Marantz SA7S1. A good choice?

[tom1120s]

...at this time? (5/5/11) This player has been out for a while. I suspect the digital format has been improved upon over this time span. Thoughts?

[bradleyc]

Originally Posted by tom1120s

...at this time? (5/5/11) This player has been out for a while. I suspect the digital format has been improved upon over this time span. Thoughts?

Don't know how long the SA7S1 has been out there, but if you get one there will probably be a SA7S2 available soon after that

[tdelahanty]

Originally Posted by tom1120s

...at this time? (5/5/11) This player has been out for a while. I suspect the digital format has been improved upon over this time span. Thoughts?

Well I have the SA7S1 and Supernova (which is for sale), both are very good. The SA7S1 is very fast and quiet mechanically. It has a big sound stage, is fast and detailed, overall an excelent player. The Supernova may be a tad better in the bass but doesnot flesh out mid and high detail as well as the SA7S1. The Supernova has transport outputs and dac inputs which would be useful with a music server or stand-alone DAC. SACD players donot have DAC inputs and only output CD data from the transport output. (due to contractual agreement)

[Anthony]

SA7S1 is still the current model and still superb in all respects, but oh so expensive new compared to the model under it the SA11-S2 (own this one).

An SA7S1 at the right 2nd hand price would still be a top shelf purchase. All the many listening reviews out there back up its credentials. Sure there are more expensive players, depends on what price level your at.

Anthony

[tom1120s]

Thanks to all. One more question; would the SA7S1 have a obvious and clear advantage over the 'newer' SA-KI Pearl?

[bart]

In "Stereo", a fairly good German magazine, the rating (SACD) goes as follows
- SA-7 S1: 89%
- SA-KI Pearl: 85%
- SA-11 S2: 83%
- SA-15 S2: 76%
Their reference is the Accuphase DP-700 (100%)

Bart

[bradleyc]

There's another reviewer (Stereophile July 2010, Michael Fremer) who claimed "I think the Marantz SA-KI-Pearl is a much more finely balanced, better-sounding player than the SA-11S2." They did not do a comparison with the SA-7S1. Are you unhappy with your Pearl, are there some things you think it should do better?

[tom1120s]

No, I like it. I just would like it all to look alike:red-19:

[tdelahanty]

I have not heard the Pearl sacd player. I find it difficult to believe the Pearl would equal or exceed the performance of the SA7S1 REF piece. The SA7S1 is much more expensive and for good reason, much better chassis and electronics. It is their statement effort.

[tom1120s]

Originally Posted by tdelahanty

I have not heard the Pearl sacd player. I find it difficult to believe the Pearl would equal or exceed the performance of the SA7S1 REF piece. The SA7S1 is much more expensive and for good reason, much better chassis and electronics. It is their statement effort.

Has someone indicated it did? I seriously doubt that this 'modded' player would beat the reference.......