SACD Player alternative to CDSA SE?

[HugoFreire]

Based on the rave reviews in Head-Fi and all around, I've decided to get the EMM Labs CDSA SE as a source for my headphone system.
I'm still looking where to buy it, so there is still time to consider other players.
Question is: which player should I be looking at, as an alternative to the CDSA?
What should be considered at the same level or nearly same price range?
Any thoughts?

 

[2deadeyes]

I suggest a search on Audiogon's forums. I found a plethora of info when I was searching for a new DAC (I eventually ended up with an EMM DCC2 SE). Good luck in your search.

 

[vcoheda]

two other players you should look into are the wadia 581i se and the cary 306 sacd pro.

 

[HiWire]

dCS Puccini?

 

[penger]

Maybe something from esoteric?

 

[Mister Crash]

Do you want to use this purely as an SACD/CD player, or do you also want to have the ability to plug in other sources so as to utilize the DAC section of the player on its own? If the latter, here are a couple of players to consider (which have already been mentioned):

Cary CD306 (coaxial, Toslink, AES/EBU)
Wadia 581i SE (glass optical, coaxial/BNC, Toslink, AES/EBU)
Esoteric P-05/D-05 combination (coaxial, Toslink, XLR; maybe higher than your price range)
dCS P8i (coaxial, AES/EBU)

The Esoteric and dCS also offer external clock inputs if you want to go that route. Simaudio's top-of-the-line players also have digital inputs, but don't play SACDs.

The only player I listed that I have listened to is the Wadia, and I loved it. I haven't listened to any EMM Labs players, though, so I have no idea how the CDSA would compare.

 

[penger]

Not sure if the Krell Evolution players fall within the price range, but they do also offer SACD playback.

 

[markl]

Would you consider mod-ing a player? If so the modified Marantz SA-7S1 is an oustanding player. I have one and have been meaning to write a review, but haven't gotten around to it. IMO, having a quality player modified with superior parts is the way to go (though you do void your warrantee). Cheapest way to get maximum performance (not that a modified SA-7S1 is cheap, but is in your price range). Douglas Jesse (formerly of RAM) did the mods, and I can highly recommend the service (I've had 2 players done by Doug):

ASi Teknologies - Your #1 source for A/V Mods and New Products!

 

[Jon L]

I don't know, Mark. I'm glad Doug Jesse did all right by you, but apparently, he's not done so good with some others.

Hi-Rez Highway - Warning about Doug Jesse of www.asi-tek.com - alainluypaert@skynet.be - May 06, 2008 at 08:28:18

RAM's response is also ominous:

"Hello,

Reference Audio Mods, Audio Consulting, and Audiocom-uk would like to make clear that we no longer have any affiliation whatsoever to Doug Jesse or Asi-tek. All problems associated with Asi-tek(Doug Jesse)should be addressed directly to him.
All 3 companies no longer do any business with him.

Sincerely,

Reference Audio Mods
Audio Consulting
Audiocom-UK"

 

[jpelg]

Many fine players mentioned here.

I'd look at those that are actually Universal players, that include the DVD-A format, rather than SACD/Redbook only.

 

[markl]

Hi Jon L,
Interesting, I hadn't seen that. I know that Doug Jesse left RAM at the end of last year to start his own company to compete with RAM, so I can understand Kyle being a little peeved about that. Now his former partner is a competitor. Perhaps as their major North American customer he convinced Audiocom et al not to do business with Doug?

From what I can see in that thread, it boiled down to one player that did not get serviced after the customer paid for mods. Perhaps Doug is now unable to get the parts from those companies he would need to mod the player?

I don't know anything about this, I'm just guessing. I've had good dealings with Doug (twice), so I'm inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt until I have the facts.

 

[HugoFreire]

Thanks for all the recommendations!
I will look carefully at each option when I have more time.

It would be very interesting to hear from someone who has some experience with the CDSA and other players.

Thanks again and keep your inputs coming!

 

[HugoFreire]

I've indeed decided to get the CDSA!

My decision was based on the following conditions:

One-box player
SACD & CD compatible
Around $6k used
Resolving yet musical/natural sound (not too clinical)
Don't need connection flexibility (desirable only RCA and XLR outputs)
Aesthetics/size/weight are not a problem
Well-known reputable brand

I've considered other players on the same price range (thanks for all the inputs) and the EMM Labs seems to be the way to go.

My unit should be here in about 2 weeks!

 

[Voltron]

Congrats Hugo! I am sure you will be happy with your choice.

 

[HugoFreire]

Thanks, Voltron!

I'll try to write down some impressions after receiving the CDSA.
I hope the Aristaeus/HE90 will like to meet their new friend!