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Apparently, PhillyB really likes it. Anyone else listen to it? Up until now, I have never been interested in SACD. However, if its Redbook CD playback is truly excellent then I would consider its SACD capability to be a significant nice-to-have.Last, if anyone knows of an AUTHORIZED Marantz Reference Series dealer, who would give me a good price, please send me an e-mail. If I decide to go for it, I'm not paying "Crutchfield Price". Thanks!
Gerry
Follow Ups:
go for a SA 11. MY reference dealer opinion is SA 11 is a great unit and SA7 does not really offer that much more especially considering the price spread.
This is interesting because there are quite a few differences between the players. Besides the new transport that OvenBun mentioned, the SA-7S1 uses a very different DAC, weighs 18 pounds more, has a phase inversion switch, etc. Of course, as you say, the proof is in the listening.There are at least four different companies who have ads on Audiogon for SA-11S1 mods. It would be interesting to compare one or more of the modded SA-11S1 players to a stock SA-7S1. The street prices would be closer. Of course it's just a matter of time before mods start showing up for the SA-7S1, if they haven't already.
Gerry
I can't see myself ever considering a mod on the SA-7S1. I've had it with mods. When I got my 777ES I could hear where improvements could be made and the mods did that, to a point. I doubt putting more money into my 777 would have achieved the quality of sound of this Marantz. PhillyB mentioned to me that mods are only a band-aid and I can see what he means now. I could be wrong and may change my mind someday, but right now that's my perspective.
I agree, it is difficult to make an informed choice on mods. First, generally speaking, they are expensive. Second, it's questionable how much they will ad to resale value, should you ever decide to sell the unit. Last, how do you know which mods to do?As I mentioned in another post, there are four different companies on Audiogon offering mods to the Marantz SA-11S1. The prices for the mods range from $1200 - $3000+. At least one of the companies is questioning the mods that some of the other companies are offering. All of the companies have their "testimonials".
Here's where I think the consideration of a mod may come into play. Say in a year or two you want to improve your CD/SACD playback or just want to hear something different. You can go out and buy the latest/greatest player (surely there will be several and they will be expensive) or for a lot less money (though not inexpensive) have your SA-7S1 modded. "You pays your money and takes your chances."
Gerry
Hi Gerry,You make some good points, of course. At the moment I don't feel a need to mod my 7S1. I went for what I hope is a reliable player with great sound and I just want to enjoy my CDs for awhile without thinking about hardware. I will probably upgrade the power supply in my Modwright preamp though. That's not a mod, is it? ; >
I was under the impression that the SA-7S1 has a Marantz built sled motor, while SA-11 does not.
I think you should listen to a Sa 11 before you spend many more dollars.
Mine's still burning in, but so far it is everything that PhillyB said it was. This is a much, much better sounding player than my modded 777. Only issue that he and I seem to have is that the polarity switch is not on the remote.I initially ordered from American Theater in Florida which had a price of $4,800, but when I checked on warranty status here in Canada, Marantz told me that AT are not authorized and if Marantz got hold of my serial number they would instantly void the warranty. In exchange, Marantz Canada did offer me a nice price. When I cancelled my order with AT they were unbelievably rude. That's my story.
American theater, principally the owner, is one of the worst audio dealer I have ever dealt with. I ordered a Marantz SA11-S1 from him because of the good price, but the order got delayed, delayed, and delayed. He kept on telling me "it's on its way". So getting fed up, I called him several times over the course of several days to see what the real deal was. You know what this p*k said? "I'm cancelling your order and don't call back or I'll call the police." And hung up. WTF?!! I think the guy is going senile. Audiogon probably won't let you post anything negative about AT because AT advertises alot there.
Whe I cancelled my order, the girl says "Thanks for nothing" and hangs up on me. They did process a refund promptly though. I just don't understand why they have this consistent pattern of unbelievable rudeness? There must be a reason.
Whoa!! Interesting stories about AT. I thought I was the only one after reading their glowing reviews on Audiogon. Metralla, what more can you reveal about them?I did post a criticism on Audiogon, but it never appeared. I wonder why?
I had a problem as well with them,.My sa11 did come timely, but the transport on SACD was very noisy. I called Marantz they said it was defective. I shipped unit back to State Street discount,that who it came from. Called American home THeater, said unit was being bench tested, could detect no problem, Tech as State street was playing unit with a cd, I asked about SACD playback, He said he did not" know what SACD was". Reported back to American Home Theater, they were very rude but credited my visa back with entire payment. Doubtful Audiogon would post any negatives about American Home Theater as they place lots of ads with them
I explored the American Theater route too. I knew about their reputation before I called them. Still, I wanted to see what they had to say. I asked a couple of questions, the last being “Would this be a gray good unit”. He replied “Have a good day” and hung up on me.Thanks for your reply OB.
When I cancelled my order with AT they were unbelievably rude
http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/archive/index.php/t-443749.html
http://www.geocities.com/amsound_com_info/From AVS foroms:
"internos06-14-05, 09:35 AM
American Theater Systems is run out of a rented townhouse in North Brunswick New Jersey.
They were previously known as Sound And Cinema, Flemington New Jersey.
Google Sound and Cinema Flemington into the and you will get an old AV survey on them.
If you go to the New Jersey Better Business Bureau at and do a search you will see 3 different listings and 2 different spellings.They frequently post as their own customers.
The owners are Kevin Mcevoy and his common-law wife Cathy Kokas
Also working there are her mother Margaret and brother Steve.All the above are chronic alcoholics
Kevin and Cathy both tested positive for cocaine in New Brunswick Superior Court.
Kevin Mcevoy has an arrest record for cocaine possesion, aggravated assault,theft by failure to make,making terroristic threats.These people are animals, They have been investigated for child abuse. And have gotten away with child abuse.
They drink and snort coke at night. And support themselves by selling unauthorized home theater merchandise by day.Kevin Mcevoy is a tough guy on the internet, on the phone or with people that are weaker and smaller.
"
American Theater Systems also sells real estate in addition to home theater equipment. The orange tie looks absolutely smashing.
- http://signaturegmacfl.com/getagent/show.php?aid=007900483&oid=007900306&chome=1&odoor=1 (Open in New Window)
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