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Best SACD-CD Player under $1000?

I am looking for a SACD player that also does a nice job with redbook CDs for under $1000 any suggestions? I thought my next upgrade would be speakers but I think I am changing my mind. I know there is a difficulty in getting both a good SACD and CD player in the same unit at this price point. I listened to a T+A SACD 1245R a couple of weeks ago and it was outstanding but at $5K I am not a player. I have a Forte Model 4A amp and a Forte F-44 preamp, tara cables and ICs and Sound Dynamics 300ti speakers. My current CD front end is an Audio Alchemy DDS Pro with a DDE v3.0. I would be open to two units if necessary. I have been looking at a Music Hall cd-25 or a Rotel rcd1072 for redbook, but don't have a direction on SACD.
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jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,187 posts
 
Jolida 100 used or AH Njoe Tjoeb 4000.
mr_hosehead
210 posts
 
Gotta second the Denon DVD-2910. If you do some research you'll find out just how good this unit can be. And if you work at it you should be able to find one for a decent price. There will likely be plenty of suggestions in this price range, many of them will be quite good units, but a bit more research should point out just how good the 2910 is. As Dvorak says - "Recommended!".
lkdog
417 posts
 
The TRL modded Sony 595 mentioned is a very good sounding unit on both SACD and Redbook.
Do a search here and on AA Hi Rez.
See 6 Moons review.

I have no affiliation with seller.
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
The Denon DVD-3910 is a superb universal player for the money, and does a great job with CD, SACD, DVD-A, and DVD-video. It's gotten terrific reviews, and can purchased NEW for about $1050 from an authorized dealer. I'd be glad to provide more info if you drop me a personal E-mail.

Sdcampbell
richards
145 posts
 
Are you open to a modded player? The Toshiba 4960 provides a great, inexpensive platform, and can be modded (mine was done by Reference Audio Mods--RAM, but EVS and Red Wine Audio also do some nice mods to this unit) into a really fine SACD/CD player.

I doubt you can touch it in performance anywhere near the price, since you're not paying for the dealer, distributor, etc, mark-ups--just for the guy doing the work. Most of the built-to-a-price units, and especially the Japanese units, use cheap parts (caps, clocks, bridges, etc) that really choke the sonics. Replacing them with quality parts can open up a new musical world at a price the big boys just can't compete with.

I've got a $800 and a $1100 CD player, and a $1100 DAC that aren't nearly as refined on CD, and SACD on this is absolutely pristine.

Some question putting that much into an inexpensive unit, but I'd rather put my money where it counts.
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