Marantz CD63 KI signature

this is a truely terrible player,completely over hyped no idea why,i owned one and stopped listening to music along with the awful kis pm 66 amplifier i listened to this against a marantz cd6300 and that is a good player,maybe technology has moved on a lot the cd6300 is fine good id say but this 63 is the pits,i like the linn players genki and ikemi good second hand now

I originally owned a CD63SE (Special Edition) and have since owned a 67 OSE and 2 63 KI Sigs. The KI definately kicks butt, when compared to the lesser models. It's better, particularly at the frequency extremes: clearer treble and much better bass.

I experimented with some more modern transport/DAC set-ups for a while (after having my original 63 KI stolen), but missed that Marantz sound. Having realised that the modern machinery wasn't actually any better (contrary to what the manufacturers would have you believe) I bought my 2nd KI, second hand, and was happy to have 'that sound' back again. I had a 63 KI for about 7 years, in total.

So that's it then; an unreserved recomendation? Well, no it's not. I'll explain: While researching which modifications I should have done to improve this great player (to bring it up to true world beating performance) I was still thinking about the fact that newer doesn't necessarily mean better. So, I started researching more about that subject, aswell.

To cut to the chase, I bought myself an even older and cheaper multibit player, just to see (or hear) for myself. The result: it totally thrashed the CD63 KI Signature in every respect! It's made me wonder why (and how) I listened to my CDs on that player for so long!!!

The truth is that the manufacturers pretty much perfected the making of CD players a long time ago. Ever since then (with very few and very expensive exceptions) the changes that they've been making were to make the players cheaper to make, NOT better at playing CDs, no matter what the magazines say.

After a lot of 'Googling' and checking of various reviews within the audiophile press I have opted for a used Marantz CD63 MkII KI Signature CD player to keep within my meagre buget of £200. What a difference from my previous model, an ancient, yet well regarded, Denon 1100 model: the sound of the Marantz is magical, most noticeable the width of the soundstage. Details are sharp and bass much more pronounced. I have noticed notes, sounds that I hadn't before. It is very musical in its output and together with my MF A1 amp I can understand that this may be, to some, over musical. Those who prefer a brighter sound would need a different combination, but my 57 year old ears enjoy it. Not being a CD nerd I can't comment on whats inside the unit, only on what comes out of my Mission e34 speakers, and that is now magic, pure magic!

marantz ki signature is aclassy performer but it can't beat my Rotel 965bx. Even with steriods it won't come any close!!

The Marantz CD63 KI signature has very natural sound and expressive, can handle all type of music.

I have owned my 63 sig from new, some 6-7 years, with out a doubt, the best CD player i have ever purchased! as people keep saying this machine is still currently better than a lot of £1000 players around today, go out and find one second hand, eBay is a good place, you will not be disappointed.

Brilliant machine, go find one, separation and placement of instruments good, imaging good, solid and reliable , if being picky a touch bass light? But nothing to worry about..

I have added this review as I have the CD63 SE as well. This is in my second system in the basement with Musical fidelity B1 amp and Mission 770 'silver' speakers ( £460) in their day. The KI is better. The midrange is slighty lower in volume level which has the effect of giving a more pronounced top end. The whole of the mid range has more detail and the SE mid range sounds harsh and muddled by comparison. I was happy with the SE untill I connected the KI. Don't get me wrong, the SE is good but the KI is definatley better. They are still both connected by identical interconnects. The SE is there as a spare now.

I have owned the standard CD-63mkII and the KI Sig version sounds nothing like it, the KI is in a much higher class in terms of sound quality and can often rival many more expensive players.

The Marantz CD63 KI signature is definately the best cd player i've ever owned, having previously owned Denon, it is clear to see why so many people choose Marantz.

CD63 KI. This is a fabulous player.