great for playing pop music. Lots of detail.

lack of dymanics, too smooth

The 63 SE of Marantz is a CD player that amazed me more than once. The might bass and crispy treble combined with great holographic imaging makes you believe that this is one of the best players in the world. So, if you're looking for a player that can really rock and roll, seek no further.
But the 63 SE has some drawbacks as well. It feeds your amplifier with the typical smooth Marantz sound. Great fun if you're into it, but the 63 SE definitely exaggerates and accordingly lacks the precision of a truly great player. But the greatest flaw is the lack of dynamics in the upper bass region. Ok, you won't notice it playing Skunk Anansie but in jazz this results in a messy sound where especially the upper notes of an (acoustic) bass are soft and undefined.
Furthermore, if you're a critical listener you will notice that voices, pianos and even drums do not sound authentically. But what can you expect at this price?

Build quality, features,upgrading path(digital output), clear and smooth sound.

for this price, nothing.

I have used this cd player since 1997.One and a half year after that, the transport fails,I've no choice except to use my computer to play CDs.Recently I got it repaire(Replacement of laser pickup mechanism).Nevermind the repair cost, it's logic considering the price.The sound is clean,balanced,fast and exciting enough.For a decent listener like me,it's very involving and I don't want to upgrade it till it have a failure.All types of music are handled well,and I will get a matching amplifier to replace the 'not truly hifi' receiver which i got from my midi system.The sound should be much much better than before.I love my CD63SE so much!
(the lack of one star is for the failure problem)

Similar Products Used:

Mordaunt Short MS10i on single pillar half-filled with sand,Cable Talk Talk 4 speaker cables,Sony STR A37K Stereo receiver,IXOX 104 interconnect.All equipments are mounted on a two tier spiked rack.

Excellent quality all round for a modest price

Variable output minimum volume too high

I bought the CD-63 mark II initially, along with Sennheiser
545 headphones, as an inexpensive way of getting decent
audio quality.

After about a week I returned the mark II for the SE because
I had some extra money and wanted to get the higher range
unit.

The SE, for me, has no flaws; I'm sure there are other players which do a *better* job in all respects, but the SE does what it does and does it well - it sounds *good*, with no obvious flaws or imbalances.

The user interface is particular good, too, some thought has gone into letting the user arrange playback just how he or she wants. The remote control is excellent.

I have recently bought Monarchy SE-100 delux monoblock preamps and Martin Logan Ascents. I've found that the minimum volume setting on the SE is too loud with the speakers; as such, I still need a preamp. This is annoying!

Actually, there is just one other flaw with the variable output; at the very lowest level, the music looses some umph. Go up just one notch more (there are about 32 volume levels, I think) and things are fine.

All in all, if this is your budget level, get this player, it's good.

Similar Products Used:

CD-63 mark II, Kenwood DPC-971 portable CD player

smooth, clean sound

no stand-by mode

I like this CD-player.
I love the sound which is produced with this cd-player.
I have hooked on:
Thule Audio IA60 amplifier
QED interconnect 2
QED silver speaker cable
Mission 752 speakers
Sound is deep, clean and detailed without harsh.
I listen manny kind of music (classic, latino, jazz, soul..)
I didn't notice any harsh or something what could spoil the sound.
It's also important partnering with other components.

For this price, built and performance I give 5 stars.

Similar Products Used:

none

clean, detailed...

for the price of 299$ from the audio advisor: NONE!

I think some of the reviews were "unfair" toward this player. Now, when prices of cD players are taking 'nose-dive" and much more "superior" players can be bought for low price...it is easy to bash this product. But just couple of years ago, when you couldn't even think about getting high-end CD player for under 2k, Marantz 63SE was way above competition, in the same price range 500-1K. I was the one who first got the oportunity to trade up for the better player. But, i still enjoyed the Marantz, the same way i enjoy the Linn karik now. MUSIC COMES FIRST!

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Karik II

Excellent detail. Ease of use.

Bass could be better defined. Comparison with vinyl shows its deficiencies.

I've had a happy 4 years with this machine. The harshness that some reviewers refer to are displayed occasionally, but I think the supporting equipment also makes the difference and generally I put it down to the recording. My Audio Innovations Series 300 (valve amplifier) makes it sound great on most recordings and my criticism of the base might be expected at this price. Its a really good mid-price machine.
If I was sure where the next generation of disc players was coming from I would be looking for an upgrade by now, but it still gives a lot of pleasure so I'll bide my time.
The British magazine Hi-Fi News and Record Review still use it in their reviews so it certainly is still well thought of over here.

Really good mids, ok highs, good detail, nice build for the price

Bass lacks gravitas, could be smoother at times

Well I bought this unit 5 years ago, and recall many quality evenings/nights listening to this cdp.

I guess it's getting a bit long in the tooth nowadays, that's why I purchased the new CD6000 KI (500 English pounds), which seems to build on the strenghts which I enjoyed so much in the CD63SE.

It is way smoother, and the bass really drops down with ease. I used to think my speakers /amp were at fault regarding bass depth, but it turned out to be the cdp.
So never underestimate the importance of a good source!

Nevertheless, this was a fine player,having been a Stereophile reference in it's class for years and still represents good value if bought at the bargain prices for which you should be able to get it nowadays.

Similar Products Used:

Marantz CD6000 KI Signature

Great sound, Build quality, Remote control.

None really, needs quality amplification, cables and Speakers.

Well I have owned this CD player for over 6 years now, and it still sounds great.
My System:-
Marantz CD63SE
Rotel RC970 Preamp
Rotel RC980BX PowerAmp
Audioquest "Quartz" Interconnects
Audioquest "Indigo2" Speaker Cable
Richter "Regent" Loudspeakers (NEW)
Previously BOSE 501's

I purchased this player when it was the Hot new item being given praise from all the Hi-Fi media. Mine as worked flawlessly in all that time, and has never required servicing or repairs..I do believe it requires good cables, I know the sound of my system was transformed when i added the Audioquest products...In short I will continue to use this product as I am completely satisfied with the sound of my system with all types of music..

good detail, fast reading, durible

remote

Good overall performance. After 4 yrs, no problem. I place foam board and tape around the walls. I don't know if it help, but it's now heavy like other expensive players. I try DAC but I like the original DAC better. I don't think the player is bright as other stated. Maybe the output is high, I would adjust about medium output.

Good inexpensive player, a classic.


System.
B&W speakers,
CJ PF2L
pass aleph 5 (class A + mosfets is the best,300W/hr though)
wireworld atlantis cable&interconnect

I kind of understand that owners of this CD player hear "details" never heard before. I also appreciated how much resolution can electronic music sound. But when I stopped using NAD304's preamp (faint, faint) and purchased HQ monitors - no more interest in Marantz. Mid to high peaks of acoustic instruments are very harsh. Yeller!