Marantz

I'm using the SA 7S1.  Really great sound for SACD/CD if you're not the type that likes an analytical sound. Have had no problems over the years that I've owned it. Built like a tank. Reasonable prices used. Haven't really felt compelled to upgrade.

I have been using a Marantz SA-11S1 with Ultimate Tube mod from pcX for over 8 years now. Great CDP! Like barrysandy says, very musical, not one of those sterile, analytical sounding units.

I have two Marantz SACD players, the 11s! in one system and the flagship 7s1 in my main system.  I've had both for several years.  Obviously, I've been happy with them.  One thing I would suggest is that you upgrade the fuses in either player.  It made a big difference for me in the focus and breath of the soundstage.  As others have said, Marantz gives you a full rich sound and a player that is built like the proverbial tank.

The Marantz Reference players are special. I've had my SA-7S1 for a LOT longer than I've owned any other previous digital player. As others have stated, if you're looking for a sharp, hyper-detailed sound, look elsewhere. But if you want a player that gets all the fundamentals of the music right, and presents them in an amazingly coherent, musical whole, then the Reference players are an excellent choice, particularly on the used market.

Oh, and lest you think these players aren't detailed, rest assured: they deliver BOATLOADS of detail--but that delivery is so natural and so relaxed (in a good way) that it makes many other comparable players sound forced and hurried.

The fuse suggestion is a good one; it does make a significant difference. And these players, though built like the proverbial Panzer, do respond well to quality isolation.

I'd also like to add that I replaced the fuses in both my Marantz Reference integrated and SACD player and it does make a difference, for the better.

All the best,
Nonoise

I have the SA-11S2--great player for both SACD and Redbook.  I can only echo the comments of the previous respondents in this thread (sound and build quality beyond reproach).  I have not jumped on the fuse bandwagon, but this thread has me considering it. . . any recommendations from other owners?

KJ, When I bought my sa11s1, the dealer suggested we change out the two primary fuses.  I readily agreed and he took care of it after I had it for a couple of weeks.  I could tell the difference right away.  I bought my sa7 used and the previous owner had already change out all the fuses.  Again, according to him, it made a big difference.  All I know is it was one reason I bought his player in stead of somebody else's.  I've never regretted that purchase either. There are a myriad of companies you could go to for fuses.   Its really your call.  

Many Thanks! for sharing guys-

I really enjoy Esoteric spinners and I did not want to (potentially) miss a better player in Marantz.  Happy Listening!

I've owned the X0-1, 5, and 7 Esoterics, and they were/are all excellent spinners, particularly the X0-1 (in my case, modded). That said, my Marantz SA-7S1 is a cut above in the musicality department. It just has a way of disappearing into a soundstage (I know that's a weird phrase) that has eluded the Esoterics in my room. But I'm really splitting hairs. The Esoterics are fabulous machines. 

Interesting lynott-

is the SA-7S1 a current spinner or older machine?

lynott-

I have only heard the Esoteric SA/DV- 50/60 series. Still, I really enjoyed the sound and presentation. I have read that the DV-50s is one of the best and budget friendly.  I would love to demo a X-01 or X-03, as well as, any "SE" / "Limited" spinners.

I have heard several models of Esoteric players, they are a very different animal from the Marantz players, IMHO.
The Esoteric are very resolving and articulate, a bit too analytical for my tastes though.
I am a fan of vinyl, and the Marantz players allow me to listen to digital music without grinding my teeth.

The 7S1 is an older, discontinued CDP. It was the most expensive model that Marantz ever produced. It listed for $6500 - $7000 and was discontinued about 4 years ago. You can find them used for under $3K.

The top current Marantz model is the SA-11S3, which lists for $4000.

Many Thanks! jmcgrogan2-

Guys-

can I get an opinion on the SA-11S2 ?

How about the SA-15S2 ?

the model #'s for Marantz SACD players confuse me???

test

The lower the first number, the higher up it is on the Marantz food chain.
The SA (Super Audio) 1 was their top model about 15 years ago. It listed for $7500. Then the SA-7S1, which came out about 8 years ago, and list for $6500. Then the SA-11S1, which came out about 10 years ago and listed for $3500. It was followed up by the S2 version, and currently is in the SA-11 S3 version listing for $4000.

Look through the Audiogon Bluebook, you don't have to have a subscription. It will tell you model numbers, their release date, and original list price.

I had an SA-1, and it was a fantastic unit. Sold it in favor of a Goldmund player. Boy, was that a mistake. 

FWIW, whether you like a high end Marantz CD player or not may more depend on the rest of your system than anything else. I have a Wadia 302 and a Raysonic 128 CDP. I tuned my system (using tubes in my integrated amps) to a give me a sound with a bit of warmth in the lower mid-range/upper bass. I then bought a Marantz SA11SA3 for SACD playback.

In my system the Marantz sound was bloated in the bass/lower mid range. This was particularly notable in a lot of new orchestral (classical) recordings including both formats. Interestingly  a lot of old, somewhat sterile CD's, such as DG's for example, were much more listenable. I found that solo piano music this player was excellent. This probably has more to do with nature of the piano sound which just presents a warmer lower frequency sound, not a bloated or congested sound as it might  when made by a large orchestra in a big hall. 

What this suggests to me is that the Marantz probably works best when it is used in a more linear system where it's bass emphasis will be nothing more than that, i.e. a bit of added warmth.

Re, the Redbook vs CD issue. I find that the difference in recording format is far below the importance of the performance - once the CD starts to spin I really don't hear all of the benefits of the SACD format. The only thing I have noticed is that frequently on new SACD's, which seem to have some additional warmth built in, these SACD's actually sound better on my Wadia. Go figure.

Hope that helps a bit.....:-)

I can remember when both the SACD and those 1st generation spinners came out via Sony ES and Marantz.  I also remember the corresponding prices and you guys are spot-on!

I have the SA11S1 and S2. Honestly really like them both but the S2 overall is a cut above. Different presentation IMO but the S2 is more refined. 

Thanks! for sharing- samzx12-

is this the SA-15 S2 ?

Jafant:

I don't mean to butt in, but I think Samzx12 might've been referring to the S2 version of the SA-11. His opinion of its relative SQ is similar to mine.

No problem- lynott. I welcome any advice from you guys.

I had a Marantz 803 SACD/CD but sold it off and went with the Oppo 105.  The Marantz was nice but it rolls off the top end.

I had a Marantz 803 SACD/CD but sold it off and went with the Oppo 105.  The Marantz was nice but it rolls off the top end.

Thanks! for sharing- mahler123

other Marantz spinners that roll-off the top end?

FWIW, the Marantz *Reference-level* players have NOT rolled off the top end in any of my systems over the years. They're quite linear, with just a touch of warmth across the frequency band to bring the sound closer to what I hear live. 

Thank You- lynott.

Happy Listening!

Yes I meant the SA11-S2 not the 15.

Anyone using or have auditioned the SA15-S2 Limited?

No I haven't but isn't there a review that compares the SA15-S2 to the SA11-S2 online? Maybe Stereophile? From what I remember the 15-S2 was cooler and more upfront sounding in comparison. It is a good read so just pointing it our :)

TY- samzx12.

I am a big fan of the Marantz since I have three models.

They take on a significant improvement when the power fuse is replaced with a Synergistic Research RED fuse. The SR RED fuse comes with a 30 dail trial. This is time well worth spent.

Plus you get to take the top off your player and see the beautiful layout and workmanship of your unit.

David Pritchard

Many Thanks! David & erikt-

I wondered now the SA-KI Pearl player sounds?
Happy Listening!

There is also a SA-KI Pearl "lite" model.

Haven't heard the Lite, but the original Pearl was/is a VERY good player. Limited to 500 units, as I understand. A guy I knew had one, and I heard it at his house compared with an ARC spinner (I forget the exact model, but I remember it was MUCH more expensive). He liked the ARC a little better (and eventually sold the Pearl), but I thought the Pearl was a bit more resolving and even more musical. Given the price difference, I thought the Pearl acquitted itself really well. If I hadn't already had an SA-7S1, I think I would've tried to pick up a Pearl.

TY- lynott.

A newer thread on the SA11-s3 popped up as well.

I have a SA-IIS2 and want to replace the fuses. I removed the three screw from the back but the cover will not budge. Any tips on removing the cover?
Also, what are the fuses sizes, has to be one of the following I guess:
5 x 20mm/0.2" x 0.75”
6.3 x 32mm/0.25" x 1.25”
6.4 x 25mm/0.25" x 0.98”

I have the same issue with my sa11s2.  Cannot get cover off

Hi, you will need to get a fine flat head screwdriver and pry the top back (the top is also the sides). Looking down at the top, there is a lip at the front where the top butts up against the front face. Put some cheesecloth or other material around the tip of the screwdriver so not to scratch anything - put the tool in the tiny gap and twist the screwdriver a little at a time and you will see the case move backwards. Once you see this you should be able to slowly work the case backwards to remove it. It's easy once you get where you need to put the screwdriver. I had same problem with mine. I would love pics on where the power fuse is to replace it with a Synergistic or whatever. 

Finally, the cover is off. Facing from the back fuses are on the right side. near the copper cylinder.

Size for all the fuses are 5 x 20mm/0.2" x 0.75”are

How did you get the cover off

How about the s-3? same as the 2 but better? I was just looking at a new player, currently have a Cambridge Audio 651 c, I imagine the 11-s would be a jump up?Any thoughts?