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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
829 posts
 
Pettyofficer, you're lucky to have a good retail outlet for CD's in Seattle. I Iived nearby in Monroe and Bothell throughout the eighties. I used to love driving there to shop at Towers and Peaches and that place under the monorail that specialized in imports. There was a great used record store in Everett too at the time that had lots of rare material. Here in Roanoke the last place left selling CD's was the Barnes & Noble book store at the mall and they might have quit too for what I know.  Thank goodness for online shopping and thanks for your suggestions on where to search. 

Jafant thanks for the info on how to search for SACD's on Amazon. I'll do that today.

 Sebrof, I'll check out Ebay too. I've had pretty good luck with used CD's so far, way better than second-hand records which so often are crackly sounding even if they look perfect. I did get one used CD online from our local Goodwill recently. I haven't yet figured out if there is a physical Goodwill store to go to to check out their stock, or if it was only an online venture. 

Tweak, I'll look up the Machina Dynamica New Dark Matter today. Sounds like you've had some good luck with system improvements and modifications.

Mike




twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
@skyscraper If you're curious, there's a review of your Marantz in the February issue of Absolute Sound.
skyscraper OP
829 posts
 
I'll check it out, Thanks. Are you meaning in the new issue or last years?

Mike 
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
Brand new issue, just recently out.
pettyofficer
462 posts
 
Hello Skyscraper,

     The bad news is that Silver Platter's inventory of SACD disks is mostly depleted, I just checked. The good news is that the Acoustic Sounds website has various multi-channel SACDs available. There are disks by Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, Dave Brubeck, The Doors, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Miles Davis, Jeff Beck, Jacintha, and various  classical  artists. The Dianna Krall " The Look Of Love " multi-channel SACD is available for $20.00. A few other disks can run from $30.00-$35.00. The Eagles " Hotel California " runs right up to $55.00. As much as I want that disk, that is way too pricey for me. There are plenty of deals to be had from $12.00 to $23.00. I wouldn't buy more than two or three, pretty pricey disks. I am just not sure, with streaming and all, how much longer these disks will still remain available. According to Acoustic Sounds, just about their entire inventory of Joni Mitchell has been switched to download available only. Some Artists are just going that way, but to pay as much for a download as a disk? Just one tiny computer virus can wipe out your entire expensive music file collection, and you will be left with nothing to show for it. What in the he'll are they trying to do to us?
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