Need help on a CD player

I'll second the Emotiva ERC4, i got mine about 2 months ago and love it.  the built in DAC is pretty good and convenient for a small system
its built like a tank. very solid

adg101627 posts04-12-2020 7:02pm"....As far as the Marantz CD6006, it’s not as refined as the Cambridge; it’s a good player but it is not up to the task (yes I’ve listened to one) and the 851C has digital in w/various inputs, single and balanced out and can be used as preamp out with your digital sources. The CD6006, besides sound quality, can’t compete."

At 3X the price of the CD6006, the Cambridge 851C should be better. It's interesting, however, that What HiFi gave the 851C a 4-star rating and the CD6006 received 5-stars. In their words, the 851C was "too clinical for our tastes.".

What HiFi ratings are also cost related not absolute. I think many didn’t like the 851C because it was so different than, rather than an evolution, of their beloved 840C

As mentioned I’ve heard the Marantz CD6006 and it has the traditional Marantz house sound and nothing wrong with that if that’s what one likes. The Cambridge is more revealing and open, and not as forgiving as the Marantz but that’s not the 861C’s fault, but poor recordings. Can’t speak for What HiFi as I’ve never put too much faith in that mag. I know the previous 840C as well and it was a great player too but again, it wasn’t as revealing. The 851C took a long time to settle in so if you don’t give it time then it is sterile until it gets a lot of time on it. Yep, the 851C new is more than a new CD6006 but I was suggesting buying a used one on this site which is fairly new for the price of a new CD6006. Those with the CD6006, enjoy it as it is a great player for the money and a great value,  but it’s not as good as an 851C. One of my employees owns a CD6006 which I recommended to him so I’m not bashing the Marantz.  I’ll finish by saying, because the Cambridge is very neutral and revealing it will greatly improve with the best cables you can throw at it, and likewise if you put garbage on it (better word comes to mind but I’ll watch my language) then it’s garbage you’ll get. I’m very happy with the cables I use on my 861C, which you can view my system, and no doubt it has elevated it much.