TRL Marantz Sa-14

It is nice that this thread has been allowed to stay on course. In this regard, I applaude the A'Gon moderators for not allowing this thread to be taken over as the Esoteric DV-50S was. :)

Thanks!

Jack Seaton

La45: Hey Cuz, how have you been? Glad to hear that you're going the SA-14 route. :)

Jack

Clio09: I agree 100%. Fifty hours is like what, a little over 2 days? My TRL modified players didn't really open up until around 300 hours, which is over 12 days.

That's when you get a taste of what to expect.

Time will tell.

Jack

La45: Hey Cuz, yeah, I'd give him a try at it. You might want to give him a call and see what he thinks.

Bradz: Clio09 can give you some insight on the Audio Mirror DAC, before and after mod.

Best,

Jack

I didn't buy it Joe. Whomever did has 50 hours less break in ... :)

BTW, did you guys see Clio09's review of the TRL/Audio Mirror DAC? http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1130770464&read&3&zzlClio09&&

I wish that the pro reviews were this well written and had as much useable detail as to the sound ...

Well done, Clio09!

Jack

OOPs, this was the thread that I was trying to link to, Clio09's review http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?rdgtl&1130740247&read&3&zzlClio09&&

Sorry gang.

Great job, Clio09!

Jack

Great! Now I have to find a Marantz SA-1 to send to TRL ... :)

I think that song number 2 is Michel Jonasz "Le Temps Passe" from his La Fabuleuse Histoire de Swing CD. It was released in the mid 90's. And yes, it will set you back in your seat. :)

Best wishes,

Jack

Howard: The SA-1 is good in its stock form, but in my experience, I'm not going to rush out to buy one ... I'm quite happy with my TRL modded SA-14. :)

Other players and DACs have came along that have surprised the TRL mod team, like Tony's (Clio09) Audio Mirror DAC. Having heard it myself, I couldn't believe how good it was, (even stock). Anyone looking for a DAC in the $500-$600 price range should definitely include the Audio Mirror to their short list. Then, of course, send it off for the final finishing touches. Once modded, the Audio Mirror isn't far from the SA-14. This is based on my first hand experience in TRL's listening room, with full TRL cables, the TRL ST-225 integrated and Paul's Magico speakers. Transport used that time was one of Paul's modded Masterlinks.

My point? Since TRL has done so many mods this past year, it is quite possible that they will find other players that may not be all that impressive stock that will mod into a very good player. Since they are in this position, I'll take their word on it ...

And, of course, Howard, I'll be happy to send along any info that comes my way ... :) I have already planned out my week so that I can have time to drop by the shop and hear your player as well as a few others.

Best,

Jack

Tony,

They used the Alesis Masterlink (modded) as a transport because that is what you were going to mate your Audio Mirror with. It makes sense that if they have what you are using as a transport, they should use it as well. :)

I can't wait to hear your impressions of the TRL ST-225. You're using the TRL cables too, right?

I know what you mean about never leaving tubes. I didn't think I've ever say that either ... :)

Best,

Jack

So, who now has the Pioneer 563 on loan?

Jack

Lkdog: I beleive that they optimize both single ended and balanced outputs.

Best,

Jack

Clio09 has the new D225 TRL basic amp (not integrated). Got it yesterday. I can't wait to hear his impressions.

Lkdog: How have you been? Any new changes to the system? And the kitchen remodel ... ?

Jack

TRL Family:

Please try the new Xtreme AV Quicksilver "GOLD" formulation. It is pretty amazing stuff. Wider & deeper stage, lower noise floor, increased micro dynamics, sharper more well defined imaging, higher resolution.

You will hear so much that was lost in the blur before. Lost details are now present.

Try it. You'll thank me later.

Jack

Hi Joe,

Brian Kyle has an ad right here at Audiogon.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?accstwek&1140114500

It's worth every penny ...

Jack

I think that it is. I just wanted to know if anyone actually heard one, besides the guy that made mention of it (and a comparison to the TRL 595) over in the Vinyl Asylum.

Best,

Jack

Hello Cuz,

It's not going to sound "right" until it reaches around 300 hours. that's when the bottom end and lower mids fleshed out for me and the image focus tightened up dramatically.

Mine kept sounding better up until around 550 to 600 hours, although, to be honest, I didn't keep that close of tabs on the hours after the 300 hour mark.

After the 300 hour mark, I just sat back and enjoyed the music. I still find myself staying up later than I should ...

Keep us informed, LA45 and Shuang.

Best,

Clio09: Glad you kept the extra HRS plates now? Have you tried the maple butcher block under the amp yet? (I spoke to Brian).

Lkdog: I remember our kitchen remodel. Establish your budget and add another 30 to 40 percent as you go along. It's worth every penny. Especially when you see your Wifes face once it is completed and she is showing it to one of her friends. Kind of reminds me of ourselves when we bring something cool home, like a new amplifier, for example.

LA45: Hey Cuz, I definitely love the looks of the 14 and yes, it will make you sleep a lot less than you should. You should be getting closer to 300 hours by now ...

Jack

I've owned Tube Research products for over 13 years and it has always taken a long period of time for them to break in and achieve the "TRL House Sound".

I don't like what ERS does, and I won't use it anywhere in my system. It kills the micro dynamics and life, IMHO.

Quicksilver is another story ...

FYI, I've applied Quicksilver everywhere I could on my SA-14 before sending it off to TRL. It returned sounding quite different.

Jack