Cary 306 SACD Professional

Has anyone compared the Cary 306 Prof with any of the following - Marantz SA-7, EMM Labs CDSA, Esoteric X-03, Ayre C-5XE, Audio Aero Prestige, Symphonic Line CD Ref? These are all multi-format (accept the last one) players of similar price points.

Also, reading the above seems to indicate Cary have quality problems - is this the case?

Is there any further views on this product - in particular how it compares with others at a similar price point?

This is a great CD Player.
Made in China - Finished in USA.
Great VFM product.

Currently I have 2 new CD Players in my set up;
Cary CD 306 SACD Professional & the Meridian 808i.2
Both are about 2 & 1 month old respectively.

As most persons have oberved, the Cary is a nice machine. Very very high on resolution. I prefer the play back on 192 Khz.
The Bass is 'taught' & goes rather deep. The 'resolution' is right up there with the best I may have auditioned.

The CD Drawer is still not as good as I would have liked. My player runs 'hot' [more than luke warm].

Power Cable change does not affect the sound on this machine. Tried various cords from Jorma Design to Transparent PLMM and the sound does not change;;

I recommend an audition to all. This might just be the 'value buster' amongst the 'new' age CD Players of the world.

I did not find SACD to be better than CD !!

Cary Audio CD 306 SACD [Serial # 08306PV6044]
Meridian 808i.2 Signature Referance CD Player [Serial # 808.200379]

Hi Schwinnindia,

A couple of questions on the 306. Others with experience are welcome to chime in to!

You feel it sounds best at 192KHz sampling. What is different about the sound at this level vs. say 44.1KHz or 768kHz sampling?

Have you tried both balanced and unbalanced audio connections? Which sounds better to you?

How long was run in on the 306?

You say resolution is up with the best. What else did you audition?

Hi Guys,

I now have 100 hours on my Cary and it sounds beautiful but
I added lassloss power cords to the amp and player and now
I have a 20% increase in everything - I have pics and the full story if any one is interested

paul