Best SACD for under $1200

I am happy with my Denon 2900, and a mod available for about $900 can replace the analog circuitry for audio quality described as second to none.

It is a universal player. One practical advantage of a universal player, which I never thought of before I bought it, is that you don't need to know what kind of a disc it is when you choose it to play. My discs are all mixed up, CD, DVD-A, SACD, any organization being along the lines of type of music, Symphonies, Chamber music, Folk, Jazz, etc. They are all in the same kind of boxes, and the printing is so small and the choice of ink color so stupid that reading the label is a challenge. With a universal, I just load the disc, and let the machine figure out what to do with it.

An even lower-cost alternative to the above is the Philips 963SA multi player (cd-sacd-dvd). For $~400 you get direct audio out, gold-plated rca's et alia audiophool approved gadgets.
You'll have to get s/one to modd the analogue section however...

I agree with Gregm the Philips 963 is a very capable unit which has been tested against more expensive players. The best in the price category. Some have gone as far as saying it beats the Denon 2900 in all departments.

Thanks for the responses, guys - I'll give as many of these a listen as I can and let you know what I come up with.

J

marantz sa-8260.

incredible redbook and sacd too ( i would dare say the redbook is 95% close to sacd). it is that good - the
reviews are true.

would sugggest buying new- there have been problems with toc/servo/transport issues.

also the philips 963 would be my second choice.

hope that helps !!

mike