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Choosing a SACD player...please help

I am going to give SACD a second try. Two players I am considering are the Sony XA777ES and the Philips SACD 1000. I have also heard good things about the Marantz SA-14, and I've seen a new generation of Marantz SACD players out for below $1200. My budget is 2K, and I am wondering whether to spend 2K on a stock machine or get a less expensive machine and get a bunch of mods done (I don't need multichannel).

In the end, I would like this machine to be killer on SACD and eminently enjoyable on redbook. Can you help me?
pardales

Showing 4 responses by pardales

pardales OP
652 posts
 
Please also recommend where I can buy new units. I am not against used ones, but I'd like to know where I can get new ones at good prices. Thank you,
pardales OP
652 posts
 
My system is in a bit of transition. I have all MAC gear (6900 integrated, 205 cahnger, tuner) and Thiel CS2.3 speakers (which I will be selling soon to get a pair of monitors to accomodate a small room and limitd space). I listen to everything (international, jazz, rock, alternative, classical, etc.)

Many strong recommendations I see for the XA, also some for buying something that is already modded. Thanks, I'd love to hear more.
pardales OP
652 posts
 
I really appreciate all the opinions, experience, and details. If I could make one more statment that sums up what I am looking for (which hearing from all of you has helped me to clarify) its this: I want superb redbook playback, with SACD as a bonus.

I'm getting closer, and i'll let you all know what happens. I hope this discussion has been useful to more 'goners' that just me. Thanks again,
pardales OP
652 posts
 
I have narrowed it down to two players. I am either going to go with the Phillips 1000 and get some mods done, or, the Sony XA777ES (and maybe do some mods in the future).
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