Sony SCD-777ES, Oppo UPD-205 or Marantz SA-KI Ruby


I have a Sony SCD-777ES with Kern modes and a super clock.  Run it these days only for CD with an External Oppo Sonica DAC.  Also have the Oppo UDP-205.  I am interested to get something better.  Will spend up to $ 5,000.  Could be new or used.  Could also be an upgrade.  The Marantz SA-KI Ruby seems a nice choice.  But I am open to something else.  What is my reference to match - Oracle Delphi with ET-2 tone arm and a Cello Miyabi cartridge.  I want a SACD/CD rig that sounds as good as my vinyl rig.  Neither Sony nor Oppo can do that.  Thank you.

dcaudio

I think the Marantz looks pretty good. Did you see this recent post about it being on-sale for $3K? Just checked, still in stock. Below is the direct link to the SA-KI Ruby SACD/CD player.

@dcaudio 

I hear you. I have made do with an Oppo 105 to which I upgraded the OEM power supply, the IEC, and a jumper to bypass the 110/220 switch.  My intent was to simplify my digital playback, it CAN sound pretty good with SACDs, but many of them just aren't ALL THAT. I've been binge listening over the last 2 weeks , the recordings are sonically, all over the place

 

I do/did have a Marantz HD CD-1 that I use as a transport for redbook into my Audio Alchemy DDP-1 + PS 5, a significant upgrade to the 105, but the magnetic clamp started scratching, and likely beyond repair: a new drive system is $150 + shipping. I decided it was time to get a dedicated transport: a slightly used Audiolab 6000 CDT should be here tomorrow. But, if $3000 was spending money I would get the Technics SL C 700: HTH

 

@dcaudio - Interested to know what you feel is lacking in your Oppo 205? Mine is so resolving that I can't imagine anything sounding better. I'm not saying there is nothing better, I just haven't heard it (yet). Thanks

Had the same Sony with not one but two Richard Kern mods. 

Not sure what, if anything is better as a player.