What's your favorite SA7S1 filter ?

[Erik Tracy]

Originally Posted by tdelahanty

I find my self using different filters for various types of music.

1) for a very clean, smooth CD I like FL-1

2) for sometning bright or that has a lot'a brass I use FL-2 and the noise shaper

3) can't seem to find a use for FL-3, too !!! bright

I run with the Marantz SA-KI Pearl, using AQ Jaguars as ICs to my MF A5.

I would agree with your filter selections (except the Pearl only has Filters 1 & 2).

For SACDs, I typically leave it on FL-1.

[tom1120s]

Originally Posted by tdelahanty

You need not worry about the XLR connectors or cables which are all made the same. USA and European balanced circuits are reversed at pins 2 & 3, the hot and cold pins, pin one is always ground. There will only be a problem when mixing Euro and USA equipment. That would cause phase reversal. All Marantz, your good !!! Marantz follows the USA configuration.

It appears with my setup (using the JBL 1500 Array), my only choice is RCA connectors since there is only one balanced pre-out. Oh well, I am NOT complaining. I love these components.

[tdelahanty]

I think you can run the balanced output to your main amps and RCA's to your sub.

[tom1120s]

Originally Posted by tdelahanty

I think you can run the balanced output to your main amps and RCA's to your sub.

I can? hummm, I thought that you could use one or the other-not in combination. I think a review of the manual is in order.

[tdelahanty]

Originally Posted by tom1120s

I can? hummm, I thought that you could use one or the other-not in combination. I think a review of the manual is in order.

I found the manual to be vague on this matter. If you look at the block diagram for the pre-amp, it shows the RCA outputs directly (hard-wired) connected to the positive half of the balanced circuit output. If the block diagram is acurate, I think it'll work. My best guess is you can't use balanced & RCA at the same time, on the same amp.

[tom1120s]

I have not had the time to peruse the manual. However, I hope you are correct!!!!

Yet, using the RCA connectors, the sound is great, as is. If using the balanced connectors result in better sound, well, I will be stunned ( & happy!)

[tdelahanty]

Originally Posted by tom1120s

I have not had the time to peruse the manual. However, I hope you are correct!!!!

Yet, using the RCA connectors, the sound is great, as is. If using the balanced connectors result in better sound, well, I will be stunned ( & happy!)

I have tried the CDP balanced and With RCA's. I preferred the balanced connection, had more control and dynamics. Have not tried RCA's between pre-amp and amps.

[Barry1]

I have the SA7-S1 and I use filter 1 which seems the most immediate sounding. Filter 2 sounds a little more analogue but guess what? Unless it's really a bad recording, hard or a little bright, the player already sounds natural without any more added warmth. With every system upgrade I've made the SA7 just keeps sounding nicer. I did add Hi-Fi tuning fuses but can't say it made a huge difference. I run it balanced with AZ Reference Silver cables but am considering Wireworld Platnum at some point next year.

[tdelahanty]

When I first put togehter my system I was using StraightWire Maestro-ll and Virtuoso which seemed a little bright. So I'm replacing it with Nordost Red Dawn, Leif Series interconnects and Heimdal speaker cable, much smoother and detailed.

[McGruder]

Originally Posted by tom1120s

I emailed Marantz for recommendations for XLR cables. They said they have had good results with Audio Quest.

Can anyone confirm this? I do not want to spend a bunch of money but would like to give this a shot. Any particular model?

Thanks

I use Audioquest DBS cables pretty much throughout my system. I find them the best "get out of the way" cable without extended break-in periods. The Columbia cables are excellent values, but I have Sky, Niagra, Colorado, Columbia and Volcano bi-wire spread throughout the system.

If you want a warmer, fatter sound, go for Cardas Golden Reference.