Hi. I am looking for a new cd player and I am considering the Onkyo C-S5VL or Marantz CD5004. Another possibility is the Marantz CC4003 which I think is the same as the CD5004 except this CC4003 is a 5 disc changer. Links to each item...
1. http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-C-S5VL-Super-Audio-Player/dp/B002C73WRM
http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=C-S5VL&class=Compact%20Disc&p=i
2. http://www.crutchfield.com/s_642CD5004/Marantz-CD5004.html?tp=197
3. http://www.crutchfield.com/p_642CC4003/Marantz-CC4003.html?tp=197
I am desperately hoping that the headphone jack in these 3 players are not your average jacks because right now I just got the Denon AH-D7000 headphones and they sound pretty much like crap with my current player. So much so that I think there may be a slim possibility that they could be defective. I still lean towards the issue being my other equipment though. I mean the D7000 is so highly regarded they just can't be this bad. On to the CD players...
One reviewer says that the headphone out on the Marantz is comparable to that on his Creek OBH-11. The Marantz unit was briefly discussed here on the SH forum: http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?t=232526&highlight=marantz
User and manufacture comments on the Marantz...
Current-buffered headphone output: The CD5004’s current buffer design isolates the disc player’s analog output stage from the headphone amplifier itself. It thus prevents the headphone amp from “loading” the output stage and interfering with optimal operation. Marantz’s current buffer design exhibits near-perfect linearity regardless of signal amplitude. In addition, the output response is instantaneous regardless of the input signal’s speed.
I used it with headphone (Grado SR325i) and it deliver a nice and balance sound. The internal circuit headphone is very good. I compared it side by side with a Creek OBH-11 and it deliver almost the same sound. So here you get a very good CD player plus a excellent headphone amplifier.
And the headphone output using AKG K701 phones is stunning. Unless you want to spend a lot more, or get involved with external headphone amplifiers or preamps with headphone jacks, this beautifully operating player is my recommendation.
Onkyo C-S5VL... The Onkyo can play SACD... a welcome, but not essential feature. One reviewer compares the Onkyo to his Marantz SA8003, noting that "Using headphones the Marantz sounded a bit better, but I suspect that is because of its high end headphone amp." (I don't know whether headphone amp in SA8003 = CD5004???---do you?)
The Onkyo uses Wolfson 192 kHz/24 bit DACs and has filtering options, versus the Marantz w/ Cirrus Logic CS4392 DACs.
User comments on the Onkyo...
I had an Onkyo 6-disc CD changer which was very good but wanted to upgrade. I bought this CD player and the A5VL integrated amp. What a combo! I don't miss the 6-disc changer at all, maybe because I remember using LPs. A very important note - the headphone amp on this player is amazing. I was going to buy a high-end headphone amp until I got this player. Great with Alessandro MS-1 headphones.
I hear that Marantz is warm and somewhat laid back where the Onkyo is more detailed and forward. The Marantz has a 3 year warranty vs the 1 year with Onkyo which makes me lean towards the Marantz a little. The Onkyo though seems like it may be a higher end player at a very reasonable price.
If you have owned or listened to both units, or have experience with one or the other, I would appreciate your input.
Thanks!!!
