SACD Player for my 2Ch Rig

PrazVT
PrazVT Posts: 1,607
edited December 2011 in Electronics
I know this question has been asked, but everyone has their own constraints etc. I've quietly been buying a few SACDs here and there the last couple of months. Recently, I realized my cousin's husband's old Sony DVD changer played SACDs and he was going to give it to me until we realized my dear cousin gave it away to the house keeper.

My idea was to use that as a 'noob' / 'starter' SACD player for a bit before buying a decent one. So that idea being scrapped, the SACD player idea is still in my head - for my 2 channel system (see sig).

I'm looking to spend maybe $600 max on a used player that would connect to my NAD integrated. Don't need a blu-ray player (that's for the HT later on).

I see a few Sonys, Marantz, and one Pioneer player on Audiogon in that range ...any thoughts on these?

Marantz SA8001 or S8400

Sony 555ES or 333ES

Pioneer PD-D9-J

I also see a Sony XA-777ES that is a bit more expensive, but looks intriguing...

Anyway - as usual, your 2 cents is appreciated.

- Praz
Dali Optikon 1Mk2
NAD D3020 V2
Schiit Bifrost 2/64

..the rest are headphone setups.
Post edited by PrazVT on
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  • brgman
    brgman Posts: 2,859
    edited November 2011
    I am getting ready to post this onkyo for sale.
    http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-C-S5VL-Super-Audio-Player/dp/B002C73WRM
    It is less than year old and a great piece for the money.Wolfson Dac.Smooth and sweet.Just bought a Ltd Edition Marantz for my Christmas gift to me.Let me know if you are interested in it.
    Main Rig-Realistic AM/FM Record player 8 track boasting 4 WPC

    Backup Rig-2 CH-Rogue Audio Zeus w/Factory Special Dark Mods,Joule-Electra 300ME Platinum Preamp,OPPO-105 w/Modwright Tube Mod, Auralic Aries G2.1,Polk 2.3TL,3.1TL's,Dreadnought,RTA-15TL's,1C's All Fully Modded,2xRTA-12c's ,Benchmark DAC3 HGC,Synology NAS,VPI Scout w/Dynavector DV-20XH and Rogue Audio Ares Phono Preamp,Sony PCM-R500 DAT,HHB-850 Pro CDR,Tascam CC-222SLMKII Cassette/CDR,MIT S3.3 Shotgun Cables,Shunyata Hyra-8,Shunyata and Triode Labs Power Cords

    I’M OFFENDED!!!!
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,607
    edited November 2011
    Hi brgman - thanks for the suggestion. Let me read up on this one and evaluate all options. If I decide on this one - will take you up on your offer.
    Dali Optikon 1Mk2
    NAD D3020 V2
    Schiit Bifrost 2/64

    ..the rest are headphone setups.
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  • NewHTguy
    NewHTguy Posts: 584
    edited November 2011
    I recently picked up a new Onkyo C-S5VL for $314 new for my office system. It is not really broken in yet (neither is the rest of the system) and so far I have only played CDs, but it sounds pretty good to my non-audiophile ears. Most places had it for $350, so I called a certain authorized dealer and asked if they could do any better. When they quoted the $314 price I couldn't get my cc out fast enough. I like Wolfson DAcs and it has the 8742 version (double check that), which is a little nicer than the dual Wolfsons on my CA 740C. I don't know if I will ever collect many SACDs, but it is nice to know that I can play them now.
    MAIN: Polk Lsi9s; Polk PSW505; Lsic (in box); Onkyo SR-875; Parasound 2250; Cambridge Audio 740C; LG BD370
    OFFICE: Polk Lsi7; REL T3; HK 3490; CA 840W; Onkyo C-S5VL
    BENCHED: CS20; OWM3s
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,674
    edited November 2011
    Marantz SA8001

    That one.
    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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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,607
    edited November 2011
    I recently picked up a new Onkyo C-S5VL for $314 new for my office system. It is not really broken in yet (neither is the rest of the system) and so far I have only played CDs, but it sounds pretty good to my non-audiophile ears. Most places had it for $350, so I called a certain authorized dealer and asked if they could do any better. When they quoted the $314 price I couldn't get my cc out fast enough. I like Wolfson DAcs and it has the 8742 version (double check that), which is a little nicer than the dual Wolfsons on my CA 740C. I don't know if I will ever collect many SACDs, but it is nice to know that I can play them now.

    Thanks for the first hand experience - it seems that the Onkyo is a decent entry level SACD player. For my purposes, it would probably work. Not sure how I missed this one in my previous casual searches for SACD players. Still thinking it over.
    That one.

    Hmm - thanks. I think there's a stereophile review on it ..let me check it out.
    Dali Optikon 1Mk2
    NAD D3020 V2
    Schiit Bifrost 2/64

    ..the rest are headphone setups.
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,607
    edited November 2011
    I have to agree with Jesse on this. I have owned players from all those manufacturers, and Marantz is the best one for music IMHO...

    Also, the SA-8003/8004 are very good players, and they can be found used in your price range.

    Hmm. Yeah, the Marantz players were what I had in mind - but wanted to get some opinions on other players as well (thanks brgman and NewHtGuy for your insights on the Onkyo).

    Jesse's 2 word response was thought provoking - convincing even :lol:

    So I decided to go with the Marantz SA-8001. The Stereophile review was pretty positive as well. Added some black mamba II ICs and a Pangea AC14 power cord to complete the setup.

    Looking forward to my first ever SACD listen.
    Dali Optikon 1Mk2
    NAD D3020 V2
    Schiit Bifrost 2/64

    ..the rest are headphone setups.
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  • Polkitup2
    Polkitup2 Posts: 1,640
    edited November 2011
    You made the right choice. I am using an SA-8001 and it is very nice.
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  • decal
    decal Posts: 3,205
    edited November 2011
    I also own the 8001, very musical player.
    If you can't hear a difference, don't waste your money.
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,607
    edited November 2011
    Sweet - thanks guys. Looking forward to getting my ears on it!
    Dali Optikon 1Mk2
    NAD D3020 V2
    Schiit Bifrost 2/64

    ..the rest are headphone setups.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,674
    edited November 2011
    It's nice to see someone here wanting to step up their game, enjoy!
    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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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,607
    edited November 2011
    It's nice to see someone here wanting to step up their game, enjoy!

    Thanks Jesse. Yup, this was a 'TBD' item for a long long time.
    Dali Optikon 1Mk2
    NAD D3020 V2
    Schiit Bifrost 2/64

    ..the rest are headphone setups.
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  • chumlie
    chumlie Posts: 8,658
    edited November 2011
    I interested in it. PM sent.
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,607
    edited December 2011
    Finally got the Marantz SA8001 today - the UPS guy showed up at like 8:30pm. Not sure what that's about. I kept myself busy in the meanwhile, assembling a new audio rack. Anyway, I finally got the rack assembled and everything connected up again. The setup definitely looks a bit classier than it did before w/ black plastic shelving ;)

    The player itself is in excellent condition, and looks solidly built. It just hit me that I've never had a dedicated CD player lol. Right now I'm listening to the Police SACD and the clarity and detail is insane. My defunct MicroPro 2k has been w/ Polk for the last 3+ weeks so missing the very bottom end. Anyway, can't crank the volume at this hour - but I'm definitely digging what I'm hearing right now. I'm going to switch over to the Mark Knopfler SACD next as that one naturally has a bit more body.

    Anyway - thanks again for the recommendation. A couple of photos below.

    - Praz
    Dali Optikon 1Mk2
    NAD D3020 V2
    Schiit Bifrost 2/64

    ..the rest are headphone setups.
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited December 2011
    Congrats ! How are you liking that w4s dac1?
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,607
    edited December 2011
    Congrats ! How are you liking that w4s dac1?

    Thanks! I love my DAC-1. Just a great, neutral DAC that brings out all the detail in my favorite music. Probably my most treasured piece of gear lol.
    Very nice, you're going to love it!!

    So far so good!!
    Dali Optikon 1Mk2
    NAD D3020 V2
    Schiit Bifrost 2/64

    ..the rest are headphone setups.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,545
    edited December 2011
    Rick88 wrote: »
    I have to agree with Jesse on this. I have owned players from all those manufacturers, and Marantz is the best one for music IMHO...

    Also, the SA-8003/8004 are very good players, and they can be found used in your price range.

    And I'll 3rd that.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,607
    edited December 2011
    I've run through the 5 SACDs I have already today :( My dad has Tommy by The Who on SACD so I'll steal that from him this weekend. Also ordered WYWH, Dire Straits (1st album), and Dire Straits' Love Over Gold SHM SACD (i have the regular SHM, but it's not SACD).

    I'm enjoying this too much!
    Dali Optikon 1Mk2
    NAD D3020 V2
    Schiit Bifrost 2/64

    ..the rest are headphone setups.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,674
    edited December 2011
    I'm definitely digging what I'm hearing right now.

    Good to hear.
    Dire Straits' Love Over Gold SHM SACD

    You'll love it, worth every penny.
    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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  • Theheadsn
    Theheadsn Posts: 413
    edited December 2011
    Ok everyone dont come down on this to hard lol I dont know TO much about SACD's and the difference in players.

    I still have an older fat ps3, the last actually model that allows the playback of SACDs and the such. Does anyone know how this rates with dedicated players? Im just curious because I know not all players are created equal lol
    Home Theater Setup
    • Receiver - Onkyo TX-RZ1100
    • Mains - Polk RTi A9's
    • External Amps - Outlaw 2200 Monoblocks for L/R/C
    • Center - Polk CSiA6
    • Side Surrounds - Polk FXiA6's
    • Atmos - 4 Polk 80F/X RT's
    • Sub - SVS PC-4000
    • T.V. - LG OLED65C7P

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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,607
    edited December 2011
    I recall looking this up years ago when I got my first PS3 (mine was a gen late) - I believe the PS3 will convert DSD to PCM before outputting, regardless of whether it's toslink / hdmi / analog out - see here.
    Dali Optikon 1Mk2
    NAD D3020 V2
    Schiit Bifrost 2/64

    ..the rest are headphone setups.
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  • chadam44
    chadam44 Posts: 68
    edited December 2011
    Find an older OPPO or even an older PS3, that way you get to have a gaming maching and something that will play SACDs (through HDMI and through the supplied analog/component cables.)
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