this is the best cd-changer under 800$, I use to have a nad, and this one is far better and cheaper. Sound nearly like a single disc player.

unfazeable chassis, clean sound

see review below

Okay, I took my change in to be fixed, and the folks at Clark Music in Latham had it sent out and returned in less than a week! Thank you, Al, Kevin. A side note; if you reside anywhere in the NY Capital district and surrounding areas, these guys are tough to beat for service, product knowledge and honesty. they create a relaxed atmosphere for anyone to walk in and listen to a selection of Marantz, B&W, Adcom, Magnepan, Yamaha, Paradigm, etc.
Anyway, back to the changer. The previously mentioned skipping was resolved by the installation of a new laser. I played a disc which was badly scratched, and skipped on virtually all players I had tried, and gues what? - no more skipping!! The operation of the play exchange feature no longer fazes the machine, and no more annoyng skips.
I now truly appreciate this machine for what it was designed to do; give reasonable detail dynamism, and a superb construction. The remote and operation still take getting used to, though. And since I paid $375 US, I cannot complain about value for money!
Thanks Clark Music!
Thanks Marantz!

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sony

Functionality, looks, and a world-beating remote

very quirky operation

I like this unit alot. Other equipment has come and gone in my system but it still is my main source component. I did have problems with the first unit several years ago but Marantz was very good to me and just sent off a new unit to me before they even had the first one back.

I initially thought the sound quality was excellent, but over time my system has improved, and with the addition of a Conrad-Johnson PF2 preamp I now clearly hear its sonic limitations.

Bass is strong but unrefined, mids are etched, and the highs are bright. However the sound quality jumped up noticebaly (especially bass) with the addition of four vibrapods (vibration damping vinyl feet) supporting the unit. These lower and midpriced CD and DVD players greatly benefit from improved vibration damping.

The remote is positively in a class by itself. I have yet to see any remote anywhere at any price compare to this little thing. A double sided piece of plastic the size of a half deck of cards, could damn near control an entire Marantz based system. The bubble buttons feel so right, the ergonomics are truly first rate.

Programming options are plentiful, and the coaxial digital out is my saving grace. Pick up a used one for $250 and you're set up.

Operational quirks do exist but the only one worth mentioning is pretty maddening. The player pauses instantaneously between tracks which is only noticebale on albums that carry sound over from one track to another, like 'Dark Side.' Pain in the ass but life goes on.

Decent overall construction, noticeable clarity of sound

remote is a tad cumbersome, discs skip too frequently

for a company with a heritage as extensive a marantz's, one would expect at least a decent level of quality control. And although $500 in the hifi realm won't get you the moon and stars, one does expect a player in that class to be at least elevated above the usual entry level suspects.
The cc65se does benefit from the improved circuitry. the difference is perceptible. In terms of performance, it is an excellent machine, and even though my system is not at the preferred level ( I am currently replacing my speakers, and choices are B&W602s2, Acoustic energy Aegis3, and Tannoy MX3)I hear things that my previous Sony did not reveal. As a convenience machine, the 65se is somewhat lacking. the 2- sided remote is not the easiest to use, and the layout of the buttons is far from intuitive. Also, the program, random and repeat modes are automatically cancelled when you engage the play exchange feature to change three discs, and this can be annoying. The lack of a music calendar, and the the fact that you need to press the diplay button 2x to tell which disc is playing can be a little irritating, but nothing to lose any sleep over. All of these nuances one can live with, but the last straw came when the player would skip each time I closed the try after changing discs during play exchange! I though the chassis was reinforced, and the last thing a so called special edition player should do is skip like a $99 one!! I am taking it back to see what the dealer would come up with, but even after this episode, I am giving the machine the benefit of the doubt. I am sure optimally, it's a fine machine, but these quality issues definitely need addressing.
My review will continue after the player is either fixed or preferrably replaced. For now, I suggest you look elsewhere if you are a casual listener used to the convenience features of the Japanese efforts, but if you seek improvement in performance, this is one to consider. COntruction quality, I feel I cannot address due to my circumstances.

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Sony