I very recently purchased the Marantz SA 8004 after a lengthy in home audition. The reviews from TAS and Positive Feedback are very accurate. One of the most musically engaging digital pieces out there and that does not mean soft, dull, or blunted leading edge transients. Very detailed, just a hint of warmth added to give you the feeling that you are listening to music and not zeros and ones. Soundstage is as good as anything out there as well. I'm an almost purely analog guy myself so you know where I am coming from. Audio Advisor sells the unit and will give you 30 days from receipt on your side to audition it if you don't have a local dealer to loan you one.
Elinor...have you used the SA8004 via it's digital inputs from a PC or music server? If so, how does it's performance as a standalone DAC compare to spinning discs? Also, any difference via its various digital inputs? Thx