break-in for Marantz SA-7S1

my friend owns a 7s1. i own an 11s2. i was advised to allow at least 500 hours before serious evaluation.

i think both players need an upgrade. both players are too focused and unantural in their presentation of timbre.
perhaps, a tube buffer stage would be advisable and/or a replacement of capacitors.

Upgrade? Given the cost of these units, just dump them and buy something 'out of the box' perfect.

Mrtennis, You seemed to have listened to a lot of different CD players ( from your posts ) can you comment on which one's may have been your favorite to date and perhaps what you liked about them? Thanks.

My sa7s1 sounded good right away and just got better with more hours. Some of the best midrange I have heard from a cd player. Cables made a huge impact on the sound in my system. Be patient.

My SA-7S1 also sounded good from the beginning and has just gotten better over time. I disagree with the comment that timbre or focus is a problem. As another lister suggested, power cord and interconnects are very important. I'm using a Shunyata Taipan VX Helix power cord and Stereovox Reference interconnects. I have two friends who love their 7S1 in systems very different from mine. A recent critical listener said this was the first player he had heard that was free of the digital qualities he found so bothersome in other players. Break-in has improved soundstaging and resulted in a more open quality. In my player detail and dynamics are great while being very musically involving at the same time. FWIW, I still listen to my analogue system much of the time. I enjoy both.