Marantz SACD thoughts

univera

I also have an opportunity to purchase a Marantz SA8260 SACD player he wants $600.00 for, but I think I could get it for a little less. Anything in this unit holding me back? I don't see HDCD listed as a feature, and that's something I enjoy. Assuming I didn't care about SACD, is this player still worth the price for normal 2 channel audio?

janmike

Orion Bluebook price is $450 used, but they may be going for a little more than than. Marantz makes good gear. There are 3 currently listed on Audiogon ranging from $485 to $600. Good Luck.

billbillw

Although the SA8260 received good reviews on its sound (both SACD and Redbook), the player has a reputation for disc playback problems, IE: owners find that many discs won't play. Google around a little and you will find at least a few threads complaining about this player. If you are only looking for CD playback, I'm sure there are better options for the same or less money.

reeltrouble1

Why would you buy a SACD player if you dont care about SACD??? I really appreciate SACD so that is the player I like, but really you dont need one, try the Jolida tubed cd player.

RT1

univera

I wasn't saying I didn't want SACD, I was just curious about the player in general, irrespective of SACD. I haven't had the opportunity to experience SACD yet. Thanks for the input.

reeltrouble1

OK, well, then the Marantz I have heard were just fine, nothing special or magical just solid machines that played the discs. They build thousands of these things so there are bound to be some issues, but I would not take that to mean they are bad machines. Marantz is an old company with a pretty solid rep and following.

RT1

RT1

univera

I am very familiar with Marantz as far as being a solid company. You answered what I was really trying to find out: is the Marantz a piece that will elevate my system. Something special or just an above average player that plays SACD for a reasonable price. Essentially, if I bought a dedicated redbook CD only player, might I get more sound quality for the buck? That is the crux of my question

Since I have been using an early Toshiba DVD which sounds pretty damn good for Cd playback, I am sure the Marantz would be a step up. But I want something that is like butter and transparent-just me and the speakers.

As I mentioned in my other post, I also have access to the Audio Refinement cd player, which I have read great reviews.

danger boy

there is a reason they still make stand alone CD players.. they sound pretty darn good. Some people are ok with having one player (DVD) play all their discs... others like to have seperates for DVD's and CD's.

I found once i went from a Toshiba DVD player to a stand alone CD player.. the sound stage was better. and overall more pleasant to listen to . it was close though... but in the end the stand alone CDP won out.

schwarcw

The Marantz is a solid player. This model does have problems with dual layer discs (SACD hybrids). Google around as someone suggested. For a redbook only player, there is a lot of players out there for around $500 that are excellent. Rotel, Cambridge, Denon and others. Let us know what you get.:)

Beekyman

I own an 8260 and have had nothing but good luck with and I would purchase another if the need arose.
My first SACD player was a PIONEER DVD player purchased as a demo unit and that is what brought me into the world of SACD. I really dig SACD but the only gripe I have is that its not a very prevalent format and you have to dig a little deeper sometimes to find what your looking for. Is it worth it? I would have to say yes but many newer CD's and good quality gear will be like candy to your ears as well. Good luck!