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Need recommendation for new CD/SACD player

I bought an Oppo 981 secondhand a while back to test the waters of SACD/DVD-Audio. I will say that the SACD sounds pretty good on this player and of the two DVD-Audio discs I have the sound is ok. The redbook audio is absolutely terrible, which I am finding out is a major weakness of this player. My old Technics CD from 1992 sounded better.

I am now in the market for a new SACD/CD player. DVD-Audio is not important and in fact I would like to leave DVD out of the equation all together if possible. So I am here to ask what are users opinions on the best CD/SACD player for under $2000? I have been looking at the Marantz, Denon, and Sony ES models. Also, do you think if I get a model for $1000 that I should add an external DAC for the RBCD? Is there a model that would be great standalone (even if I need to spend a bit more money?). Lastly since I think the SACD and DVD-Audio of the Oppo is decent, should I just spend a grand on a decent DAC (like Benchmark) and use that setup for a while? My other equip for reference is an old Carver C-1 preamp (the next upgrade), a Macintosh MC 250 amp, and Klipsch Heresey speakers, I also have a modded Technics 1210 coming soon. Thanks for the advice.
jlc76
tweak1
3,656 posts
 
I have owned several upscale CD/SACD players. They all had problems, and all had inferior CD playback. I think the Oppo and a DAC is probably your best bet. Check out PS Audio DAC 3 moded by Cullen Circuits
ckoffend
684 posts
 
Are you seeking 2-channel SACD playback only or multi-channel as well?
Ag insider logo xs@2x
dogmcd
115 posts
 
Great discussion thread, as I've been looking for something similar myself. I'd like to get a newer player that will handle Red Book CD as well as SACD. This would be for two channel in my case. I currently have a Sony NS999ES, which is a good player, just been wondering if anything newer may be an improvement. The idea of running an external DAC (like a PS Audio or Benchmark...) from one of the outputs of the Sony for RBCD is one I have considered.

The Marantz 8001 may fit the bill. The new Oppo 983 looks like it has promise and the NAD T585 is intriguing. One of the upsides to both the Oppo and NAD is that they also decode HDCD. Anyone have experiences with these? I know the NAD keeps the DSD stream in "native" mode, which should be a great improvement over most universal players. Anyone know of other players that do this?
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
I now have an Oppo 981 and an Oppo 983. The 983 replaced a Denon 3910, a very good unit itself. But I liked the look of the Oppo's blue lights in my system better. No kidding, that's how shallow I am [smile].

Anyway, the 983 sounds terrific to my ears. I have a large colection of 2 channel CDs (incl. a fair number of HDCDs) and an almost as large, and growing daily, collection of DTS/SACD/DVD-Audio discs.

I am really smitten by multi-channel (surround) sound. When it is done properly, it crushes 2 channel. It ain't even close. I have been able to find quite a few sources for this music: bit torrents, private hubs, trading groups, Half.com, Fleabay, Amazon, etc.

The Oppo 983 does a terrific job playing back this multi-channel music. It is fast, dynamic, clear, and sweet. The soundtstage can be incredible in both depth and width. I find it to be every bit as good as the Denon was, and the Denon was no slouch.

The 981 is doing duty in the bedroom, excellent unit for that job...

-RW-
magfan
1,583 posts
 
Rotel? don't know the model, but it is 700$ and gets good HDCD reviews.
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