Masrantz Sa-11S1 /w RAM Full upgrade?

Dear Lawyerman,

Again, soooooo wrong. What is it inside the SA-1 do you understand/feel is so superior electrically versus the sa-11 or even the SCD-1 for that matter? Again, I like both machines in modded form and possible even prefer the SA-1 thus I am not biased toward the SA-11. My whole point here is that the (modded) SA-11 kills the SA-1 (stock) hands down, without any questions...something your grandma will hear.
Some Points:
-Parts quality for both machines are very equal
-Dac chips: SA-11(SM5688's) SA-1(TDA1547's) Both are nice
The problem with the SA-1 is the "fancy" multiple dac
mixing circuit which they implemented with 4 TDA1547's.
Looks good on paper though mutes resolution and
transparency.
-The SA-11 contains a far better clocking circuit over the
SA-1.
-Output Stage-SA-11 has the edge here. Much better HDAm circuitry with reduced number of coupling caps. Simply more transparent and resolving.
-Power Supplies- Equally average at best. Both use discrete voltage regulation circuits for the analog HDAM circuits. Nothing great.
Drive- Edge goes to the SA-1. Only based off the mechanical side. It is more heavy duty.
Chassis- The SA-1 weighs more.

One more point- The modded SCD-1 also kills the stock SA-1 hands down.

Best regards,

Kyle Takenaga

Don't take offense Lawyerman,but the SCD-1's construction is beyond reproach,even better than that of the SA-1.It might not be as pretty inside,but nothing on the market is better built than the SCD-1.And I've never heard that there was a consensus one was better than the other.The SA-1 having a warmer sound and SCD-1 a more detailed sound.The SCD-1 transport is still one of the better on the market and puts the SA-1's to shame,unless you consider that one of those inconsequential parts.Gary.

another reason NOT to upgrade -

Because it is "a marantz"....which are NOT exactly know for their reliability..

they do make fantastic sounding cd/sacd players.. but there are too many horror stories and actual "personal" experiences' with transports

maybe the latest models wont run into the MULTIPLE problems of the previous models..time will tell

too bad marantz doesnt make a seperate dac....i would buy one in a heartbeat...

btw,

would suggest a killer power cord and very good isolation that can be used when you change out...

Phaelon, call David Schulte at the Upgrade Company. He will have a bunch of info regarding the new Marantz units plus other people you can call and talk to regarding the upgrades. Go and look at the review on the Linn Schulte modded CD12. There is a reason why this man went with the Upgrade Company and not Ram and it was not a money issue. Earflapin's system is over a 100k. You could get the same upgrades that went into the Linn for about $1500 and it is totally safe. I have an upgraded Marantz SA12s1 and it destroys the stock Marantz SA-1. Both the Sony scd1 and sa1 have rolled off highs and are flat compared to the upgraded units. The new Marantz units are very good so do not be fooled by the pricing. The new Marantz units outperform the older Marantz units after upgrading. Stock wise who cares! Marantz units also need a good power cord and vibration control. It is critical what they sit on, not good on there own feet. I use BDR cones and pucks on 1" maple wood. David has also upgraded a bunch of Esoteric gear including the X01's which are over rated. Theta compli and Denon 5910ci sound better after the same modifications are done. Maybe you can talk to that person who owned all of them. The X01 also had the master clock generator and still could not compete. Again don't let the prices fool you. The x01 and generator were sold. Also my Marantz does not have the Schulte Signature upgrades in it like the Linn does. I am waiting to see now what unit I want to go with, maybe seperates. I also have an upgraded Denon 2900 that is excellent. No problems what so ever! The results are huge after upgrades especially if your other gear is up to the task. Right now I am using Nuforce 9.02 amps and p8 pre along with JM LAbs electra 936's. By this time though you may have made your decision. No need to bother with the 3910.

Music Matters!