Thoughts/Opinions on Technics SL-G700M2 CD/SACD Player

Thank you to everyone who has responded to my post, it was very helpful.

Stereo5 I bought 3 original lasers from Encompass in Georgia for my SA 10 and Ruby sacd player. I have also thread asking for help repair for my SA10 it’s on digital section.

Stereo5 on lasers maybe esoteric has better quality. And matter of luck as well. I bought used esoteric sa10 player laser gave up after 4 months.

I can only comment on the original version and agree with the post above. The operating system is a bit clunky but fine if you read the manual and not an issue if only playing CDs. Build quality was outstanding - I would say the best in its price class. The sound was typical of Technics players - very refined and controlled. The Mk2 version has received very good reviews but I haven't heard it.

Well, I have the previous version before streaming was installed and I still like it. Aside from 2 or 3 times that it didn't initially read a disc (in around 3 years of use), it's been flawless. 

Load times are slower than what I was used to but that's not a concern anymore. There's no eject button on the remote, which I still don't like and that's about it for the negatives. 

Direct track access is fine except that for anything above '10' requires one to push '10' and then the next integer to complete the value above '10'. Still trips me up now and then. 

As for the sound, it's wonderful, expressive, fully covers the frequency extremes, sounds dead neutral (in the best way), has oodles of texture, naturally granular (if on the recording) and all the superlatives one can think of to say about a SACD player. 

This was the first SACD player I've had that made it possible to actually hear the differences between a CD and SACD recording of the same event. Technics went to great lengths to ferret out the sound on a disc and remove all the negative artifacts in the process. I can't think of higher praise.

YMMV but I feel no need to upgrade and from what I hear, it puzzles me about DAC flavors of the month on these threads. I was never into that as it felt like an intentional tampering of the digital signal to appease those in search of 'that certain sound."

An exceptionally fine rendition of the event is always flavored by speakers, amps and cabling so why interject a DAC into the mix? If you have to tinker around, there are several different filter settings. I could hear them, albeit slightly, and just from ignorance, kept it on the setting from the factory. Some reviewers did the same saying they felt it was the correct setting to begin with but if your system is resolving enough, you'll hear them too. Hope that helps.

All the best,
Nonoise

@jayctoy,  you got less than 3 1/2 years out of the Marantz SA10?  My Esoteric UX3 which I purchased as an “exhibition stock” in 2012 and is used at least 250 days a year for over 12 years has no such problems.  They both cost around the same, in the $8500.00 price range.  I wonder if it’s because Esoteric builds their own mechanisms?

Thank you to all who have responded. But I am still waiting to hear from some that have purchased this player and what they have experienced with its sound, operation, loading, reading and tracking discs, would they buy it again, etc.?

+1 for Music Direct.  I bought "open box" equipment from them.  Came with full factory warranty.   After 55 days I contacted them about returning under their 60 day no questions asked policy.  The return was handled exceptionally well.  Can't say enough about how pleased I was. 

Op ask Music direct about the warranty, lasers break. I will stay away from used in term of cd and sacd players.

If you decide on open box used? Make sure you buy extra laser while they are available.Elliott is right.Marantz Ruby and Sa 10 player are amazing player. I own both of them, got them open box . This year my SA 10 laser gave up after 3 yrs and 2 monthsWith the help of this site. I was able to find original laser, and skilled tech to install it. I bought 3 lasers 2 extra just in case. Marantz won’t repair your player after warranty.If Iam  correct the Technic got a fair review.

My goals were similar SACD/CD only, after research and trials I went for vintage sony xa5400es sacd/cd player, I mostly buy used with lots of research and caution.

sony xa5400es discussion, got help here

sounds so good, I am still re-discovering my large collection of cds, sacds, stopped replacing cds with vinyl versions, now buy used cd's or vinyl, I had been buying/inheriting/listening nearly all vinyl or tape.

Nearly 3 years ago I was shocked I had to pay $1,000, they keep going up in price, Many listed on hifishark lack the remote control, and they all seem to be from stores, not individuals who know their history.

Open Box Technics with full warranty certainly appeals, if you buy used, I advise waiting/finding a lightly used one from a person rather than a store if you buy used, the lasers do weaken with age, failing to read sacd happens. 

IF you had a few models, make sure you can ascertain how large the display is to read from your listening position, and how quickly it starts, scans, ready to play, the Sony is slow to initially scan, then it's ok, hard to read from a distance, happily it's remote beam can be reliably bounced off the ceiling so direct remote beam is not important.

Check if Music direct has it? 60 day trial.

these guys have open box in either black or silver.

https://hifiheaven.net/product/technics-sl-g700m2-sacd-cd-player-network-streamer-digital-preamp-silver-open-box/

confirm: true open box, gets full OEM warranty.