upgrade advice - Marantz cd67 mkii/Nad c320/Tannoy M1

[TimK]

Have been very happy with this quality entry level system for well over 10 years. I bought from a great specialist shop in Oviedo in Northern Spain.....but the Marantz CD now often gives a focus error and won't always play discs.

Now living in a different part of the country and not able to go and test for myself I'm looking for advice.I do have access to Marantz, Nad, Cambridge, etc in FNAC in Seville and Madrid. Have also seen people buying online from the UK as prices are more competitive.

With such an old set up what kind of CDP could I fit in? Would a current Marantz be compatible with the NAD amp or would it be better to start again? I I want to continue enjoying my CD collection. I listen to most kinds of music ,although maybe more jazz of late, and a big Costello fan. I also have music stored in mp3 and flac files.

Finally, I live in an apartment block so volume is an issue. I know some cdp's are better at lower volumes. I don't currently use headphones but may need them in the future.

Cheers

 

[BigH]

First have you tried cleaning the lens in the cdp?

I don't think the cdp has any effect on the playing at low volume but I could be wrong I think that is more down the amp/speakers.

If you want to buy a new cdp I would stick with Marantz still making good players. I have a Marantz 63SE still plays OK but Marantz are a bit fussy when playing discs, in all my demos only the Marantz Pearl Lite would not play some of my ripped cds, Rega, Creek, Audiolab, MF, RK and my computer and car cdp all played them.

Do you have a coputer, if so you could rip your cds and then play them.

 

[TimK]

Yes, thanks......you're right about the lens....it did seem to respond when I used a cleaning cd............but i wouldn't be comfortable looking inside myself. Fingers like potatoes!!!

Anyway, back to the upgrade question. Is the widely recommended Marantz CD6004 on a similar level to the 67mkii? Or would the newer cdp take me onto a different level?

 

[spockfish]

I think you run into a problem here ;-)

But first let me ask one thing: is the 67mkii a 'KI' version or not?

In general it's like this: the 67mkii (and especially the KI, which I owned in the past) was a *very* good CDP for that time, but is still kicking a lot of modern (budget) CDP's in the you know what. Especially as you have moved over to playing more jazz, which is basically 'home terrritory' for Marantz kid. That would mean that you need to invest some money to get a new CDP back that is as good as the 67mkii is. I would have a look though at the CD6005 (the succesor from the 6004).

 

[TimK]

Hi Spockfish!

No, I wish it was the KI !!!! It's the standard 67mkii. So what are 'modern' alternatives?

I will have a look at the Marantz CD6005 as the new usb looks interesting. It is available in the UK from September so I probably won't get to see one face to face until visiting the folks for Christmas.

Would the NAD be ok with a 'modern' cdp? My NAD c320 has given me fantastic use over the years although the left channel takes time to warm up now and then.

Would I gain soundwise going for a Marantz cd/amp combo? I see you have the Rega Brio R. Nice amp. Would a Rega Brio R give me an interesting change in sound?

As I mentioned in my first post volume may be an issue as I live in a flat - so which amps are more subtle at lower volume? A Marantz, Rega or .......?

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Spockfish!

No, I wish it was the KI !!!! It's the standard 67mkii. So what are 'modern' alternatives?

I will have a look at the Marantz CD6005 as the new usb looks interesting. It is available in the UK from September so I probably won't get to see one face to face until visiting the folks for Christmas.

Would the NAD be ok with a 'modern' cdp? My NAD c320 has given me fantastic use over the years although the left channel takes time to warm up now and then.

Would I gain soundwise going for a Marantz cd/amp combo? I see you have the Rega Brio R. Nice amp. Would a Rega Brio R give me an interesting change in sound?

As I mentioned in my first post volume may be an issue as I live in a flat - so which amps are more subtle at lower volume? A Marantz, Rega or .......?

When I bought my Brio R I compared it with the pm6004 and prefered the Rega to me it and more detail and better soundstage

but that's my opinion.

 

[stevebrock]

Hi Spockfish!

No, I wish it was the KI !!!! It's the standard 67mkii. So what are 'modern' alternatives?

I will have a look at the Marantz CD6005 as the new usb looks interesting. It is available in the UK from September so I probably won't get to see one face to face until visiting the folks for Christmas.

Would the NAD be ok with a 'modern' cdp? My NAD c320 has given me fantastic use over the years although the left channel takes time to warm up now and then.

Would I gain soundwise going for a Marantz cd/amp combo? I see you have the Rega Brio R. Nice amp. Would a Rega Brio R give me an interesting change in sound?

As I mentioned in my first post volume may be an issue as I live in a flat - so which amps are more subtle at lower volume? A Marantz, Rega or .......?

When I bought my Brio R I compared it with the pm6004 and prefered the Rega to me it and more detail and better soundstage

but that's my opinion.

I upgraded from PM6004 to a Brio R

 

[spockfish]

Hi Spockfish!

No, I wish it was the KI !!!! It's the standard 67mkii. So what are 'modern' alternatives?

I will have a look at the Marantz CD6005 as the new usb looks interesting. It is available in the UK from September so I probably won't get to see one face to face until visiting the folks for Christmas.

Would the NAD be ok with a 'modern' cdp? My NAD c320 has given me fantastic use over the years although the left channel takes time to warm up now and then.

Would I gain soundwise going for a Marantz cd/amp combo? I see you have the Rega Brio R. Nice amp. Would a Rega Brio R give me an interesting change in sound?

As I mentioned in my first post volume may be an issue as I live in a flat - so which amps are more subtle at lower volume? A Marantz, Rega or .......?

In the end it's all about taste, but to me (I had the mkii KI and the PM-78 with class A stage) a Marantz combo, especially with jazz, would mean a different sq compared to the NAD.

And yeah, the Brio is one awesome little amp. I enjoy it thorougly. Combine it with the Apollo R CDP and you have an awesome set. But, as you stated that volume is an issue, I would opt for an amp with a headphone socket. And that the Brio R does not have...

Maybe a small all-in-one from Marantz would suit you. There are some guys over here owning one and they are very happy with it.

 

[TimK]

Thanks!!!

Spockfish, the Marantz all-in-one could be an answer but........after previously going for seperates I am a bit reticent. There seems to be far too much in one box. Call me old fashioned but i like the simple cdp/amp/speaker set up. If I ever listen to the radio I turn on the laptop.

Also, the Marantz cd6004 has a headphone output doesn't it , so couldn't it be used with the Rega Brio R? I ask this in answer to your comment about the Brio but to be honest I can't see myself listening with headphones.......prefer music to have space in the room.

So, one last question. Where does my Marantz cd 67 mkii stand in comparison with 'modern' cdps? I do like the sound WHEN it decides to read a disc.

You suggest looking at the CD6004 or the new 7004. Are they the modern equivalent? Wouldn't the all-in-one be a step down? I have no idea where it slots into current cdp ranges both Marantz and others.

 

[spockfish]

I think that you at least need to look (just) above budget players. Keep in mind though that Marantz CDP's sound rather 'smooth', which means you're used to this sound. So you really need to listen to a few new CDP's before you make a decision imho.

And yes, if you also consider replacing your amp, and if it's in your budget the Rega Brio-R and the Apollo R will give you a smashing system.

 

[TimK]

Cheers Spockfish!

Yeah I will check out other brands and listen to different sounds first. Not sure how easy it will be around Cordoba.

Pricewise it often makes sense to order from the UK. For example, a Marantz cd6004 goes for 509 euros in local specialist shop whereas through Amazon UK inc post it's 327 euros (259 pounds plus post). No brainier really!

The Rega Brio R can however be found at around 500 euros in Madrid which is not so different to the UK so could be tempting......

So, I have some homework to do.Thanks