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 1 response by rongon

Hi -- I forgot to mention that this is for use in a music-only system. No video.

Loomisjohnson -- How would I connect the DSD output from SACD to a DAC? I know about CD, and a DAC is a great idea for redbook CD (PCM digital), but there's only analog out for the DSD (SACD). Actually, if the V-DAC transforms my CD collection into the equal of what the analog SACD output was from the SCD-CE775, then I'd be happy with that. (I like SACD a lot compared to the CD playback I'm used to.) That would make sense, since I have a couple thousand CD's collected over the years, and maybe 20 SACD's. Actually, considering it can be done for only ~$300, it sounds like I'd want to get something like the V-DAC in general.

Rwwear -- I've never heard the AIR enhancement. Do you think that makes a difference? There are some older Pioneer Elite CD/SACD players around that might work. Were they pretty good? What about the Denon DVD-2910? I've seen a couple for sale here. Seemed to be well regarded.

Thanks again for the input.