hello: Cambridge Audio Azur 651c CD player vs. Marantz SA-8005 CD player

[redneck jack]

Im new to this forum and I have a couple questions to ask and I would like to hear any opinions.

1. I have recently purchased the Azur 651c cd player to replace my older Yamaha CDC-697. The Azur 651c does an awesome job of bringing the music alive in my home surround system. (thanks to the dual wolfson DAC) but the draw back is that it can't play mp3 (I know there is major data loss with mp3 compression) nor does it have an USB port. So when listening to music on the 651c, I have about 70 min max of listing time then I either have to loop the disc, or switch it out. I have been doing a little bit of research and found the Marantz SA-8005. IT does have an USB so I can attach my laptop to it and play all of my non compressed music (hours and hours of non stop enjoyment without the worry of skipping cds). and it is iphone compatible as well. so I guess my question would be: how is the sound quality of the Marantz? Is it worth the price difference to upgrade to the SA-8005 or am just being fussy?

2. I was also thinking of adding an amplifier to my surround system to help movie viewing and music listening. Currently I have my sony blue ray, xbox one, and my Azur 651c routed into my Yamaha RX-V1077 receiver. the receiver is set up in the 5ch Bi-amp configuration. so what amp would you recommend and how do I integrate it to my system? what I have for speakers; center channel - klipsch RC 52 ll, fronts - klipsch RF 82 ll, subwoofers - 2 Paradigm monitor sub 10 (series 7), and surrounds - Paradigm atoms (series 7).

Thank you for your time: Redneck Jack

 

[markw]

As for item 1, any audible differences, if any, will be minimal. And whether you will be able to hear them is also a personal thing that only you can answer. I would suggest you "rent" one and see (hear) for yourself if you can hear any difference.

Now, as for the functional features your current CD player lacks, once you do the listening test, you will have to decide whether it's worth the difference to you.

If you choose to not keep the Marantz, you can always return it from whence it came for a minor restocking and shipping fee. It's worth it so you can hear for yourself, isn't it? After all, we don't have your ears.

As for your second issue: How much power are you looking for? How many channels are you looking for? How much are you looking to spend?

You do know that for a barely audible 3 decibels of loudness in peak situations you need twice the power you have now, don't you?

Since your speakers are incredibly efficient to begin with, you might seriously want to rethink the practicality of this one.

 

[redneck jack]

Well, after loading a couple cds to window media player, i streamed music (wave format) from my laptop to my receiver. I then placed one of the cds in azur 651c, and I spend some time switching between the stream feed and the cd player, playing the same song on each. I did this with multiple songs on multiple cds. and I did notice a slight difference with all the songs. Music from the Azur sounded better, (I cant really describe how, I kinda want to say fuller). Could be my old laptop causing the difference in sound quality? I do know that if I didn't play the music back to back like I did, I probably wouldn't of been able to tell the difference. So Im starting think the price difference between the Cambridge and the Marantz can't be justified with such a slight difference in sound between my receiver and the Cambridge. (if that makes any sense)

As far as buying an amplifier for my surround system, I would be looking for a 5 channel or 7 channel amp. I'm currently using 7 channels (5ch with bi-amp) on my receiver. Can I use the bi-amp function on my receiver with a power amp or should I drop the bi-amp, put the jumper wires back in the rf 82's, and stick with a 5 channel amp? I really have no idea on what I need for power. I did do some stereo installs in vehicles back in high school, and amps in that application do help quite a bit. But I cant really compare vehicle sound systems to home audio thou.

Thanks

 

[markw]

As far as buying an amplifier for my surround system, I would be looking for a 5 channel or 7 channel amp. I'm currently using 7 channels (5ch with bi-amp) on my receiver. Can I use the bi-amp function on my receiver with a power amp or should I drop the bi-amp, put the jumper wires back in the rf 82's, and stick with a 5 channel amp?

As long as you have preamp outs on your receiver, you can biamp.

I really have no idea on what I need for power. I did do some stereo installs in vehicles back in high school, and amps in that application do help quite a bit. But I cant really compare vehicle sound systems to home audio thou.

The same basic rules apply. I pretty much answered this already.

You do know that for a barely audible 3 decibels of loudness in peak situations you need twice the power you have now, don't you?

What are you hoping to accomplish with more power?

You really shouldn't post the same subject in two different forums. I'm going to post a link to this thread in your other post.

 

[redneck jack]

im hoping for better clearer sound with more power, sounds great now, just want to see if I can do it better. Much ambition, little know how (bad combo) lol just trying to learn.

 

[tyhjaarpa]

Well, after loading a couple cds to window media player, i streamed music (wave format) from my laptop to my receiver. I then placed one of the cds in azur 651c, and I spend some time switching between the stream feed and the cd player, playing the same song on each. I did this with multiple songs on multiple cds. and I did notice a slight difference with all the songs. Music from the Azur sounded better, (I cant really describe how, I kinda want to say fuller). Could be my old laptop causing the difference in sound quality? I do know that if I didn't play the music back to back like I did, I probably wouldn't of been able to tell the difference. So Im starting think the price difference between the Cambridge and the Marantz can't be justified with such a slight difference in sound between my receiver and the Cambridge. (if that makes any sense)

As far as buying an amplifier for my surround system, I would be looking for a 5 channel or 7 channel amp. I'm currently using 7 channels (5ch with bi-amp) on my receiver. Can I use the bi-amp function on my receiver with a power amp or should I drop the bi-amp, put the jumper wires back in the rf 82's, and stick with a 5 channel amp? I really have no idea on what I need for power. I did do some stereo installs in vehicles back in high school, and amps in that application do help quite a bit. But I cant really compare vehicle sound systems to home audio thou.

Thanks

If your music was lossless in your laptop then different dac's could be the reason it sounds bit different. But if you play ripped music from laptop vs original cd on player there is quality difference for sure.

im hoping for better clearer sound with more power, sounds great now, just want to see if I can do it better. Much ambition, little know how (bad combo) lol just trying to learn.

You could ask your dealer if you could get home audition for receiver you are looking for to try it out if it is worth it for you. Or just return it if you don't feel like it if dealer allows returning. I myself would most likely save the money for some other upgrade tho.