pone Posted February 26, 2010 Report Share Posted February 26, 2010 I bought and returned a Yamaha S1800 universal player (that apparently does pure DSD) because it was a joke. The regular CD layers sent from my Mac over optical to my Monarchy 18B beat it in every way--I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Is there any SA-CD player under $1000 (used or new) that can do things with SA-CD (greater detail, more realism, bigger soundstage) that the aging Monarchy 18B can't do with CD? I'd really appreciate your recommendations. I'm quite pleased with the front end of my system--Gilmore Lite and the 650s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grawk Posted February 26, 2010 Report Share Posted February 26, 2010 I like the way my tooleaudio modded 2900 sounds, but I've never heard the monarchy 18B. Where on the east coast are you, maybe I can get it to a meet you could make. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pone Posted February 26, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2010 Hi Grawk, I'm in Connecticut, though not really New York-area. I should have mentioned that multi-channel capabilities would be viewed favorably, though are not necessary. The 2900 looks like a solidly built player. Was it totally transformed by the mods, or were you pleased with it as stock? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grawk Posted February 26, 2010 Report Share Posted February 26, 2010 The mods make a pretty drastic difference, especially when paired with a good balanced amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cankin Posted February 26, 2010 Report Share Posted February 26, 2010 OPPO BDP-83 Special Edition Blu-ray Disc Player I've never heard it, but I'd put this on my list if i'm getting a ~$1000 player Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopstretch Posted February 26, 2010 Report Share Posted February 26, 2010 You can get a Sony XA-5400ES for under $1,000 used and not much more than that new, if you scout around. It is an excellent player. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pone Posted February 26, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2010 I can imagine seeing that the stock 2900 is single-ended only. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pone Posted February 26, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2010 The XA-5400ES is getting mentioned a lot lately as being an excellent machine and excellent value. It will definitely be on a short list. Are there any recommended Marantz players? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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