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In Reply to: RE: Marantz SA-7S1 upgrades? posted by jkm on August 06, 2015 at 09:11:19
I had my SA-7S1 modded by Jena Labs a few years ago, and it's bested all comers in my reference rig, including EMM, Accuphase, Luxman, Ayre, and several others. The stock unit is really nice, IMO, but Jennifer's mods take the player into the stratosphere. It's amazingly resolved, but in a most effortless, natural manner. I've had many people (most of them diehard analog-philes) comment about how liquid and unstressed the player sounds, much like premium LP playback.
I think there are about 12-15 units (including mine) out there in the world. I haven't heard even a remotely bad word about the player. I can provide a little more detail if you're interested.
Follow Ups:
I bought the obese Marantz SA-7S1 when it first arrived,wanting to like it, I wasted 750 hours burn in time before selling it on, the guy I sold it to also put it up for sale I month later.
NT
I could not see the point of upgrading my SA7-S1 as recommended by Mark Lawton in his Positive Feedback Online review, especially as it is a SACD Stereo only player and not very good with RB CD, my modified old Marantz CD94 is considerably superior.
Edits: 08/09/15
We obviously have very different experiences with this player. I think it is an excellent platform for modding, and it's served me well for a number of years now. As for its redbook performance, I disagree with your assessment. Even stock, I thought it was very good with CD. Modded, it's considerably better. Just my opinion, of course.
I have to assume you have never auditioned a vastly superior modified Marantz CD 94. Furthermore the 1541 double crown dacs used in the modified CD94 are widely recognised as the best ever 16 bit dacs, the ones used in the SA7-S1 are no where near as good, your modified SA7-S1 will never equal the redbook performance of a modified CD94.
Edits: 08/09/15
Can you comment on the CD94 mods?
The CD94 mods are extremely complex ,initially they were done by Geoff Bull back in 1992 and later even more by a friend who is a electronics engineer, he has done the same mods to his Philips 960 bought on my recommendation still used virtually every day, it would not be worthwhile to do them today, virtually everything has been changed. the dac upgraded to double crown then lead shielded,, new transformers, board plug & sockets eliminated all direct silver wired, heavy duty mains lead, new improved clock, black gate caps, vishay resistors, new belts ,, etc. etc, as I no longer used mine being into mch sacd, I sold it on as I was made an offer I could not refuse, still working excellently after 25 years, despite Ken Ishiwata Marantz telling me many times that the laser etc, would soon fail. it never has, seems to be bullet proof.
Edits: 08/09/15 08/09/15
I'm not sure how you can make a statement like "Your modified SA-7S1 will never equal . . ." without having heard my player, which you clearly haven't. But you're entitled to your opinion.
Thanks, Quint. Will investigate this. :)
The upgrade is above your stated budget--I paid about 3k--but IMO it really does elevate the performance of the player to an unbelievable degree. Of course, one's ears are the final arbiter, but to me it was well worth the expense. I'm constantly bombarded by temptations of computer audio, ever-growing sample rates, etc., but Jen's modded Marantz has me in a pretty sweet spot. Good luck on your search!
There are advantages to the Synergistic Research products I have mentioned as a pathway to improving the sound.
1. You can place the Electronic Tunning Circuit devices where they make the best change in sound to your ears and in your total system. I have a Marantz SA11-S1 and an Oppo 105 both professionally upgraded by two different companies. But in the end it is just their oppinion of sonic improvement developed in their system.
2. You have time to hear if they work or return them for a refund.
3. When you go to sell or junk your player (maybe Marantz runs out of critical parts), remove the Synergistic research devices and use them on your next Player, DAC, streamer or whatever.
4. I found the placement process educational and sonically rewarding. And I am certainly no longer afraid to open one of my components
The Synergistic devices sound interesting. I have not experienced them. In the final equation, personal experience is the final arbiter. I've had some people look cross-eyed at me for some of my recommendations, but I'd swear they're crazy for doubting me. :)
I'd love to know a little about the upgrade. Whatever detail you want to provide. Thanks
E
T
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