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SACD...around $3500?

I never thought this would be so hard....

Looking for new CD player, and I've got just enough Hybrid CDs that it would sure be nice to have SACD.

...have Triode preamp, SS power amp, Maggie 3.6 speakers.

have listened to Cambridge 740 and 840C, Marantz SA11S2 and SA15S2. (SA11S2 would be just about the max I'd like to spend.) I did quite like the SA11S2, with no competitors in that price range, I'd probably end up there....but options are always nice.

I felt that both Marantz units beat both Cambridge units.

any/all suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

-RayO
rayooo
mrthunder
7 posts
 
I've listened to a lot of SACD players at various shows. Ended up with the Sony XA5400ES - until I can find one that really sounds better. I was not impressed with the Marantz offering. You need to go with the Esoteric 2 box P03/D03 to hear something really good. The Ayre C-5xe MP sounds very good and I might buy one. Unless I can get enough money for an EMM somehow. The EMM 2 box DAC2/TSD1 is really special.
Ayre has a new player based on the Oppo multi-drive. The C-5xe sounded better on SACD.
Have not heard the Oppo but suspect it's trying to do too much.
The XA5400SE is heavy and well built. Fantastic bargain for SACD if you are playing 2 channels. Red Book is also very good (but after playing SACD they all sound like junk).
bblilikoi's avatar
bblilikoi
99 posts
 
I disagree w/ Mrthunder and like the Marantz S11 S2 and S11 S1 quite a bit. Smooth, resolving enough, and completely musical. Great warranty.
rayooo OP
70 posts
 
Thanks very much everyone!

I'm for sure going to have a look at the various Oppo possibilities, and the Sony units as well!

I'm not at all familiar with the Esoteric, Ayre units...more to noodle!

I liked the SA11S2, and I suspect a SA-7S1 or Cary 306 would be great..especially if I could find them used at a reasonable price.

The SA11S2 I borrowed had what appeared to be something wrong with the CD tray, as there was an annoying scraping sound when it was traveling in or out. It seemed to function fine otherwise, but I was surprised about this seeming defect as the unit is built like a tank otherwise.
(it was a new unit out-of-the-box)

-RayO
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,504 posts
 
Look into a Cary 306. They can be had for under $3000. Sound every bit as good as the Professional version that sells for lots more.

Very good player!
rstone
17 posts
 
I'd recommend the Sony XA5400ES or one of the Marantz players. If you've listened to the Marantz and like it I'd start there - although you might consider picking up an SA8003 or used SA8001 and using the change to buy more music. Both of these players sound terrific on my Thiel 3.6/Musical Fidelity A3.2CR setup. Good luck and most of all have fun!

Rich
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