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So I have been thinking for some time that I would like to upgrade my CD source chain. I had a cheap SACD player from Sony, an Adcom 5 disc changer and Micromega DAC. My goal was best performance for the money. Vintage or new was not the concern but I figured used was the best value. Used disc spinners can be iffy so I was discerning in my search. I came across a new in the box Marantz SA 8260 that had been returned for lack of power cord. Originally sold and returned in 2006. I bought it for $250. I purchased a Pangea AC14SE-MkII from AudioAdvisor for $50. I already had a set of IsoBlocks form Elusive Disc that I bought for $20. I am using AudioQuest Carbon digital cable to the Micromega DAC and MIT interconnects from the Marantz to my pre-amp for SACD playback. Even without break-in, I am very happy with the sound. A very big improvement from the Adcom. I will keep the Adcom and connect with an optical SPDIF for casual listening when 5 disc capability would be good. I can't wait to hear how it is after break-in. Very tight bass and high end air now (I am in the middle of the first listen, other than playing it when I bought it to make sure it worked.)
So does anyone have ideas for upgrade that I could do cheap to further the sound improvement?
bigshow
Follow Ups:
Of the 1990s vintage Philips 5-disc carousel changers I've heard, this one is maybe the best sounding unit "stock"..... I also prefer it over the CC-65 (SE), in spite of the CC-65's "audiophile" pedigree.
There are not many digital sources, mainstream or high-end, that I prefer over this particular unit. Often available on eBay for ~ $100 including shipping.
How do the CC-45 and the CC-65 sound different from one another?
I once had a CC-65SE modified by Don Allen (now retired from audio), the 65 had that stereotypical "consumer audiophile" sound, seemingly detailed, but somewhat boring in regard to enjoyment of the music. Don's mod showed this particular unit had a better stock output stage than most, but the DAC section itself was typical of consumer digital products of the day. (Don's mod kind of revealed the flaws of the DAC section.) The weak part of the unit, which I think cannot be upgraded.
The CC-45 is a different fish altogether. (In spite of looking almost identical.) Not targeted for the "audiophile" market per se, these units had several flavors of op-amp chips for the output stage. It in my opinion has a far better DAC section, one of the best I've heard in any player, consumer or "audiophile". (The only DAC section that beats it is the Philips CDC-935 carousel, but a crappy output stage brings it down. That changer only shines if the output stage is gutted and replaced with an aftermarket output stage. The two variants of these Philips-based 5-disc carousel changers are the DAC and output sections. And what was touted as better wasn't necessarily so.) And with the best sounding op-amp chip, it was maybe the best sounding consumer player I've heard in stock form. The units with the "poorer" op-amp chips still sounded decent.... It's a crapshoot, but if it sounds like it doesn't need to be modded, it probably has the good op-amp chip.
If Don remembers which op-amp chip was the best for the CC-45, I'll post it here. I do speak to him periodically.
Forgot to mention..... The CC-65SE came with a "weighted" chassis.... This became a mod that Don incorporated in the other Philips carousel changers, inspired by that particular Marantz unit. Don mounted a "steel plate" to the bottom of the chassis, to sink RF emissions. With the good "op-amp" chip, this is the main difference between Don's modified CC-45 and the stock CC-45.
Best single disc CD players from Marantz?
Aside from the JVC XL-Z1050, I don't know of a "consumer" single disc player that's a mindblower like the Marantz CC-45 and Philips CDC-935 changers. The JVC really connects the listener to the music, but isn't as "clean" as the two changers.
If I had to choose a single-disc solution, I'd use the JVC as a transport, and maybe the Schitt Bifrost Uber DAC. But I've never tried the Bifrost with a CD transport. But I do like how it interfaces with a computer sound card, via Toslink.
I've gotten so used to the 5-disc changers, I don't even think about single disc players..... My single disc suggestion might not be the best option out there.
Spoke to Don Allen today.... The op amp in the Marantz CC-45 changer is the LM833. (I don't know how many, but one is dual-channel. I'd order at least 2, just in case....) The manufacturer of the good version is STMicroelectronics.
Since I've not actually dug into one of these players, I don't know which type of mount it is, but it appears the version readily stocked is the "surface mount" or "D" version. (Digi-Key stocks the "D" version .) If the changer uses a "through hole" mount ("N" version), you'd have to straighten the pins with needle-nose pliers.
Good work!
I am using AudioQuest Carbon digital cable to the Micromega DAC and MIT interconnects from the Marantz to my pre-amp for SACD playback.
Don't you mean CD Playback?
Only McIntosh has an SACD transport/Dac that I've heard of.
For CD play back I am using the digital out put to the DAC. I am using MIT RCA interconnects to my pre amp from the SACD player. The digital outputs are de-activated when SACD s are played. Sorry if that confused you.
bigshow
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They sold for $2000 new back before BlueRay to over the world.
I think it a very good sounding CD and SACD player as well as DVD player.
Understand the Pioneer Elite DV-79AVi is also quite a good deal on the used market these days. Used to sell for $1000 back in the day and many a audiophile will admit to owning one as their everyday silver disk spinner and enjoyed quite a following.
Footers,isolation and power cords.
Tom:cat
Consider using all MIT cabling for openers.
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