Marantz SC 11 S1 Pre amp


If you have heard this pre, how would you describe its sound? Is it tube-like, analytical, warm, cool ? Is the phono stage decent? Considering purchasing one, but I have no way to hear it, wondering what people think. Thanks in advance for any responses. Mike
winoguy17
So far,I'm impressed. It isnt broken in yet, but i'm really impressed with the amount of fine detail it presents. It does not sound "solid state", tho it is a little "drier" than my tube pre. The soundstage is not as wide,but again, it is still breaking in. The unit is gorgeous to look at and built like the proverbial brick shit house! It seems "quicker " than my other pre, and really does a great job of presenting the leading edge of sounds and separating instruments without being cold or clinical. In a nut shell, I am quite impressed so far,and having been using tube pre's the last 20 years, I must admit that I am surprised by what I have heard so far. I' will update in the future if you would like.
Oh yea Zormi, i meant to add that I simply called Markertek and had them make me a set of XLR cable with the pins reversed on one end. Custom 2 ft. length with, high quality Canare cable w/ neutrik connectors for about $52.00!
Winoguy17, you can use regular XLR cables and if your amp has the "standard" XLR pin configuration you reverse the polarity at the speaker terminals.
Daco, doing that would reverse the polarity of my phono and any other source...
Winoguy17, yes unless you use RCA for the inputs to the preamp. You solved the problem with the cables you bought. The SC-11S1 is an excellent preamp. Enjoy!!