In Reply to: RE: DAC in Marantz SACD players posted by fantja on May 25, 2016 at 14:32:54:
I have finally found a fairly in-depth review of the SA-14S1 that answers some of the questions.
However it is from the far east, and google has only done a fair job of translation, so some points aren't clear.
I think:
the SA-14S1 has a thinner top plate than the SA-11S3.
both use the Burr-Brown 1729A DAC.
The SA-14S1 uses a different DSP module than the SA-11S3.
The SA-14S1 can decode DSD (without PCM conversion), the SA-11S3 can't handle DSD at all
The SA-11S3 has balanced outputs, a copper-lined chassis, and copper coating elsewhere;
the SA-14S1 does not.
The review is generally favorable. I found one rather negative review (in dutch) of the SA114S1, but most reviews are positive.
I believe that the SA-14S1 is similar in functionality to the much less expensive SA-8005;
one difference is that the former gives a choice of two filers, which the SA-8005 does not.
It is almost twice as heavy, perhaps overbuilt, and it has a longer warranty.
There was another similar threat (in Italian I think) on a different site, someone trying to choose between the SA-14S1 and the SA-11S3. He chose the latter, not wanting to miss out on the best possible sound.
My personal inclination (not yet a decision) is to order the SA-14S1 from Music Direct. Unlike a local dealer, they will allow me to return it if I don't like it. Although the SA-11S3 may sound somewhat better, I am concerned about its older design and the USB compatibility problems I have read about. I have heard that Marantz will release a new SA-10 in the fall that will be a step up from the SA-11S3 and may resolve all its problems, but it will cost twice as much.
My analog setup uses a Van den Hul Frog, not as spectacular (I am told) as the Colibri, but very very musical, and I am completely satisfied with it. It's not always necessary (or possible) to go for the best.
Here is the link:
https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=zh-TW&u=http://www.hiendy.com/hififorum/portal.php%3Fmod%3Dview%26aid%3D1553&prev=search
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Follow Ups
- RE: DAC in Marantz SACD players - airheadair 16:21:07 05/25/16 (3)
- Very happy with Marantz SA-14S1 - GratefulBob 22:38:19 05/25/16 (2)
- RE: Very happy with Marantz SA-14S1 - fantja 21:25:27 05/28/16 (0)
- RE: Very happy with Marantz SA-14S1 - airheadair 22:55:03 05/25/16 (0)