New Marantz SA11S2?

I thought I would add my revised thoughts here on these pieces. In the end, I was happy to keep my SA11S2. The transport is clearly superior to the Xyron transport in the Pearl, and I like having the balanced design of the SA11. The Pearl is single-ended, does not have coaxial, only Toslink (not important to me, but nice to have for future comparisons with DACs). The Pearl does not have the bass of the SA11, nor the dynamics, though it is a matter of degree and is still quite decent.

Don't be influenced by the statements of the reviewer who says the SA11. Its high end is not rolled off. It is a beautiful high end that deftly walks the tightrope of providing definition, but at the same time not being analytical, bright and overdefined. Nor is its sound 'boring.' I would describe it as having a naturally exciting sound that doesn't go over the top. To me, that's what someone looking for a well-balanced, natural sound is seeking. Listen to one.

I liked the Sa11 better than the pearl but each to their own likes.

It was interesting to read Fremer's review of the new $6500 Cary player. I read between the lines, and since I am familiar with all his reviews on the Carys, the Marantzs, etc., and don't agree with his assessment of the SA11, it appears he is making similar criticisms of the new Cary. Just a different twist as to how he chooses his words, but the same criticisms are there, just sugar-coated and presented in a milder fashion. It makes one wonder why one company seems treated differently than another. A reader needs to keep a perspective that reviewers are not the gods they think they are, or their readers believe they are.

My impression of Fremer's review of the Cary 303T was one of great praise! In
reading between the lines, he seems to prefer the player over the more expensive Cary 306 PRO. Fremer even seems to find the 303T as a lower-priced alternative to the 15K MPS-5 Playback Designs.

08-14-10: Lula
My impression of Fremer's review of the Cary 303T was one of great praise! In reading between the lines, he seems to prefer the player over the more expensive Cary 306 PRO.

I find this the "tube" effect. "It has tubes, so it certainly is better than non-tube players. But unfortunately it does not play vinyl.". Know what I mean?
:-)