Get the 8001 without delay!
Pops...im just sitting here listening to the Marantz 6001 in Redbook...Got some Grover Washington playing, his "All My Tomorrows" CD . And the Marantz just got me feeling all good and really moving me. So I decided to play the same songs on the MF X-Ray v8. The X-Ray is an outstanding player in another class from the Maranzt 6001. The X-Ray has way better fidelity than the 6001. But where the Marantz has the X-Ray beat is in the warmth. Its so warm and smooth like. Sorta like a analog sound. It really touches you with what it has to offer. Remember my friend. In my long experience with Marantz gear its almost as if it was made for cool Jazz and nice classical. Marantz are traditionally warm and they have a slight roll off or rounded sound on the highs on some of the mid fi gear but they have a great mid section and bottom end sound if you listen and if you start to compare them to more edgy solid state stuff. IF you have good lively speakers that are not really suttle or laid back the Marantz will shine for you.
If I where you I would get the 8001 hands down...especially if you are getting a deal on the player. My player the 6001 is two step down from the 8001 with the 7001 being in the middle so the sound and warmth of the 8001 will be even more fun.
Go for it and don't wait...get the 8001 its a great player with a nice warm smooth sound that will do your Jazz collection right. I know it will because you are a vinyl slut...ahh I mean vinyl lover just like me.
Cheers.