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SACD - Pioneer Elite any good? Cambridge Audio?

My SACD player broke (Sony SCD-CE775) after about eight or nine years. It can't read the SACD layer on Hybrid CD/SACD discs any more. A common problem, from what I've read. I tried everything, cleaning the lens, blowing out the dust, calling Sony. I give up. I have a backup Sony SCD-CD595, but it's definitely a step down in sound. So... I need an inexpensive SACD player. Any opinions on the Cambridge Audio DVD89 as an audio player? How about Pioneer Elite stuff? Is there a decent player for under $400? Your experiences, opinions appreciated.
rongon
rwwear
2,871 posts
 
The Pioneer Elite DV-79 is a good player. It has the AIR studios enhancement. You may find an Oppo BDP-83 used for around that price. It's a very good player and both it and the Pioneer will also have the added benefit of DVD Audio. The Oppo will also do Bluray.
loomisjohnson
1,948 posts
 
another option would be to keep your backup sony as a transport and add a good dac like the cambridge dacmagic or mf v-dac (both within your budget)--this will markedly improve the sound. if you need dvd functionality, i'd also opt for oppo.
rongon OP
2 posts
 
Hi -- I forgot to mention that this is for use in a music-only system. No video.

Loomisjohnson -- How would I connect the DSD output from SACD to a DAC? I know about CD, and a DAC is a great idea for redbook CD (PCM digital), but there's only analog out for the DSD (SACD). Actually, if the V-DAC transforms my CD collection into the equal of what the analog SACD output was from the SCD-CE775, then I'd be happy with that. (I like SACD a lot compared to the CD playback I'm used to.) That would make sense, since I have a couple thousand CD's collected over the years, and maybe 20 SACD's. Actually, considering it can be done for only ~$300, it sounds like I'd want to get something like the V-DAC in general.

Rwwear -- I've never heard the AIR enhancement. Do you think that makes a difference? There are some older Pioneer Elite CD/SACD players around that might work. Were they pretty good? What about the Denon DVD-2910? I've seen a couple for sale here. Seemed to be well regarded.

Thanks again for the input.
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