CDP upgrade!

[JohnMichael]

Here we go with another which cd player should I buy thread? I have read through several of the past threads on this subject and the responses have been helpful. First my budget is in the $1,000 range. My first question is would I be better off spending that money on a cd only player or a cd/sacd? I have been thinking about the Marantz SA8001 or the Cambridge Audio Azur 740C. The unit will be used in a two channel system only. I do listen to classical so sacd might be nice. I own two sacd's but they are dual layer so they play on my current cd player.

In my rack a top loading cd player may not work. The top shelf is for the turntable. I thought about the Rega's but space is an issue.

The Marantz CD5001 is a great improvement over the Sony ES player it replaced and it is good value for the money. As I have tweaked the turntable and installed the low output moving coil my analog set up is more musical. I would like a cd player that would bring more musicality to my system.

[basite]

Even though space is an issue (as you have mentioned), I will still recommend you the rega.

are you sure it won't work? Because that rega will be better than the marantz or the CA IMO...

when it's not possible, I'd get the Marantz, the CA is a good player too, but it's rather boring sounding IMO...

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

[enrique]

Try and audition an eastern electric minimax vacuum tube player.It's outstanding and also has an exceptional headphone to boot.

[bobsticks]

Hey John,

I rarely, rarely, recommend that anyone get into SACD but I truly believe that for you it's a must. In my mind it's a given that with your musical tastes you will find a wealth of material to enjoy. I know I wouldn't find this hobby nearly as fulfilling without access to many of may favorite works on this format.

You're a big boy and have competently narrowed down the field to the top contenders. I would throw out one more suggestion and it may seem a bit off the wall, but follow me here. I'd check out the Gon for a used Denon 3910 modified by Underwood. A year or two ago these things were being trumpeted as the next coming by the gear-of-the-month club, many of whom are selling them now only to get the newest, baddest 3930 model (modded, of course). One can usually find them going for between six and eight hundred dollars used and it's several grand for a new one. These have done time in some pretty heavy hitting systems.

That's just a thought. I'm sure you'll let your ears be your guide but make sure to keep us up on wherever the journey takes you.

Peace,
M

[elapsed]

Have you considered a Naim CD5i? There are a number of sellers on Audiogon in the $1,100 range. Absolutely fantastic CD Player, I recently upgraded my CD5i to a CD5x with FlatCap-2x power supply.

http://www.audioreview.com/cat/digital-sources/cd-players/naim/PRD_125544_1586crx.aspx

[Feanor]

Here we go with another which cd player should I buy thread? I have read through several of the past threads on this subject and the responses have been helpful. First my budget is in the $1,000 range. My first question is would I be better off spending that money on a cd only player or a cd/sacd? I have been thinking about the Marantz SA8001 or the Cambridge Audio Azur 740C. The unit will be used in a two channel system only. I do listen to classical so sacd might be nice. I own two sacd's but they are dual layer so they play on my current cd player.

In my rack a top loading cd player may not work. The top shelf is for the turntable. I thought about the Rega's but space is an issue.

The Marantz CD5001 is a great improvement over the Sony ES player it replaced and it is good value for the money. As I have tweaked the turntable and installed the low output moving coil my analog set up is more musical. I would like a cd player that would bring more musicality to my system.

I'm on record as a strong SACD supporter. However my support is predicated mainly on multi-channel capability. If your requirement is exclusively stereo, then SACD isn't a priority, IMO. On most new SACD recordings the stereo SACD and Redbook layers sound extremely similar.

Since I listen to ripped CDs from a computer 90% of the time, I would be looking at a good DAC, although the Cambride 840C can be used as a DAC as well as player, and got a rave review in TAS.

http://www.psaudio.com/products/digital_link_iii.asp
http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=112&Title=Azur+840C+Black+Fin+DSP+upsampling+CD+player

[dean_martin]

All these list below $1000, but with the Benchmark DAC you would need to factor in the cost of a transport, especially if you were planning on selling your Marantz 5001 or using it in a second system. I haven't heard any of these, but I was thinking of taking advantage of a home trial of the Benchmark directly from the manuf. http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/dac1/
Also, www.musicdirect.com has the Rega Apollo (and the Marantz) and a 30-day return policy, however, most Rega dealers are restricted geographically so I'm not sure whether music direct is restricted to local sales. Spearit Sound and Underwood HiFi are reputable Jolida dealers and may allow you to return the JD100A if you're not satisfied.

Jolida JD-100A - tube output and headphone output - with new production 12AX7s improving in quality and sound at afordable prices, this one could probably keep one's interest for a while. Mods available.
Benchmark DAC1 - pro quality headphone output. Can be used as a dac/preamp for your cdp directly to power amp or power amp section of integrated.
Rega Apollo - 4 levels of error correction, Wolfson chipset and many rave reviews decribing it as "barrier breaking" for price. You might not need to open the top loader lid all the way to change discs which may give you the room you need on your rack. (You could place a piece of felt or something soft with adhesive backing on the underside of the shelf above the cdp where the lid would strike.)
Marantz SA8001 - SACD and "about as good as Redbook gets."

[blackraven]

Go with the Marantz SA8001. Check out the review at stereophile, it doesnt get any better than that for a sub $1000 player being compared to players costing 6 times as much. My buddy just ordered one for $799. I'll let you know how it sounds on his audiophile system.

[PeruvianSkies]

Music Hall
Creek
as others said either the Denon 2910, 3910 depending on if they are modded and used.
Marantz for sure as well.

You can't go wrong with any of these and the always dependable Cambridge Audio.

[jrhymeammo]

SA-8001 is a good sounding player. You can pick up for less than $700 new from http://www.amsound2.com/

My only gripe about this CDP is that it's not tubed and it is very cable dependent. I feel like I have yet to hear the potiential of this player. OH well.

Regards,

[jim goulding]

The Benchmark is the cat's pajamas based on reviews here and overseas. I don't know if this is a benefit to you but it has variable out that will let you bypass your preamp or preamp section. That can be good in my experience. The upsampling Bel canto DAC 2 or 1.1 (Audiogon) is a solid contender and you could use a modest DVD transport. I use a Sony myself.

[bobsticks]

So can we assume this has been put on hold, at least temporarily?

[JohnMichael]

So can we assume this has been put on hold, at least temporarily?


I have been checking Audiogon for the Denon you suggested. Also trying to really know my new int. amp. I try to ad only one new item at a time. If the Onkyo continues to please as much as it has more money can go to the cdp.

[blackraven]

Go with the Marantz SA8001. My friend just purchased it based on the review by stereophile magazine. I was over at his house the other day listening to it and I was amazed at the open transparent sound. The dynamic range just opend up. Bass was excellent and treble was crisp and clean. It was very detailed in CD mode and 2channel SACD. (This is a 2ch SACDP) The SACD sound was remarkable, so much so that I think I am going to purchase it over the Cambridge Azure 840 to replace my modified MusicHall CDP. I guess I'm going to have to load up on SACD's now.

[musicman1999]

Did you hear the 840? It is really good.

bill

[blackraven]

I havent heard the 840, but all the reviews on it are excellent and the dealers that I've talked to speak highly of it. Its supposed to have a very detailed neutral sound. I'm flying out to california this week and hope to hear one before I make a decision on the marantz. But after hearing 2ch SACD's expanded dynamic range I don't think I will look at regular CD's the same way. By the way, I've seen the 840 on the net for about $1,100.00.

[JohnMichael]

Even though space is an issue (as you have mentioned), I will still recommend you the rega.

are you sure it won't work? Because that rega will be better than the marantz or the CA IMO...

Keep them spinning,
Bert.




Bert I removed the cd recorder so I would have a shelf tall enough for the Apollo. It is now in the running.

[bobsticks]

Not for nothin' JM, but I still think that you of all people need to at least check out a decent SACD system before making a purchase. Yes, the Rega is a nice player (I've even recommended it a few times) but given your tastes I think you'd regret it if you purchased a standard redbook-only cdp and later heard what you were missing.

[blackraven]

You should check out some reviews on the 2 cambridge units. There's a UK review compairing the Cambridge 740c and Rega Apollo. They rated the 740c over the Rega in detail, clarity and sound. I have the 740c and it certainlyhas a neutral sound and is very detailed. It needs about 100hrs of break in time before it really takes off. Music sound like a live recording and very vibrant.

[JohnMichael]

Not for nothin' JM, but I still think that you of all people need to at least check out a decent SACD system before making a purchase. Yes, the Rega is a nice player (I've even recommended it a few times) but given your tastes I think you'd regret it if you purchased a standard redbook-only cdp and later heard what you were missing.



bobsticks I am sure you are right. I have checked out used players but I am not comfortable buying used. This as far as I know leaves the Marantz SA8001. I really like the CD5001 but I would want a higher level of cd playback quality. I guess what I would like to know is that I would have sacd ability and better sound for my existing cd's. I guess I need to stop being neurotic and buy the Marantz and if not happy send it back and continue the hunt. But you are right I would probably regret not having sacd ability. I do have three sacd's at present.

[sk456]

Hi guys,

I am also having similar queries as I am also considering a CDP upgrade :
My contenders:

Marantz SA 8001
Rega Apollo
Creek Destiny or Classic
Rotel RCD 1072

I have :
Dynaudio 52SE bookshelves
Rotel Rb1090 Power amp
Rotel Pre amp

I listen to contemporary jazz vocals ( AKA Diana Krall, Patricia Barber etc )

[JohnMichael]

Well it has been ordered and tomorrow the Marantz SA 8001 will be delivered. I decided SACD capability is too important for me. I will be anxious to hear it.

[Feanor]

Well it has been ordered and tomorrow the Marantz SA 8001 will be delivered. I decided SACD capability is too important for me. I will be anxious to hear it.

Good for you, JM. I wouldn't want to be without SACD, though it's mulitchannel that really engages me about it. Today I ordered an OPPO DV980H (http://www.oppodigital.com/dv980h/dv980h_features.asp) since my Samsung universal recently gave up the ghost.

[basite]

Hi guys,

I am also having similar queries as I am also considering a CDP upgrade :
My contenders:

Marantz SA 8001
Rega Apollo
Creek Destiny or Classic
Rotel RCD 1072

I have :
Dynaudio 52SE bookshelves
Rotel Rb1090 Power amp
Rotel Pre amp

I listen to contemporary jazz vocals ( AKA Diana Krall, Patricia Barber etc )

if you wait a bit longer, John will post his short (or long, for that matter) review of the 8001...

Kinda curious too :)

btw, anybody have experience with external DAC's yet?


Keep them spinning,
Bert.

[blackraven]

You wont be dissapointed with the 8001. I had a very difficult time trying to decide betwwen it and the 740c. Its SACD sound is excellent. Very vibrant sound.
Enjoy!

[JohnMichael]

The Marantz SA8001 is playing in the other room. I will be back there very soon. Initial impressions better bass extension, more powerful bass, greater dynamics and more drive to the music. More body sound to vocalists and violin in SACD too wonderful. More later.

[bobsticks]

The Marantz SA8001 is playing in the other room. I will be back there very soon. Initial impressions better bass extension, more powerful bass, greater dynamics and more drive to the music. More body sound to vocalists and violin in SACD too wonderful. More later.

Yeeeahh boooyyeee, that's what I'm talkin' bout. Congrats on the new gears John! I have the feeling that this player and that format, along with a steady diet of redbook and vinyl, are gonna keep you a happy camper for a while.

Just think of it. There's a whole catalogue of four thousand or so SACDs to explore and one of the only possible upgrades looks a little somethin' like this:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_10_2/images/krell-dvd-standard-front-main-large.jpg

Enjoy my friend...

[JohnMichael]

As good a player as the Marantz CD5001 is for the money the SA8001 is superior with cd playback. This makes me happy because I was worried that the SA8001 might sound much like the CD5001 but with SACD capability. This is of course not the case. The SA8001 is truly in a class or two above the CD5001.:3:

Bobsticks that Krell looks nice. I will remember it when I am ready to upgrade. By that time I might be able to afford it on Audiogon.

[blackraven]

The 8001 is well worth the money. I cant see how Marantz can sell it for so little.

[jrhymeammo]

John!!!!! Congrats on your purchase.

I knew it was going to happen sooner or later, but Wow. That kinda came out of nowhere. There are tons of classical music out there, but much like every formats, there are terrible recordings on SACD. I think we need a forum dedicated to SACD and that other shiny format...

I tell you what's cool about SA8001, and I just noticed this like 2 secs ago.
The remote controls my BAT preamp(UP, Down, Mute), and I never programmed anything into it.

Anyhow, enjoy your new toy my good friend. Oh BTW, could you please stop upgrading? You are really starting to tick off some of members here. LOL.

Peace out.

I suspect Basite is going to post here in about a week with his tricked out European Marantz SACDP.

[basite]

I suspect Basite is going to post here in about a week with his tricked out European Marantz SACDP.


not just yet :)

I'm starting to have plans to get myself a nice DAC though :)

PS audio digital link 3, anyone?
or maybe an electrocompaniet ECD-1 :ihih:

so no tricked out european SACDP yet :p

I might do a little post here with my upcoming new cables though :p

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

[bobsticks]

Bobsticks that Krell looks nice. I will remember it when I am ready to upgrade. By that time I might be able to afford it on Audiogon.

That was tongue planted firmly in cheek John. The Marantz is a beauty and hopefully you'll have many moons before ever even thinking about a new machine.

[Ajani]

I was worried that the SA8001 might sound much like the CD5001 but with SACD capability. This is of course not the case. The SA8001 is truly in a class or two above the CD5001.:3:

Congrats John! I often wondered the same thing myself as I used to have a CD5001. Thanks for the comparison, it will definitely help, since the SA8001 is high up on my list of potential CD players for when I eventually rebuild my 2 channel setup...

[jrhymeammo]

Congrats again, John.

I wonder what exactly is the differnce between SA8001 and SA-15S1?

[JohnMichael]

Congrats again, John.

I wonder what exactly is the differnce between SA8001 and SA-15S1?



About $1,000. Seriously it uses the same chip set. Maybe better build quality and higher spec components.

[jrhymeammo]

Or maybe 3 cents extra per caps and resits. Great purchase!

[blackraven]

Hey JM, your description of the vocals and music with the 8001 in SACD was dead on.
The music was more vibrant and life like. For a $750 CDP its simply amazing. I wish I could have kept both the 8001 and the 840c. Maybe next year I will purchase another 8001.

[jim goulding]

Hey Fee- How about giving me/us your critique of the OPPO. I know I'm interested.

[Feanor]

Hey Fee- How about giving me/us your critique of the OPPO. I know I'm interested.

Please understand that my usage of the Oppo 980H is limited. First, the reason I bought it was to replace my HT system's Samsun universal that died a premature death; my HT includes only a 27" CRT TV. Secondly, I use the HT only for HT and occasional multi-channel SACD listening.

Consquently my review 980H review is pertty limited. The unit was promptly delivered by Oppo in good condition. The unit looks well, but not lavishly, built and has a well-designed remote. All operations are smooth and it has adequate bass management and time delay facilities although I let my receiver handle these. The on-screen display for SACD does not show the album or song text -- this is a gratuitous oversight in my opinion. The sound for the SACD is fine, at least as good my late, lamented Samsung; I haven't listened to CD. Of course, it's impossible for me to seriously judge the video or up-conversion capabilities on my CRT.