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SACD - Pioneer Elite any good? Cambridge Audio?

My SACD player broke (Sony SCD-CE775) after about eight or nine years. It can't read the SACD layer on Hybrid CD/SACD discs any more. A common problem, from what I've read. I tried everything, cleaning the lens, blowing out the dust, calling Sony. I give up. I have a backup Sony SCD-CD595, but it's definitely a step down in sound. So... I need an inexpensive SACD player. Any opinions on the Cambridge Audio DVD89 as an audio player? How about Pioneer Elite stuff? Is there a decent player for under $400? Your experiences, opinions appreciated.
rongon

Showing 2 responses by loomisjohnson

loomisjohnson
1,903 posts
 
another option would be to keep your backup sony as a transport and add a good dac like the cambridge dacmagic or mf v-dac (both within your budget)--this will markedly improve the sound. if you need dvd functionality, i'd also opt for oppo.
loomisjohnson
1,903 posts
 
rongon:
you're correct--the sony would only output redbook, not SACD to the dac. i believe there are a few players that will output DSD over HDMI as well as a number that will output DSD over iLink, firewire or other uncommon interfaces, but you're talking much bigger bucks. essentially, if you kept the sony, you'd connect digitally to a dac and use the analog outs of the sony directly to your amp for sacd.
all that said, then, the denon 2910/3910 are genuinely great sounding players with very good inboard dacs--not the most reliable, but i see 'em used for as low as $150 or so, so that might be a way to go. i personally own a pio elite 59, which is very competent, and also a good inexpensive choice, though i prefered the denon for music
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