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Marantz SA-11S3 vs Sony XA9000ES

Hello all, my question is, would I hear a noticeable sound improvement replacing my very nice but older Sony XA9000ES SACD player with the Marantz SA-11S3 Reference SACD player? System consists of a Rogue Zuess tube amp, Rogue Super Magnum 99 tube preamp, Shunyata Hydra line conditioner, Martin Logan Summit speakers and all upper end Audioquest speaker cable and interconnects. I don't have the cash yet for the analog rig that I desire so I thought this may be a good upgrade in the 4K range. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
rluthy57

Showing 7 responses by rluthy57

rluthy57 OP
35 posts
 
Thanks for the replies so far. I wish I could just be happy with the stuff I have and leave it at that. 4 amps four sets of speakers later I'm still on the quest. I love my amp and pre-amp no need to change again. The SACDs on the Sony CDP are amazing and I'd have to sell it at a huge loss but I have to think that newer DACs are even better. 
rluthy57 OP
35 posts
 
Thanks for the replies so far. I wish I could just be happy with the stuff I have and leave it at that. 4 amps four sets of speakers later I'm still on the quest. I love my amp and pre-amp no need to change again. The SACDs on the Sony CDP are amazing and I'd have to sell it at a huge loss so not so sure which way to go.  I have to think that the newer Burr-Brown DACs in the Marantz are even better. 
rluthy57 OP
35 posts
 
Sorry for the double post : (
rluthy57 OP
35 posts
 
Thank you all for your most valued input. Happy Listening.
rluthy57 OP
35 posts
 
I decided to pull the trigger and ordered the Marantz. I have to wait about 5 or 6 weeks due to it being back-ordered. I'll put my Sony XA9000ES up for sale at that time. Again, thank you all.
rluthy57 OP
35 posts
 
Hello jafant, your question is the million dollar question I first asked about. Other than the USB DAC option on the SA-11S3 I will have to wait and see sound wise. The Sony is outstanding with SACDs and SHM-CDs. I can't imagine the Marantz being that much if at all better, I just wanted to try something new since the turntable and cartridge set-up I want  is out of reach at this time. I just love music and this awesome hobby of ours.
rluthy57 OP
35 posts
 
Sorry jafant it took a while to break this in, I do love the Marantz but I also miss the Sony. The Marantz after break in is sounding really beautiful. The Sony and the Marantz aren't that much different when playing well recorded SACD and SHM-Cds. The Marantz does present a wider soundstage in my room that I'm very happy about.  They are both very warm sounding. The Sony for its age in design isn't very far behind and quite impressive considering. The Marantz does easily out perform the Sony when playing regular cds. I would say that and the wider sound stage are the biggest differences.
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