Dedicated Red Book CD player vs. "Universal" type players....


I surmise this discussion has been debated a fair amount but here goes....I'm searching for the "final" cd player. Red Book playback is important to me as I have an extensive cd collection and am not into computer based sound (yet). So, I don't mind grabbing and popping those silver disks into a player. What are my fellow Audiogoner's thoughts on a dedicated cd player vs. the universal (see Oppo) type of player? Does a one-box solution sacrifice some cd playback performance trying to be a jack of all trades? If so, can you hear that difference? Input and comments most appreciated!
128x128beernut
Thanks Milpai. I have about 900 +/- cd's and a small # of SACD's. Why wouldn't I want to preserve that investment and get the best I can from them? Let me put it this way, I wish I had my vinyl record collection I accumulated while stationed in Berlin,GE in the late 70's. Oh, that I sold for pennies on the dollar because they were "antiquated" technology..
Beernut, I am currently going through the same thought process. Hope you are liking your 8005. My collection sounds similar, played through an Oppo 103. My “audiophilia nervosa” has convinced me I need a “better” source. Please report how your 8005 sounds. I am still on the journey...

Tom
Tomcarr, initial impressions are very favorable on the 8005. Nice build quality, sound is very refined. Nice soundstage and a good match for my new Klipsch Forte III's. Paired with a Rogue Sphinx integrated the synergy is really impressive. I had a high end Yamaha SACD player that I enjoyed, smoothest drive system ever. The Marantz is right there with the sound quality. Scored a nice sale on a new unit as well!
Glad to hear that. Sale is a good word! 8005 is on my short list. Hope it gives you years of enjoyment. I'm not ready to pull the trigger yet...

Tom