What high-end multichannel SACD players are there?

My experience is very consistent with this. I went from HDMI into an Onkyo SSP, which was very good. But then I went MCH analog into the analog bypass of the Onkyo and things got better. Then I upgraded the Onkyo to a dedicated MCH analog preamp, which was the next step up. Then I upgraded my MCH analog source to Marantz ud9004, which was the next level of improvement. To improve on a high grade analog signal path you need a very high grade SSP, which will probably end up costing you more.

The thing missing in this equation is room correction - which could be a big factor.

But bottom line, if you are getting limited room improvement mileage out of your anthem, it could be you are better off going analog than HDMI purely on the basis of sound quality.

If you have 3K to spend and you are willing to go down this path, I would scout out a used (or new discounted) marantz ud9004. Keep in mind, this player has downrezed SACD HDMI, so it is a big commitment to analog.

I would personally test the waters with an Oppo (which is an easy resale), and if you decidede to go analog you can get your upgraded, or get a higher grade MCH analog player like the Marantz.

Thanks for the comments!

The mileage that I am getting out of the Anthem room correction is XTREME as I have Revel Studios in a fairly small room (15 x 13) and the bass would overwhelm the room without Anthem ARC. ARC cleans it right up.

I exchanged some emails with Dan from Modwright, who agreed with you all here - ie GO ANALOG from a great player if possible. If room correction didn't play such a big role in my setup I would go in Analog direct, and preferably find a nice MCH pre. Emm labs Switchman maybe?

Next time - just need to snag a bigger room.

What is the top player up to 5k used of of the MCH analogs? ModWright Oppo 95? Krell Evo 505? That marantz player?

In the meantime digital over HDMI it is I think... but I would like to get a real nice analog player in the future - so I am leaning towards Oppo 95 stock to start with and go digital (and enjoy the nice build quality) and then break off to a real nice analog setup later.

Goatwuss, yes I am running 6 channel analog direct into the D2v and using the 6CH out to listen. I have had no issues with sound quality. I get more dynamic soundfield doing it that way than by running HDMI. I find that the digital route sounds very constrained. I had a McIntosh MX135 prior to the D2v and I always used the 6 channel analog on it as well, of course it didn't have HDMI. You can always make adjustments within either your player or the D2v to sound issues if you have any.

Maybe I should STUFF my huge ports and try and make it work analog???

Oppo 95 - PURCHASED

I figure this will be a good place to start to give me flexibility, with possible mods later on