That is extremely helpful, nonoise. Thanks so much. My tastes tend to agree with yours, preferring a more open, cleaner sound, soundstage definition and all the other attributes you describe. I was hoping at this price range the Marantz would be elevated above the typical thicker, warmer Marantz house sound. But from what you describe, even for $4K it still sounds like a Marantz (not that that is bad, per se.) So I need to look more closely at the Technics. Thanks again.
Marantz SACD player suggestion
My Yamaha CD-S2100 SACD player died and looking to replace it in similar price range (but would never buy another Yamaha). There are 2 Marantz SACD players in the $3K range - SACD 30N and the SA-KI Ruby. Unfortunately, neither has balanced outputs. Any thoughts on the sonic differences between the two? Or how about the Technics SL-G700, which is balanced? Thanks.