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Best CD/SACD player < $1000???

26K views 158 replies 40 participants last post by  steady teddy 
#1 ·
OK, I think I am ready to get something in that $1k range that plays CD and SACD discs. I will leave DVD A/V to another player. I could either use the DAC in the player or just use it as a transport and use the DAC in my McIntosh MX132.


Any advice is appreciated, THANKS!!!
 
#3 ·
I own the Oppo 980H, and it works very well sending via DSD. You can send it via PCM and it sounds about the same. The only difference I noticed is in channel levels between the two. Balance that out, and there is virtually no difference. The confusing thing about the Oppo (which is in the manual) is that you have to set the output by clicking the HDMI button before you get any high-resolution 5.1 channel sound. The upscaling must be set at 720p or above for the multi-channel to work, and there is no actual menu selection for it. You have to use the remote or the button on the front of the player.


I have no other basis for comparison -- other than my PS3. I'm sure you'll find a lot of people saying that analogue outs on other brands will sound better. That may be so. I have no idea, though.


Other companies I hear talked about include the Marantz 7001 player, Cambridge audio's Azure series (various models at different prices), and some Denon players.
 
#4 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Baccusboy /forum/post/13905500


I own the Oppo 980H, and it works very well sending via DSD. You can send it via PCM and it sounds about the same. The only difference I noticed is in channel levels between the two. Balance that out, and there is virtually no difference. The confusing thing about the Oppo (which is in the manual) is that you have to set the output by clicking the HDMI button before you get any high-resolution 5.1 channel sound. The upscaling must be set at 720p or above for the multi-channel to work, and there is no actual menu selection for it. You have to use the remote or the button on the front of the player.


I have no other basis for comparison -- other than my PS3. I'm sure you'll find a lot of people saying that analogue outs on other brands will sound better. That may be so. I have no idea, though.


Other companies I hear talked about include the Marantz 7001 player, Cambridge audio's Azure series (various models at different prices), and some Denon players.

Thanks for the reply guys.


What If I am NOT using HDMI cables to my pre/pro, is this method still going to work?
 
#5 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by rodH /forum/post/13895634


OK, I think I am ready to get something in that $1k range that plays CD and SACD discs. I will leave DVD A/V to another player. I could either use the DAC in the player or just use it as a transport and use the DAC in my McIntosh MX132.


Any advice is appreciated, THANKS!!!

Hello "rodH"


I found something you may be interested in.....

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NAT585


As you will see if you haven't already clicked unto the link, this player is normally msrp'd at $1299.00. For $499.00, it's a great deal on a surperb

product. And it addresses what you want out of a SACD/CD player!


Tell me what you think.


Regards.
 
#9 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stereophile /forum/post/13910026


Kindly Refer To #5 & #6 Links.

Is There Any One Knows Which Of The Following Is

Performing Better:

Nad - T585

Parasound - Pacd200


Many Thanks,

No doubt! The Parasound D200 is the better player and buy! Not to mention that it's built to the 9's! What the hell was I thinking?!



Regards.
 
#11 ·
That parasound looks pretty dang nice, and a great price.


I just have a couple questions regarding the universal player:


1. I already have a Sony scd-222ES sacd/cd player carosel, would this player really sound much better? the reason I wanted to go dedicated was to get better CD/SACD playback.


2. I wasn't really looking for a "universal" player, since I was going to buy a BR player by the end of the year that would handle all the DVD duties, so I was thinking it might be better to just invest the money into a cd/sacd player of slightly better quality.


THOUGHTS????
 
#12 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by rodH /forum/post/13912494


That parasound looks pretty dang nice, and a great price.


I just have a couple questions regarding the universal player:


1. I already have a Sony scd-222ES sacd/cd player carosel, would this player really sound much better? the reason I wanted to go dedicated was to get better CD/SACD playback.


2. I wasn't really looking for a "universal" player, since I was going to buy a BR player by the end of the year that would handle all the DVD duties, so I was thinking it might be better to just invest the money into a cd/sacd player of slightly better quality.


THOUGHTS????

Yeah but I wouldn't recommend a hi-rez audio player that didn't output MCH via HDMI today.
 
#14 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kal Rubinson /forum/post/13912528


Yeah but I wouldn't recommend a hi-rez audio player that didn't output MCH via HDMI today.

I wont be using audio HDMI, my McIntosh doesn't support it, I just want to use it for CD/SACD and even DVD-A using analog and digital. No need for HDMI.


Kal, any experience with this player, I have read a couple reviews comparing it to the Oppo universal, sounds like the Oppo is better at picture (which I don't care) and this is better at Audio.????
 
#19 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by rodH /forum/post/13913179


before I pull the trigger, i'd like to hear some more opinions regarding this Parasound VS the oppo 983 (which is still a couple hundred less and MUCH smaller) with emphasis on audio.

hello "rodH".


If the emphasis is on audio, then when it comes to the Oppo player of choice, it should be the DV-980H, not the 983. The technology in the 980 leans more to audio performance than video. It's still has good video performance, but audio is the virtue. Why? The DSD capability.

http://oppodigital.com/dv980h/dv980h_comp.asp


At $169.00, there's isn't a word or phrase available to me right now to describe the value this player offers!

That being said, although value is the strong point, that doesn't mean that it's an overall better buy than Parasound D200.

http://parasound.com/nc/d200.php


Now, at $599.00 this is a tremendous value also. You can consider this a hi-end product because a lot of the technology is past down from the flagship Halo model. The build quality alone, in my opinion puts this ahead of the Oppo. It's a beast. If the size of the D200 is not compatible with your setup, then I would suggest the NAD T585 at $499.00.

http://nadelectronics.com/products/d...sal-DVD-Player


Although, not the build quality of the Parasound, but a formidable player in it's own right.


And finally, if money is the virtue, than the Oppo is the obvious choice. Nothing to be ashamed about if you choose this player.

They all share similar technology at different levels.


I hope this helps.


Regards.


I hope this helps.
 
#20 ·
thanks for your insight, the oppo is tempting, BUT I am primarily interested in the unit for SACD/CD music and it will replace a Sony ES changer, so I bet I don't get an increase in SQ over that with the Oppo. I would think the Parasound would be a step up as a dedicated player and/or transport. The fact that it has HDMI and video would just be a slight added bonus.


dang, decisions.


Regarding HDMI for the pre/pro as KAL mentioned, yes, i can get one to replace my Mc, but the MX136 just went to $10k for the unit, so that upgrade isn't happening any time in the next several years for me.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ldgibson76 /forum/post/13914539


hello "rodH".


If the emphasis is on audio, then when it comes to the Oppo player of choice, it should be the DV-980H, not the 983. The technology in the 980 leans more to audio performance than video. It's still has good video performance, but audio is the virtue. Why? The DSD capability.

http://oppodigital.com/dv980h/dv980h_comp.asp


At $169.00, there's isn't a word or phrase available to me right now to describe the value this player offers!

That being said, although value is the strong point, that doesn't mean that it's an overall better buy than Parasound D200.

http://parasound.com/nc/d200.php


Now, at $599.00 this is a tremendous value also. You can consider this a hi-end product because a lot of the technology is past down from the flagship Halo model. The build quality alone, in my opinion puts this ahead of the Oppo. It's a beast. If the size of the D200 is not compatible with your setup, then I would suggest the NAD T585 at $499.00.

http://nadelectronics.com/products/d...sal-DVD-Player


Although, not the build quality of the Parasound, but a formidable player in it's own right.


And finally, if money is the virtue, than the Oppo is the obvious choice. Nothing to be ashamed about if you choose this player.

They all share similar technology at different levels.


I hope this helps.


Regards.


I hope this helps.
 
#21 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by ldgibson76 /forum/post/13914539


hello "rodH".


If the emphasis is on audio, then when it comes to the Oppo player of choice, it should be the DV-980H, not the 983. The technology in the 980 leans more to audio performance than video. It's still has good video performance, but audio is the virtue. Why? The DSD capability.

http://oppodigital.com/dv980h/dv980h_comp.asp


At $169.00, there's isn't a word or phrase available to me right now to describe the value this player offers!

That being said, although value is the strong point, that doesn't mean that it's an overall better buy than Parasound D200.

http://parasound.com/nc/d200.php


Now, at $599.00 this is a tremendous value also. You can consider this a hi-end product because a lot of the technology is past down from the flagship Halo model. The build quality alone, in my opinion puts this ahead of the Oppo. It's a beast. If the size of the D200 is not compatible with your setup, then I would suggest the NAD T585 at $499.00.

http://nadelectronics.com/products/d...sal-DVD-Player


Although, not the build quality of the Parasound, but a formidable player in it's own right.


And finally, if money is the virtue, than the Oppo is the obvious choice. Nothing to be ashamed about if you choose this player.

They all share similar technology at different levels.


I hope this helps.


Regards.


I hope this helps.

Okay so it seems if we have a budget of about $1,000.00, then for audio first and video second, then these are the best choices from first to last

1. Onkyo DV-sp1000

2. Parasound Halo D3

3. Parasound - Pacd200

4. Nad - T585

5. Oppo 980


Please correct me if I am off.
 
#22 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by davidimdpt /forum/post/13915356


Okay so it seems if we have a budget of about $1,000.00, then for audio first and video second, then these are the best choices from first to last

1. Onkyo DV-sp1000

2. Parasound Halo D3

3. Parasound - Pacd200

4. Nad - T585

5. Oppo 980


Please correct me if I am off.

Only for use with analog outputs.
 
#25 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by davidimdpt /forum/post/13915709


+1

I have everything through HDMI at this point

Actually, I guess for me, digital doesn't even matter, my Mc pre/pro will probably have a decent DAC. I guess the hot topin on the forum is if all CD players sound the same using a digital signal.
 
#26 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by davidimdpt /forum/post/13915709


+1

I have everything through HDMI at this point

So if HDMI is not that important, and the budget is $1000, the choice is obviously......the Marantz SA8001!



Hello again "rodH"


Are we making this harder than it needs to be!?!


The Parasounds and the NAD models can be had on the cheap, well over 50% off the list. That makes them the logical choice! But if you don't need hdmi and you want to be able to keep your McIntosh as a relevant part of your system, then go with the Marantz and get it over with! Plus it to utilizes the DSD technology, so you don't lose your quality when listening to SACD's in 2 channel over toslink or coax digital connection. The only down side, if you want to consider it as such, is that 5.1 connectivity is not part of it's feature set.

http://us.marantz.com/Products/1644.asp
http://us.marantz.com/stereophile.09...ntz.SA8001.pdf


Now, when you look at the specs of the Marantz, DSD is not shown in the initial description. You have to go into the specs page and you will see it listed in the format playback section. I guess Marantz felt it wasn't something to brag about, as if it's a no-brainer to have this feature!


Did I just make this more confusing?!



Regards.
 
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