Marantz CD65...keep,upgrade or replace?

[rmsmax]

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]

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 http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=133780 for ideas.


Good luck
Andy

 

[Thomo]

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]

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]

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]

Had the lid off. Unfortunately no crowns Are there any schematics for the mods available?

 

[johnmarkp]

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]

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

Andy