Denon PMA-2500NE & DCD1600NE review

Numpty112233

I've managed to get hold of some of those recordings
I'll add Breakaway to my purchase list - thank's for the heads up. I wasn't so impressed with Angel Clare, however I've only listened to it the once so maybe better 2nd time
Jazz at the pawnshop 30th anniversary and some Reference Recording SACDs are also worth a mention

Khankat

I think we all have or suffer from a degree of upgradiatus . I know I do, at the moment.  I think if you have the means to follow your Hi-Fi dream then do so.

After reading threads in which it has been said that Red Book CD's played back via a SACD player sound better than when played by a "standard" CD player, I am tempted to go down this route. Very tempted.

gibbsy

I already have an SACD player, two really if you count my Pioneer LX500 4K player, the main one being a Marantz sa8005 as well as a standard CDP in the Marantx cd6006. The sa8005 is simply better with redbooks, no doubt about it.

Khankat

You and a couple of others have given me an itch to scratch, insofar as CD replay via SACD. I have, for a year or two, fancied upgrading my Arcam CD player for a new model, probably Audiolab. But recent reading has steered me towards SACD. It need not be brand new. Once I have replaced my PC I shall be on the SACD player trail.

gibbsy

I love spending other peoples' money.

HenryHonda

I concur re the Denon SACD players

See my thread from a few months ago:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Question - New CD Transport / Player                                                                                                        Since retirement, I have upgraded most of my HiFi system (see my sig.) to a level that I find very rewarding.  However, the remaining component not yet upgraded is my CD player.  The Arcam CD82 was originally chosen over 15 years ago - after a weeks testing at home against an Exposure player...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                www.avforums.com                                                                               
After having auditioned a DCD-1600NE and a Marantz SA8005 - and after having read a stonking review in HiFi News, by Ken Kessler - I have being enjoying its big brother, the DCD-2500NE, for the past few months.  Yes, much more expensive, but I haven't regretted it for one second.

As you say, feeding them with SACDs is not cheap!  I've discovered Acoustic Sounds in the USA and, especially, Discogs.

Fully agree also with your observations on the amazing performance with Redbook CDs.  I'm going through my collection 'discovering' detail and quality reproduction that I previously never knew was there.

Enjoy!

gibbsy

Please do not put temptation in my mind. How did you think it compared with the sa8005? I've found a 1600ne for £699 but I'm really tempted with the 2500ne. Would it be worth the extra over the 1600.

HD lover

I have the 1520AE CD player from 4 years ago. It’s a beautiful player. Probably the best one I’ve ever owned. Though occasionally it doesn’t ‘like’ some discs. Would the 2500NE, which looks very similar to my player, minus the USB  and headphones socket, be a significant increase in the quality of sound, or is it just a build thing? The 2500NE is almost double the cost of my 1520AE and I’d like to be as sure as possible it’s a decent upgrade. Have to say I’m very tempted anyway.

Numpty112233

Delighted you are enjoying the 2500. I appreciate, now that I have read your other thread, that you didn't listen to them back-to-back, but how does the 2500 compare for sq with the 1600? When choosing the DCD1600, as I stated previously, it was a bit of an unnecessary impulse purchase when I got my PMA 2500 amp. I am thoroughly enjoying it though so no buyer's remorse! I briefly compared it with both the DCD 800 (not SACD but upscales redbook and has USB in) and DCD 2500 by looking at photo's of the internals. The 800 only had 1/2 the internal bits (technical term) of the other two, which were remarkably similar, so I went with the 1600 as it was less than 1/2 the price (I paid £670 without trying too hard) so couldn't justify the extra for an impulse purchase. Curious how the sound compares?

Numpty112233

I am finding SACDs are indeed over priced, but more importantly of very limited availability. I have discovered, however, I can download DSD and copy onto DVD-RW, which is a faff but broadens the library. I've actually been buying more vinyl than SACDs as the PMA 2500 amp's phono stage is making my old turntable really sing like I've never heard it before.
And like you I am rediscovering my CD collection in a much improved light...[/QUOTE]