it looks if I was willing to spend more my options would be better from what I find..
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  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited July 2011
    I still like my Esoteric DV-50 I picked up from Ted off the forum. Runs around 1400-1500 but built like a tank and I really enjoy the sound I get from it. I don't see any for sale on the gon right now but plays everything DVD A, SACD, CD, ect and has balanced outs and RCA.
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  • headrott
    headrott Posts: 5,496
    edited July 2011
    There's an Esoteric DV-50 here:

    http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?sorcdvda&1310846406

    But, not in the budget you had in mind Larry.

    Greg
    Relayer-Big-O-Poster.jpg
    Taken from a recent Audioholics reply regarding "Club Polk" and Polk speakers:
    "I'm yet to hear a Polk speaker that merits more than a sentence and 60 seconds discussion." :\
    My response is: If you need 60 seconds to respond in one sentence, you probably should't be evaluating Polk speakers.....

    "Green leaves reveal the heart spoken Khatru"- Jon Anderson

    "Have A Little Faith! And Everything You'll Face, Will Jump From Out Right On Into Place! Yeah! Take A Little Time! And Everything You'll Find, Will Move From Gloom Right On Into Shine!"- Arthur Lee
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2011
    http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1311538616&&&/Best-2CH-SACD-Player-for-$2k-Or-Less-New
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Goth child
    Goth child Posts: 38
    edited August 2011
    I went from the Cambridge 840c to the Sony 5400es.The Sony is a lot more resolving then the CA,has tighter deeper bass and the presentation is a lot more three dimensional.Straight out of the box the upper mids were a little grainy/harsh but it smoothed out after about 100+hours.Personally,I found the "warmth"of the CA was actually loss of resolution in the upper frequencies.I use wireworld eclipse3 xlr cables ,as I find they sound more holographic than the single ended.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited August 2011
    Got some pics of your rig Gothchild? It's not often we see a Sony ES transport user. I think they're a steal at the used market prices(just an example) and coupled with a nice DAC, just killer.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Goth child
    Goth child Posts: 38
    edited August 2011
    Coming soon.......
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited August 2011
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Got some pics of your rig Gothchild? It's not often we see a Sony ES transport user. I think they're a steal at the used market prices(just an example) and coupled with a nice DAC, just killer.

    While not Gothchild, I can add about 2 cents to this discussion. You do not need a DAC with the Sony XA5400ES. It sounds great for CD and SACD. I have a Bryston BDA-1 DAC (under the 5400ES), and the Sony is, at the least, equal to it. The biggest drawback to the Sony is that it does not have a digital input. If they had added that then it would be a killer SACD/CD player.

    This picture is current except I have replaced the Omega Mikro speaker cables with Shunyata Anaconda cables.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited August 2011
    I hope your amps are plugged into that Panamax.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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