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Should I be worried if buying a 5-6 year old CDP?

Hi All. For the past 12 months or so I have tried numerous sources, both CD/SACD players as well as DAC's (hooked up to a computer).

Many were imported (due to lack of local availability) which posed problems, especially when things went pear shaped, so I am now limiting my search to local gear. I went through testing of various players and the two on my short-list now are:
- Marantz SA7001KI (aka SA8001)
- Classe CDP-10 (preowned from a Classe distributor)

I have had them for around 5 days now and have been able to compare them thoroughly. Whilst they are close, I must admit that I find the Classe more enjoyable and more musical.

That brings me to my question - should I be worried about the fact that the Classe is a 5-6 year old unit? The Marantz is new (essentially out the box). I know the likes of Classe are known for their build quality, but I still have at the back of my mind the question of age.

The Classe is in great condition and I know the Classe distributors in the country who said that - should it need servicing - it should not be a problem.

So I am sitting with the dilemma - go for the unit which is brand new, newer technology, and has the benefit of SACD (a perk but not a requirement, as I do not have many); or go for the unit which is already 5-6 years old but ultimately sounds just that little bit better?

Cheers
X

PS. they would both come to about the exact same price
xenithon
stephennic
13 posts
 
Hi,
I still have my marantz cd63se its now 12 years old. its only played up twice - once a loose connection - resolded it was fine after that. I compared it to the marantz cd7001 preferred the old marantz - the new one was more detailed but also more digital/clinical sounding, the marantz cd63se was more musical and balanced tonally. Go for something more musically satisfying - i bought a consonance cd120 linear similar price to marantz cd7001 it killed it musically (voice and instruments were more natural and real sounding). The rega apollo is a nice machine as well.
Cheers,
Steve.
disbeliever
27 posts
 
My Marantz CD94 is now 20 years old I have owned it for the past 17 years and the only replacement required has been new belts. I had it extensively modified when I bought it.. When I meet the designer Ken Ishiwata he keeps on telling me that the laser will pack up soon, I expect he wishes it would because I find my modified CD94 sounds far better than the latest overweight Marantz SA-7S1 which I burnt in for 750 hours & then sold it on. 1 month later it was put back on the market.
hevac1
812 posts
 
If I could can get it serviced and like the sound then I would buy it.
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