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Upgrading a CD/SACD player with integral DAC

I’ve described my system on site before and it was pointed out the CD/SACD player was the weak link in the system. I’m not in disagreement, and would like to start researching an upgrade that would be commensurate with the rest of the system.

Here is what I have at present:

Marantz SA 8005 CD player with integral DAC
VPI Classic 2 turntable with an Ortofon 2M Black cartridge
Luxman L507 uX Mk2 Integrated Amplifier
Magico A3 speakers
Hydra Denali 6000S Power Conditioner

I have only Redbook CD’s, no SACDs but it would be nice to retain that capability. It would also be nice to retain an integral DAC, although at a higher price point maybe you would advise on getting a separate DAC. I’d rather avoid doing that if possible, as that would mean having to add more cables that would detract from the overall budget. But let me know what you think on that score. I have no plans to add any other components, or to stream music, so that doesn’t need to enter the equation. I listen to mostly fifties jazz and Rock ’n Roll and R&B, among other things, if that is at all relevant. I want to buy new, and not Chinese manufactured products.

So what CD players would you recommend looking into that would be similar in quality to the rest of the system. And what if any sonic improvements might I look forward to with your recommended upgrade. I purposely did not mention price point as I don’t know what price point would put the CD player into the performance range of the rest of the system components. You were all were very helpful to me choosing the rest of the system components, especially the amp and speakers. So I’d appreciate, and am looking forward to your recommendations and guidance on this selection. If there’s any more information you need, please let me know. Thanks

Mike


skyscraper
skyscraper OP
836 posts
 
Mahler, as I stated above "I purposely did not mention price point as I don’t know what price point would put the CD player into the performance range of the rest of my system components."   I am hoping some of you could recommend models that would fit in better with the above listed components, so I wouldn't have a "weak link" in the system, as someone described my Marantz SA 8005 in another thread. I'll figure out what I want to spend out of the list of possibilities you all recommend  along the way. I'm not a millionaire, but do want a CD/SACD player that would fit in the "neighborhood" of the components I do have. 

Stereo5, thank you for your recommendations. I am going to buy new, but will read up on the Esoteric models you mentioned. I did read a couple of reviews on the Ruby K1 SACD player mentioned by Jafant last night and have made that the first entry on the list of possibilities. 

I'd appreciate any more recommendations anyone else may have and will add your suggestions to my list of possible choices to research. Thanks.

Mike
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,327 posts
 

Marantz is an excellent recommendation.  I'd love to hear from someone who's heard the Ruby K1 and SA-10 side by side; the Ruby may be the sweet spot.

Don't overlook Luxman, excellent machines plus again SACD.  Luxman is about to introduce new models, so there should be some excellent prices on the current D-05u, -06u and -08u.

skyscraper OP
836 posts
 
Thanks for the recommends on the Luxmans, twoleftears. I'll look up the three you mentioned. I imagine they would synchronize well with my Luxman amp.

Some side by side comparisons would be helpful. Maybe I can find some reviews that do that.

Mike
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sebrof's avatar
sebrof
837 posts
 
Marantz is an excellent recommendation. I'd love to hear from someone who's heard the Ruby K1 and SA-10 side by side; the Ruby may be the sweet spot.
I have the SA-KI Ruby. When I was researching I couldn't find any comparison to it vs. the SA-10. Even the specs of the two on the Marantz website are apples to oranges if you want to compare (IOW different specs are listed for each so hard to compare).

Physically they are almost identical except the 10 has balanced outs, the 10 has a copper shielding around the power transformer, the 10 has many filtering options where the Ruby has only 2. There may be others but I didn't uncover while researching.
 I can't imagine they sound very different but I dunno. Seems nobody else knows either.
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