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What and how to mod Marantz SA11S1?

I have got this Marantz SA11S1 and it is a very impressive machine. It certainly looks and sounds like a high end machine but there are areas to be improved to make it truly high end. It betters my modified NAD542 in nearly every aspect but it lacks the musicality of the NAD. I have had the NAD for a long time. I am thinking about modifying the Marantz and make it accurate therefore musical. I am not pursuing a “warm” sound but only accurate sound.

I won’t blindly mod it. I guess the first thing to do is to identify the problems then work out a strategy to deal with the exact problems.

Observation 1:

The NAD's sound is soft (I have to say the Meridian G08 is the best I have ever heard that it has a super soft sound I like) and laid-back. The Marantz’ sound is hard, probably due to a mid-range and lower treble prominence / forwardness.

Observation 2:

For music notes it seems the Marantz plays every note equally loud, whereas the NAD gives a much bigger contrast between notes.

Observation 3:

The Marantz has an artificially enlarged image and makes things bigger and thicker. This may come from the choice of its designer but is not of my favour. In my view this reduces resolution.

So:

What cause it to sound hard? How to enhance the resolution?

The digital chips in the Marantz are possibly as good as they can get. I am wondering if the characteristic of the sound come from Elna Cerefine capacitors, or come from the HDAM. If it comes from the Elna Cerefine then replacing them with my favourite Robycon ZL will probably fix the problems. If it comes from the HDAM, then the only solution is to replace the analogue stage.

I believe this Marantz’ flagship should have already a very good clock and doubt if replacing the clock would bring in any benefits at all.

How do you like the HDAM sound? I have had no previous experience with it.

Does the SA11 have an output cap? Muting transistors?

Your input will be very much appreciated.




Regards,
Bill


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Topic - What and how to mod Marantz SA11S1? - HiFiNutNut 21:33:59 11/06/06 (2)


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