Which SACD PLAYER ?

awsmone

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Apr 6, 2014
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I am thinking of getting an an SACD player for my second system

These are my thoughts

T & A PDP 3000 HV
Ayon Acoustic CD35 signature
Esoteric K1sx Grandioso
Playback designs Dream PLAYER

Any ideas ?

I maninly have classical SACDs.....
 
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awsmone

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Yes it’s a wonderful player and amazing build quality and I have heard it extensively
But my understanding it converts dsd to pcm so I am not interested unfortunately
 

awsmone

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Thx Dan

I agree but already have EMM Labs in the main system so want something a bit different but will think about adding the Meitner to the list
 

Elberoth

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I would put an Accuphase on your list as well. Accuphase and Esoteric beat all players listed in build quality / reliability department - hands down.

They are both different flavour, with Accuphase beeing warmer and more romantic sounding and Esoteric more neutral with a certain see-through transparency .
 
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awsmone

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Thanks

I have owned Acciphase 800 series and 900 series transport dac and DF for many years

I won’t be heading in that direction again, but thx for that suggestion :)
 

CKKeung

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I am thinking of getting an an SACD player for my second system
These are my thoughts
T & A PDP 3000 HV
Ayon Acoustic CD35 signature
Esoteric K1sx Grandioso
Playback designs Dream PLAYER
Any ideas ?
I maninly have classical SACDs.....

I guess the best one-body sacd player in the market must be the Vivaldi One.
Does it exceed your budget?

The T+A has very good built but I have never been impressed by its sonic performance.

If you are considering Esoteric K-01sx, I suggest you to consider the Grandioso K1 instead. Their sonic diff is clearly audible.

Ayon and Accuphase belong to musicality camp.
Esoteric is in the neutral camp.
Playback is in the middle of the above 2 groups.
 

awsmone

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The DS Memory Player does.
Thanks I didn’t realise they now use an oppo universal transport, but unfortunately you need their dac as well to play sacd, and I am after a single box player, but appreciate you informing me of the change to ps audio memory player capability seems good value with the dac, and I have always liked their sound....
 

awsmone

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Apr 6, 2014
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I guess the best one-body sacd player in the market must be the Vivaldi One.
Does it exceed your budget?

The T+A has very good built but I have never been impressed by its sonic performance.

If you are considering Esoteric K-01sx, I suggest you to consider the Grandioso K1 instead. Their sonic diff is clearly audible.

Ayon and Accuphase belong to musicality camp.
Esoteric is in the neutral camp.
Playback is in the middle of the above 2 groups.


Thx CK

That’s pretty reflective of my thinking currently, and agree if u get the K1 go for the grandiosa instead

I have heard the others, but not the Vivaldi one, I have heard the full stack Vivaldi

Which has you heard? And your thoughts

Has anyone heard the Dream player?
 

CKKeung

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Thx CK
That’s pretty reflective of my thinking currently, and agree if u get the K1 go for the grandiosa instead
I have heard the others, but not the Vivaldi one, I have heard the full stack Vivaldi
Which has you heard? And your thoughts
Has anyone heard the Dream player?

I have listened to all the above players, except the Ayon bcos it has no dealer in Hong Kong.

If your budget allows, please get the Vivaldi One. It has the best of the both worlds of musicality & neutrality.

My personal two 2nd choices are Eso Grandioso K1 and Playback Dream.
 

awsmone

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Yes the Luxman seems a sleeper bargain
 

awsmone

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Apr 6, 2014
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I have listened to all the above players, except the Ayon bcos it has no dealer in Hong Kong.

If your budget allows, please get the Vivaldi One. It has the best of the both worlds of musicality & neutrality.

My personal two 2nd choices are Eso Grandioso K1 and Playback Dream.
Thanks Ck for that feedback
What did u think of the Dream versus Grandioso
 

CKKeung

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Jun 17, 2011
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Thanks Ck for that feedback
What did u think of the Dream versus Grandioso

They are close.
The Grandioso Series is actually getting a bit away from the Esoteric trademark of extreme neutrality and has become more musical.
You must go to listen to them personally before pulling the trigger.

BTW both can be upgraded in future :
Adding an external clock to K1 makes a big diff! The new Cybershaft Ultimate OP20 10M clock is my best recommendation.
For the Playback Dream Player, I had heard it paired with the Dream DAC via a proprietary link and the resulting improvement is huge.

Enjoy your hunt!
 

Barry2013

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Really good new one box cd/sacd players are thin on the ground and are usually big bucks.
If you are prepared to compromise on two box models then the DS transport/dac is certainly worth a listen and its HDMI cable saves money on cable costs plus it includes any future software upgrades. I tried it before the Huron software upgrade and came close to buying it but in the end couldn't overcome my preference for DCS and upgraded to a three box Scarlatti, but that is my one system. I also home auditioned the T+A 3000 which had a very transparent sound but again missed the analogue like sound of the DCS. But I'm not a fan of the Rossini player good as it is.
If the Vivaldi One is, and understandably, too expensive an option I'd be inclined to widen the net to transport/dacs as they seem to me to have a noticeable sound advantage over the one boxers.
 

awsmone

Well-Known Member
Apr 6, 2014
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Canberra Australia
Really good new one box cd/sacd players are thin on the ground and are usually big bucks.
If you are prepared to compromise on two box models then the DS transport/dac is certainly worth a listen and its HDMI cable saves money on cable costs plus it includes any future software upgrades. I tried it before the Huron software upgrade and came close to buying it but in the end couldn't overcome my preference for DCS and upgraded to a three box Scarlatti, but that is my one system. I also home auditioned the T+A 3000 which had a very transparent sound but again missed the analogue like sound of the DCS. But I'm not a fan of the Rossini player good as it is.
If the Vivaldi One is, and understandably, too expensive an option I'd be inclined to widen the net to transport/dacs as they seem to me to have a noticeable sound advantage over the one boxers.
Yes it’s a good suggestion I hadn’t been aware of the PS audio sacd transport I will do some research on it maybe try get a listen, I liked the quality of the older players on CD
 

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