SOLVED - CD player to go with Rega Elex-R Amp

[Entrigo]

After much dithering, decided to upgrade from my Marantz CD6005.

I am now considering three/four options as a replacement:

Marantz SACD8005 (currently negotiating purchase of a £400 one)
Rega Apollo-R (enquired about a £300 one)
Rega Apollo (quite a few on eBay for around £250)
Rega Saturn (a couple on eBay for about £1K)

So, I know from having asked previously that the Marantz gets good reviews from forum users. But I am now also wondering about synergy with the Elex-R amp, so whether a Rega would be better. If so, are the Apollo ones as good as the 8005? Also considering the Saturn as future-proofing purchase. I am likely to upgrade my Technics SL1500C in a couple of years and likely the Elex-R as well possibly after that. But is the Saturn going to be overkill for the Elex-R right now?

Or are there any other obvious choices of player I am overlooking? As it might be inferred by my current and previous set-up ("on sale" in my signature), I prefer warmish sound to clinical. And like a bit of slam as I listen mostly to rock and similar.

P.s. as I am buying second hand, no chances to demo.

Any advice from owners or people who have compared the above especially welcome.

Thanks!

 

[Entrigo]

Saturn sold so just pulled the plug on the Marantz - before it also went...

 

[DougK1]

Excellent info, guess it's about time I got my Marantz SACD and matching amp up for sale, both in excellent condition with very little use.

 

[Shrek]

Excellent info, guess it's about time I got my Marantz SACD and matching amp up for sale, both in excellent condition with very little use.

what version are they any pictures ?

 

[DougK1]

what version are they any pictures ?

PM+SA KI Pearl Lite's, the model prior to the 8005. Bought new in 2013, used until 2020. If pics required I can send via pm.

 

[Shrek]

PM+SA KI Pearl Lite's, the model prior to the 8005. Bought new in 2013, used until 2020. If pics required I can send via pm.

pls do . thank you Doug.

 

[plastic penguin]

I would also consider Exposure. They've always produced top notch CDPs for the money. Absolutely love my old CD 2010, first made in 2004. I've had it since Spring 2020 and it hasn't missed a beat. The SQ is beautifully dynamic and cohesive. To replace it the player would need to be very special.

 

[nopiano]

Saturn sold so just pulled the plug on the Marantz - before it also went...

Can’t go wrong with a Marantz CD player in my book. The first player I owned was a top loading CD63b, and I’d love to hear it again now.

Have immensely enjoyed my SA-14 too. Hope you love your new purchase!

 

[plastic penguin]

Yep, I like Marantz players. I've never owned one but when I had one connected to the Leema it sounded pretty good to me.

 

[Entrigo]

Can’t go wrong with a Marantz CD player in my book. The first player I owned was a top loading CD63b, and I’d love to hear it again now.

Have immensely enjoyed my SA-14 too. Hope you love your new purchase!

Thanks,

Yes, I was very torn between the Rega Elex-R and the Marantz PM8005/6 as amp upgrade. Went with the Rega as the Marantz is rare as hen's teeth, so buying the CD8005 seems a good compromise...

I still have my eyes set on the Saturn one day as "final upgrade" but who knows? I had the CD6005 for 10 years and never before felt the need to upgrade, so the SACD8005 might be my final upgrade...

 

[Entrigo]

I would also consider Exposure. They've always produced top notch CDPs for the money. Absolutely love my old CD 2010, first made in 2004. I've had it since Spring 2020 and it hasn't missed a beat. The SQ is beautifully dynamic and cohesive. To replace it the player would need to be very special.

Yeah Exposure is one of those I had on my radar but always found relatively little info/ few reviews online.

 

[Stuart.W.D]

After much dithering, decided to upgrade from my Marantz CD6005.

I am now considering three/four options as a replacement:

Marantz SACD8005 (currently negotiating purchase of a £400 one)
Rega Apollo-R (enquired about a £300 one)
Rega Apollo (quite a few on eBay for around £250)
Rega Saturn (a couple on eBay for about £1K)

So, I know from having asked previously that the Marantz gets good reviews from forum users. But I am now also wondering about synergy with the Elex-R amp, so whether a Rega would be better. If so, are the Apollo ones as good as the 8005? Also considering the Saturn as future-proofing purchase. I am likely to upgrade my Technics SL1500C in a couple of years and likely the Elex-R as well possibly after that. But is the Saturn going to be overkill for the Elex-R right now?

Or are there any other obvious choices of player I am overlooking? As it might be inferred by my current and previous set-up ("on sale" in my signature), I prefer warmish sound to clinical. And like a bit of slam as I listen mostly to rock and similar.

P.s. as I am buying second hand, no chances to demo.

Any advice from owners or people who have compared the above especially welcome.

Thanks!

Marantz SA8005
Sound Quality (8.5/10)
Balance: Slightly warm-leaning with rolled-off highs, strong mids, and controlled lows.
Excellent for vocal and richness.
High clarity with a smooth, warm presentation; SACD playback enhances detail and depth.
It is very natural and smooth, minimal harshness unless pushed with poor recordings.
Low distortion, though some note subtle high-frequency suppression initially.
Tray-based, well-damped, and reliable, but not as premium as higher-end models.
Dual-layer chassis and isolated sub-chassis reduce vibration effectively; quiet operation.
It offers strong value for SACD and CD playback.

Rega Saturn
Sound Quality (8/10)
Balance: Neutral with a slight emphasis on mids; lows are tight but less pronounced, highs are clear but can feel analytical. Clear and detailed, less warm than Marantz, with a leaner, more dynamic sound. Natural and engaging, though some find it less smooth on harsh recordings.
Minimal distortion, but top-loading design may expose it to external factors if not maintained.
Top-loading is sturdy but less convenient and more prone to dust or wear in older units.
Solid build, but second-hand units may have worn dampening, increasing noise potential. Performance is strong but depends on condition.

While the Marantz SA8005 and Rega Saturn (second-hand) are excellent options, a brand-new Marantz CD60 deserves consideration for the following reasons:

Modern design and reliability:
Unlike the SA8005 (released ~2014) and the older Saturn, the CD60 (2022) benefits from updated engineering, ensuring longevity and fewer maintenance concerns compared to a second-hand unit.
The CD60 delivers a warm, natural sound akin to the SA8005 but lacks SACD support, which may not matter if your focus is CDs. Its modern DAC and tuning rival both players in clarity and richness, making it ideal for a pure CD experience.
Added Features:
It includes a USB-A port for hi-res audio playback (up to 24-bit/192kHz), offering flexibility the SA8005 and Saturn lack. ⤵️

Marantz CD60
Sound Quality (8.5/10)
Warm and balanced, with rich lows, detailed mids, and smooth highs;
exceptional clarity and organic warmth, delivering a rich, immersive soundstage.
Highly natural and smooth, excelling with acoustic and classical music; no harshness and high-quality DAC.
Tray-based, refined, and quieter than the SA8005, with improved stability.
Robust chassis and advanced damping minimise noise and vibration effectively.
It offers excellent sound and build quality, plus USB playback, for a competitive price.

 

[Entrigo]

Marantz SA8005
Sound Quality (8.5/10)
Balance: Slightly warm-leaning with rolled-off highs, strong mids, and controlled lows.
Excellent for vocal and richness.
High clarity with a smooth, warm presentation; SACD playback enhances detail and depth.
It is very natural and smooth, minimal harshness unless pushed with poor recordings.
Low distortion, though some note subtle high-frequency suppression initially.
Tray-based, well-damped, and reliable, but not as premium as higher-end models.
Dual-layer chassis and isolated sub-chassis reduce vibration effectively; quiet operation.
It offers strong value for SACD and CD playback.

Rega Saturn
Sound Quality (8/10)
Balance: Neutral with a slight emphasis on mids; lows are tight but less pronounced, highs are clear but can feel analytical. Clear and detailed, less warm than Marantz, with a leaner, more dynamic sound. Natural and engaging, though some find it less smooth on harsh recordings.
Minimal distortion, but top-loading design may expose it to external factors if not maintained.
Top-loading is sturdy but less convenient and more prone to dust or wear in older units.
Solid build, but second-hand units may have worn dampening, increasing noise potential. Performance is strong but depends on condition.

While the Marantz SA8005 and Rega Saturn (second-hand) are excellent options, a brand-new Marantz CD60 deserves consideration for the following reasons:

Modern design and reliability:
Unlike the SA8005 (released ~2014) and the older Saturn, the CD60 (2022) benefits from updated engineering, ensuring longevity and fewer maintenance concerns compared to a second-hand unit.
The CD60 delivers a warm, natural sound akin to the SA8005 but lacks SACD support, which may not matter if your focus is CDs. Its modern DAC and tuning rival both players in clarity and richness, making it ideal for a pure CD experience.
Added Features:
It includes a USB-A port for hi-res audio playback (up to 24-bit/192kHz), offering flexibility the SA8005 and Saturn lack. ⤵️

Marantz CD60
Sound Quality (8.5/10)
Warm and balanced, with rich lows, detailed mids, and smooth highs;
exceptional clarity and organic warmth, delivering a rich, immersive soundstage.
Highly natural and smooth, excelling with acoustic and classical music; no harshness and high-quality DAC.
Tray-based, refined, and quieter than the SA8005, with improved stability.
Robust chassis and advanced damping minimise noise and vibration effectively.
It offers excellent sound and build quality, plus USB playback, for a competitive price.

Brilliant analysis thank you. Looking at that comparison, sounds like I made the right choice. I like the slight warmth of the Marantz, and my Elex-R will provide a bit of punch and dynamics that the 8005 might lack.

P.s. Sadly all the newer Marantz components are too deep for my (custom built) shelves...

 

[Stuart.W.D]

Brilliant analysis thank you. Looking at that comparison, sounds like I made the right choice. I like the slight warmth of the Marantz, and my Elex-R will provide a bit of punch and dynamics that the 8005 might lack.

P.s. Sadly all the newer Marantz components are too deep for my (custom built) shelves...

Enjoy your new disc spinner! 📀👌

 

[manicm]

Marantz SA8005
Sound Quality (8.5/10)
Balance: Slightly warm-leaning with rolled-off highs, strong mids, and controlled lows.
Excellent for vocal and richness.
High clarity with a smooth, warm presentation; SACD playback enhances detail and depth.
It is very natural and smooth, minimal harshness unless pushed with poor recordings.
Low distortion, though some note subtle high-frequency suppression initially.
Tray-based, well-damped, and reliable, but not as premium as higher-end models.
Dual-layer chassis and isolated sub-chassis reduce vibration effectively; quiet operation.
It offers strong value for SACD and CD playback.

Rega Saturn
Sound Quality (8/10)
Balance: Neutral with a slight emphasis on mids; lows are tight but less pronounced, highs are clear but can feel analytical. Clear and detailed, less warm than Marantz, with a leaner, more dynamic sound. Natural and engaging, though some find it less smooth on harsh recordings.
Minimal distortion, but top-loading design may expose it to external factors if not maintained.
Top-loading is sturdy but less convenient and more prone to dust or wear in older units.
Solid build, but second-hand units may have worn dampening, increasing noise potential. Performance is strong but depends on condition.

While the Marantz SA8005 and Rega Saturn (second-hand) are excellent options, a brand-new Marantz CD60 deserves consideration for the following reasons:

Modern design and reliability:
Unlike the SA8005 (released ~2014) and the older Saturn, the CD60 (2022) benefits from updated engineering, ensuring longevity and fewer maintenance concerns compared to a second-hand unit.
The CD60 delivers a warm, natural sound akin to the SA8005 but lacks SACD support, which may not matter if your focus is CDs. Its modern DAC and tuning rival both players in clarity and richness, making it ideal for a pure CD experience.
Added Features:
It includes a USB-A port for hi-res audio playback (up to 24-bit/192kHz), offering flexibility the SA8005 and Saturn lack. ⤵️

Marantz CD60
Sound Quality (8.5/10)
Warm and balanced, with rich lows, detailed mids, and smooth highs;
exceptional clarity and organic warmth, delivering a rich, immersive soundstage.
Highly natural and smooth, excelling with acoustic and classical music; no harshness and high-quality DAC.
Tray-based, refined, and quieter than the SA8005, with improved stability.
Robust chassis and advanced damping minimise noise and vibration effectively.
It offers excellent sound and build quality, plus USB playback, for a competitive price.

RE the Marantz CD60, do you have it yourself or heard it? Because some reviews suggest it can sound a bit sharp, it has a wide soundstage but it can become a bit sharp. It doesn't have the traditional Marantz warmth.

 

[Shrek]

RE the Marantz CD60, do you have it yourself or heard it? Because some reviews suggest it can sound a bit sharp, it has a wide soundstage but it can become a bit sharp. It doesn't have the traditional Marantz warmth.

I have the 60 with certain discs depending on the recording it can be a bit sharp i thought it was me .I Noticed this a lot more since changing my TT cartridge and stylus and realised why i love Vinyl so much depends on the genre to its a good player but fussy.

 

[Shrek]

think i will compare my cd6005.

 

[Stuart.W.D]

RE the Marantz CD60, do you have it yourself or heard it? Because some reviews suggest it can sound a bit sharp, it has a wide soundstage but it can become a bit sharp. It doesn't have the traditional Marantz warmth.

Based on listening impressions using Filter 1 it leans into the classic Marantz warmth , smooth, yet detailed and natural signature. It avoids the sterility or harshness that can sometimes plague digital playback, instead providing a presentation that feels organic and inviting.

The CD60 warmth doesn’t come at the expense of clarity; the player retains a high level of detail, allowing voices and solo instruments to stand out with a lifelike quality.

The midrange, in particular, is a highlight, delivering vocals and instruments with texture, presence, and a touch of lushness that draws listeners into the performance.

The soundstage and Midrange are the CD60 strengths, it's expansive and three-dimensional.
Dynamically, the CD60 strikes a balance between refinement and energy. It handles everything from subtle passages to high-intensity with control, avoiding sharpness or fatigue even at louder volumes.

The bass is full and rounded rather than overly tight. While it may not offer the fastest or most analytical low-end compared to some competitors. It prioritises musicality over clinical precision, which suits a wide range of genres.

The treble is smooth and well-extended, with just enough bite to give horns or cymbals presence without veering into edginess. Filter 2 offers a sharper, more forward presentation for those seeking extra punch. Perhaps some reviews have selected this filter with bright sounding kit?

Overall, It’s a player that prioritises enjoyment and emotional connection over cold precision, making it an ideal choice for those looking to rediscover their CD collection with a touch of Marantz’s signature charm. Pair it with a complementary Marantz amplifier such as PM8006 or Model 40n and it shines!

 

[Stuart.W.D]

I have the 60 with certain discs depending on the recording it can be a bit sharp i thought it was me .I Noticed this a lot more since changing my TT cartridge and stylus and realised why i love Vinyl so much depends on the genre to its a good player but fussy.

What amplifier and speakers are you using in your setup? The quality of the recordings themselves could be a factor. Do you find this sharpness more noticeable with specific genres? Also, are you using filter one or filter two?