Time for a new CD player

gmcman

I have been through the threads and Cambridge comes up quite often. I was originally holding out for a used Opera Consonance CD 120 and haven't ventured much past the thought of that. I'm looking to stay under the $500 mark if possible and would like to go with SS instead of tubes.

The Denon 2910 is great for movies but it's time to move on, 2-channel music is top priority, SACD 2nd, Blu-Ray, DVD, or simply video is welcomed but not required. There are numerous Cambridge players avail and I'm not sure where to look in regards to their DAC's, whether there are one or more used in the unit and whether or not that's for improved 2ch or SACD or DTS playback.

The 640 comes up frequently and many seem to praise it, I suppose if I had to look at the 640, what other players are comparable and if I had to take a step down in price, where should I go within the Cambridge line? If I need to lose DVD features then that's fine, again 2CH is where I'm focused and anything else is a bonus.

I'm not dead-set on Cambridge but I feel I cannot go wrong from where I'm starting from. All input is appreciated.

deronb1

You can pick up used Sony es players pretty reasonable. Nice sound with proven reliability

BlueFox

Spend a little more, and get a lot more player.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?157157-Sony-XA-5400ES-SACD-player

cnh

BlueFox wrote: »

Spend a little more, and get a lot more player.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?157157-Sony-XA-5400ES-SACD-player

Absolutely, a fantastic value here, boys!

cnh

gmcman

BlueFox wrote: »

Spend a little more, and get a lot more player.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?157157-Sony-XA-5400ES-SACD-player

Ahh, you're killin' me now.

Clipdat

+1 vote for the 6004, I really enjoy mine.

nbrowser wrote: »

I just picked up a slightly older Marantz CD6004, it's just a CD Player with a USB port for USB sticks and also iPod/iPhone, I love it, sounds very nice in my system. The one that replaced it the CD6005 is supposed to be even better and either can be had for or under your budget. I was considering a Cambridge Topaz CD player but someone on here said to give a Marantz 6004 a shot so I did, great results. Plus as an aside, stuff you plug into the USB port takes advantage of the DAC and analog output path of the unit resulting in a huge improvement in sound quality to my ears at least.

NJPOLKER

I have a Arcam CD72 sitting in my closet. It is a fine player but sits while I use my Musical Fidelity A5 cdp.

I'll be in DC in a couple months and would drop it off for you to try out for a few days while I'm in DC, just a thought.

gmcman

NJPOLKER wrote: »

I have a Arcam CD72 sitting in my closet. It is a fine player but sits while I use my Musical Fidelity A5 cdp.

I'll be in DC in a couple months and would drop it off for you to try out for a few days while I'm in DC, just a thought.

Thanks, I appreciate the offer. If I cannot find one I may take you up on it just to hear it in my setup.

I would like the option of the USB input to avoid another component for the Ipod and other accessories, some of these CDP DAC's are perfect for this.

The 6004 seems to get a lot of praise, has anyone done an A/B test to the SA8004? May not get the 8004 within my budget but if one comes along at a good price I may need to bridge the gap.

txcoastal1

gmcman wrote: »

The 6004 seems to get a lot of praise, has anyone done an A/B test to the SA8004? May not get the 8004 within my budget but if one comes along at a good price I may need to bridge the gap.

The CDP sections are identical, the 8004 just has SACD capabilities. The marantz players are really good. They also work great as a transport if you ever get into the DACs.

gmcman

txcoastal1 wrote: »

The CDP sections are identical, the 8004 just has SACD capabilities. The marantz players are really good. They also work great as a transport if you ever get into the DACs.

I thought the 8004 had different DAC's and also an upgraded power supply? Could be the DAC to process the multi channel retains the 2CH quality in the 6004. I would like the fact the 6004 has the same 2CH quality as the 8004, that would make the purchase easier.

gudnoyez

+ 1 on the marantz's if you could swing a 8004 get it if not look at the 6004 or the 5004, I own a 5004 and a 5003 and they are excellent CDP players for the money.

danz1906

The Marantz players have a Warm sound....

gmcman

txcoastal1 wrote: »

The CDP sections are identical, the 8004 just has SACD capabilities. The marantz players are really good. They also work great as a transport if you ever get into the DACs.

gmcman wrote: »

I thought the 8004 had different DAC's and also an upgraded power supply?

Ok, not sure where I misunderstood that the DAC's were different but apparently they are the same. Obviously something is different with regards to SACD capability but according to Marantz, both share the Cirrus CS4398 so I stand corrected there. That's not the final word in SQ obviously but with the 6005 so close in price to the 6004 that may be the ticket.

F1nut

nbrowser wrote: »

The one thing that surprised me about my CD6004, is how heavy it is for a CD Player, not that I'm complaining but sheesh what a shock.

It's not that heavy. My main player is 50lbs., maybe a tad more, can't remember.

gmcman

So to twist things up a bit, I have no knowledge on Oppo players but would like to consider one in my hunt. The 95, 103, 105 come to mind and hear the 95 is quite a machine.

I suppose if it came down to a Marantz 6005 or 8004, could I do as good or better with the Oppo? Feel free to start a heated debate, it's all about opinions and personal experience.

gmcman

The quest is over for now.

I was able to find a SA-8004 for right at $600 and was primarily used as a DAC, only a couple hours on the transport. Comes with box and remote and seller is original owner.

Thanks for all the help on this.

gudnoyez

Great deal on a great player, I did see accessories for less has refurbs for $699. A one owner player for $600 you got a deal was it local? Enjoy that Marantz.

gmcman

Was listed in A'gon, seller purchased it brand new year and a half ago. He is going to the 8005 which is why he sold it. I saw the listing and jumped on it, settled on price and while it's slightly over budget, I believe it was a no-brainer.

Hard part is waiting....lol.

bthogan

Looks like the SA-8004 has a USB input like the CD-6004, and from what I've read, it does sound "better"...gotta say, the USB input on my CD-6004 is awfully convenient. I play so much of my music through it nowadays, from my jumbo ipods (80GB and 160GB), via Audioquest Forest USB cable. Lossless format (ALAC) of course.

VCoak

Almost got the SA-8004 on audiogon but someone beat me to it. I too like the front USB. May look at OPPO bdp-105 but heard the an issue with the rear HDMI.

gmcman

The 8004 arrived today and I had a chance to listen for about an hour. So much smoother and detailed than the Denon, I see how it gets referred to as "warm" but again coming from my last crop of players I think it actually sounds "right".

Very glad I made the jump, been missing out on some good music. Thanks for the push to the Marantz.

F1nut

I think it actually sounds "right".

Indeed it does.

txcoastal1

Good for you. If you have get the itch for a nice dac, you can always use the Marantz as a transport

Congrats

danz1906

VCoak wrote: »

Almost got the SA-8004 on audiogon but someone beat me to it. I too like the front USB. May look at OPPO bdp-105 but heard the an issue with the rear HDMI.

What's up with the Oppo 105 rear HDMI?

tonyb

Just a FYI...Chicago's craigslist has a Cambridge 840c cdp for 6 bones. Also has digital inputs.

Congrats on the Marantz...nice player.

danz1906

tonyb wrote: »

Just a FYI...Chicago's craigslist has a Cambridge 840c cdp for 6 bones. Also has digital inputs.

Congrats on the Marantz...nice player.

Good price!