[fante7]

Which one of these two players have better sound quality, Onix XCD-88 or Marantz CD5400? I believe they're both $299. I don't know that much about dedicated source components, but I've heard good things about both of these.

 

[memepool]

You need to find a dealer which has both of them in stock and go and listen for yourself. Everyone will give you a different opinion ranging from all cdp sound the same to x is better than y but really then only way to be sure is to go and listen for yourself with your own speakers and amp or headphones.

 

[Sleestack]

I can't comment on the Marantz. I had an XCD-88 and sold it to a fellow board member. You won't go worng with one at $299. It is simple, very well constructed and sounds great. There are also quite a few people who upgrade their XCD-88s.

They also have a 30 day return policy so it won't hurt to check one out. Their XCD-99 is being released soon. I should have one in my hands for the San Jose meet.

 

[Teerawit]

Sleestack makes an excellent point. The XCD-88 is heavily modifiable. Simple mods like upgrading the opamps can improve the sound alot.