2. digital
  3. 161579-16546

Diminishing returns?

This may have been discussed ad nauseam, I am new here. I only play remastered CDs. No Streaming. I have a large collection including MoFi Gold discs and some Japan SHM CDs. I have maybe a dozen SACD Hybrid, mostly Dylan. System is Focal 926 floor speakers, Pass Labs XA 30.5 amp, an old Cary Cinema 11 for the TV and control center. In January I purchased the new Quad Artera Play+ CD player that also allows for streaming, cost $1950. It really sounds terrific but my brain is getting in the way of reason the more I read about the Marantz Ruby Sa1 and the CD only functioning Hegel Mohican. Would there me "noticeable" listening experience in either of the two aforementioned players to the tune of $3000 and $4000 respectively? It would be a struggle financially to make such a move but am curious of you folks expert opinions!
Thanks.
128x128voodudrew2
mgrif104
344 posts
 
Sound quality and value/worth is really subjective.  Many of us here on these forums have decided that it is worth going upstream.  A large number of participants here would say it is diminishing returns.

The units you’re considering are well regarded.  However, the only real way for you to know will be to demo/audition in your home with your other components.  Ideally, you have a local dealer who will let you try a demo unit (fully broken in).  Absent that,  perhaps Music Direct or Audio Advisor. I believe both have generous return policies. The downside here is that you’re trying equipment that’s not broken so make sure to give it some time.

Good luck.
corelli
975 posts
 
I have a Marantz Ruby and it is a fine unit with audible improvements over the SA14s2 I owned prior. A more spacious soundstage was the biggest difference, perhaps a bit smoother with fine detail.  

Regarding the issue of redbook CD vs SACD.  I enjoy having the option of SACD but I have redbook CD's that sound just as good.  The recording engineer has more to do with the final sound than the medium IMO.
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,587 posts
 
If it's a financial struggle and you're happy with your current player, don't upgrade unless you can listen to the new player in your system and feel it's worth the money.

Sound quality improvements are hard to predict and the law of diminishing returns is enforced big time in audio.  Learning to be happy with what you have is one of the keys to not spending yourself into oblivion chasing better sound.


vcherry
4 posts
 
I have the original Quad Artera Play, works great straight into my amps, beautiful sound and every time I think about upgrading to another DAC at a higher price, as mentioned, if you like the sound for what you are listening to now, why spend the money.  The Artera Play plays all the CDs in my collection from around the world, over 1k and counting, SACD, Gold, etc... never ran across anything that it will not play and they all sound great!!!!
terrance94
2 posts
 
Thanks for the post, I found a lot of interesting information here. Keep sharing such informative post.


My Balance Now
More to discover