SACD advice: is the Marantz SA-14S1 that much better than the SA8005?

I tried an SA8005 in my system for a few months, didn't really care for it.  I didn't like the small controls on the player and got rid of it pretty quickly.  I ended up getting a McIntosh MCD 301 SACD player which I love and matches the rest of the McIntosh system.  Sound wise, the SA8005 sounded fine but I couldn't get over the cheap feel of the controls.

I have found the sound of the Marantz players to be on the warm side and not as dynamic or transparent as I like. I have had excellent success with with Arcam, Sony ES, and SimAudio. Look for Burr-Brown DAC inside. Currently own the Sony 9100ES Signature edition circa 2005.

Like Hifiman I have a tube modified 8005 from Dan Wright.   He's great to deal with and he does excellent work.  The tubes and separate power supply make a decent player so much better.  Get a good price on a 8005 and talk to Dan.  The player will give you great bang for your buck after his mod.