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Looking at a new non-SACD player, but still own lots of SACDs

I am looking at upgrading my current CD player, my budget is $3K ish, certainly below $5K.  The two units I am looking at in the $3K range,  Moon Simaudio 260 and Rega Saturn R, do not play SACDs. Rather than give up my SACD collection, I wonder if anyone has any experience with a work around. 

The one thought that occurs to me is to find a modest priced SACD player (used) with a digital/optical out as a transport only and run it into the DAC of the new unit.  Will this work or is the SACD circuity in the DAC and not the transport/laser?

Are any other options?

Or should I be looking at a different new CD player that plays SACDs? 
meiatflask
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,248 posts
 
Get a used Esoteric.  There was an Esoteric UX-1 player posted here a week ago for 2700.00.  It uses the Burr Brown PCM1704 R to R ladder dac which is one of the smoothest.  I have the UX-3 player with the same dac and transport and it is a keeper.  The UX-1 sold for over 11K when new.
meiatflask OP
132 posts
 
bdp24 - I am using an Arcam CD17, was just under a grand new a few years ago. Nothing special, competitive for the cost. 

Stereo5/bdp24 - Thanks for the thoughts on a used Esoteric. I think the UX-1 that is for sale is from Europe, which I have concerns about buying from overseas.  I am not familiar with the rest of the Esoteric line. 

Folkfreak- with your Teac comment, sounds like the long term future of SACDs in in question.
randyhat
156 posts
 
You might want to consider the Marantz  SACD/CD players.  They have 2 or 3 players within your budget.  The SA11 being at the top end around $4000, the SA15 at around 2500 and the SA8005 at around 1200.
jafant
18,774 posts
 
meiatflask-

what other gear, including cabling, is in your system?
What SACD player are you using?   If you like the Arcam CD17, move up to the Arcam FMJ model.

Happy Listening!
nutty
2,656 posts
 
I agree with jafant. If you like sound, search for an Arcam jfm CD23T. The "T" version reads text on screen and has a Sony mechanism. It will give you HDCD capability. In addition it brings two toroidal transformers to the party. Ring Dac and digital out. Good luck.

N
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