Marantz SA7S1. A good choice?

[bradleyc]

Highly doubtful a Pearl would equal or exceed the flagship SA-7S1, but could be a little closer to it than we think. System aesthetics are somewhat important to me too. The Pearl doesn't match up well with the rest of my McSystem, but I'm willing to suffer through that

[tdelahanty]

Poor choice of words on my part. I have heard the SA11S2 And SA7S1. I was thinking the SA7S1 would best the SA11 and the Pearl. And you would be very happy with the SA7S1.

[Anthony]

[QUOTE=bradleyc;163444]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."

But as the KI-Pearl doesn't have balanced connector sockets, RCA only, the Stereophile reviewers couldn't try out this arguably better sound SA11-S2 feature.

The KI is a limited production run but what is great is Marantz keeps releasing quality SACD players as the norm, (unlike Krell whom went backwards) especially considering the sharp pricing of the KI-Pearl and I did notice the global advertising campaign for the Pearl and Pearl Lite.

Anthony

[JT3]

Constantine Soo wrote an excellent review on his site, assuming you have read that article?

It's a tough choice, especially given the rest of your system. At the very least, the Pearl should sell fairly quickly - I am extremely impressed with the sonics.

[tom1120s]

I did read that article, as well as quite a few others. At this point, the Pearl will maintain its position in the system for I like the sonics as well. Thanks to all who gave an opinion.

[tom1120s]

Well, I have a chance to get a brand new SA7S1 from a dealer for $4200.00. Is it really worth it to take the plunge with the changing digital format? I know I will have to make that call but I am curious how others feel.

Thanks to all.

[tdelahanty]

Originally Posted by tom1120s

Well, I have a chance to get a brand new SA7S1 from a dealer for $4200.00. Is it really worth it to take the plunge with the changing digital format? I know I will have to make that call but I am curious how others feel.

Thanks to all.

I faced the same delema and chose to purchase the SA7S1 to match the rest of my Ref Gear. I like the feeling of having a cd in my hand, also knowing it is darn near indestructable, no hard-drive failure or virus to worry about. Changing digital formats and input types disturb me, what's the flavor this month. Wait until it's mature.

Oh, incidentally the SA7S1 sounds great. That's a great price slightly better than what I paid.

Good luck: Tom D.

[avsBuddy]

Tom, you have some nice Marantz dealer. Didn't he sell you your monoblocks new for half the price?

[tom1120s]

Originally Posted by avsBuddy

Tom, you have some nice Marantz dealer. Didn't he sell you your monoblocks new for half the price?

No. Those were a demoed pair from his store.

[avsBuddy]

Well still, it's good price even for a demo. There is only one Marantz dealer in my area and he doesn't normally stock Marantz Ref stuff. Classe and Mac mostly. Still he commands sticker price for everything but the demo, where he discounts no more than 30%. I bought Classe gear from other dealer, also demo amps at close to half the price. But unlike small shop, it's a bigger chain hi-end store, and relationship there not the same.

I really like Marantz gear, I have their processor amp and love it. Always wanted to try their ref pieces, but never had a chance to get it. I actually was wondering how Marantz 9S2 would compare when I bought my Classe CA-M400s.