My guess is that it takes BIG BUCKS to get the redbook performance of your CD-308 standard from a one box SACD/CD player.
I own a Cary CD-308 and I previously owned a Sony DVP-9000ES SACD/DVD/CD player. The Sony is regularly praised for its redbook performance, however, IMS the Sony was not even close to the Cary in overall performance. I even tryed using the Sony as a transport for redbook playback using a well reviewed DAC. Even in this setup, the Cary spanked the Sony/DAC setup.
Maybe a non-DVD based unit would be a better pick, but I don't know which one would get you there. Maybe the Accuphase, Shandling or Consonance, but I have not heard any of them.
Enjoy,
TIC
