New CD Player: Onkyo C-7030 vs Marantz CD6004

[daniel thoma]

Hi, everyone. I'm planning to score a new CD player for the home stereo system, $500 or less. Two main contenders are the Onkyo C-7040 ($149-$200) and the Marantz C6400 ($329-$500). Which one would you recommend, and why?

I'm personally leaning towards the Marantz. The Electric Fetus in Minneapolis uses a Marantz CD player (either the same or similar model), and I really enjoyed the sound. This model also has a USB port for iPhone use, which is a big plus. I'm considering the Onkyo because of its very affordable price, and its stellar reputation. Everybody seems to love this model.

My stereo receiver is a Marantz 2235b, which has a warm, "two martini" sound. I'd like a CD player that is more neutral/warm than bright.

Much thanks for everyone's help.

 

[stish]

I can't comment on the Onkyo as I have not heard it. I bought the CD6004 early this year and it is far better than I had even hoped. It replaced a 20 year old Proceed PCD3 which sold for $3k new and more than holds its own.

 

[Son-of-Vere]

The Onkyo is fairly bright, you may be better off with the Marantz.

 

[Art K.]

Not sure about an Onkyo 7040 but the 7030 wasn't very good. The Marantz CD6004 is really quite good for the money. Quite a bit better than the Maranzt CD5004. I would go for the CD6004. I own the CD6004 for my living room system and like it alot.

 

[kermit z]

I have a CD5004, and love it. If the 6004 is better, it would be a no brainer.

 

[Art K.]

I have a CD5004, and love it. If the 6004 is better, it would be a no brainer.

It's a lot better and for $399 at present. Very good deal.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Marantz. The Onkyo is very bright. The Denon sibling is also another player worth lookinh at.

 

[daniel thoma]

Ah, very good. Thanks, all. I've heard great things about the Onkyo, but I'm really not interested in a bright-sounding CD player. I'm really enjoying spinning discs on the Panasonic LX-600 LaserDisc player. That has a very "analog" sound to it. If the Marantz was similar to that sound, but better on all fronts, that would be my pick.

The Panny LX-600, 900 and 1000 are the units to seek if you're curious.

 

[stish]

From your description of what you like, I believe you'll be very happy with the CD6004.

 

[AlTinkster92]

Also have a the Marantz CD5004, very happy with it.

 

[JimPA]

I would do a comparison of both cd players at a local dealer with the same speakers and components like I did..

I purchased one last summer and it does not sound bright in my system.

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-C-7030-...iewpoints=0&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

http://mail.audiokarma.net/forums/showthread.php?t=426273

 

[PAGS]

I have an Onkyo SACD player (C-S5VL). Based on my experience with this unit and the generally rave reviews of the C-7030 (I think you mean C-7030; not sure there is a C-7040), I wouldn't hesitate to buy the Onkyo. Save yourself a couple hundred bucks, that's 15 - 20 new CDs.

Heck, if you don't like it, you can keep it as a back-up, or someone would probably take it off your hands for $100 - $125.