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Just mod my Marantz SA7003

222.166.2.28
Posted on October 6, 2014 at 10:39:37
akltam
Audiophile

Posts: 1057
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: September 29, 2002
 I have bypassed the HDAM of this player with Lundahl transformer (LL1674 in 1:2) configuration.

This impact is huge. It is like the curtain taken down after the mod. It is well known in the DIY community to use output transformer for CS4398 DAC. I would describe the sound similar to vinyl. Highly recommended.

Alan

 

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RE: Just mod my Marantz SA7003, posted on October 6, 2014 at 20:02:19
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15518
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
 Very cool Alan! Post pics if you will.

 

RE: Just mod my Marantz SA7003 - pictures, posted on October 6, 2014 at 23:07:59
akltam
Audiophile

Posts: 1057
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: September 29, 2002



This mod is relatively do-able.

I locate the differential output from the DAC. Cut the connection to the HDAM. Connect the differential output to the transformer. Replace the original RCA with a separate RCA output socket. Connect the transformer output to the RCA socket. It is only 1-2 hours of work.

The improvement is unbelievable.

Note that the 8003 use the same DAC but with beefier power supply. So using a 7003 and perform this mod give you the best deal.

Obviously you can do other mod such as improving the power supply to the DAC.

This is a stunning performer.

Alan

 

RE: Just mod my Marantz SA7003 - pictures, posted on October 7, 2014 at 04:38:55
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15518
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
 Very nice! Alan.

Denon, Sony ES and Marantz can all be modded for the better. I can remember many guys doing these mods circa lat 90's going into the early 00's. Sadly, only 1 or 2 remain.

 

RE: Just mod my Marantz SA7003 - pictures, posted on October 7, 2014 at 05:18:27
akltam
Audiophile

Posts: 1057
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: September 29, 2002
 Straightly hobbies only. The satisfaction is still there.

Alan

 

RE: Just mod my Marantz SA7003 - pictures, posted on October 7, 2014 at 07:54:39
lokie
Audiophile

Posts: 1988
Location: Georgia, USA
Joined: January 28, 2003
 Does the SA7003 have a digital in?

 

RE: Just mod my Marantz SA7003 - pictures, posted on October 7, 2014 at 21:51:59
akltam
Audiophile

Posts: 1057
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: September 29, 2002
 No. You need to go for SA8005 to serve as a DAC.

 

RE: Just mod my Marantz SA7003 - pictures, posted on October 11, 2014 at 20:41:25
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15518
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
 Alan,

I noticed you have the Onkyo SP-1000. How does it sound against the Marantz spinner?

 

RE: Just mod my Marantz SA7003, posted on October 11, 2014 at 22:57:16
Disbeliever
Audiophile

Posts: 1877
Joined: June 1, 2012
 Not suprised HDAM is IMO overated

 

RE: Just mod my Marantz SA7003 - pictures, posted on October 12, 2014 at 22:07:32
akltam
Audiophile

Posts: 1057
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: September 29, 2002
 I did not use the SP1000 in my main system any more. Sorry

Alan

 

More Mods and Lastest update, posted on October 15, 2014 at 02:58:07
akltam
Audiophile

Posts: 1057
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: September 29, 2002
 I always wonder what can I do to further improve this SACD player.

I replaced those capacitors for powering the DAC. This is a usual trick a modder will do.

And I always thought if I can replace those cheap voltage regulators used. After some study, I replaced the noisy BA05T 5 volt regulator which power the Voltage for the Analog for the CS4398 with a shunt regulator TL431. This was recommended by a DIY friend. And I replaced the original power cap with Silmic II Elna caps.

This mod has brought the performance level to another level which is not realised before. The bass was clearer and the positioning of the instrument was more precise.

I have also ordered another pair of Lundahl transformer which use cardas high purity copper. I hopefully will receive it soon and will see if this transformer will further improve on the sound.







 

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