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Cary 306 Pro, Esoteric SA-50... are there any other SACD/DAC combos should I be looking at?

post #1 of 23
8/14/09 at 2:58pm
Thread Starter 
Title says it all.

I am very interested in an SACD player that will also function as a DAC for other peripherals such as my DVD player and computer.

Why not separates? Because if I am paying top dollar for an SACD player with superb quality, I do not want to have to also pay once again for a top-notch DAC.

Of course, this is a very flexible question - if there are separates (SACD + DAC) that would work for me and cost about the same amount as any of the above mentioned players, I am all ears
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post #2 of 23
8/14/09 at 3:32pm
I think there's a Luxman universal player in the same price range.
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post #3 of 23
8/14/09 at 8:03pm
The Electrocompaniet EMP1/S around $8K is a very good sounding unit but may not have a digital in.

There are really no affordable SACD separates out there that I can think of as they are all flagship rigs.
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post #4 of 23
8/14/09 at 8:32pm
Thread Starter 
I suppose I should have been clearer about separates - i did not mean an SACD DAC, but rather a standalone SACD rig and CD DAC

of course, I am really in love with the idea of the all-in-one
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post #5 of 23
8/14/09 at 8:55pm
The McIntosh MCD-500 is an option.

McIntosh | MCD500

The Marantz SA-15S2 is a more affordable option.

Marantz America | SA-15S2 Reference Series SA-CD / CD Player
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post #6 of 23
8/14/09 at 9:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by btf1980 View Post
The McIntosh MCD-500 is an option.

McIntosh | MCD500
x2. I have one and it actually replaced the Cary 306 Professional. The Mac is a very smooth and detailed player. It is also built like a tank and looks great.
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post #7 of 23
8/14/09 at 9:42pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by btf1980 View Post
The Marantz SA-15S2 is a more affordable option.

Marantz America | SA-15S2 Reference Series SA-CD / CD Player
Marantz really irks me: Why do the SE-only models have digital-in, while the balanced "higher-end" models do not?

With everyone else (Cary, Esoteric, McIntosh, Wadia....) the low end lack digital-in, while the upper register offer it.
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post #8 of 23
8/14/09 at 9:43pm
dCS Puccini, Wadia 781i, Accuphase DP-78 and DP-700 are supreme options...
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post #9 of 23
8/14/09 at 11:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by GuyDebord View Post
dCS Puccini, Wadia 781i, Accuphase DP-78 and DP-700 are supreme options...
The DP-700 is fantastic, I have owned one (and a 78 for the matter).

Unfortunately I get the sense that this is way out of the OPs price range at $26K.

FWIW, The Puccini and 781i don't compare to the 700....BTDT.
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post #10 of 23
8/15/09 at 5:02am
EMM Labs also offers some nice CD/SACD transports and DACs for them.
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post #11 of 23
8/15/09 at 11:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by El_Doug View Post
Marantz really irks me: Why do the SE-only models have digital-in, while the balanced "higher-end" models do not?

With everyone else (Cary, Esoteric, McIntosh, Wadia....) the low end lack digital-in, while the upper register offer it.
Although not in the market I was looking at the Marantz SE, it sure looks nice. Wonder how it sounds a both a redbook cd-player and as a dac-only.
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post #12 of 23
8/15/09 at 3:19pm
I have a Linn Unidisc SC that functions as a SACD player and as a DAC. It can also act as a preamp for a home theater system. It does a nice job but I have never compared it to the above mentioned DAC's.
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post #13 of 23
8/16/09 at 4:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by El_Doug View Post
Marantz really irks me: Why do the SE-only models have digital-in, while the balanced "higher-end" models do not?

With everyone else (Cary, Esoteric, McIntosh, Wadia....) the low end lack digital-in, while the upper register offer it.
It's because the SA-15S2 and the SA-KI Pearl are their latest players. The SA-11S2 and the SA-7S1 are a few years old. Whenever they get updated, I'm sure they will have digital-ins.
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post #14 of 23
8/16/09 at 5:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrarroyo View Post
Although not in the market I was looking at the Marantz SE, it sure looks nice. Wonder how it sounds a both a redbook cd-player and as a dac-only.
I have the SA-15S1, and I have had an Esoteric SZ-1 and SA-60. I prefer the Marantz player bar none. The Esoterics have a stark, analytical and cold sound. Some like this, I found it fatiguing after a while. I know it sounds cliche, but the Marantz makes analog sounding players.
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post #15 of 23
8/16/09 at 9:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4N6 View Post
x2. I have one and it actually replaced the Cary 306 Professional. The Mac is a very smooth and detailed player. It is also built like a tank and looks great.
what about the MCD500 do you prefer over the 306?
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