need recommendation for inexpensive SACD player

[pbarach1]

Can anyone recommend a relatively inexpensive ($200-300 or less) SACD/CD player that has good sound? For this application, I don't need DVD playback (it can have DVD capability, but it won't be used). Also, it will be used in a 2.0 system, so bass management isn't needed. A currently available model would be good, but I'd also be interested in recommendations of any slightly older models that I might search for on eBay or Audiogon.

 

[gcmarshall]

my instinct is that SACD and DVD-A are dead or dying. if it were me, i wouldn't spend much, if any, money on it. if you must do so, though, at least something that won't break the bank. sorry, i don't have any specific recommendations.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Can anyone recommend a relatively inexpensive ($200-300 or less) SACD/CD player that has good sound? For this application, I don't need DVD playback (it can have DVD capability, but it won't be used). Also, it will be used in a 2.0 system, so bass management isn't needed. A currently available model would be good, but I'd also be interested in recommendations of any slightly older models that I might search for on eBay or Audiogon.

The Panny S97 is pretty good. Amazon has it $240 delivered through a vendor.

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

SONY scd-ce595 is a 5 disk SACD changer for $149 at Crutchfield.

It may not sound as good as a $1000 player but I bet you dollars to doughnuts the $1000 player doesn't sound 6 times as good (which you'd be paying of course).

 

[audio ninja]

Can anyone recommend a relatively inexpensive ($200-300 or less) SACD/CD player that has good sound? For this application, I don't need DVD playback (it can have DVD capability, but it won't be used). Also, it will be used in a 2.0 system, so bass management isn't needed. A currently available model would be good, but I'd also be interested in recommendations of any slightly older models that I might search for on eBay or Audiogon.

I have a Pioneer 578A that was deemed as one of most bang-for-your-buck DVD players. It offers DVD-V, DVD-A, and SACD playback. I had it connected to my Denon 3805, and highly enjoyed it. It doesn't have bass management or speaker distance applications like high end players, but it doesn't sound like you want to spend the money for that, but more so on a player that does the job, is reliable, and very user friendly. Pioneer produces a newer version, the 588A
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_15020669_236572701,00.html
This is very likely to be available at a local electronics store for $129. The 578A is avaiable on EBAY right now for $85. I don't think you'll be dissapointed with the 578A just for use as a SACD player, especially for that price.

 

[Nomo]

How about this?

http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=10625237

 

[westcott]

my instinct is that SACD and DVD-A are dead or dying. if it were me, i wouldn't spend much, if any, money on it. if you must do so, though, at least something that won't break the bank. sorry, i don't have any specific recommendations.

I agree with gc. If you want to get the best bang for your buck, stick with CDs and be more selective of the quality of the recordings you purchase or spend more money on a quality CD player if you want better quality audio.

The Panasonic 77 or 97 are great DVD players, not so sure about their audio quality for a two channel system but that would depend on the quality of your speakers.

 

[jawilljr]

If you can wait a few more months, the Pioneer DV-696AV-K looks like a steal at $149 MSRP. It supposedly will do DVD-A, SACD and upconvert CD's over HDMI.

Jerry

 

[mtrycrafts]

SONY scd-ce595 is a 5 disk SACD changer for $149 at Crutchfield.

It may not sound as good as a $1000 player but I bet you dollars to doughnuts the $1000 player doesn't sound 6 times as good (which you'd be paying of course).

Or, they may in fact sound the same

The $ensible Sound did a DBT a while back of an $80 RCA 5 disc carousel player and players costing $1000s. No audible differences by their panel.

 

[Pyrrho]

You may wish to consider the Yamaha DVD-C750. I like mine very much. You can read a review at:

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/YamahaDVD-C750DVDChanger1.php

As an added bonus, it converts between PAL and NTSC and it can easily be made region free so you can play DVDs from anywhere in the world.

If you are willing to buy a refurbished one, you can get it delivered for under $200 from a vendor at ebay.

Personally, though, I would not bother with SACD for stereo only; however, the multichannel recordings can be fabulous.

 

[kay]

I have the Pioneer 585 which is the Euro equivalent of the 588. It's great.

 

[Dan Driscoll]

my instinct is that SACD and DVD-A are dead or dying. if it were me, i wouldn't spend much, if any, money on it. if you must do so, though, at least something that won't break the bank. sorry, i don't have any specific recommendations.

SACD and DVD-A have become niche formats, in the same manner that vinyl is now a niche format. That's a long way from being dead.

For the OP, whether or not to invest in a DVD-A/SACD player depends on your musical preferences, the material available and your budget. If you are a die hard head-banger, heavy into hip-hop or a big time C&W fan, then there's not much point in getting an SACD/DVD-A player, because there is very little material available. OTOH, if you're into classical, orchestral or jazz music there's a lot of material out there, much of it truly excellent. There's even a fair bit of classic rock.

I know it's quite a bit more than your budget, but I highly recommend the Sherwood-Newcastle SD-860 (~$400) as a universal audio player. It is a much better unit than any of the (un-modded) $200 entry level universal players out there, IMO.

 

[pbarach1]

OTOH, if you're into classical, orchestral or jazz music there's a lot of material out there, much of it truly excellent. There's even a fair bit of classic rock.

That's my situation; I like classical music and I have a number of classical SACD's that I listen to on my home theatre setup. However, I also have an audio-only 2-channel setup (Carver Amazing original edition, Carver m1.0t & CT-7) that needs an SACD player so that I can get the best out of these SACD's. I have a decent redbook player for this system (Marantz CD67SE II).

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

The $ensible Sound did a DBT a while back of an $80 RCA 5 disc carousel player and players costing $1000s. No audible differences by their panel.

Did Shanling's check bounce that month or something? I thought $$ made their living on peddling tubes, mpambi wood chunks & stuff.