SACD - Pioneer Elite any good? Cambridge Audio?


My SACD player broke (Sony SCD-CE775) after about eight or nine years. It can't read the SACD layer on Hybrid CD/SACD discs any more. A common problem, from what I've read. I tried everything, cleaning the lens, blowing out the dust, calling Sony. I give up. I have a backup Sony SCD-CD595, but it's definitely a step down in sound. So... I need an inexpensive SACD player. Any opinions on the Cambridge Audio DVD89 as an audio player? How about Pioneer Elite stuff? Is there a decent player for under $400? Your experiences, opinions appreciated.
rongon
rongon:
you're correct--the sony would only output redbook, not SACD to the dac. i believe there are a few players that will output DSD over HDMI as well as a number that will output DSD over iLink, firewire or other uncommon interfaces, but you're talking much bigger bucks. essentially, if you kept the sony, you'd connect digitally to a dac and use the analog outs of the sony directly to your amp for sacd.
all that said, then, the denon 2910/3910 are genuinely great sounding players with very good inboard dacs--not the most reliable, but i see 'em used for as low as $150 or so, so that might be a way to go. i personally own a pio elite 59, which is very competent, and also a good inexpensive choice, though i prefered the denon for music
The AIR studios enhancement is standard on the Elite DV-79 and I believe it is also standard on the newer DV-58. I really can't say if it works because I've never heard it without it. But mine sounds as good on SACD as my Denon 5910CI. The Oppo sounds better than both on SACD though. I have all three.
maybe a stupid idea but how about a PS3 and a puny monitor? SACD, DVD audio, cd and internet wireless streaming tossed in for free. have not heard SACD but the bluray performance is really good so the transport does not suck. For $500 you can get what youwant plus streaming and a 120GB HDD.

sorry of its a dumb idea for your use.

p

nput connectors on the TV or AV amplifier (receiver) PS3™ system output connectors Channels that can be used for output
2 Ch. 5.1 Ch. 7.1 Ch.
HDMI HDMI OUT connector
Digital Out (Optical) Digital Out (Optical) connector -
Audio Input Connector / SCART / AV MULTI AV MULTI OUT connector - -