Marantz CD63 KI Sig vs Rotel 965BX

[ESP2009]

I am now curious; I have just been chatting to a guy who tells me he has heard both Marantz CD63 MkII KI Signature and the Rotel CDR-965BX and reckons that the latter (base model) outperforms the former.

Is this just one person's subjective view, or a widely acknowledged, er, ‘fact'? Or is it just a case of hearing the two in different systems with different synergies, or some such?

 

[Anonymous]

all depends what you connect the cdp to ... I currently own the marantz CD63 MKII K1 sig and works very well with my sytem

Used to own a Rotel RCD 9658X (this is not the same as the 965BX and was a limited edition) ... it was very good, but was forced to sell my hifi as I was unemployed

If you want something a bit cheaper that works very well, the old Pioneer PD-S703 gives both the marantz and Rotel a good run for the money

 

[matthewpiano]

Having owned both I would pick the Marantz as being the superior player by some margin. The Rotel is very good but can suffer from some glassiness in the midrange.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

ESP2009:I am now curious; I have just been chatting to a guy who tells me he has heard both Marantz CD63 MkII KI Signature and the Rotel CDR-965BX and reckons that the latter (base model) outperforms the former.

Is this just one person's subjective view, or a widely acknowledged, er, 'fact'? Or is it just a case of hearing the two in different systems with different synergies, or some such?

Hi ESP2009

I also believe Rotel's RCD965BX is superior to the CD63KI. The RCD965BX is the finest cd player Rotel has ever produced.

Thanks

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Anonymous]

MUSICRAFT:ESP2009:I am now curious; I have just been chatting to a guy who tells me he has heard both Marantz CD63 MkII KI Signature and the Rotel CDR-965BX and reckons that the latter (base model) outperforms the former.

Is this just one person's subjective view, or a widely acknowledged, er, 'fact'? Or is it just a case of hearing the two in different systems with different synergies, or some such?

Hi ESP2009

I also believe Rotel's RCD965BX is superior to the CD63KI. The RCD965BX is the finest cd player Rotel has ever produced.

Thanks

Rick @ Musicraft

when I bought my rotel, done some research, and the RCD-9658X was regared as the best Rotel at the time (far better than the 965BX) ...

as mentioned, this was a limited edition .... have seen a few on ebay from time to time, but they fetch high prices

 

[ESP2009]

Thanks for the responses chaps. I was assuming that, based on the information I have, that the RCD-965bx would be unlikely to surpass the KI, but I understand there is a 'Discrete' and then a 'Discrete - Limited Edition' version of this model. Quite whether this 9658x is another beast altogether seems, at this point, up for discussion. I have had a very quick snoop around t'internet and haven't found a definitive description outside forums (my, Dim_span, we do get around a bit!)

I am likely to stick with my trusty KI Sig unless I stumble across a bargain.

Interestingly(?) I used to own a Pioneer PDS-703 until last year. A fine player in its time and own right but not, to my ears, of the same class as the Marantz. It was my first 'class' CDP (purchased becuse of WHF recommendations) and I was sorry to see it go.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Hi ESP2009

Your welcome.

The RCD965BX was the star

whereas the Discrete/LE versions were - well let's just say if it ain't broke than don't fix it.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Anonymous]

MUSICRAFT:

Hi ESP2009

Your welcome.

The RCD965BX was the star

whereas the Discrete/LE versions were - well let's just say if it ain't broke than don't fix it.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

cannot remember what the differences were between the RCD 965BX and the heavily modified limited edition RCD 9658X, but at the time I bought, I was advised to get the latter ...

Rotel's main website which also has the old cd players has no info at all on this player.

As for the saying, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it' .... it is sometimes valid, but a recent example which contradicts this statement would be the Tom Evans modded amps (Pioneer A-300R Precision) .... totally different class to the unmodified versions (by far)

Getting back to the original question .... If I were to buy a Rotel RCD 965BX or the Marantz CD63 MKII K1 signature, it would difficult to advise unless you compare side by side on a system ... I think matthewpiano has done this and prefers the Marantz ...

however, many who own the Marantz complain that it is too bright for their systems, so needs careful partnering .... I have also read that some people who own valve amps say that the Marantz is an excellent partner

 

[ESP2009]

It all goes to show that:

a) Hi-Fi is highly subjective

b) Hi-Fi choice depends on your musical tastes (see a) above)

c) Hi-Fi views depend on the sum of the parts and good/bad experiences with combinations of these

d) Unless I intend to spend a load of dosh perhaps I am well advised to stick with my Marantz - I mean, can it really be bettered for under £200 nowadays?

Anyway, I am heading for my next experiment: thanks to the advance of Dim_span I will shortly be receiving two, yes, two Pioneer A400 amps from Fleabay. Call it insurance and call it a chance to experiment with bi-amping...

 

[Anonymous]

good luck ESP ... keep us informed

 

[Anonymous]

I remember auditioning these players when I was a penniless student in Norwich (1992)The guy in the shop played both of them to me - same track - women in chains, tears for fears.I had no idea which was which but had no problem deciding which sounded best. The guy inthe shop knew all along I was going to pick the 965BX.It's now 2012 and the player is still going strong after 20 years. I love it so much I've bought anotherfor downstairs. I've upgraded the clock (trichord) in one of them. I have yet to hear a player thatsounds more natural, refined and balanced.Having said that, there's a guy auditioning me a Consonance droplet 5.0 at the weekend (valve output).I may change my mind!The chap who said 9658 is the classic is very sad and misinformed. It was always the 965.I agree with the other comments though - hi-fi is soooooo subjective. You won't know till you hear it!

I remember auditioning these players when I was a penniless student in Norwich (1992).

The guy in the shop played both of them to me - same track - women in chains, tears for fears.

I had no idea which was which but had no problem deciding which sounded best. The guy inthe shop knew all along I was going to pick the 965BX.
It's now 2012 and the player is still going strong after 20 years. I love it so much I've bought anotherfor downstairs. I've upgraded the clock (trichord) in one of them. I have yet to hear a player that sounds more natural, refined and balanced.

Having said that, there's a guy auditioning me a Consonance droplet 5.0 at the weekend (valve output).I may change my mind!

The chap who said 9658 is the classic is very sad and misinformed. It was always the 965.

I agree with the other comments though - hi-fi is soooooo subjective. You won't know till you hear it!

p.s. I use a SUgden headmaster & HD650's with an stefan audio art cable - bedtime is my favourite time!

 

[stephennic]

Hi,

I agree with matthew the Marantz CD 63KI is better than the Rotel 965BX. The Rotel was known to a bit bright the marantz was smoother more balanced tonally.

Cheers

Steve.

 

[stephennic]

Hi,

I agree with matthew the Marantz CD 63KI is better than the Rotel 965BX. The Rotel was known to a bit bright the marantz was smoother more balanced tonally.

Cheers

Steve.

 

[Nadfan]

I think this would go well with my nad 3020e amp and mordaunt short pageant 2 speakers