Thread: SACD Player for Stereo use

Posts: 10

Post by MattMan657 January 13, 2012 (1 of 10)
Hey all hows it going? I'd like to get a stereo SACD player to match with my new to me vintage Marantz Model 2010 receiver. The receiver is obviously only stereo and I'm currently only using it for some radio listening and my turntable. I have it matched with a set of Paradigm Titans with some custom work done and a passive Paradigm sub. Sounds excellent with the turntable.

I'm not trying to spend a ton but it needs to have good redbook playback as well. If there was one that had a USB port that would be amazing but I know this is a newer feature. I was thinking maybe about one of the older Oppos, maybe 83SE or maybe even one from their upscaling line. Perhaps even an older Integra like the DPS8.3.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Post by old-dog-newtricks January 14, 2012 (2 of 10)
I use an Arcam CD37 which is famed for its Red Book playback as well as exemplary SACD stereo only and with which I am extremely pleased. Also consider the multi media DV137 which is almost as good but more versatile and can be picked up on ebay for a bargain price. Google for reviews.

Post by canonical January 15, 2012 (3 of 10)
MattMan657 said:

I'd like to get a stereo SACD player to match with my new to me vintage Marantz Model 2010 receiver. The receiver is obviously only stereo ...

Marantz SA8004 .. perfect match ... and you will probably be able to use the same remote control to control both. If you are in Europe, basically same as: Marantz SA-KI Pearl Lite.

Post by Yoropiko1 January 15, 2012 (4 of 10)
If multichannel is something you never wish to persue then whatever player you opt for might as well be a stereo only SACD and a Marantz to boot for both asthetic and synergy reasons.
For any given budget I feel a dedicated stereo only model will by virtue of the fact that it has none of the bells and whistles offered by multichannel universal solutions, will pound for pound offer better stereo seperation and construction given the entire budget will have been spent on a purely stereo reproduction especially if RBCD is important to you. Of course the internal DAC's and the way each machine deals with the original raw DSD before converting to analog wll also be important too making the decision somewhat harder. It could be argued that the earliest stereo players should sound better in your set up than say a universal player but of course DAC technology has improved massively in the past few generations so some might argue that the latest Oppos with all the highest spec analog upgrades like NuForce, etc., would be better. The only way to know for sure is to listen yourself of course but that is not always realistically practical prior to purchase. Best of luck in your search, I am sure whatever you choose you will be suitably impressed : )

Post by MattMan657 January 15, 2012 (5 of 10)
canonical said:

Marantz SA8004 .. perfect match ... and you will probably be able to use the same remote control to control both. If you are in Europe, basically same as: Marantz SA-KI Pearl Lite.

I would love to get something like that. The only problem with these ideas is that if I'm going to spend $1000 bucks on a source player it will have multichannel ability too. That Marantz would be absolutely perfect though if I could afford it. My Marantz receiver doesnt use a remote haha.

That is why I'm looking into more discontinued products. Like an older Integra DPS or an older Oppo. That sort of stuff.

Post by stvnharr January 15, 2012 (6 of 10)
MattMan657 said:

That is why I'm looking into more discontinued products. Like an older Integra DPS or an older Oppo. That sort of stuff.

You will have a hard time finding an old, or used, Oppo.

Post by Fugue January 15, 2012 (7 of 10)
Check out audiogon.com--it's a good source for high quality used audio gear. For instance, here is the listing for Oppo gear:

http://app.audiogon.com/listings?utf8=%E2%9C%93&search_text=oppo

Post by canonical January 15, 2012 (8 of 10)
MattMan657 said:

I would love to get something like that. The only problem with these ideas is that if I'm going to spend $1000 bucks on a source player it will have multichannel ability too. That Marantz would be absolutely perfect though if I could afford it.

How about if it cost $760 instead? [ I don't know this firm ... just googled it ]

http://www.elegantaudiovideo.com/product/MR0002/Marantz-SA8004BRSuper-Audio-CD--CD-Player.html

Post by Merganser January 16, 2012 (9 of 10)
MattMan657 said:

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

I think the superior sound quality of 2 channel SACD is going to be severely limited by your receiver.

Post by hiredfox January 16, 2012 (10 of 10)
Without a notional budget it's hard to respond but if you can find a 3 y.o. mint condition Esoteric X-03SE that's the one to go for. Insiders suggest this was one of Esoteric's best irrespective of price. They were £3500 new so a good three year old should be going for well under £1500. It provides a very serious test even for the SA-7 & Meitner.

There IS nothing better at that price except maybe the old Sony's but it is very risky buying a 10/15 y.o. player especially for a newcomer to the format. Best of luck

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