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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
usblues
1,217 posts
 
Contact Ric Schulz at EVS and ask him whats happening and mention your budget etc.He's easy to talk to and may answer all your questions.We aren't going to,YMMV,good luck,Bob
billeames's avatar
billeames
36 posts
 
That unit has some updates from previous models that may make it attractive. Reports are good so far. I have 2 products of theirs and no trouble ever with either, plus great sound. CD1 is $1500.

Thanks

Bill
jlc76 OP
37 posts
 
I would really rather keep it 2 ch for now, as I have about 1500 CDs, 500 LPs, 300 45s, and about 10 multichannel CDs. I have a cheaper setup for my home theater which will play multichannel and I will probably move the Oppo there if I get a dedicated CD/SACD.

I don't know much about HDCD, does the music have to be recorded with it? I bet most of what I listen to (indie, electronic, Texas country, and some jazz) isn't encoded this way.

I am hesistant to go with another Oppo, it seems they are great for DVD but I think they are just cramming too much in one box. There is a bug whereby the first second is cutoff of every song when you use the analog out but apparently not when you go digital, so I may just buy a cheaper DAC now and make due until I can upgrade to something really nice.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,413 posts
 
Jlc76 - SACD is not a PCM and it needs to be converted for use by DACs like Benchmark. I read somwhere on Audiogon that Oppo is outputing/converting SACD only at 48kHz while Benchmark is 192kHz capable. As for quality of the Oppo as a transport - it doesn't matter (according to Benchmark) as long as the player is "bit transparent" - doesn't have digital volume control etc. I use $69 Sony DVD player + coax + Benchmark DAC1. DVD players have poor analog outputs but very good tracking. Check its logic - people complained about Oppos menus and my Sony is completely ridiculous.
duffye
2 posts
 
LIKE Kijanki & Tweak1 I'D JUST GET A DAC AND KEEP YOUR CHEAP PLAYER. I JUST COMPLETED AN A/B/C/ ANALYSIS OF BENCHMARK DAC1USB, PS AUDIO DIGILINK III AND THE MUSICAL FIDELITY X-DAC V8. ITS THE 3 BEARS STORY-PS AUDIO HAS GREAT LOW END BUT LACKS DETAIL, THE BENCHMARK WAS SO CRYSTAL CLEAR & FORWARD IT HURT AND THE MUSICAL FIDELITY WAS JUST RIGHT. NONE OF MY FINDINGS MEAN DIDDLELY HOWEVER....BOILS DOWN TO WHAT YOU HAVE FOR PROCESSING, POWER, SPEAKERS ETC., ETC. I CAN TELL YOU THIS, YOU WON'T BE UNHAPPY WITH ANY OF THE THREE & YOU WON'T BELIEVE HOW GREAT YOUR CD PLAYER WILL SOUND. I HAVE A $99 SONY THAT SOUNDS ALMOST AS GOOD AS MY CAMBRIDGE 840C.
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