The Marantz SA7001

[tony340]

Hi
The Marantz dealer here has a one last piece SA7001 going for around $350.. One of our friends here at AR adviced me to go for the SA8001 OR8003, but the 8001 is no more and the 8003 is over $700.. What do you think about this player, any suggestions? I currently use the Marantz CD5001 and i'm looking for a great improvement from that, otherwise my upgrade would be worthless.. Please let me know, Cheers

[blackraven]

The SA7001 would be a step up from the 5001. The 8001/8003 would be a major step up.
Check audiogon for 8001's. You might also want to give the new 5003 an audition as it is supposed to have a fairly big improvement in sound from the 5001, but the 7001 would give you SACD playback. Why dont you bring your 5001 to the dealer and compare the two, or better yet, see if he will let you audition it at home.

If you dont care about SACD consider the new Cambridge Audio DAC for around $400.

Also check audiogon for used Rega Apollo's and Arcam's.

[tony340]

Thanks Blakraven.. Well since i want a major step up, i think the SA8003 and 8001 (if i can find one) would be the best, i will try to audition the 5001 side by side with the 7001 and 5003.. The Rega Apollo is beyond my budget, so i have put that aside, and regarding the 8001 i live in Sin so checking out audiogon is of no use since with shipping, the price would be too much... Anymore other suggestions? How about the any Rotel players?

[blackraven]

Cambridge Azure 740c, it has a very detailed sound and great resolution but it will have a more neutral to brighter sound compared to the Marantz. The Rega should cost less than the Marantz 8003. I cangt comment on the Rotel CDP, never heard one on a good system.

[tony340]

The Rega cost 1600 sin dollars compared to the Marantz 8003 which is 900 sin dollars, i dont know why!! But would you think that the Marantz 8003 would be a safe bet to go ahead with? Out of the options you have mentioned, what would you go for if you were the one choosing?

[blackraven]

The Marantz 8003 hands down especially if you lean towards a warmer sound and want SACD capability. If your system needs more treble and resolution then I would opt for the 740c. If your looking to save money consider the DAC. I'm sold on DAC's vs expensive CDP's.

Thats amazing about the Rega Apollo, it sells here for about $900.

[tony340]

Thanks a lot.. The thing lacking in my system now is basically the seperation of instruments.. In addition, the total sound stage is lacking to my ears! Also i feel the bass and trebles are not taut and articulate, so these are the issues with my current marantz.

[blackraven]

The cambridge unit has tight bass and crisp clear prominent treble. It has a more detailed sound then the Marantz 8001. I was able to audition the 840c, 740c and SA8001 in my home. I kept the 840c but now wish I had kept the Marantz now that I have upgraded my system. The 740c and 840c sounded very similar if not the same. The 740c could be a good fit for you. However, any of the CDP's mentioned will be excellent.

[tony340]

Thanks for the advice mate.. I think the 8001 or the 8003 would be my choice since i can afford it, the Cambridge is around 1400 sin dollars so way above my budget..