I should have added that the SA11S1 also uses the Super Ring transformer (so does the SA 17) but it uses a different DAC architecture. My general position here is that if Marantz can't make the repair, they should replace the machine with one of comparable sonic value, since that's my priority, rather than greater video capability. |
Here's an update. I can't believe this is dragging into the new year, but c'est la vie. Marantz initially tried to repair the machine, but was having trouble in doing so. Now they want to trade the player for the DV-12S2 and have me pay additional money! I did some research on all of this. The SA-12S1 uses 12 CS4397 DAC chips whereas the DV12 uses three CS4392 DACs. The SA-12S1 also uses the higher quality super ring transformer whereas the DV-12S2 uses the more pedestrian EI transformer, as do the 9500 and 9600. Apparently the machine still sits in Japan and for whatever reason cannot be repaired. I received a call from the local office on Monday that they were willing to go ahead and offer the DV-12S2 as a replacement. I told them the results of my research, that the CS4392 DACs in the latter machine were of a lower quality than the ones in mine and that the quality of transformer was liable to affect sonic output as well. I told the caller that the machine should be replaced by an SA-11S1, which has comparable sonic output even while lacking DVD video playback capability. She said that would mean my paying more money for the trade. I said that I shouldn't have to pay anything if Marantz cannot repair their own units. My preference would be to retain my machine, which despite reliability problems has great sound. I have yet to hear back from them, but that's hardly a surprise since they weren't very helpful in responding over the past three months either. Any additional comments or suggestions would be appreciated. my sense is that settling for a DV-12S2 or a DV9500 or a DV9600 would be a step down in sonics. I still cannot believe that Marantz cannot repair one of its product lines. This seems absurd to me. |
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OK, back on topic. The SA11 is purely a 2 channel audio machine SACD and CD only. If you need video the 9500 will give you solid audio and video. |
sorry did not realize it kid.
BILL L |
Hi Baileyincanberra. I'm a professor at Yonsei University doing English rhetoric, culture and lit. I've met a great many of the gentleman at E-Land in Yongsan. Nice group of people over there. All the best in Hoju. |
Washline
Totally off topic, and just out of interest, what are you doing in Korea? I lived there for four years and just returned home late last year.
If it makes it vaguely on-topic, I bought a lot of good hi-fi equipment from the second floor of the electronics market at Yongsan in Seoul. The language barrier was difficult but the bargains were worth it! |
Bill L,
Just a little bit of Internet Common Courtesy and manors, Don't type your replys in ALL CAPS. Who are you yelling at?
Chris |
OK. Thanks for the tips, one and all. Rello, I'm going into a MF Tri-Vista so only unbalanced inputs, but does the SA11 also play DVD video? I wasn't aware that it does. I can live without DVD-A for the time being. The problem is that I live in Korea. The piece is actually in the Marantz head office over here in Seoul. They've had it for three weeks already, and getting the part now is proving to be quite difficult. I'll press for repair. If that doesn't work, I'm going to have to push for a higher quality unit on par with the SA12-S1 |
If you do not need multi channel and DVD-a the SA11 is the way to go. the 9500 is nice but does not compare. Also, the SA-11 with the balanced out is noticably better then with the SE. If you have xlr use it. |
i would opt for the repair.. from what i have been "told" that is a INCREDIBLE musical unit... |
I have had a Marantz SA-12S1 for two years but only use it for 2-channel sacd and cd. This summer the main board went out and it wouldn't read sacd's or cd's. I took it back to Sound One in Asheville, NC and Marantz kept it 4 weeks but it now works perfectly. I would insist on repair.It's a great sacd/cd player. I have it teamed with a Marantz PM-17 integrated as a pre-amp and two Marantz SM-17's bridged for 200 w/c. You can share my positive experience with Marantz. They should care about customer satisfaction.
John Dean |
GET ON THE MARANTZ WEBSITE AND CALL THE MAIN HEADQUATERS AND COMPLAIN TO SOMEONE WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THE SEVICE DEPARTMENT. I CANNOT REMEMBER HIS NAME BUT HE HELPED ME WITH A LEXCICON RT-10 THAT BY THE WAY IS A MARNATZ DV8400 AND THE LEXICON RT-20 IS THE MARANTZ DV 9500. THE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT IN THE DV9500 IS IN THE VIDEO SECTION. THEY CHANGED TO HIGHER SAMPLING CHIPS FOR VIDEO. IF YOU TALK TO HIM JUST ASK HIM ABOUT A GUY THAT HAD A ISSUE WITH THE TRANSPORT WITH HIS LEXICON RT-10. IT SHOULD RING A BELL WITH HIM. IF IT DOES I WOULD INSIST THAT THEY FIX YOUR UNIT. THIS IS THE PRACTICE WITH MANUFCTURES TODAY, THEY JUST WANT TO REPLACE THINGS AND NOT FIX THEM. IF HE REMEMBERS ME TELL HIM I ADVISED YOU TO TALK TO HIM. HE REALLY IS A GREAT GUY TO DEAL WITH. I THINK HIS NAME IS STEVE BUT WHEN YOU TRANSFER TO SERVICE YOU MIGHT GET HIS VOICE MAIL. I WOULD CALL IN THE MORNING THAT IS WHEN I WAS ABLE TO GET A TALK WITH HIM. HE SALVAGED MY MACHINE THAT ALL IT NEEDED WAS THE LASER ALIGNED. LEXICON SAID THE UNIT WAS TOTALED AFTER A SHIPPING ISSUE. STAYED WITH LEXICON FOR 6 WEEKS FOR ME TO GET IT WORKING AFTER TALKING TO THIS GUY IN SERVICE.
GOOD LUCK
BILL L.
GOOD LUCK
BILL L. |
Yes it is under warranty, which is why the company is considering simply replacing the machine rather than doing what would likely be a big repair job at their expense. Local Marantz operation is having some difficulty securing a part and thus the suggestion to change machines. Yes, Mikesinger, this machine was very good sounding unit, and I'm reluctant to replace it with might be a weaker calliber (and certainly cheaper in price) alternative player. That's why I'm curious about how the 9500 sounds and some of the alternatives. Pawlowski, I can't get the 8260 locally, but I can get the SA11-S1, which is only SACD/CD, but I have some DVDs that are primarily for audio and I'd like to be able to play them as well in a high quality machine. The SA12-S1 was excellent for that purpose. |
the marantz should still be under warranty ( 3 years to original owner)...
i heard the 12 was a pretty good sounding unit... i would hear the new one before committing... |
If you can wait the 9600 is about to hit the shelves. I own a 9500 and the SACD is good I can't say how it compares to the 12S1 as I have never heard it. I owned the 8300 and 8400 and each player got better. So I am assuming that the technology has trickled down with in Marantz. And the 9500 may sound as good as the player you are replacing. |
You didn't mention the SA8260. This is only CD/SACD though. Perhaps that is why you didn't?? |
