I've owned this player for three years, and had recently the opportunity to A/B it against many other players (YBA CD3, Meridian 508, Linn Karik III, ...) on a high-end revealing system.There's no denying that against such costly machines, its musical presentation sounds somewhat simplified. Don't get me wrong : you'll hear a lot of details allright (even suprisingly so for a machine of this price), but soundstaging, imaging, "articulation" on complex messages are not up to par.
This having been said, the sound is very well balanced to my ears (no harshness at all, especially compared to a Karik !), pleasantly full bodied on voices or acoutsic instruments, and dynamic is really good (much better that the Meridian for instance).
Overall, I would say this remains a very very good player for the money, even if not the most "hi-fi" one.
I personnally came to the conclusion that to get really much better a machine, one has to look at stratospheric levels (starting from 3000$ : Wadia 830, EMC1, ...).
5 speakers heartily granted.

I have been listening to the Marantz CD-63SE in my main system for the past four years, and have been extremely satisfied. I "stepped up" from the original CD-63, and was very impressed by the overall improvement in the quality of the sound....an excellent CD player indeed. Then, about three years ago, I added the Musical Fidelity X-10 tube output stage. WOW! The quality of the musical experience was totally redefined. (Thanks, Sam Tellig.) The soundstage width and depth became more realistic, the dynamic range seemed to improve, and resolution of detail became more palpable. With my system (an Arcam Delta 90 amplifier and Vandersteen 1C speakers), this CD playback combo is definitely a winner.

I have owned my Marantz 63se for roughly a year or so. Over that time, my impression of the player was pretty much in line with most of the things that I had read and heard others say, ie; this player is a real "mixed bag". It's worst over all attribute may be that it sounds harsh on massed strings and with sopranos and the like. It shines however, in terms of over all "gusto" and really excells with neat things like "rim-shots" and most other percussive instruments (including acoustic guitar, if you count a plectrum on a string as "percussive"). Male vocals also come across with a sence of authority and authenticity. Sound stage is not breathtaking, but its not bad either. Bass is not great. It seemed that while the 63se is in many ways quite musical, it's designers hadn't over come many of the problems associated with "mid-fi" digital reproduction. It seemed until...I build most of my own hi-fi gear, but don't be put off from my opinions based on that. Most home-brew stuff is real good, I've heard bona-fied high-end systems that can't touch some of my equipment. Anyhow, I was convinced that the 63se was as I discribed it above, and had concluded that its shortcomings were congenital problems, probably in the DAC itself. Then, about a month ago, I completed construction of a buffer preamp. Wow, what a difference. This player is not harsh at all, the soundstage is very good, and the bass is super deep and clean.
The fact that this player responds this well to a buffer is significant. A buffer is a device that ads no "gain" to your system (that means it doesn't make your system louder, like most preamps) the buffer simply acts as an easy load for the incoming signal (CD player in this case) and does the work of "driving the next stage (your amp). Because there is no gain, colouration from this stage is minimal. The long and short of it is this- the 63se must be load sensitive, which means that it's problems may be more with the manor inwhich it is interfaced with other gear, than with the player itself. Mine required an "easy load", and it made all the difference. With the right equipment this is a
five star player. However, matched with the wrong amp or preamp, I can see how things could get ugly.

details,dynamic, price

sound very quick with no depth, RC not working

I agreed with Henry. There're many better CDP at higher price. But for $300, there're no CDP at same price, have the details and dynamic as the 63se. Sound good with smooth (not bright) system.

Similar Products Used:

Rotel, Onkyo & Harmon Kardon at same price

Very good sound in price range

HEADPHONE JACK

Enough has been said about this nice CD player, so I wont write 5 pages. I'll just add that I like its sound. However, the headphone jack is dismal, it's horrible, it's a joke. Like most headphone jacks, but it's a sad truth.