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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
richgeova
7 posts
 

plasticspoon8, this is what I would do if I was in your position:

1. Get the Sony UBP-X800M2 for around $300

2. Get an HDMI/MHL Interface box capable of DoP output, like this one, for around $100

3. Get a non-ESS Sabre chip based DAC that supports DoP. My recommendation would be the GUSTARD A26 for around $1500, or better yet, used, for around $1000

I use a similar setup for listening to my collection of SACDs and DVD-As but use a Nuprime DAC-9 as my DAC and pre-amp. If you're interested, the DAC-9s are pretty inexpensive ($300-$400) when they come up for sale regularly. This setup works very well for me except the occasional 'freeze' that the Sony transport throws out when I'm impatient with its remote. The build quality of the Sony is excellent and makes for a great CD transport as well as a Spotify Connect device.

fpbpbm
4 posts
 

@mahler123 ; How do you like the Cambridge Audio CXN 60 Streamer? I still have the Marantz 8005NA and have thinking about replacing with Aurender, Cambridge or Lumin.

mahler123
3,361 posts
 

I like my CA CXN 60 very much, but hopefully you are aware that they have just released a new version with an upgraded DAC.  Regardless, even before the upgrade it’s an outstanding value

mountz's avatar
mountz
133 posts
 

I have a Jay’s Audio transport that works great with scads, pm me if interested in discussing

grossman616
123 posts
 

Forget Arcam, dull sounding at best. I have a Opera Audio with a tube output stage that is very nice. T

he Marantz, Oppo and Lexicon's are good units that won't break the bank. The nice thing about the Opera,besides the tube output is that it is a audio only player, not a DVD/Blu Ray unit, so it's only concentrating on audio playback. Hard to find but worth it. Built like a tank and with the blond wood case,looks like a piece of mid-century Danish Hi-Fi.

SACD is still a format worth investing in,especially when you have an internet outage....

Buy something!!

 

 

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