[aquaphile]

So im setting up a new 2ch system, and im looking at CD players. I've narrowed down my choices, and im 90% sure im going to get Marantz equipment. I've been looking between the two single-disc Marantz CD players, the CD5003 and the SA8003.


Through a bit of research I found out the DAC's used in each player is minimal. The SA8003 ($999) uses the Cirrus Logic CS4398, and the CD5003 ($349) uses the CS4392. According to Cirrus' website, those seem to be the top two DAC's. Now, I know that the SA8003 plays SACD's, but Ii don't have any, and wont be heartbroken if I never get the chance. Also, the SA8003 has the USB input, but that doesn't use an additional DAC, its just a convenient way to use an iPod. So again, not a huge priority; I can always use a 3.5mm cable to an AUX input like I've been doing.


So, on a somewhat related note, I was looking at the blu-ray players Marantz offers, and noticed that their intro player, the BD5004 ($549), has a Burr-Brown PCM1782. I know it makes sense to just buy the BD player because it obviously plays CD's as well, but a blu-ray player isn't exactly my first priority.


So, if price were not an option, would any of these three DAC's give a noticeable increase in sound quality? I've heard the CD5003 and the SA8003, but unfortunately they weren't in the same system, or at the same time. I've somewhat concluded that the SA8003 isn't worth the extra coin for my intended use, but I would just like some reassurance that I'm not sacrificing a huge leap in sound quality. I mostly listen to CD's, and I don't really want to cheat my primary source.


Thanks to anyone who bothered to read through all that, and thanks for any and all replies.



PS Please don't turn this into a pro/anti-Marantz thread. I am not looking for recommendations regarding other players. Thanks!

 

[Magnefied]

Sounds like you've already made up your mind and are seeking validation. Get on with it.

 

[aquaphile]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnefied /forum/post/18252215


Sounds like you've already made up your mind and are seeking validation

yeah... that's part of it

I just didn't know if anyone was very familiar with any of the DAC's in the units, and if anyone had experience comparing them

 

[Magnefied]

Cirrus Logic and Burr Brown are both well experienced and reputable companies. DACs have been around long enough that IMHO properly implemented parts are pretty much indistinguishable for a lot of people. I bought an Oppo BDP-83SE at Christmas (well my wife bought it for me). It's got ESS DAC's stacked 4 per channel on the analog 2 channel outputs and it's supposed to be state of the art or close to it. Dunno. I wanted it mainly for the excellent 2 channel and 8 channel analog outputs for compatibility with my older equipment. It certainly sounds beautiful to me. Is it 3X better than the $350 unit you're considering? Maybe. But it also handles pretty much any disc format you can throw at it, Bluray, SACD, DVDA, CD. I thought it was a bargain at $900. If you don't want anything but redbook CD playback, your choice is probably a good one from a cost benefit standpoint.

 

[Glimmie]

Not that this has any bearing on quality but Burr Brown has been around longer than Cirrus. Actually the digital audio line from Cirrus was acquired from Crystal Semiconductor. Burr Brown has been making ADCs and DACs since at least the 1970s for the industrial market. They certianly know a thing or two about ADCs and DACs.

 

[aquaphile]

thanks for all the replies.


i was just curious if the $650 price premium for the SA8003 is just because of the USB capability and SACD, or if there was more to it then that. but it seems like i shouldnt have any problems with the 5003


thanks again

 

[tvrgeek]

My unscientific testing has led me to believe the current batch of top line DAC's are comparable, and vastly better than a few years ago. I would turn my attention to the analog output and power supply.


I hate using DVD or BD players for music not because of the sound, but because they take forever to boot and load. I stick with standard CD most of the time. I have an older DVD/SACD Denon so I use the PCM out to my outboard.


BTW, you can get a good start on some room treatments for the difference in price and that will have tons more effect on the music than the DAC differences.