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CD vs CD/SACD Player – Tube-based or Not

Some of you might have read my previous threads asking for recommendations on CD/SACD player. That was roughly 6 months ago when I first started building my hi-fi system.
Now that I’ve settled on the back end of my system, I’ll finally select my digital source. My system consists of the following:

Harbeth C7-es3 on Sound Anchor (3-posts) speaker stands

Pass Labs XA30.5 – Power amp

Ayre K-1xe - Pre-amp

CD player – a modest 15-year old Philips CD player(the weakest link which I need to upgrade)

I want to get a CD or CD/SACD player that matches my system in terms of synergies, quality and performance. While I’ve done a lot of readings/research, it’s hard to narrow down on my selections before some fundamental questions are answered.

1. CD player vs CD/SACD player: my preference for music are vocal, some pop, classical (symphony, chamber), some rock, blue. I know the selection of musice in SACD is somehow limited.

2. Tube-based vs Solid State CD player: would my system benefit from tube-based CD player since both my pre- and power-amps are solid state? What’s the advantage and disadvantage of tube-based player? What’s the difference in sound?

3. So many choice in my price range (mostly used):

Ayon CD-5, CD-2s

Ayre C-7eMP, Ayre C-5eMP

Audio Research CD-7

BAK 51

Esoteric SA-50, X-05, X 03se, K-07

Luxman D06
SONY 5400ES, Sony 5400ES modified by Modwright (with tube output),

Oppo 95/105 modified by Modwright (with tube output)

4. I want to get a player with solid transport, digital output, balanced output(preferred); dynamic/solid bass, extended treble and most importantly fuller mid-range with great, accurate, lush presentation for vocal recordings.

What’re your recommendations and why? Thanks.
r0817

Showing 3 responses by nonoise

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,544 posts
 
I was going to recommend the Marantz SA-15S2b SACD player but the ones you mention are quite a bit more costly so it might be a step down for you. It fits your criteria as I like and want what you want and I feel I'm getting it. For me, it's the best thing to happen to me in a long while. The Marantz SA-11S3 could be the answer and although new, it would come in at around the prices of the Esoteric gear, used and it's gotten some great, though limited press.

As to whether to go CDP or SACD/CD player, go for the latter. I play almost entirely CDs and it's the way to go.

All the best,
Nonoise
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,544 posts
 
Charles1dad,
No, I haven't had the pleasure. For a long time I've read how wonderful they are and it's only been recently that the emperor shed some of his clothes. Some are now saying what you say about them: too clinical. It could very well be the context of the system or something as simple as cabling or preference, or just a house sound. A very expensive house sound.

All the best,
Nonoise
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,544 posts
 
If the Luxman were bought stateside, it can be repaired, if under warranty. If not, i"d avoid it. Exoteric is nice but expensive. Like Batmobile says, you can try the Marantz SA-15S2b. I just got one and love it. Most of my listening so far is with CDs but having the option to play SACDs as well, and the robust build quality and power that the Marantz brings to the equation should win you over. I've never heard such resolution, layering and extension on CDs as with the Marantz.

Hope this helps.
All the best,
Nonoise
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