In market for a new CD player or Transport and DAC - would like some opinion/suggestions

AnonHiFi said:
Well, I have no doubt they are fantastic, no question there, its just that there is nothing on SACD I want. Most dacs today handle DSD, it is almost standard, even on a couple of sub $1k dacs. If I end up with a player that handles SACD, no worries, I just don't think I will ever use that ability unless they come out with an SACD I want, but I don't see that happening sadly. I do see a couple of Rush SACDs out there, but only one can I afford and it is not my first choice in the Rush discography, but then I am a big fan anyway. The problem is that the rest of the discography is not on SACD. I have other favorites, but they all sound best on vinyl....I digress.
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I hardly ever play CDs anymore as all my CDs have been ripped and stored in a NAS. But if I were in the market for a CD player today I would not buy anything that cannot do SACDs. Not having SACD capability will definitely limit the value of the unit in the future if you ever want to sell it.

That said, of the units mentioned, my vote goes to the Oppo 205.
 
Randy Myers said:
I have had several Audio Club Buddies, who are huge vinyl fans, say without reservation, that my digital setup will compete with any of their turntables, without the hassle. But that is neither here nor there.

There is a huge selection of SACDs (and their digital download partners, DSD) available. I cannot find every single album I used to love and cherish, but a surprising amount. Check out Acoustic Sounds, or even Mobile Fidelity.

The bottom line, SACD/DSDs are out there.... you may not see them in your local store, but they certainly are easy enough to find.

I can find virtually anything I want in other high resolution digital downloads, HD Tracks, Acoustic Sounds, etc., so there is a huge selection of virtually any kind of music you prefer in high res downloads and many of which are available in DSD.

Bottom line, your playback preference is what matters. If you prefer vinyl that is fine, but please don't say it is because what is available in high res and DSD is limited. I believe even my CD rips sound as good if not better when played through HQPlayer, upsampled and converted through my T+A. If you prefer vinyl it is because you prefer vinyl, not because it sounds better or that music can not be found in digital formats...
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I don't know why or where you got that this is about vinyl vs CD vs digital, etc. In my world obviously, there is plenty of room for both. I do not have a DAC capable of High-rez or DSD, etc. It is not important to me right now. If I happen to get one down the road, then wonderful, I certainly would not avoid such a thing. (Actually, it is next to impossible to avoid DSD capable DACS these days, even the lowest priced ones now have that ability. Again, I don't see why one would want to avoid anyway).
Sure, I don't buy music "files" for a few reasons, but none of them have to do with sound quality.
If I ran across a SACD that was say one of my all time favorite albums and was reasonably priced to me (assuming I had the playback ability), I would definitely pick it up. I have looked at those places you listed, but have not found any SACD versions of my favorites, at in a cursory search. If I end up with SACD ability, I will take a deeper look.
 
nicoff said:
I hardly ever play CDs anymore as all my CDs have been ripped and stored in a NAS. But if I were in the market for a CD player today I would not buy anything that cannot do SACDs. Not having SACD capability will definitely limit the value of the unit in the future if you ever want to sell it.

That said, of the units mentioned, my vote goes to the Oppo 205.
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I don't sell gear. I buy gear to use and I hope to last a long time (realistically), so I do not worry about resell value. I have no issue if whatever I end up with can do SACD. I'm not opposed, I just don't know if I would ever have the need, but if I do then there I have it.
 
Here is my short list so far:
Marantz CD5005 (clone of what I already have if I must)
Marantz SA8005
Marantz HD-CD1
Marantz ND8006
Yamaha CD-S700
Yamaha CD-S1000
Rotel RCD1572
Emotiva ERC3
Any of those on that list I should reject straight away and why?

I have heard a couple of complaints about motor noise regarding the ERC3, but I question the complainers, something sounds off with them.

What did not make or dropped off my list:

Arcam CDS27 – While I like the fact that it has balanced and unbalanced and all manner of hook-up options, I also found out that it is plagued with problems and Arcam knows about them and acknowledges them. Why would I want that and I take issue with any company that knowingly tries to pawn off inferior goods on people.

Cambridge = Of course the Topaz players are bested by other players in the same price range. While Cambridge has now priced their Azur players out of my stretch ability, the bigger issue I have is getting information from them about the build. I don’t get into the weeds, but Cambridge was unable to tell me anything about the drive or the dac and its implementation and even why they think that their machine might be better than any of the others on my list or even the same. I have had this problem before talking to them in past, it’s like they know nothing about what they are producing? Don’t get me wrong, I like the looks of the units and all, but looks (like price), does not equate to performance in any way.
 
Print your list, pin it on the wall, throw a dart. Of course, that is just my opinion. [emoji51]
 
AnonHiFi said:
Here is my short list so far:
Marantz CD5005 (clone of what I already have if I must)
Marantz SA8005
Marantz HD-CD1
Marantz ND8006
Yamaha CD-S700
Yamaha CD-S1000
Rotel RCD1572
Emotiva ERC3
Any of those on that list I should reject straight away and why?

I have heard a couple of complaints about motor noise regarding the ERC3, but I question the complainers, something sounds off with them.

What did not make or dropped off my list:

Arcam CDS27 – While I like the fact that it has balanced and unbalanced and all manner of hook-up options, I also found out that it is plagued with problems and Arcam knows about them and acknowledges them. Why would I want that and I take issue with any company that knowingly tries to pawn off inferior goods on people.

Cambridge = Of course the Topaz players are bested by other players in the same price range. While Cambridge has now priced their Azur players out of my stretch ability, the bigger issue I have is getting information from them about the build. I don’t get into the weeds, but Cambridge was unable to tell me anything about the drive or the dac and its implementation and even why they think that their machine might be better than any of the others on my list or even the same. I have had this problem before talking to them in past, it’s like they know nothing about what they are producing? Don’t get me wrong, I like the looks of the units and all, but looks (like price), does not equate to performance in any way.
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Was not trying to make this a debate on various formats. Was only suggesting that you consider having SACD capability because I feel it is worth it.

Weather some one is a fan of vinyl or other formats has no bearing one way or the other to me :).... as long as enjoying the music is primary...

Of those on your list, I own an Oppo 105 (because it has one very special purpose that very few had)... However I previously had a Marantz SA8005 and in my honest opinion, I felt it was a more musical spinner than my Oppo.

I also had purchased a Yamaha CD-S1000 prior to getting the Marantz. I really liked the look and feel of the machine, but unfortunately it was defective and they did not have a replacement, so I went with the Marantz.
 
Randy Myers said:
Was not trying to make this a debate on various formats. Was only suggesting that you consider having SACD capability because I feel it is worth it.

Weather some one is a fan of vinyl or other formats has no bearing one way or the other to me :).... as long as enjoying the music is primary...

Of those on your list, I own an Oppo 105 (because it has one very special purpose that very few had)... However I previously had a Marantz SA8005 and in my honest opinion, I felt it was a more musical spinner than my Oppo.

I also had purchased a Yamaha CD-S1000 prior to getting the Marantz. I really liked the look and feel of the machine, but unfortunately it was defective and they did not have a replacement, so I went with the Marantz.
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Yes, the Marantz SA8005 and ND8005 are serious contenders for me, but the jury is still out of course. From what I am hearing about "service" or standing behind the product (lack thereof), concerning Yamaha, the Yamaha units are losing their footing on my list.
 
I have been using the HD-CD1 for over a year now as a transport into various DAC's and it does a good job. Only listened to the internal DAC for a few discs and it acceptable though not outstanding. But at the price on sale at Accessories4Less you could pair it with a DAC and be within your budget. It's half size chassis is also a plus.

https://www.accessories4less.com/ma...rantz-hd-cd1-high-definition-cd-player/1.html
 
You have to listen to what you buy, so it's a terrible idea :) I'd recommend trying a couple of the top contenders in your system buying from a place that will allow a return, which is almost all online retail.

Years ago I bought an ERC-1, not heavy use any more but still going. I bought it over a slightly more expensive NAD player, I Compared thw two side by side. The ERC had a larger sound stage and more neutral, however, it lacked tonal color. The ERC was more substantially built and had an aluminum remote that also helped the decision. I haven't always had that type of luck with their products though.

I am not a fan of most anything Rotel, the sound don't appeal to me at all.

I hate to hear Yamaha may have QC issues or customer service. I did a shootout between an entry level changer between them, Denon and Onkyo. The Yamaha was cheaper and I preferred it's more natural midrange. The other two had better bass control.

I have yet to heard a Marantz I couldn't sit and enjoy listening to.

The point of all that, yes they are players in the same price range, yet there are sonic differences if that's important to you.

Schiit's return policy sucks but maybe they were having people take advantage. The Gundnir is a good sounding DAC if wanting to shed a bit of the warmth of Marantz yet retain musicality.

AnonHiFi said:
I know your kidding around, but actually, that is not a half-bad idea! :lol:
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Mr Peabody said:
You have to listen to what you buy, so it's a terrible idea :) I'd recommend trying a couple of the top contenders in your system buying from a place that will allow a return, which is almost all online retail.

Years ago I bought an ERC-1, not heavy use any more but still going. I bought it over a slightly more expensive NAD player, I Compared thw two side by side. The ERC had a larger sound stage and more neutral, however, it lacked tonal color. The ERC was more substantially built and had an aluminum remote that also helped the decision. I haven't always had that type of luck with their products though.

Schiit's return policy sucks but maybe they were having people take advantage. The Gundnir is a good sounding DAC if wanting to shed a bit of the warmth of Marantz yet retain musicality.
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Ha ha.....I know, I had my tongue firmly planted in cheek when I replied to the dart idea as well. Blind purchasing should always be avoided whenever it can for anything, not just audio and especially at the dollar amount we are talking.

Glad to hear about your experience with the ERC-1, that means it stays on my list.

Yes, I will try to listen to whatever I can on my list of course, but keeping in mind it also depends on the downstream gear all the way to the speakers. Sadly, I only have one small HiFi shop near me and I don't know what they have, but I am about to find out this weekend.
As for purchase and return to demo gear, that is a bad and costly idea I can not afford. First, there is shipping both ways, then you have restocking fees, so buy the time I got through 4 items I would have blown around half my budget. Sure, Amazon is easiest, but they are starting to crackdown and rightfully so. I have returned all of 2 items legitimately, in all the years I have used Amazon, but still, I do not want to fall into the abuser category as there is heavy penalty for that.
So as is the case for the 99% of us out there, home demo is pretty much not an option. That makes it a challenge when it comes to speakers moreso.

I like your Gundnir idea, something to think about.
 
Well, as it goes in HiFi, I just learned the last remaining HiFi shop near me is no more. Damn!
So now I have decided to travel 35 miles to a shop that used to be near me. I hate that because I will have to make a separate trip to purchase possibly (better than having it shipped). The upside though is that they have most of the units I want to look at....I think. Still, I would rather spend the expensive gas, time and travel and make an informed purchase than a costly blind purchase. The only caveat is that should I need to bring it back in or something, it could get quite cumbersome. Of course I do not anticipate needing to do such a thing.
 
35 miles is nothing. If you don't have the time or money to travel 35 miles one way to demo equipment intended for purchase then you really cannot complain about shipping cross country, inability to demo locally and all the inherent issues both cost and time wise to buy site unseen or heard.

For most of us there has never been a situation when it's convenient to walk next-door (or be separated by just a couple of miles) and buy stereo gear.
 
MikeCh said:
35 miles is nothing. If you don't have the time or money to travel 35 miles one way to demo equipment intended for purchase then you really cannot complain about shipping cross country, inability to demo locally and all the inherent issues both cost and time wise to buy site unseen or heard.

For most of us there has never been a situation when it's convenient to walk next-door (or be separated by just a couple of miles) and buy stereo gear.
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+1

Yes, 35 miles is nothing, there is nothing to complain about! My dealer is 29 miles away, and I always felt blessed that he was "just around the corner", as opposed to be at a great distance. I feel lucky that I have it so much easier than many other audiophiles. But it's a matter of perspective I guess. Glass half full or half empty, and all that jazz.
 
My last reply. I thank everyone for their suggestions. I did not come to get jumped on. I was not really "complaining" about having to travel the miles to the shop, I included all the pros about it as well, which I can see were all conveniently ignored to meet some stupid agenda.
I travel 27 miles each way to work everyday for the last 12 years. It is not easy getting time off to do such things, so "convenience" is only part of it.
All I was doing was pointing out that the shop used to be much closer, now it is quite far just for audio gear, but it is important to demo when one can. My pros about it and willingness to do so are being ignored and the rest taken out of context. I don't have time for games.

I'm gone.
 
AnonHiFi said:
My last reply. I thank everyone for their suggestions. I did not come to get jumped on. I was not really "complaining" about having to travel the miles to the shop, I included all the pros about it as well, which I can see were all conveniently ignored to meet some stupid agenda.
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Count me confused.
 
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