Good cd or sacd transport

cusco69

Hi
I am currently using marantz cđ6004 and find it to be lacking in detail especially in the mid to high freq
Could someone recommend a good transport. I do not mind preowned as long as its in excellent condition. Budget of$1000

tonyb

What makes you think it's the transport in the cdp thats the culprit ? Maybe a description of the gear and cables first off would be in order to help us better help you.

headrott

Absolutely look at the Theta Jade. They are somewhat hard to find, but are definately worth finding. You should be able to find one in the $750 to $900 range and in good shape. This would be my recommendation.

decal

tonyb wrote: »

What makes you think it's the transport in the cdp thats the culprit ? Maybe a description of the gear and cables first off would be in order to help us better help you.

agreed

cusco69

hi tonyb
I used both chord and audio quest cables not the high end buy each cost me more than hundred bucks for 2m. I am using the marantz pm ki pearl lite driving the lsi m703s with magnum 12swg cables.

tonyb

You think 70 watts is enough ? How big is the room, how loud are you playing ?

So if I understand this, you have the Marantz cdp connected by analog into the Marantz integrated ? Thats the only source ? Is it at lower volumes your experiencing this or higher volumes.....or both ?

soundfreak1

Id look at maybe a good DAC.

BlueFox

You should be able to find a used Sony XA5400ES SACD player for 1K or less.

tonyb

My thought process is, if the bookies are in a big room, powered by a 70 watt integrated at higher volumes, what the OP may be hearing is the music starting to collapse as the amp hits it's upper regions. Thats why I ask questions, we don't know alot of details to just say throw 1000 bucks at a SACD player or other transport and that will cure his problems. Just my .02 is all.

BlueFox

Yes, that is a good point. I was just thinking in terms of an SACD player upgrade.

falconcry72

Are you looking for a transport or a player??? Are you using an external DAC? If not, you're using your Marantz as a player, not a transport. If that's the case, and your Marantz has a digital output, I'd recommend using an external DAC and the Marantz just as a transport. The DAC has much more influence on sound than the transport does.

cusco69

hi
thanks for all the feedback. I am using the cdp as a player not a transport. Any good dac recommendations? Dacs are not so common here. May have to pick it up on ebay.

falconcry72

cusco69 wrote: »

hi
thanks for all the feedback. I am using the cdp as a player not a transport. Any good dac recommendations? Dacs are not so common here. May have to pick it up on ebay.

Is your budget still in the 1k range? Lots of good DACs in that range, especially on the used market.

What does the rest of your system look like? I ask because, depending on the other components, it could be that it would be better to spend say 500 on the DAC and 500 elsewhere.

nspindel

Take a step up to the Marantz SA8004. Fantastic SACD player, and it's a DAC as well, I use it for my Squeezebox. I've seen open-box 8004's for $800.

cusco69

Thanks for all the feedback. I will have the accuphase e406 soon and the lsim 703 is doing the "running in" at the moment.

larry777

tonyb wrote: »

My thought process is, if the bookies are in a big room, powered by a 70 watt integrated at higher volumes, what the OP may be hearing is the music starting to collapse as the amp hits it's upper regions. Thats why I ask questions, we don't know alot of details to just say throw 1000 bucks at a SACD player or other transport and that will cure his problems. Just my .02 is all.

The way I see it........this is all important information to discuss in case something else may be adding to your problem along with your player..

Dawgfish

I'd wait and see how your system sounds after you get your Accuphase integrated before making any other changes. After that if you are still finding your cdp lacking you have a couple of routes. You could keep your current Marantz as a transport and add a good DAC as the others have mentioned. I'm using a MHDT Labs Paradisiea + DAC and I really like it. You can role tubes and opamps on them to really customize the sound. It's a non-oversampling DAC and has a very smooth, analogue type sound. The newer version of this, the Havana is supposed to be even better. There are lots of great Dacs out there in your budget.

If you want to upgrade to a new cdp/sacd player you also have lots of great choices in your budget. I'm running a Nad M-55 and I love it for both sacd and redbook cd playback. The thing I really love about this player is its redbook cd performance is exceptional. Many Sacd players don't sound all that great with redbook cd playback. The M-55 sounds great no matter what format you are playing.

cusco69

Good, I will take note on the nad m55. Now its better to wait for the amp to be in place.

wkjeffers

cambridge audio 840, much detail especially in the highs and mids. I hear one paired with the 800 series integrated and focal floorstanders...............unbelievable detail and soundstage.

mantis

I suggest ditching the Disk Idea and checking out a Computer rig. There are so many good software programs and ripping your collection is way cool and can sound better then a transport. Also running a good DAC is a key part of any optical playback or computer rig.

cusco69

Hi Dan
Ultimately I will rip all my cds to the com for my home office **** study. Technology is changing and prices are also maybe its still good to have a separate for the main. Who knows what may come up in the near future

cusco69

Hi Dan and Polk guys
I had never used a dac before so maybe you guys can recommendation me a reasonable rig with a free software for the computer. I am currently connecting it through the 3mm cable from nuforce. Gosh that cost me $100+ bucks.

Big Dawg

nspindel wrote: »

Take a step up to the Marantz SA8004. Fantastic SACD player, and it's a DAC as well, I use it for my Squeezebox. I've seen open-box 8004's for $800.

How would you compare the built in DAC to the W4S you used to own?