Cary 306 Professional vs. Marantz SA11S3


I am trying to make a decision on 2 SACD/CD players: The Cary Audio 306 Professional, which retails for $8,000 and the Marantz SA11S3, which retails for $4,000. I can purchase the Cary Audio for 50% at least, so it puts it at the same price point as the Marantz. The Cary was made a while back, while the Marantz is newer. However, I am trying to discern in terms of quality, build, and CD performance, which is the more superior? I've read some great things on the Marantz, though there were very little comparisons to other CD player options. Looks like the Audio Research CD8 kind of sets the standard, but at $10,000, it is way out of my price range. So what about the Cary vs. the Marantz? Looking for a player with no listening fatigue (which neither players really have at all), detail, resolution, clarity with neutral to slight warmth. Something very musical while retrieving as much detail as possible in this price range. Much appreciation.

My system is Primaluna Dialogue HP Premium Integrated Tube Amp & Sonus Faber Olympica III speakers. Thanks!
djfst

Showing 2 responses by dtc

If I remember correctly, the first 306 model was the 306, which did HDCD and 24/96. The 306/200 added 24/192. Then came the 306 SACD, which added SACD. Then, the 306 SACD Pro, which was meant to be the ultimate SACD player. For the SACD Pro Denis went to Sony to get the best SACD engineers he could find.

The first 3 used Pacific Microsonic chips for HDCD, but the SACD Pro did not, since the chips were not longer available. So it has a Burr Brown chip that does HDCD.

I am pretty sure the labels on the front and back of the case should tell you whether a model is SACD capable.
As I understand it, there are two buttons on the 306/200. The Digital 24/96 Sample button controls whether the digital output signal is upscaled to 96/24 or left at the input sample rate/depth. The Analog 192/24 Converter button determines whether the digital signal is upscaled to 192/24 before conversion to analog. So, if you are using analog output, the Digital 24/96 button should have not effect, but the 192/24 button may.

The manual is on the Cary website under Support.

On of the nice features of the 306 line is that they accept digital inputs, so you can use them as a DAC in a PC music setup.

Nice piece :)