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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
8th-note
418 posts
 

I had a Marantz SA 8005 and I upgraded to a KI Ruby. Interesting comments about the high frequencies of the 8005 - that was not my experience. The frequency response was very flat as far as I could tell. I compared the 8005 directly with my PSA PerfectWave MK II DAC and they sounded very similar. I would easily recommend the 8005. It is built well and will last many years.

The one caution I would give you is to make sure that whatever SACD player or transport you buy uses a brand-name transport. Marantz makes its own transports so you are safe with them and since Denon is owned by the same company their transports will be good quality as well. Two other well known transport manufacturers are TEAC and Phillips. The Phillips transports are no longer in production but you can find players with them on the used market (some of the top end transport makers still use them from new old stock). I would avoid any transport manufacturer that doesn't specify exactly where they get their drive units. There are several companies that use cheap computer grade drives that fail quickly.

plasticspoon8 OP
17 posts
 

Thanks so much for the helpful information, and letting me know I’m not annoying.  😀. I was a bit intimidated by posting on this site because I’m really not educated well as an “audiophile.”  I have had a solid two channel stereo system since I first purchased one in 1992 but have never known much on the technical side.  Everyone has been very nice and helpful on this site.  Thanks!

fredapplegate
105 posts
 

I feed dsd over hdmi from a Sony 1100es to my Moon 390, but you're right: you can't output the sacd layer without a breakout box. If you want to hear the sacd layer you will need to rely on the player's internal dac so that part is very important. Cheap Sony bluray probably not going to do it for you. 

Good luck!

mahler123
3,412 posts
 

I have a Sony 5400ES on a shelf in my basement, unplayed for probably 5 years.  It had one annoying trait, in that every SACD would start about 3 seconds into the first track.  Redbook CDs not affected.  I should probably plug it in and see what it does now

mahler123
3,412 posts
 

I have a Sony 5400ES on a shelf in my basement, unplayed for probably 5 years.  It had one annoying trait, in that every SACD would start about 3 seconds into the first track.  Redbook CDs not affected.  I should probably plug it in and see what it does now

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