Marantz DV 8400 vs. Sony XA777ES

[peter]

Gang:

I have narrowed it down to these two. I have found the Marantz on-line for $1479.00, incl, shipping vs. $1999.99 incl. shipping for the Sony. I have no DVD-A's and no plans to get any. Onyl reason I am even considering the Marantz is in case the Beatles get done on DVD-A and not SACD.

Suggestions and advice, please.

[Wired]

Get the marantz if it plays SACD in addition to DVD-A

[Dave]

Hmmm, tough choice. Enjoy SACD's now or wait possibly until your next lifetime to hear The Beatles only possibly on DVD-A.

[PMC7027]

Peter,
All I can give you is my experience. I have the Sony SCD-XA777ES and love it. It sounds great on 2 channel SACD, which is the way I use it. I've held off on DVD-A because my music room does not have a television in it. I decided that if The Beatles come out on DVD-A and the music sonically is worth having I'll buy a DVD-A capable machine.

[Metralla]

Originally posted by PMC7027
... if The Beatles come out on DVD-A and the music sonically is worth having I'll buy a DVD-A capable machine.
I guess I would too!

Regards,
Geoff

[Kayaker]

I have the Marantz DV 8400 - for about a month now. The Hi-Rez on both SACD's and DVD-a's is great. The Sony might play redbook better. To me the fact that it played both formats was key as I keep finding cheap (around $10) Hi-Rez discs in both formats in second hand shops in New York.

[peter]

Thanks guys. Still not sure, but since I have no DVD-A's, I am leaning to the Sony, as I DO have tons of redbook CD's....

[Ctiger2]

I have the Marantz and it sounds wonderfull. I have not compared it to the sony though. There is an online retailer selling the marantz for 1178 brand new. If you look you will find it. Also, I know of another online retailer overseas that has the marantz for a little over a grand. Great deal.

[peter]

So, I guess the real question is then, do you compromise redbook quality
(as compared to the Sony) with the Marantz just to get DVD-A?

[Gary]

My priority would be redbook playback since my CD type disc collection is 99.9% redbook.

It's pretty hard to compzre the two these days (with the rareness of the Sony)!

Wish I could help more. Sorry.

[peter]

I found the last Sony SCD C222ES sacd player in the bay area, new in the box, yesterday for $488.00 out the door, Couldn't resist at that price even thoug I could have got it from Oade three months ago for $425.00 WITH the upgrade. If I want the upgrade now, I will probably have to pay for shipment to Georgia and back, plus the $100.00 for the upgrade--I think I will pass.

Any thoughts anyone.

P.S. This is the second system in my house and not the primary one, and will only be used at parties/holidays etc.

[Gary]

Try it in the primary system and do a comparison! That'll give you a good idea about comparison to whatever you have in the main system.

You've not filled out your profile so I have no idea what your primary system is.... still, it would be interesting to hear your comments on the SACD player difference!

Gary

[peter]

Gary: Profile? You guys are too technically sophisticated for me. Primary system is:

CD Player: Marantz CD 63SE (1995 version) connection to a Musical Fidelity X-10 tubed buffer from Audio Advisor (1996).

SACD PLayer: Sony SCD CE775 (2002 version)

Turntable: Thorens TD 320 Mk. III (1995) with a Shure V15Vb cartridge (1984!!!!)

Preamp: Quad 44 (1989 version)

Amp: Quad 606 Series II (1995)

Tuner: Quad FM3 (1978!!!!!)

Cassette Deck: Nakamichi DR-3 (only two heads)

Thanks