Hypothetical - CD or SACD Player?

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. :-)

Mcrheist,
Thanks for your reply and the recommendation. Lots of good things written about the CX-7e. Maybe too many good things - it may be difficult to find one on the used market.
Mike

Take a look at the discussion thread called 'Why so many Cambridge 840c cd players for sale???'... Someone comments there about the CX7e against the Cambridge Audio 840c.

While I haven't heard the CX7e, I can vouch for the 840c as well - can't beat it for the $$.

Mike