How good is the Marantz SA-7S1?

Lula:

I still have my modded X-01, and love it. The SA-7S1 is a completely different machine—not quite as transparent, but as involving a player as I’ve heard. Music just seems to flow very organically and continuously, and it simply sounds “right,” in a way that a live performance does. My Esoteric does the same thing, and perhaps a bit more, but it’s also considerably more expensive.

Hooper,
Can you describe a little further the differences between your modded
X-01 and the SA-7S1? You say the latter "is a completely different machine".
Can you elaborate? Would you still have purchased the modded X-01 after
hearing the Marantz?

Lula:

When I said that the Marantz was “a completely different machine,” perhaps I misspoke. It’s a far cry presentation-wise from stock Esoterics I’ve owned or heard, but it’s rather similar to my modded X-01. Both are VERY fluid and organic, with the X-01 perhaps getting the nod in the transparency/resolution department. But the Marantz, for some strange reason, encouraged longer listening sessions. Perhaps it’s low distortion, perhaps something else, but the SA-7S1 is one of the best “music-makers” I’ve heard. You just get swallowed by the music and completely forget all the audiophile BS that most of us get so wrapped up in. In that sense, and not in an audiophile way, it’s stunningly transparent: all the typical audiophile descriptors melt away, leaving just the music.

I have absolutely no regrets buying my X-01. That said, had the Marantz been available back then, would I have gotten it instead? Hard to say for sure, but one you’ve heard it, and if you’ve listened to enough live music to know what it’s doing right, it’s awfully tough to resist. YMMV, of course.

I am wondering how power cord sensitive is the Marantz? Does the power cord make a huge difference on this machine?

Well I pulled the trigger on the used one that was being sold on Audiogon. I should have it either Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. I will give my own impressions of the Marantz as soon as they are formed. Bob