Cambridge 740C, Marantz SA8001, or Rotel RCD-1072???

[Jen17]

Hi, I am trying to decide among these three cd players. The Cambridge has the advantage of upsampling, the Marantz of playing SACD, and the Rotel of playing HDCD. My speakers are electrostatic technology (Acoustats). Anyone out there have any advice? THANKS!

 

[Seth=L]

Well, I would probably go with the Marantz. The Marantz is the only CD player that really adds more to the player, where the others have nearly frivilous extra features. Upsampling and HDCD haven't done much for me.

 

[Jen17]

I should throw the Regal Apollo into the mix

Thanks for your reply. This is a tough choice because I haven't been able to hear any of these options. One thing I like about the Cambridge is that it has digital inputs so that you can run other digital components through the unit's DAC processor to improve sound. Do you (or does anyone else) have familiarity with any of these players (including the Apollo). Thanks, Jen

 

[davidtwotrees]

I would take the SACD capabilities of the Marantz......but I like SACD and am still supporting the format through classical music, where I feel that SACD is alive and well with a deep selection as well as new material coming out daily.

That said, is the Rega Apollo in the same price range?! I demoed either the Saturn or the Apollo and was impressed with the build quality all around on the Rega unit.

A newer member, timetohunt, has a thread going on the exact Rotel CDP you just mentioned.

So, if you need sacd, take the Marantz. If not, those three you listed should all be pretty equal in sound quality and build quality. I think the REGA is a step up in price and build quality........and there is the wow factor of the REGA's top loading system that looks Hot.

 

[TLS Guy]

I agree with the Marantz recommendation. I have been very pleased with mine over the last 20 months.

 

[Jen17]

Rega Apollo, Marantz SA8001, etc.

Well... I had found the Rega Apollo for $800 at some point (it lists for $995), but I can't relocate where I spotted this. I think I may go for the Marantz based on your feedback and the positive Stereophile review. Does anyone see the Cambridge's capacity to accept digital inputs from other sources (so they can be run through the unit's DACs) + the fact that each channel has a separate DAC as major seling points that would edge it out in front of the Marantz? If not, think I'll stick with the Marantz. Thanks again for your help, Jen

 

[Haoleb]

Ive got a Rega planet 2000 and have been throughly impressed with the creative engineering that went into it, The way the chassis was designed, etc Just much more thought put into small details vs other gear. I have also been quite pleased with the sound.

 

[davidtwotrees]

Ive got a Rega planet 2000 and have been throughly impressed with the creative engineering that went into it, The way the chassis was designed, etc Just much more thought put into small details vs other gear. I have also been quite pleased with the sound.

Man, I have lusted after that unit for awhile, now, but can't justify a stand alone cdp- I have the Denon and my music server plays cds, too. I haven't seen a planet in person, but the Rega I demoed......(actually demoing some joeseph audio speaks and the Rega was the transport) was super and the actual disc holder itself was amazingly engineered. Brilliant.

To the OP. I have a friend that just bought that very CDP. He says he loves the Marantz, and it is of an excellent build quality. On a different note, most on this site like and reccomend Blue Jeans Cables for any cabling you might need. They are solid and dependable with great service.

 

[TLS Guy]

Well... I had found the Rega Apollo for $800 at some point (it lists for $995), but I can't relocate where I spotted this. I think I may go for the Marantz based on your feedback and the positive Stereophile review. Does anyone see the Cambridge's capacity to accept digital inputs from other sources (so they can be run through the unit's DACs) + the fact that each channel has a separate DAC as major seling points that would edge it out in front of the Marantz? If not, think I'll stick with the Marantz. Thanks again for your help, Jen

I don't think there is an advantage to having two DACs. If you receiver has a PCM decoder, why would you want to run peripherals through the player? The only reason I could think of is if you were short of inputs.