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While I was very pleased with my non-source components (Spendor/Magnum Dynalab/Transparent), it's the CD playback that has been the last piece of the puzzle missing to achieve the sound I wish (more acoustic than electric-has in stand-up bass compared to electric, detailed but not thin or tread bare and dynamic but not in my face, etc).
As a further example of my preferences, I can state that I have been going to concerts (large and small venues and numerous house concerts) for almost 50 years and Iprefer mid-size halls (400-700 seats) and I always try to avoid the front rows and prefer the mid-hall perspective (rows J to P, for example).
In recent times I've had LINN (Majik, I believe), Rega Saturn and OPPO105. And, although all had their strengths and I felt the Rega was the most natural, I sold it because the OPPO's CD playback was so close. However, I just don't find the OPPO's CD playback to my liking (a little hard and lean).
For years I have been reading CD player reviews and was always struck by the write-ups of Marantz products. They read like my listening preferences but, we all know that no serious audiophile would go with a more 'commercial' brand , would we?! I had wanted to listen to the Marantz Pearl but, before we got there, I was seduced by the Rega Saturn.
This time I was determined to give the Marantz products a listen, specifically their Super Audio players. With the recent release of their SA8005 and with a dealer a 2 hour drive away having both the previous model (SA8004) but not the next level up SA14, we went down one very rainy afternoon with the intention that, if we bought, it would be last year's discounted model. Thereby, I would not lose too much in re-sale if it really wasn't the answer.
Bottom-line was that both Marantz(s) lived up to the hype of their smooth sound but, found the newer SA8005 model was also nicely detailed and transparent and surprisingly very dynamic, wonderful balanced. Therefore, although I had taken losses on the sale of my previous CD players, I was so sure and at ease that I purchased the newer model (SA8005).
Back home and nite-after-nite, the system with the Marantz has source has given me the most wonderful playback, via both CDs and SACDs, I have ever had at home. Everything seemed to flow just right, very much like my previous LINN Sondek turntable. Voices and instruments have depth/body behind the sound and I was very surprise to hear how articulate it was (several songs in both French & English allowed me to understand what was said -when in the part I couldn't).
For what its Worth, I hope this helps others who may also have a 'mental-block' against major brand names, Bob.
Follow Ups:
Thanks! for sharing Bob.
It is really all about system synergy. If you liked the Rega spinner, check out Naim cd player(s).
Thanks for the report. I've had the SA8004 for a number of years and have been very pleased with it.
I have been considering moving up to the SA8005, but mainly for its versitiliy in letting me use its DAC for internet hook-ups.
At this point, the SA8004 lives on in my SET office set-up while an Oppo 105 is in the main system, using its DAC inputs.
On the basis of your audition, if you had the SA8004, would you upgrade to the SA8005?
(BTW, I've had absolutely no problems with the SA8004, while the Oppo 105 seems to get a bit "confused" with loading discs -sometimes it tries to load a disc when there is no disc to load. I hope it holds out!)
A real close call DVD but, probably not since your not using it in your main system.
B.
I have - and enjoy very much - the SA8004 in my main system. I have listened to the SA8005; I agree, small incremental sound quality increase (I have read that there are a few more "hi-end" components in the analog out).Not enough of a bump up in sound quality for me on a budget. I am more tempted by the upgrade to the rear USB connection; increase from 96k to 192k PCM, and the addition of DSD.
Trying t figure out how to convince the Mrs that the 8004 needs to go to college with our daughter, so that an 8005 can come home...
Edits: 07/04/14
Or,send her to college/university here in Canada and the lower cost here may well permit you to buy the SA11!!
Good luck, Bob
That SA-11S3 does not do DSD :-(
I agree with you concerning the Marantz "house sound" with regard to this line of SACD players. I used to use the Marantz SA-8003. It has a very "musical," "audiophile" sound that I miss very much.
Alas the player has been out of order since April (the disc drive refuses to eject) and I have had a difficult time getting Marantz to fix it. The impression that I get from the company is "if it breaks, you are on your own."
Hopefully your player will never break.
You might give the folks at wwwaccessories4less.com a call, which is the outlet for B Stock from Denon, Marantz, Onkyo, and now Yamaha. They have a repair house that might be able to help you get it repaired. It is in NJ I believe.
Jim Tavegia
Thanks for the advice.
Simple replacement belt is the issue
I had a similar experience with Marantz.
But, how different would it be with other reasonably priced brands? I've read horror stories about Oppo, Sony, Denon...
I must give credit, where credit is due. I have an Oppo BDP-83 too. It developed the same problem as the Marantz SA-8003 (disc drawer would not open) at almost the exact same time (I think I must be cursed).
I sent the same series of inquiries/e-mails to Oppo that I sent to Marantz, but Oppo immediately arranged to have me send the player back, fixed it (free of charge) and returned it to me within a week. I am still waiting (since April) for Marantz to do the same.
Is the unit still under warranty or are you reporting problems with Marantz service on an out-of-warranty repair? Are they refusing to fix it or just refusing to fix it under some warranty claim? Did you pick up the phone and call Marantz Service? Did they refuse to attempt to fix it?
I've not had any bad experiences when I called Marantz Service but, must admit to not having much of a problem with Marantz gear, in or out of warranty.
Found their phone support to be just barely OK as some of their help desk people are not up to snuff on software/firmware issues with their newer Network Players, but that's about my only complaint.
I guess my point is, if you have a valid complaint you really should offer a bit more detail if you are going to discuss it on a public forum.
Good points. In my case, it was a little while back in regard to an in-warranty matter. But, yes, it would be good to know more details about the circumstances. I was going to ask if he tried calling United Radio...
Edits: 06/30/14
Good to know.
If we are allowed to call a $1,200 CD player 'mid-priced'. =:-0
My current silver disk spinner is a 7 year old Marantz DV-9600 which was a surprisingly HUGE upgrade from my ancient CD-67SE I used for over a decade. Being mostly a vinyl guy, the CD player didn't get much use during those years but now I spin silver disks regularly with little or no ill effects.
You must be one of the very few with a mental block against brand names. For CD I used a Marantz CD94 for well over 20 years , now have the excellent SACD/CD player Sony XA5400ES unfortunately no longer available in the UK.
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