The (good) old CD player

**wisnon** · September 6, 2016, 05:59 AM

Originally Posted by j2020

On the website, it is $10.99 a month or about $132 annually.
Would be ok if I want to order CD/SACD's on a regular basis.
But my old cd player is gone and I am now left to downloading only.

We pay $79 a year and that covers free shipping for all brithday and Xmas gifts, plus random online shopping!

Great deal, especially as you can deliver anywhere in the US...so can be shared with pals, as long as you use your CC.

**highEndguy** · September 6, 2016, 10:11 AM

**highEndguy** · September 6, 2016, 10:20 AM

My thoughts so far :
The CD player sounds nice But you don't pay that much to sound nice, right ?
The AC input should be better quality, at least Furutec
For that amount why you don't install a true 75ohm BNC Coax adapter
If you have a cd disc with 18 tracks you have to push the Forward button manually to go there, no numbers or any other shortcut.
The disc tray is as cheap as a cd-rom from a normal computer

**highEndguy** · September 6, 2016, 10:22 AM

no aes/ebu xor input ? Oh Please LOL!!!!!!

**highEndguy** · September 6, 2016, 10:23 AM

the remote control have some buttons that does not work with the unit.
If you paid that much send me two remotes, one for the cd and one for the future upgrades or new Origine purchases

**highEndguy** · September 6, 2016, 10:28 AM

The front display is so 1980's
For that amount I want a display with something like inside and outside temperature or trumps news, hahahahaha

**Rhapsody** · September 6, 2016, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by highEndguy

The front display is so 1980's
For that amount I want a display with something like inside and outside temperature or trumps news, hahahahaha

Thx for the updates Nelson! Hope all is well with you!!!

**BlueFox** · September 6, 2016, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Amazon Prime is an annual fee ($70???). Then that gives you lots of benefits including FREE two day shipping.

I use this for just about everything. Find a CD I like, send it to me. Find a Blue Ray I want, send it to me. Need some socks, send it to me. Need a door mat, send it to me. Want to make some natural ant repellant and need cinnamon and peppermint oil, send it to me. A new pair of shorts, send it to me. Etc., etc.

**j2020** · September 6, 2016, 04:23 PM

I am not residing in the US of A but this is what I see :-

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Prime-.../dp/B00DBYBNEE

Anyway, I may just get on it for everything else but cd's as my cd player is now gone.

**j2020** · September 7, 2016, 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

.....I know there will be ripping chores to do when all I want to do is listen! So, it's nice to rip that CD open and pop it in the tray. Ripping can wait.

Don't you wish Lumin would make a high-end cd ripper with 1/2/4 TB SSD storage all in one box?

**Mike** · September 7, 2016, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by j2020

Don't you wish Lumin would make a high-end cd ripper with 1/2/4 TB SSD storage all in one box?

YES!! YES!! YES!!

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**CPP** · September 7, 2016, 09:30 PM

Originally Posted by j2020

Don't you wish Lumin would make a high-end cd ripper with 1/2/4 TB SSD storage all in one box?

and all for under $4,000.

**Mike** · September 7, 2016, 09:37 PM

I found this quote in a recent review of a CD/SACD player rather interesting:

"And while in recent years the rapid ascent of computer-based audio has stolen much of the digital thunder from the venerable CD player, take a moment to consider, where’s the sex appeal in only downloading music files? Just how much of a high-end relationship can you have with that NAS drive, or music player app? Many of us have already rediscovered with the vinyl LP’s latest comeback that there’s something satisfying and seductive about physical media and the precision components that support that media. "

**Randy Myers** · September 8, 2016, 09:10 AM

I agree with this statement. Yes I have a lot of my music on the music server and love the convenience of having all the downloads available in Roon. However, especially after getting the Marantz spinner, I find that there are times where I really enjoy spinning disks. I even now go out and look for new CDs at times. All in all I enjoy both media's but I do not believe I will ever go with out having some physical disks.

**CPP** · September 8, 2016, 10:11 AM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

I agree with this statement. Yes I have a lot of my music on the music server and love the convenience of having all the downloads available in Roon. However, especially after getting the Marantz spinner, I find that there are times where I really enjoy spinning disks. I even now go out and look for new CDs at times. All in all I enjoy both media's but I do not believe I will ever go with out having some physical disks.

Pretty much follows my own enjoyment. What I have found in my personal quest for music enjoyment is that some of my music is not on some download site or even on Tidal and some is not available on vinyl anymore but its still residing on a CD to be either ripped or loaded into a player and enjoyed.

**highEndguy** · September 8, 2016, 04:25 PM

Originally Posted by CPP

and all for under $4,000.

Digibit Aria Music Servers

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**CPP** · September 8, 2016, 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by highEndguy

Digibit Aria Music Servers

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Your option : The Aria’s base price is $5495 USD, with no internal DAC or storage and with the standard power supply. With a 2TB hard-disk drive, the optional linear power supply, and the internal DAC; that combination sells for $7995. The most expensive option replaces the hard drive with a 2TB solid-state drive, for $9995.

Its not a Lumin and its not under $4,000

**highEndguy** · September 8, 2016, 08:20 PM

They have 3 models
You are talking the top of the line
They have :
Aria v2
Aria mini
Aria Piccolo

The piccolo have DsD DAC , Wifi , direct ripping etc
For Less than 3k

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**Hiker** · September 8, 2016, 08:59 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

(Side note: I have found a lot of my older....uhh...experienced clients are using CD's and have no interest in ripping).

Thoughts?

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Mike, you have me pegged. I am older and hopefully more experienced than when I started this hobby. I also prefer listening to my music through my CD/SACD player. This keeps things simple and ensures maximum sound quality. With my current system I believe I am getting as close to live as I am going to get (while I am still alive) which is my goal.

**Mike** · September 8, 2016, 09:00 PM

Originally Posted by Hiker

Mike, you have me pegged. I am older and hopefully more experienced than when I started this hobby. I also prefer listening to my music through my CD player. This keeps things simple and ensures maximum sound quality. With my current system I believe I am getting as close to live as I am going to get (while I am still alive) which is my goal.

Excellent! Mc makes great gear. Are you still using the Mc CD player?

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**Hiker** · September 8, 2016, 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Are you still using the Mc CD player?

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Mike, I only use my MCD550 for serious listening in the evening. I do subscribe to iTunes for the purpose only of auditioning music before I buy it on CD/SACD.

**Randy Myers** · September 8, 2016, 09:33 PM

I do enjoy my music server but only for downloads. Even though I ripped most of my CDs early on I do not like playing the rips. Honestly, Roon gets way way too many entries for me, and I kind of like spinning the old disks.

But I do have a question that came to mind. Does anyone keep two spinners hooked up in their system? If so what are their thoughts. Why I ask this is I have a basic Yamaha SA-CD spinner, it also does DVD Audio, HDCD, Blu-ray, etc. It is no where close to the Marantz, but it is not terrible either. I currently have it hooked up to play movies in the TV surround system. I could put the reserve Blu-Ray back in that setup if there were any justification to hooking the Yamaha up along side the Marantz. So..... thoughts?

**Mike** · September 13, 2016, 02:09 PM

I see a few posts popping up about "Spinners/CD Players" of late. The one side is that the future is ripping your CD's, storage, ease of use with an ipad/Aurender type setup. The other argument is the convenience of just popping in a CD and listening. I look at the argument a different way: which delivers the best sound?

Is the ultimate combo a great transport and a great DAC/Network Music Player?

**Randy Myers** · September 13, 2016, 02:18 PM

I am sure it is just my old ears... but honestly, at their best I do not believe I can hear a difference in sound quality between the Marantz spinner and my home made Roon headless server.

**Alpinist** · September 13, 2016, 11:15 PM

I have to admit it, I am loving the sound of the ARC Reference CD-9 player that I am borrowing. First, there is zero digital artifice on the redbook CDs I have played. The sound is truly analog-like in its presentation. Second, there is wonderful tonal density in the midrange providing tremendous body to vocals and instrumentals. Third, its provides a soundstage with amazing width and depth and holographic images. Last but not least, there is huge synergy with the ARC Reference 6 preamp and the Vandersteen M7-HPA mono amps. There is some real magic happening there. It's a shame that this component doesn't play SACDs or DSD files or I would be in in in.

Ken

**Randy Myers** · September 14, 2016, 01:32 AM

Dang, too bad no SA-CD.... that is an absolute must for me.

**Alpinist** · September 14, 2016, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

Dang, too bad no SA-CD.... that is an absolute must for me.

I totally understand. I own about a hundred SACDs myself. But the tube analog stage of the CD-9 is really something special. I'll have to give ARC's new DAC9 (384K PCM; DSD 128) a listen to see if its tube analog stage is as smooth as the CD-9.

Ken

**Randy Myers** · September 14, 2016, 10:55 AM

That makes sense. I would be surprised if it is not as good as the one you are trying. Obviously different level than what I would look at. I am surprised how good the Marantz sounds. It also sounds better with Redbooks than any CD spinner I have previously listened to. One thing that does make a nice improvement for Redbooks for me is running the coax output through the Wyred 4 Sound Remedy unit.

**Alpinist** · September 14, 2016, 04:16 PM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

That makes sense. I would be surprised if it is not as good as the one you are trying. Obviously different level than what I would look at. I am surprised how good the Marantz sounds. It also sounds better with Redbooks than any CD spinner I have previously listened to. One thing that does make a nice improvement for Redbooks for me is running the coax output through the Wyred 4 Sound Remedy unit.

Hi Randy,

I called ARC and spoke to one of their tech support guys and he said the new DAC9 was their best sounding digital component. I don't doubt that the digital circuitry of the DAC9 is better than the CD-9 but its two tube analog stage and solid state power supply vs. the CD-9's four tube analog stage and two tube power supply could still have a leg up on it. I think it may all come down to personal preference. The CD-9 is one of the most forgiving digital players I've ever heard but still remains hugely musical.

I've heard great things about the Marantz SA-8005 CD/SACD Player. Some of their players have become classics. It just goes to show, you don't have to break the bank to get great sound. How does the Wyred 4 Sound Remedy unit work?

Best,
Ken

**Mike** · September 14, 2016, 04:29 PM

Guys, while we are on the topic of CD/SACD/DAC - digital hubs as I like to call them, the challenge going forward is going to be SACD transports.

As it stands right now, only Esoteric & D&M are making SACD transports. The D&M one's are the one's you see in your $99 Best Buy special (and oddly, look like the ones in the MSB SACD player...but I could be wrong). Anyway, the top tier SACD transports are the ones you see in Esoteric (obviously), DCS, T+A, Playback designs, and many many others. To be honest, the T+A is the one I'm not entirely sure about as their SACD transport looks nothing like an Esoteric or D&M. And Esoteric has told all their competitors to go pound sound. No more SACD OEM drives.

What's interesting is that we see a "many against one" assault on SACD as a format. Those companies who can no longer acquire SACD transports are downplaying the format, like we are seeing in the latest DCS product, the Rossini. $60K+ and no SACD capabilities.

It will be interesting to see what happens going forward.

I really need to find out who makes T+A's SACD transport, because it's built like a tank.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/arti...dcd-playerdac/

**Randy Myers** · September 14, 2016, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Hi Randy,

I called ARC and spoke to one of their tech support guys and he said the new DAC9 was their best sounding digital component. I don't doubt that the digital circuitry of the DAC9 is better than the CD-9 but its two tube analog stage and solid state power supply vs. the CD-9's four tube analog stage and two tube power supply could still have a leg up on it. I think it may all come down to personal preference. The CD-9 is one of the most forgiving digital players I've ever heard but still remains hugely musical.

I've heard great things about the Marantz SA-8005 CD/SACD Player. Some of their players have become classics. It just goes to show, you don't have to break the bank to get great sound. How does the Wyred 4 Sound Remedy unit work?

Best,
Ken

Hey Ken,

The Remedy is a reclocker and also adds a Femto clock. It can work on either Coax or Optical (actually both, there is a switch on which one is currently being used). It really adds a vinyl feel to Redbook CDs. It also automatically up-samples the signal to 96 KHz. The output from the CD goes into the unit and then the Remedy output goes to your DAC.

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/wyred/2.html
http://hifipig.com/wyred4sound-remed...tal-reclocker/
And here is Dan's review:
http://www.audioaficionado.org/wyred...dy-review.html
Wyred website:
https://www.wyred4sound.com/products...medy-reclocker

And yes, the Marantz seems like a fantastic unit so far. I have been happy with it. I absolutely love SA-CDs... I think I have collect about 40 so far (but that is in maybe 6 months or so).

I would love to be able to get some ARC gear. It seems like it is amazing. We all do what we can do of course. Very happy how my system is coming along in just about a year since getting back into this fantastic hobby.... you're new system must be amazing.... still waiting for some photos

....

**still-one** · September 14, 2016, 05:03 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Guys, while we are on the topic of CD/SACD/DAC - digital hubs as I like to call them, the challenge going forward is going to be SACD transports.

As it stands right now, only Esoteric & D&M are making SACD transports. The D&M one's are the one's you see in your $99 Best Buy special (and oddly, look like the ones in the MSB SACD player...but I could be wrong). Anyway, the top tier SACD transports are the ones you see in Esoteric (obviously), DCS, T+A, Playback designs, and many many others. To be honest, the T+A is the one I'm not entirely sure about as their SACD transport looks nothing like an Esoteric or D&M. And Esoteric has told all their competitors to go pound sound. No more SACD OEM drives.

What's interesting is that we see a "many against one" assault on SACD as a format. Those companies who can no longer acquire SACD transports are downplaying the format, like we are seeing in the latest DCS product, the Rossini. $60K+ and no SACD capabilities.

It will be interesting to see what happens going forward.

I really need to find out who makes T+A's SACD transport, because it's built like a tank.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/arti...dcd-playerdac/

Mike
I thought that the parent company of Oppo in China was the last company other that those named above that was making CD/SACD drives. Also most audio companies have move away from CD drives to CD-ROM drives.

**Mike** · September 14, 2016, 05:13 PM

Originally Posted by still-one

Mike
I thought that the parent company of Oppo in China was the last company other that those named above that was making CD/SACD drives. Also most audio companies have move away from CD drives to CD-ROM drives.

Could be. Not sure. The Oppo transport is good, but not sure it's at the same level as the others.

**still-one** · September 14, 2016, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Could be. Not sure. The Oppo transport is good, but not sure it's at the same level as the others.

Surely not to Esoteric's level.

**Randy Myers** · September 14, 2016, 05:22 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Guys, while we are on the topic of CD/SACD/DAC - digital hubs as I like to call them, the challenge going forward is going to be SACD transports.

As it stands right now, only Esoteric & D&M are making SACD transports. The D&M one's are the one's you see in your $99 Best Buy special (and oddly, look like the ones in the MSB SACD player...but I could be wrong). Anyway, the top tier SACD transports are the ones you see in Esoteric (obviously), DCS, T+A, Playback designs, and many many others. To be honest, the T+A is the one I'm not entirely sure about as their SACD transport looks nothing like an Esoteric or D&M. And Esoteric has told all their competitors to go pound sound. No more SACD OEM drives.

What's interesting is that we see a "many against one" assault on SACD as a format. Those companies who can no longer acquire SACD transports are downplaying the format, like we are seeing in the latest DCS product, the Rossini. $60K+ and no SACD capabilities.

It will be interesting to see what happens going forward.

I really need to find out who makes T+A's SACD transport, because it's built like a tank.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/arti...dcd-playerdac/

Hmmm... so Mike wondering who makes the one in the Marantz? I have a very basic Yamaha which actually plays SA-CD disks very well, but the transport is very cheap. The Marantz on the other hand is an entirely different world. Very solid look and feel. So if what you are saying is still true then Marantz get their transports from Esoteric?

**Mike** · September 14, 2016, 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

Hmmm... so Mike wondering who makes the one in the Marantz? I have a very basic Yamaha which actually plays SA-CD disks very well, but the transport is very cheap looking. The Marantz on the other hand is an entirely different world. Very solid look and feel. So if what you are saying is still true then Marantz get their transports from Esoteric?

D&M is Denon & Marantz. So, D&M.

**Randy Myers** · September 14, 2016, 05:36 PM

Ahhh... so obviously they make a variety of levels of transports, etc.

**Old Bob** · September 15, 2016, 07:24 AM

OK, dumb question. I am beginning to understand SACD vs. CD. what is a redbook CD, vs. a regular CD, and where do I buy them? bob

**Mike** · September 15, 2016, 07:32 AM

Originally Posted by Old Bob

OK, dumb question. I am beginning to understand SACD vs. CD. what is a redbook CD, vs. a regular CD, and where do I buy them? bob

Bob, "redbook" is just another name for "CD".

Here's what you want to experience: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Reiner-Chica...4AAOSwB4NWy1kr

and pretty much all of them from that series. There are thousands of truly amazing SACD's, like: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Use-Me-Vanes...0AAOSw0OJXLXFT

**Old Bob** · September 15, 2016, 07:45 AM

super! thanks MIke!

have a great day, everyone! my wife is starting to notice the equipment piling up in our small room!!

**Mike** · September 15, 2016, 08:20 AM

Originally Posted by Old Bob

super! thanks MIke!

have a great day, everyone! my wife is starting to notice the equipment piling up in our small room!!

uh oh...you know what that means?

You need a bigger room.

**Old Bob** · September 15, 2016, 08:21 AM

yeah, when I don't want to live anymore

**Randy Myers** · September 15, 2016, 08:53 AM

I have no idea what you are talking about

.... Actually my wife has been incredibly understanding. I have gotten most of my SA-CDs from Acoustic Sounds...

http://store.acousticsounds.com/inde...ltsPerPage=100

I really love spinning disks, both Redbook (standard CDs) and Super Audio CDs (SA-CDs)....

**Old Bob** · September 15, 2016, 09:04 AM

thank you Randy! will buy SACD's as soon as I get my oppo 105.

thanks

bob

**Randy Myers** · September 15, 2016, 09:29 AM

Hehe... start picking up some to be ready

.... I have two more arriving today. A couple new arrivals that are on the expensive side, but that I have wanted ever since I saw them announced as coming soon a while ago now....

**kiwi_1282001** · September 15, 2016, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

[...]

I really need to find out who makes T+A's SACD transport, because it's built like a tank.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/arti...dcd-playerdac/

Hi Mike,

When Sony End-of-Life’d their CXD2750AQ decoding chip, that led to Esoteric stop OEM supply of their transport mechanisms which led to dCS (and Playback Design I believe) to stop manufacture of new SACD supporting players. EMM Labs (Ed Meitner) also used Esoteric transports will face the same issue.

There is an alternative from Mediatek as used in Oppo, Cambridge Audio, Pioneer and Yamaha players to name a few.

I have no idea what T+A use. Perhaps it’s a high modified Mediatek chip based mechanism?

**hongkong** · May 9, 2017, 01:20 PM

Hi everybody,

I listen CD with my Mark Levinson 360S (and Marantz SA7S1 of course and DENON DVD-A1UD ).
If the sound is not good (bad record), I take the DENON : smooth sound ...

I use DVICO for MP3

...and the DVICO is connected via optical cable to the 360S...

For nomad, I use Astell&Kerne JR with 128 Go ( yes, it's not a mistake)...and headphone like PSB M4U2 for plane or Audio-Technica ATH-ESW9LTD for home or train...

But I prefer listen CD or LP...

**Melbguy1** · May 9, 2017, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by hongkong

Hi everybody,

I listen CD with my Mark Levinson 360S (and Marantz SA7S1 of course and DENON DVD-A1UD ).
If the sound is not good (bad record), I take the DENON : smooth sound ...

I use DVICO for MP3

...and the DVICO is connected via optical cable to the 360S...

For nomad, I use Astell&Kerne JR with 128 Go ( yes, it's not a mistake)...and headphone like PSB M4U2 for plane or Audio-Technica ATH-ESW9LTD for home or train...

But I prefer listen CD or LP...

I nearly bought a Marantz cd player back in 1991. It was a close call, but I decided on a JVC XL-Z1050 instead due to it's good transport and K2 processing.

+ 1 on A&K. I have an AK300 which I plan to use with Hifiman Edition X V2's.

My systen is cd only, so i'm biased, but I still love buying and spinning cd's. I'm running a Vitus SCD-025 mk2 spinner which is analogue-sounding & very musical.

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