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Annoying newbie CD/SACD player question

I am still using my Sony 5 disc carousel CD player that I bought in 1992.  I have loved this thing for years and years.  Recently it started skipping.  I cured that with some budget isolation feet from Amazon.  After about a year it’s starting to act up again, not being able to register that a CD is in the tray.  Turning it off and on fixed that but even without the recent problem I’ve been looking for a replacement for a while now. 
 

I have around maybe 25 hybrid SACD’s and have always wanted to try the format.  The only SACD player I can afford new is the Arcam CDS50.  I’ve also looked at a used Marantz 8005 SACD player and various used Sony’s.  On the other hand I’m thinking of just forgetting about SACD and I’m primarily looking at the Cambridge transport and the Audiolab 600cdt.  I would consider the new Audiolab CDT models as well.   Part of me wants to scratch my SACD itch.  I think the Marantz used is the best option.  It’s a recent model so likely still a lot of life left in it.  Looking at gut shots it seems much better built than the Arcam.  Am I wrong about that?  As far as the Cd transport option It seems that the Audiolab is the best bang for the buck with the only downside being the slot loading mechanism that scratches some people’s discs.

I’m having a hard time deciding which avenue to take.  I guess, like most people, I’m looking for the most bang for the buck.  Sorry for the rambling post.  I thought maybe it would instigate some suggestions to help me with my decision.  Thanks

plasticspoon8
jafant
18,836 posts
 

plasticspoon8

There has never been a better time to enjoy CD and SACD discs. Plenty of players are available demo and used. Enjoy the Audio journey.

 

Happy Listening!

jdavis234
12 posts
 

If you’re on a budget, Sony Blu Ray and 4K players are able to play SACD, and can be had for under $100. You can feed a coax cable to an external DAC and you should be on your way. 

yyzsantabarbara
4,519 posts
 

You can feed a coax cable to an external DAC and you should be on your way. 

Make sure they can output DSD. I do not think anything other than the D.BOB can do that.

mahler123
3,051 posts
 

It would help to know what other components you have and what your budget is.

I had the maranztz 8005.  It had a great midrange but tended to roll off at the top.

   I listen to a lot of SACD.  My setup allows me to output the DSD  layer of the SACD (not all SACD players do this-some actually are outputing PCM) and I was listening to Jordi Savall's recording of Schuberts Unfinished Symphony and when the double basses start, then are augmented by the cellos, and then the violins enter, it's heavenly, especially as the DSD so clearly etches the timber of each instrument and where it belongs in space.

elliottbnewcombjr
5,186 posts
 

SACD itch should be scratched!

Essentially, the difference is an obvious lower noise floor, most noticeable on material with space around the music.

How Quiet? Some, like a few of my Oscar Peterson SACDs are so quiet it seems like an un-natural quiet, but you may love that. 

And, when not concentrating to hear the difference, it's not un-natural, just great artist and performance, I play the SACD.

....................................

Used: Lasers weaken, the 1st thing they do is stop finding the SACd layer. Have seller confirm it ALWAYS finds the SACD layer.

I found one highly recommended here (Sony xa5400es) with very low hours, sold by original purchaser (he had two, mine barely used). 

I also checked, belts and the entire laser assembly is available to keep it going in the future

 

Now I don't see a great low use xa5400es for sale, but with patience one from original purchaser will pop up. 

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