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Upgrade CD transport/player vs. Sacd transport/player

Seeking to upgrade my CD listening experience and am not sure how to proceed. Here the my opions:

1. Cd transport,  such as Teac, Jays Audio, Audiolab, to connect to my dac which is currently a Weiss 204, but will upgrade to a Meitner Dac/streamer, specifically the MA3i. Not looking for a cd player. 

2. Sacd/transport/player-here is it gets complicated. I have researched SACD sound that also guarantees that I will hear the DSD layer of the SACD. If I go the SACD transport route such as the Onix Zenith Shanling XST20, but after looking at this option, it seems very difficult and no guarantee as I may need a special box (which I am told is legal) along with HDMI and or i2S connections. One member tried a few combinations and could not always  get the combinations to provide the DSD layer. Does hearing the DSD layer of SACD make a big difference vs. SACD PCM?

3. SACD Player-here there are multiple players such as Accuphase, Ps Audio and others that decode the DSD layer, but all of them are close to or over $10,000.00 in cost. 

4. Not sure which way to proceed.  The big question is, is the SACD sound with or without the DSD layer far superior to redbook? I can buy a top cd transport for less than $5000, but the SACD player is far more expensive. Is there anybody that has compared the two. Is the difference between top sounding redbook vs top sounding SACD substantial enough in order to justify the additional cost required to obtain the SACD player that decodes the DSD layer?  

Thank you for your time and attention.

 

kjl1065
mattsca's avatar
mattsca
70 posts
 

I had the MCT500 via din to the DA2 of my C2800. It was crisp, clean, detailed, and  helped to create a very satisfying soundstage.  And yes, SACD consistently sounded better than 44.1kz, streaming or redbook CD.

Because my standalone DAC is a Denafrips Pontus II 15th, I was very curious about the Onix transport DSD output via IIS. So, snagged one and gave it a try. Turns out I LOVE it - I think DSD through the R2R DAC produces the most analog sound with all the detail and soundstage I was getting with the DA2. 

 

I sold my MCT500 (reluctantly) and now enjoy the freedom of the Onix IIS out. I’d recommend the $2400 Onix with a proven matched DAC (eg Denafrips) as a safe foray into SACD. I agree that steaming can easily be your every day, primary source. But physical media is still very enjoyable and satisfying - not dead yet! 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,833 posts
 

@kjl1065 with Meitner you will use its network for streaming and AES for Shanling. 
Don’t obsess too much about native DSD vs DoP. It will sound excellent regardless. 
 

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,403 posts
 

There is nothing wrong with liking physical media for nostalgic reasons. But it is becoming more like analog watches and will continue to move that direction. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,833 posts
 

It’s not about nostalgia. Does it perform better than a high end streaming setup? To me - no. Does it sound different enough to enjoy? Well may be in some cases, very rarely. So it’s not worth the expense in my opinion.

@kjl1065 I highly recommend Roon Nucleus One if you’re getting a Meitner. You can use Mcontrol app to stream qobuz or tidal to Meitner but Roon interface is in a league of its own. 

mattsca's avatar
mattsca
70 posts
 

@ghdprentice so I guess it won’t surprise you that I still treasure my Omega Seamaster, even though I only wear it in place of my Apple Watch two or three times a year. Lol. 

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