Marantz SA-8003

[tony340]

Hi Everyone
Its been awhile since my last post here at AR, the recession was quite hard on me as it must have been for most of us, hence Hi Fi was something that i didn't have time to think of.. Anyways the time is really up for me to upgrade from my Marantz CD-5001,and though i cannot spend big money,i stillwant an upgrade.. Whats the latest on the Marantz SA-8003??Have anyone of you bought it?I did hear it at my local dealer a few times, but its hard to judge by listening to it through other equipment (AMP, Speakers, Cables),and these guys here don't allow you to take it home and try out.

What i would like to know is what people have heard and experienced with the player after its release about a year ago.. How does it sound? Any comments would be greatly appreciated..

[tony340]

Hi everyone, any thoughts on the Marantz?

[emaidel]

My experience is with the 8001 that I bought well over a year ago, and which has thoroughly delighted me ever since. It is without doubt, one of the finest pieces of audio equipment I've ever purchased, and introduced me to the world of SACD's. From what I've read on various websites, the 8003 is even better. The 8001 was rated a "Class-A" recommended component by Stereophile, but the 8003 hasn't yet been tested by them (as far as I know). Various online retailers call the 8003 a "Class-A component in the making," but that's only advertising hyperbole. I'd say, go for it!

[tony340]

Thank you so much emaidel.. Appreciate it.. Will try to get asap.. Cheers

[blackraven]

I auditioned the 8003 in home several months ago. I also owned the 8001 for one month. For all practical purposes they sound the same. I could not compare them side by side but they both lean on the warmer side with about the same detailed sound and resolution. Bass is excellent and treble not quite as detailed as say a Cambridge 740c and 840c in standard CD.

Many personal reviews that I have read say that the bass on the 8003 is muddier than the 8001 and that there is much more transport noise. I did not notice any muddiness when I auditioned it. I did notice that the transport tray is made out of a cheaper harder plastic on the 8003 compared to the 8001.

[tony340]

thanks blackraven for the info. btw i cannot afford the 740c or the 840c at the moment, but how does the 640c compare with the 8003 and overall as a player?? any thoughts? thanks

[blackraven]

Tony, while I haven't heard the 640c, I have read many reviews on it and am familiar with the Cambridge Audio sound. I would take the 8003 over it. You get SACD playback with the 8003 and a warmer sound. Here in the U.S. the 640c cost $650, while the 8003 sells for $1,000.

[tony340]

Thanks Blackraven, that gives me a good indication on what to buy.. The issue and reason why i keep on asking members here on "what should i buy" without bloody going and listening for myself is because the Dealers here are a bunch of cut throat businessmen who have no real interest sometimes in trying to give u a chance in checking a piece of equipment at home with your own components, so therefore its hard to make a decision by just listening to the Marantz at the dealer, who's got the 8003 hooked up to a PM-8003, and Mission floorstanders!!..My amp is a Rotel RA-1062 and Paradigm studio 20 bookshelves!. Cheers

[blackraven]

Tony, I think the Marantz may be a better fit with your equipment. I've always found Rotel and Paradigm to be on the brighter side. The Marantz may lend to a slightly warmer pleasing sound but that is an personal preference.

[tony340]

You are spot on, definitely agree, so i think i will go ahead with the Marantz, will let you know as soon as i get it.. Cheers mate

[frenchmon]

You are spot on, definitely agree, so i think i will go ahead with the Marantz, will let you know as soon as i get it.. Cheers mate

Tony, did you get the Marantz? IF so what do you think?

frenchmon