Marantz CD5005 CD Player, CD/CD-R/CD-RW / MP3 / WMA, DAC CS4398, Headphone Output, Digital Coaxial & Optical Output, Program & Random Play, Silver/Gold

I bought this to replace my 13 year old Cambridge Audio model, whose laser had failed fro the second time. I have been planning to get the CD6006 and hadn't contemplated the CD5005 as it being a lesser model (snobbery, most likely). I spotted a comparison chart between the 5005 and 6006. Same DAC (and same DAC as in the PM6006 amp I already have) and the only obvious difference is the omission of USB, which was of no interest to me anyway.A bit more research implied that generally people seemed not to be able to tell much difference between the 5005 and 6006. Then came a Warehouse sale day and there was a CD5005 for £132, minor scratches on facia and sides, so I took a punt.On arrival I checked carefully and could see no scratches at all. Everything intact and apparently still sealed. It worked fine. I think the original buyer opened the box and thought "Jeez that's too big!" and sent it back.Pros- Sound is excellent. I swear I can hear things in tracks that the Cambridge failed to bring out. It does have a much better DAC.- Plays mp3 (and some other lossy formats).- Usability is good. Simple though not as quick of the mark as the Cambridge was, either starting up or playing a cd.- Silent in operation.- Matched to my PM6006 it means I use just one control and they devices look similar, if aesthetics are important.- Headphone amp seems good. I often use it rather than plugging the headphones into the amp.- Value for money is excellent at £190 or less- You can switch the display off. Supposedly it improves sound quality, but I can't tell any difference.- Manual volume control for headphones.- Build quality seems good.Cons- Its a big beastie. Its depth can be 6cm more than some other players.- Won't play flac.- No eject button on remote (should you care for reasons I fail to understand).All-in-all, I am a happy bunny.

After 25 years ( yeah really ) I thought my old Sony cd player had seen better days! I got the version without the USB socket as I don't have an ipad or anything like it. Well, what can I say! I think it would be fair to say things have moved on in those 25 years, this player is awesome. First thing, it's quite impressive when you get it out of the box. It's kind of big and bold, and feels pretty substantial plus it feels well built. Obviously connects up quickly, and within minutes the first cd is in. Like always trying to describe sound is almost impossible but here goes. If you have a half decent vinyl set up it will remind you of that, you can listen for hours without feeling any kind of fatigue. The detail it pulls off those little discs is unbelievable, and I know it's a cliche but some of your discs really will sound like you have'nt heard them before. I am truly amazed at it, and another thing is that when the going gets tough - as in a lot of different sounds and instruments are all playing - it just sorts them all out. I can't imagine anyone being unhappy about this player other than it almost sounds too smooth and rounded. If your system is kind of flat sounding I don't think this will help it at all, but if what you have already is a nice sounding system this should fit right in. The only thing I miss is the display the old Sony had, they were like a calender sort of look, whereas I find modern cd players look almost apologetic with the displays most of them have. Have'nt listened on headphones yet but I believe it's very good. I have absolutely no regrets about buying the Marantz or about buying the cheaper version, you will save yourself about £100 into the bargain. Whilst on the subject of money has anyone else noticed the way every shop in the last week has put the cd 6005 up from £249 to £299? Looks VERY suspicious to me , and makes the cd5005 an even better bargain. Go on, you know you want one!

Marantz CD5005 CD player, I purchased in back in 2020. Marantz is renowned for being a good product. The quality from this CD player is amazing. Last year I purchased a Marantz amplifier & is now linked to the CD player the quality & sound is excellent. Recommend to anyone who likes higher end HiFi systems!