marantz 11s2 sacd player modifications

Mr Tennis, your search for the player that is "just right" is well documented and always interesting. I cannot resist asking you since "the marantz is not a warm sounding player," and if you want a warm sounding player, then why did you purchase the Marantz? Why not purchase a Lector CDP 7T, which is a wonderful sounding player with very natural bass and treble, and the full, warm midrange you are looking for? I know you have tried the CDP6 but that is not the same as trying Lector's best player. If this warm, rich sounding player is still not warm enough for you, you could always adjust the sound further by your choice of NOS tubes.

The CDP 7TL MkI and MkII used the BB PCM-63 DAC chip, which is now obsolete and which also doesn't support the higher upsampling rates. Lector went to the BB PCM-1704 chipset in the MkIII when they couldn't get the 63's, and the upgrade resulted in better resolution with only a minor loss of richness and warmth, a good trade IMO, but those preferring the ultimate in a liquid, warm, rich sound (like Tennis) may want to go for one of the older models. I belive the MkII addressed several upgrades over the MkI including upgrades to the transport mechanism so the MkII would be the sweet spot, if that is what you are looking for. Brian Ackerman with AAudio Imports, the importer at the time of the model change from MkII to MkIII, told me only about 10 or so MkII's were sold in the USA before the change. I owned a MkII and was able to compare the MkII to the MkIII when I had both in the house. IMO the MkIII is the better player because of the improved resolution and bass definition, but both sound very nice.

Tennis,I hear you about the tube thing. Based on your posts, you have been looking for awhile now and I am glad you have found a set-up that you like.