SACD/CD Player Recommendations

[DForeman]

Am looking to buy a new SACD/CD player. Currently I am using a Rega Apollo for CDs and Oppo 83SE for SACDs (both with analog connections to pre). I am sold on the SACD format and have been building up my collection lately.

Ideally I'd like to have one player to play both formats. The Rega Apollo is warm sounding which is what I prefer, and I couldn't be happier with it. Here's the thing, the Oppo sounds bright to me. If I could find a player that maintains the warmth/quality of the Rega and also a warmer SACD sound I would give it a try.

I've seen two Marantz players recommended in another thread - SA8004 and SA15S2. I can buy these locally at Crutchfield who have a 60-day return policy so I will start with one or both of these.

I would like to know some other brands to consider - any recommendations?

Budget = 1k-2k
2-channel only

Thanks,
Doug

[BlueFox]

Sony XA-5400ES

Better huury. The MBAs at Sony have discontinued it, so the price is increasing as supply drops. I paid $1050 for mine 3-4 years ago, and now they are up to $1600.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/sacd-...es-player.html

[brgman]

My Marantz 15S2 is terrific if you are willing to spend that much $$
I picked up teh ltd Edition from Musicdirect and i believe they have at least a 30 day return policy

[mantis]

Cambridge Audio Azur 651BD or the higher end 751BD. These are exceptional CD players as well as SACD and DVD AUDIO. Well worth checking out and forgetting about the rest.

[BlueFox]

Cambridge Audio Azur 651BD or the higher end 751BD.

I have been going back and forth in my mind about getting either the Oppo BD-95 or the CA 751BD for two-channel Bluray music. I love my other CA gear, and their 840C CD player has rave reviews. However, the fact the 751BD only weighs 10 lbs, versus the Oppo at 16 lbs, and the above mentioned Sony at 22 lbs, has me a little worried. While weight is not everything, it does help reduce the vibrations which muddy sound.

[F1nut]

Cambridge Audio Azur 651BD or the higher end 751BD. These are exceptional CD players as well as SACD and DVD AUDIO. Well worth checking out and forgetting about the rest.

Hilarious!

[dpowell]

The Marantz SA15S2 is a stellar player. Mine won't be going anywhere for a long time.

[danz1906]

Oppo 95.....Marantz 8004 are good choices!

[DForeman]

Looks like the Marantz SA8004 or SA15S2 and Sony XA-5400ES are the only game in town for what I am looking for.

Thanks everyone for your feedback - appreciate it.
Doug