TRL Marantz Sa-14

I sold a 6 week old SA-11 because it was WEAK in the bass and was wanting for more dynamics. The highs also seared my ear off. So, it doesn't surprise me that the 14 would sound the same.

UVA, the DV-50 was probably the worst sounding 2ch cd player I ever owned. By default, the Marantz 14 would most certainly have to "sound" better. It is my opinion these days, that there does not exist a stock player at or below approx the 8k price range that is worth my listening time. As far as TRL is concerned, I ordered a SA-11 to hear for myself how it compares to the stock unit I owned. Again, the stock SA-11 I view as worthless.

Oldpet, is your SA-14 a version 1 or 2. I am waiting for the SA-11 but there is a delay. There are no ver 2's currently on A-gon. The seller of the v 1 has not returned my e-mails. Anyway, you did not hear your SA-14 before the TRL mods so it's hard to judge from your posts what improvements were made. Could you take a look inside for us. Any parts changed?, or just the "epoxy" treatments...
Thanks

I decided to continue to wait for the SA-11. I purchased one new when it came out and hated it. But, the extra performance when moded over the 14 is worth the $$$ to me. And, I know the TRL crew can fix what is IMO very wrong with the SA-11. I can't overlook the speed of this machine as compared to other players on the market . That is the clincher for me, the one thing it does right. Also, not one to take the risk buying a used cd player.

I was referring to the speed of transients and micro dynamics. Search archives at AA and here for posts on my negative views.

I'm not acting anyway about anything. Your the one that directed a post to me. I could care less what you do or say.

I just was informed that TRL will be sending me a TRL SA-11. Being that I owned one in stock form, it will be quite easy for me to hear any differences.

I am using a Benz phonostage that TRL moded for me. They also made me a power supply to replace the wall wart it came with.

Guess I have it about 6 weeks now and about 125 hours. Kinda hard to breakin a phonostage.......lots of LP's spinning.

Anyway, I have owned this model phonostage a few times already. So I am very familiar with its sound.

Cleary there was a change as it broke in and the sound without question is different than the stock unit. I have the wall wart too, so I can judge without the better power supply.

My best description of what the TRL mod does is provide a smoother and more even tonal balance. Nothing appears out of place or calls attention to itself. Also, clearly there is MUCH less distortion and noise in the signal. I can hear low level detail more fully fleshed out. And this detail is presented in a tonally "human like" way. In other words, it sound real, not electronic.

About what was actually done is still a secret here. But my best guess is that the transistors in the gain stage have either been replaced with proprietary ones. Or the circuit has been altered to improve upon the stock transistors that came with the unit.

Thata all for now.

Jes45, anything you could share with us now about the SA14 before you send it in. Does it sound to the warm side of neutral? How is the bass and dynamics.

I had basically a very similiar view of the Stock SA-11. Today I am sending off payment for a TRL SA-11.

TRL using ERS cloth to cover D to A chips as part of their digital mod? Based upon combined info gathered, I think so. ERS is used to shield the chips from emitting RFI. The sonic effect is to tilt the spectrum towards warmth, weight and body. Applying Quicksilver contact enhancer to the solder joints helps bring things back in balance. This explains the reports of a quieter signal with enhanced harmonics (ESR). As well as the reports of a treble that takes time to settle and in the end remains extended. (Silver based contact enhancer).

Feel free to chime in.

I myself own a TRL modded phono stage, its still here, so I guess that says something.