Hypothetical - CD or SACD Player?

If you really are limited at $2k for a CDP and if SACD is not a priority, I think your best sound for the buck is in the redbook arena -- at least when considering new CDP prices.

But, if you are invested in SACD and you have a sufficiently resolving system, then save your pennies and keep an eye on the used market for well reviewed universals.

Why not have both? A gently used Denon 5910 can be had within your budget. You could also get a modded 3910 for the same bucks.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1196975244

OR

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1197066727

-RW-

I don't really believe one has to spend lots of money to hear the difference between SACD/DVDA and CD. Of course you can get better performance at a higher price, it's not always the case. I have a Denon 5910ci that does a great job. Although not inexpensive, it is much less so than many so called Hi-End machines.

_mike, I wouldn't vote for Sony SCD-1 or 777ES. The Marantz SA-14 would be more preferable, IMO, due to its nice transport, dual mono CS4397 Crystal (Cirrus Logic) DACs and discrete HDAM output circuits. Especially with minor clock/capacitor upgrades (I do not offer such) the SA-14 can be a really good performer.

SA-10 features dual mono configuration of the latest flagship Crystal CS4398 DACs which are much more advanced compared to the older CS4397, this applies to both CD and SACD processing. The transport, digital signal processing and power supply in the Esoteric SA-10 is also superb. So I guess that would be the price point where both CD and SACD start to shine in such a player.

Regards,
Alex

If your budget tops out at $2000, and IF you can run a CD player balanced in your system, then purchase a used Ayre CX7e (be sure to get an "evolution" model). You will not miss SACD (in the sub-$2000 players). For the money in the used market, this player is hard to beat.

Good luck in your "hypothetical" quest. :-)