the Marantz SA-1 is a good to very good cd player....about on par with $3k to $5k cdps. if you modify the SA-1 you will raise the cd performance to near-reference quality....this can cost you $2k+. your total investment would be in line with the performance. i do think the build quality, front-loading and speed of loading give the SA-1 some long-term advantages over other one-box digital solutions.
i own the SA-1 and to my ears it is still as good (or better) than ANY sacd player i have heard when playing sacds.
i use the Linn CD-12 as my cd reference and so have not yet done modifications to the SA-1 but eventually i will.
i own the SA-1 and to my ears it is still as good (or better) than ANY sacd player i have heard when playing sacds.
i use the Linn CD-12 as my cd reference and so have not yet done modifications to the SA-1 but eventually i will.