Here’s an affordable CD player that uses parts originally developed for our Reference Series disc players.  Case in point?  The HDAMR (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) first developed to meet the challenge of reproducing the subtle nuances of the original Compact Disc.  In the CD5003, we use the SA2 version at critical analog circuit junctions to insure smooth and ultra-fast signal transfer from one stage to another. 

The D/A converters themselves come from Cirrus Logic.  Yes, we’ve used them before ? but only in far more expensive products such as our THX-certified DV8400 DVD player.  So we know they’re good.  In fact, they’re capable of handling high definition audio data streams (DSD and 24-bit/192 kHz PCM signals) without losing their composure.  You might think they’re a bit of overkill for CD reproduction.  But you’ll know better once you hear the CD5003. 

Connecting the CD5003 to the rest of your system is easy, even if you choose high performance cables.  For one thing, the gold-plated output terminals are widely spaced so they won’t cramp heavy duty connectors.  And the terminals are chassis-mounted so they’ll take the strain of audiophile interconnects. 

For private listening, the current-buffer headphone amplifier uses high slew rate op amps to bring you extraordinary sound quality. 

If you’re a musician, the word “tuning” probably causes a grimace.  That’s because it’s often very difficult to play along with a disc because of pitch differences between it and an instrument.  The CD5003 offers an easy solution to that dilemma ? a pitch adjustment that “retunes” the disc so you don’t have to return your guitar or anything else you’re playing!  And this pitch adjustment is perfect for slowing down those hard-to-learn riffs that can make or break a performance. 

Don’t forget the CD5003’s Quick Replay feature either.  Just push a remote control button and the CD5003 instantly “backs up” anywhere from 5 to 60 seconds (your choice) and begins playing again.  So if you didn’t catch that riff the first time, you can quickly hear it again.  And again. 

Audiophiles, on the other hand, want everything just as it was recorded.  So if you’re of that persuasion, you’ll really appreciate the CD5003’s selectable Audio EX mode.  It bypasses the pitch control, mutes the digital output, and shuts the FL display off completely.  With those three potential noise sources eliminated, you’ll be able to hear everything just as the artists intended. 

You’ll also be interested to know that the CD5003 plays more than just conventional CDs.  It’s ready for CD-R and CD-RW discs with MP3 and WMA files, too.  So you can listen to your favorite playlists with full CD convenience. 

In addition to all the information you need to locate and enjoy your favorite passages, the high density fluorescent display also shows CD Text.  Simply press the remote’s TEXT button to see the album title, track title, artist and composer name, etc.  (Of course, this information has to be recorded onto the disc in the first place but you’d be surprised how many discs include this today.) 

For custom installation demands, the CD5003 has a detachable AC cord and a flasher input jack for remote control ease. 

It’s all housed in our new chassis that combines the structural advantages of extruded aluminum with the resonance absorption characteristics of glass-reinforced resin.  And the sculptured decor-friendly front panel speaks eloquently of your sense of style. 

All in all, the CD5003 is a supremely attractive CD player.  A musician can slow things down ? or speed things up.  An audiophile hears every detail.  Either way, the CD5003 gets everything off the disc.  And you get to choose how you want to hear it.  Yes, it’s a Marantz.  And a most flexible Marantz at that. 

MSRP: $349.99 each