Upgrade Marantz 5004 CDP to what ?

I would get a new preamp first and keep the Marantz for now. A preamp would make a bigger difference in SQ.

Well I am open to that suggestion if that seems like the overwhelming response. I will say the pre is well thought of and so are the amps. I really do believe based on forums and direct conversations with a guy who has spent years with all the older era exposure systems that the system will respond with better overall system. I really believe the CDP is the weakest part of my current system.

There's a nice Marantz SA-15s1 Reference Series in the classifieds for $800 used; an excellent price.

If you're happy with the timbre of your system, then keep the pre and get a better source. In your price range is the Jolida 100A, which is not a detailed sounding CDP, but has a huge soundstage and is so smooth. It responds very well to rolling the tubes to get a more detailed sound.

Hi Darkstar1

Are you limited to CDP only? What about Blu-Ray or SACD players? I owned Marantz CD-5003 and when I moved to the Oppo BDP-83 I found sonic improvements all around in my system. At the $1000 range you could probably get an Oppo BDP-95 or Oppo BDP-105 used. For CD or SACD I liked the Pioneer Elite SACD PD-D9J vs the Marantz CD-5003 I had.

A CD player only I would look at the Emotiva ERC-2 or Emotive ERC-3 to replace your Marantz.

too complicate things further what about adding an outboard DAC and use your existing CD-5004 as a transport? You can get a Schiit Gugnir and a Black Cat Northstar 75 ohm Coax cable for under $1k.

Good luck with the search.