xyclo

Hi there!

Am contemplating the purchase of an SACD player to pair with my Bel Canto REF 1000s and Magico Mini IIs.

I know I need to identify a pre-amp but am debating the merits of the Cary and Esoteric SACD players.

What I like about the Cary CD 306 SACD is both the sound and digital inputs. I could use this as both a DAC for my digitally stored music and as a reference Red Book and SACD player.

What I like about the Esoteric SA 60 (or even SA 10) is the price/performance; these are 50-75% of the cost of the Cary.

The only reason I'm bringing the Esoteric X-03 into the mix is because I've heard amazing things about the product, but have yet to demo it.

So I'm looking for feedback on these products.

What do people think about the reliability of Cary products?

Are there comparable SACD players that also offer digital inputs?

Telstar

The latter, no doubts.

You may consider auditioning also the Ayre Cx-5e and the Lexicon RT-20.

kennyt

I have heard the Cary 306, but not in my own system. I do however keep an Esoteric DV-50s in my reference rig, great unit, very solid build quality and amazing sound. I too wish it had digital ins but can get along without it.

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