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Help me replace my Rotel 1072

The Rotel RCD-1072 has served me very well, and I love its warm, rich sound, but I'm thinking of upgrading.

I'd like to buy a CD player that: a) also has a warm, natural, "analog-like" sound; b) has a little more resolution than the Rotel; and c) is very reliable. If it does SACD or is a universal player, I wouldn't mind, but those aren't priorities.

Here's the trick: I'd like to stick close to $500 used; I'd prefer to buy a single-box player to adding a DAC; and I'm not interested in going the computer/DAC route. I just don't like computers enough to want one in my stereo.

The usual suspects seem to be Marantz SA8004 (reliable?), Rega Apollo-R (again, reliable?, and Oppo 95 (too lean-sounding?). The Sony XA5400ES sounds like it would be perfect for me, but it would be a stretch. Good, affordable CD players are getting thin on the ground with the rise of computer audio... Do I have other options?

Thanks!

Other equipment: Vandersteen 1Ci, NAD C372, Sennheiser HD580, Blue Jeans cables.
ablang
adam18
670 posts
 
I have the RCD-1072 (see my system), and it has always gotten along quite well with my Vandersteen 1C's. I originally had the Rotel driving an Arcam Delta 90 integrated amp, and the sound of music was wonderful. Then, I upgraded to the Rogue Audio Cronus integrated amp, and the Rotel deck sounded even better ! Then, I replaced my Vandy 1C's with the Revel F-12's, and ..... Holy Cow ! the RCD-1072 sounds better than ever. So, I agree with Zd542 .... keep the Rotel deck, and think about upgrading your amp. You may be quite surprised by how terrific a deck the Rotel really is. And for me, the HDCD ability of the RCD-1072 is a great feature. Good Luck, and Happy Listening.
ablang OP
165 posts
 
Oh man, in walks the separates option! That is, Zd542, admittedly a very good idea. That or upgrading to a better--possibly tube--integrated.

The NAD is very good, especially its bottom end, and this is the best of the NAD integrateds I've used in my systems...but it doesn't exactly provide the kind of 3D, vivid, utterly natural presentation I've heard from better gear. I already use a pair of ICs as jumpers on the NAD, so adding a separate pre wouldn't be too big a leap--though I do like having an integrated because it limits the number of "boxes" in the living room (that's one reason I've been reluctant to go the DAC route).

All I can say is that this conversation has me considering my options...
miner42
709 posts
 
To replace your RCD-1072 with a better CDP would require going to the $2000 range - like a Rega Saturn. The 1072 is a great CDP. I had one and sold it for $400. I now have a McIntosh MCD500 SACD player.
timo62
279 posts
 
The Marantz 8004 or the Rega Apollo-R would be perfect for you. Both very good players with the sound you prefer.
ablang OP
165 posts
 
OK, folks. Thanks for all the responses and ideas. At this point I'm considering keeping the Rotel and enjoying it while I think about what direction(s) I want to take my system in.

However...I'm tempted to try the Oppo 95 in part because we'll soon have our TV in the same room as our stereo (buying a house). We've not yet stepped up to Blu-Ray, but if one box could do double duty and serve the music well... In any case, I might buy an Oppo to try against the Rotel--if I do, I'll report back.

If anyone has already made that comparison, maybe your input can save me the bother of buying and re-selling an Oppo. Thanks!
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