Marantz CD65...keep,upgrade or replace?

rmsmax · 18th January 2009, 12:22 PM

I've noticed that there is a lot of forum discussion regarding the quality and potential with the older Marantz CD players.

I am upgrading my system and have a Marantz CD65 Mk2 SE player. Is this worth keeping or should I replace this as well? I've read that you can upgrade early Marantz CD players but not sure if this is one of them.

If it's not worth it any suggestion as to a replacement? I've an Arcam Alpha9 amp. Are the Alpha 8/9 players any good ? I gather they used quality Phillips mechanisms. Don't know about the electronics.

Grateful for any guidance.

poynton · 18th January 2009, 03:26 PM

The Marantz CD-65 MkII has one of the most desirable chipsets and cd mechanisms.

MARANTZ CD65 Mk II
TDA1541A
SAA7220P/B
CDM-4

Open it up and check what is written on the DAC chip.
With luck it may even have a "single crown" fitted.

One mod which is essential and produces fantastic results is to give the SAA7220 a separate supply and regulator.

Check out Philips CD650 mods for ideas.

Good luck
Andy

Thomo · 18th January 2009, 10:17 PM

I second that.

Defo a keeper. I think you'll be surprised at the performance of the cd65 with a few mods.

Cheers, Lee.

rmsmax · 19th January 2009, 12:26 AM

Hi guys. That's great news. I'll open it up tomorrow and have a look. Any ideas what the "Special Edition" meant over the std 65mkII?

Here's hoping.

musicomputer · 19th January 2009, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rmsmax
Any ideas what the "Special Edition" meant over the std 65mkII?

Some of the capacitors will be Elna Cerafines.

BTW the CD65mkII uses the same mainboard as Philips CD373/CD473.

rmsmax · 19th January 2009, 07:35 PM

Had the lid off. Unfortunately no crowns

Are there any schematics for the mods available?

johnmarkp · 19th January 2009, 09:34 PM

I have to respectfully disagree with the others. CD technology has come so far since the CD65 was new. I heavily modified one for a friend. It finally died and could not be fixed. He got a Music Hall 25.2. We both could not believe how much better it was. Not a little, it just blew away the Marantz. I loved my old CD63SE in its time, but at some point you have to move on.

John

poynton · 20th January 2009, 09:01 AM

Well, if you don't want to keep it, you can always donate it to me where it will be gratefully received !!!

Andy

18th January 2009, 12:22 PM	#1
rmsmax diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2009	Marantz CD65...keep,upgrade or replace? I've noticed that there is a lot of forum discussion regarding the quality and potential with the older Marantz CD players. I am upgrading my system and have a Marantz CD65 Mk2 SE player. Is this worth keeping or should I replace this as well? I've read that you can upgrade early Marantz CD players but not sure if this is one of them. If it's not worth it any suggestion as to a replacement? I've an Arcam Alpha9 amp. Are the Alpha 8/9 players any good ? I gather they used quality Phillips mechanisms. Don't know about the electronics. Grateful for any guidance.

18th January 2009, 03:26 PM	#2
poynton Magneto the Gravity Man diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: A life on the ocean waves when I'm not at home in N. Wales (but I'm not Welsh so no sheep jokes!)	Keep it !!!! The Marantz CD-65 MkII has one of the most desirable chipsets and cd mechanisms. MARANTZ CD65 Mk II TDA1541A SAA7220P/B CDM-4 Open it up and check what is written on the DAC chip. With luck it may even have a "single crown" fitted. One mod which is essential and produces fantastic results is to give the SAA7220 a separate supply and regulator. Check out Philips CD650 mods for ideas. Good luck Andy __________________ If it ain't broke, break it !! Then fix it again. It's called DIY !

20th January 2009, 09:01 AM	#8
poynton Magneto the Gravity Man diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: A life on the ocean waves when I'm not at home in N. Wales (but I'm not Welsh so no sheep jokes!)	Well, if you don't want to keep it, you can always donate it to me where it will be gratefully received !!! Andy __________________ If it ain't broke, break it !! Then fix it again. It's called DIY !

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18th January 2009, 10:17 PM	#3
Thomo diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2006	I second that. Defo a keeper. I think you'll be surprised at the performance of the cd65 with a few mods. Cheers, Lee.

19th January 2009, 12:26 AM	#4
rmsmax diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2009	Hi guys. That's great news. I'll open it up tomorrow and have a look. Any ideas what the "Special Edition" meant over the std 65mkII? Here's hoping.

19th January 2009, 07:35 PM	#6
rmsmax diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2009	Had the lid off. Unfortunately no crowns Are there any schematics for the mods available?

19th January 2009, 09:34 PM	#7
johnmarkp diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Wisconsin	I have to respectfully disagree with the others. CD technology has come so far since the CD65 was new. I heavily modified one for a friend. It finally died and could not be fixed. He got a Music Hall 25.2. We both could not believe how much better it was. Not a little, it just blew away the Marantz. I loved my old CD63SE in its time, but at some point you have to move on. John

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