CD Players: Emotiva ERC-1 vs. Marantz CD5004

[Zman2k2]

So I'm in the market for a dedicated CD player. Right now I'm using my Oppo BDP-80 with an optical out to my Pio receiver. Sounds good, but I'm sure it could be better. What I'm looking for is a player with good DAC's that I can use the analog outs to the "Pure Direct" mode on my receiver for best possible sound. Has anyone heard both of these? Have you compared them before? If not, based on specs, which would you choose?

Marantz CD5004 CD player
Emotiva ERC-1

I can get the Marantz player fairly easily, as my audio store is an authorized Marantz dealer. But if the Emotiva is worth it, I'll pay the extra to get it. I'm just unsure as to which one deserves more attention right now.

[LordoftheRings]

Best would be to listen to them both in your own system. Only you can make the final decision.

* You're in Calgary; try that Marantz CD player (you have 30 days to make your mind) at home and see if you like the analog sound of it more than your Oppo BDP-80 from its digital output or even from its analog out. And if you like it, you can bargain for a decent discount with your local dealer.
- With the ERC-1 it's more tricky as it will cost you more (with shipping plus no discount) and if the sound doesn't suit you, it will cost you to send it back!

[Zman2k2]

I think that's what I'll end up doing. I'm going to call my dealer today, and see about availability of the Marantz player. If I like it, great, stick with it. If I was hoping for something more, take it back and get the Emotiva. If I don't like the Emotiva, then the next step up is some serious money, and I'm not sure I'm prepared for that.

[Clark Kent]

Invest in a high-quality DAC like the Benchmark DAC1 and keep your current transport.

http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/dac/dac1

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by Zman2k2

I think that's what I'll end up doing. I'm going to call my dealer today, and see about availability of the Marantz player. If I like it, great, stick with it. If I was hoping for something more, take it back and get the Emotiva. If I don't like the Emotiva, then the next step up is some serious money, and I'm not sure I'm prepared for that.

Audiogon or other used Audio stores... ...Oppo BDP-83SE.

Originally Posted by Clark Kent

Invest in a high-quality DAC like the Benchmark DAC1 and keep your current transport.

http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/dac/dac1

...Or that! .................................................. ........... DAC!

[Zman2k2]

Thanks for the advice LordOfTheRings. I'll look into maybe starting the route that you mentioned.

Originally Posted by Clark Kent

Invest in a high-quality DAC like the Benchmark DAC1 and keep your current transport.

http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/dac/dac1

There's also that route. I must say though, that DAC's aren't my strength. I don't know much about them, so I'm not sure where to start looking. I guess research is the first step.

Thanks guys.