Last piece in my stereo puzzle . SACD Player..What is the good SACD player you heard

Sumerian
Sumerian Posts: 490
edited June 2014 in 2 Channel Audio
Here is my stereo setup up to now..

Custom Built High Performance Media Server
PS Audio PWD MKII DAC
CARY SLP05
PARASOUND JC1's
LSIM 707

And Yes MIT Shotgun S3 XLRs...


Though I am happy with my media server and DAC as source, I want take it up to next level...


I would greatly appreciate if you could share your opinions on a good SACD .... I am not looking for the greatest SACD player out there ....


With price being the objective what is the good SACD player you have heard best sonic/blissful bang for the buck
Post edited by Sumerian on
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  • decal
    decal Posts: 3,205
    edited June 2014
    What price objective are you thinking about?
    If you can't hear a difference, don't waste your money.
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  • Sumerian
    Sumerian Posts: 490
    edited June 2014
    New or used with 3k cut off.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited June 2014
    What makes you think a SACD player will take your system to the next level? Does your DAC do DSD & Hi-Rez?
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Sumerian
    Sumerian Posts: 490
    edited June 2014
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    What makes you think a SACD player will take your system to the next level? Does your DAC do DSD & Hi-Rez?

    Nope it doesn't...

    My entire collection is in Flacs
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,337
    edited June 2014
    Sony SCD-XA5400ES. One sold here used for about $700. New around $1,300.

    Marantz SA-8004 is also very good
    Carl

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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,557
    edited June 2014
    Sumerian wrote: »
    New or used with 3k cut off.

    I'm not 100% sure of the used prices, but I think you should be able to find one in your price range. Look into Esoteric, Marantz or one of the Cary players.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited June 2014
    schwarcw wrote: »
    Sony SCD-XA5400ES. One sold here used for about $700. New around $1,300.

    I agree. I sold it. However, at this point I would not buy a new one simply because it does not have a digital input. Of course, if you already have a DAC then that point is moot. Modwright will also hot rod it if you want. With that said, I rarely use my other XA5400ES, and then it is just to evaluate a CD to determine if it is good enough for the music server.
    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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  • decal
    decal Posts: 3,205
    edited June 2014
    I bought a Marantz SA-8001 for $400.00 a few years ago and have never even thought of upgrading.
    If you can't hear a difference, don't waste your money.
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  • drumminman
    drumminman Posts: 3,396
    edited June 2014
    DSkip wrote: »
    Modwright Oppo 105 might need to be on that list as well. As much love as the unit gets unmodded, I've heard that Modwright completely transforms it.

    I've read the same thing. I love my unmodded 105!
    "Science is suppose to explain observations not dismiss them as impossible" - Norm on AA; 2.3TL's w/sonicaps/mills/jantzen inductors, Gimpod's boards, Lg Solen SDA inductors, RD-0198's, MW's dynamatted, Armaflex speaker gaskets, H-nuts, brass spikes, Cardas CCGR BP's, upgraded IC Cable, Black Hole Damping Sheet strips, interior of cabinets sealed with Loctite Power Grab, AI-1 interface with 1000VA A-L transformer
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  • voltz
    voltz Posts: 5,384
    edited June 2014
    I have the Marantz SA8005 and I really love it, and I also using it as my DAC for my PC and my high-res files using Jriver. Now it is the only SACD player I have ever used or heard so I have nothing to compare it to. oops wrong I have OPPO in my HT set-up which can and does play SACD's also, and I used it on SACD only when I have a hybrid that does 5.1 otherwise I use the Marantz which is part of my separate 2 channel set-up.
    I can not say which is best because they are hooked up in 2 different systems in 2 different settings, so its different equipment and speakers so its hard to compare.
    2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge

    HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited June 2014
    If you really want to take it to the next step, go vinyl! Having said that what the others have said above plus the NAD M-55 are good choices. What I like about the M-55 is it's Redbook CD performance is outstanding also. This is not always the case with some SACD players.
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  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited June 2014
    Something to think about....to see how the Oppo 105(SABRE32 Reference ES9018 DAC) sounds vs. the PS Audio(Wolfson WM8741 DAC)

    Might be able to simplify by moving the PS Audio out of the system and rocking the Oppo as an-all-in one solution?


    Oppo 105 or PS Audio PWD Mk2
    http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1364939266

    Like others here...some suggested the 105 w/ the Modwright mod.
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
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  • Sumerian
    Sumerian Posts: 490
    edited June 2014
    WLDock wrote: »
    Something to think about....to see how the Oppo 105(SABRE32 Reference ES9018 DAC) sounds vs. the PS Audio(Wolfson WM8741 DAC)

    Might be able to simplify by moving the PS Audio out of the system and rocking the Oppo as an-all-in one solution?


    Oppo 105 or PS Audio PWD Mk2
    http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1364939266

    Like others here...some suggested the 105 w/ the Modwright mod.


    Thanks for the link

    from what I read in that thread most of them seem to prefer PS Audio DAC
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  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited June 2014
    Take it all with a grain of salt. The main reason the post was linked were the great points that were brought up about computer audio sounding better due to no transport in the mix.
    This is the highest level of critical music listening and only the sum of parts combined with the ears of the individual can say what sounds best in their system. If you are willing to spend up to $3K on just an SACD transport then we can see why some suggested the Oppo with the mod. The reviews and feedback is all there to support that transport, DAC, and analog audio being on par with units costing much more.

    Of course there has to be tons of options at your price point as well as used transports.. Depends on what route you consider fun.
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited June 2014
    +1 for Marantz. I have the SA-8004, love it. And you'll have enough money leftover to get a nice turntable and a cartridge!
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • voltz
    voltz Posts: 5,384
    edited June 2014
    ^^^^^^^

    I double that :)
    2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge

    HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD
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  • Mikey081057
    Mikey081057 Posts: 7,127
    edited June 2014
    nspindel wrote: »
    +1 for Marantz. I have the SA-8004, love it. And you'll have enough money leftover to get a nice turntable and a cartridge!

    And I triple it the SA8004 is a sweet value... and with the new SA8005 out i would guess there are some available for no pun intended... a song.
    My New Year's resolution is 3840 × 2160

    Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |

    ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4

    Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |

    Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |

    Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |

    Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's

    Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited June 2014
    I don't know man, it's almost like you're taking a step backwards. If you already have a great custom built music server why not move your current DAC out & replace it w/ one that does DSD & Hi-Rez. The only reason I can think of to get a stand alone SACD player is if you have a huge library of SACD's & don't want to repurchase the same material. Other than that a DSD/ Hi-Rez DAC is a match made in heaven for your system.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Sumerian
    Sumerian Posts: 490
    edited June 2014
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    I don't know man, it's almost like you're taking a step backwards. If you already have a great custom built music server why not move your current DAC out & replace it w/ one that does DSD & Hi-Rez. The only reason I can think of to get a stand alone SACD player is if you have a huge library of SACD's & don't want to repurchase the same material. Other than that a DSD/ Hi-Rez DAC is a match made in heaven for your system.

    Point Taken. makes sense.


    I believed/believe... media server + DAC < CD/SACD player in terms of sonic quality.
    Don't the players have better implementation thanks a stand alone server and DAC?

    I thought storing the media in digital media is a compromise in sonic quality for ease of operation
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  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited June 2014
    Yeah, these guys here are also making the point about the better sound of computer audio. Its the future!

    Given where you are already and the fact that you want to upgrade ....it would be a shame to not listen to some of these new DAC's that are out. There's just so much out there to listen to....a millions DACs in every price range!

    If I were where your in your shoes I would really want to check out the Cord Electronics DSD/DXD DACs...as well as others. I think I said that in one of your older posts. Intriguing technology and awesome reviews. but damn! $3K-4K on a DAC! Waay out of my league....and I'm not even on the 2 ch road just yet. However, you just might have to check that stuff out if you want to take it to another level. You seem to moving at a pretty good pace...cool to watch from the sidelines. LOL!
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
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  • voltz
    voltz Posts: 5,384
    edited June 2014
    They make a very good point about the DAC. with SACD & Vinyl your always listening to 1 at a time, and if you went more with your server and HI-REZ downloads you have more of playlist choice. SACD's and vinyl cost a lot these days (unless you manly get older vinyl) but so do HI-Rez files. So much to think about before you choose you direction. I'm also working on re ripping all my CD's into flac's or alac's to go with what few Hi-Rez downloads I have and playing everything thru my Marantz's DAC. I'm always thinking now do I buy the SACD? or the Vinyl or do I buy the Hi-Rez download?
    2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge

    HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited June 2014
    Sumerian wrote: »
    Point Taken. makes sense.


    I believed/believe... media server + DAC < CD/SACD player in terms of sonic quality.
    Don't the players have better implementation thanks a stand alone server and DAC?

    I thought storing the media in digital media is a compromise in sonic quality for ease of operation

    Your last statement..."I thought storing the media in digital media is a compromise in sonic quality for ease of operation" has me scratching my head a bit. What exactly do you think CD/SACD's are? They are nothing more than a disc that stores digital media. The same exact thing that your music server does, only better. The ease of operation is one heck of a bonus though. As I said before unless you have a huge library of SACD's there in no advantage in going with a stand alone player. Music server, DSD & Hi-Rez DAC are far superior in my opinion. Ever wonder why at the audio shows the overwhelming majority of exhibitors are running servers. And most folks now bring their music on USB's. You have to look hard to find a disc spinner in their rooms. There's a good reason for that. I think you'll actually find more vinyl than CD players also. I believe the CD is somewhat of a dead format.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Sumerian
    Sumerian Posts: 490
    edited June 2014
    WLDock wrote: »
    If I were where your in your shoes I would really want to check out the Cord Electronics DSD/DXD DACs...as well as others. I think I said that in one of your older posts. Intriguing technology and awesome reviews. but damn! $3K-4K on a DAC! Waay out of my league....and I'm not even on the 2 ch road just yet. However, you just might have to check that stuff out if you want to take it to another level. You seem to moving at a pretty good pace...cool to watch from the sidelines. LOL!

    Yes I do remember that discussion .... Finally I pulled the trigger on PS Audio MKII with bridge... If I have to upgrade my DAC I think I will go for PS Audio DirectStream ... Allegedly it will upstream every thing to DSD.
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  • Sumerian
    Sumerian Posts: 490
    edited June 2014
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    Your last statement..."I thought storing the media in digital media is a compromise in sonic quality for ease of operation" has me scratching my head a bit. What exactly do you think CD/SACD's are? They are nothing more than a disc that stores digital media. The same exact thing that your music server does, only better. The ease of operation is one heck of a bonus though. As I said before unless you have a huge library of SACD's there in no advantage in going with a stand alone player. Music server, DSD & Hi-Rez DAC are far superior in my opinion. Ever wonder why at the audio shows the overwhelming majority of exhibitors are running servers. And most folks now bring their music on USB's. You have to look hard to find a disc spinner in their rooms. There's a good reason for that. I think you'll actually find more vinyl than CD players also. I believe the CD is somewhat of a dead format.


    I totally hear you....

    Went to Audio showroom yesterday to check some equipment and demo SACD players... They didn't had any SACD players on demo.

    But they had a B&W 800 speakers hooked up with McinTosh Amp, McinTosh Premamp, McinTosh Room correction which is fed through a Desktop with Jriver....

    Diana Krall My love is ... literally bought me to my knees .... It sounded like I never heard before ... It is literally Day and Night difference.

    Anyways just asserting your point
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,557
    edited June 2014
    The same exact thing that your music server does, only better.

    Better how?
    I believe the CD is somewhat of a dead format.

    Total value of CD albums (includes SACD) was $2.4 billion in 2013.

    Total value of digital albums was $1.2 billion in 2013.

    Total value of vinyl albums was $211 million in 2013.

    CD/SACD's are far, far from a dead format.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • Sumerian
    Sumerian Posts: 490
    edited June 2014
    Wow !... I knew vinyls are back but I never would have guessed this numbers.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,963
    edited June 2014
    While I can agree the world in general seems to moving to the digital server options, I still prefer a good SACD/CDP over digital downloads for overall sound quality. That's not to say good sound, even great sound can't be had in the computer realm.

    Trying to simplify a SACD/CDP as just another digital copy on a disc is too easy, simply more to it than that. Maybe it's the better built analog output stages, maybe the laser reading the files, maybe the shortness of all the connections inside a player that eliminates the influences of additional cabling. Can't say for sure, all I know is they sound slightly better.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,557
    edited June 2014
    Sumerian wrote: »
    Wow !... I knew vinyls are back but I never would have guessed this numbers.

    That's millions (drop in the bucket) for vinyl, the others are Billions!
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • brianle
    brianle Posts: 572
    edited June 2014
    You will need new speakers to take it to the next level, imo
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited June 2014
    New Jack White, Lazaretto, $11.88 - CD
    New Jack White, Lazaretto, $28.54 - vinyl

    http://www.amazon.com/Lazaretto-Jack-White/dp/B00JDB4PLM/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1402982505&sr=1-1&keywords=jack+white

    After the kids currently driving the vinyl sales trash one or two records they will soon lose interest in this fad.
    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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