break-in for Marantz SA-7S1

"A slightly out-of-focus presentation sounds more like the "real thing, as compared to most stereo systems."

Once again I agree with you MRT, that's why I suggest that our hobby is about the creation of a desirable 'hyperreality', not so much a replication of physical reality.

G.

In the interest if not disparaging this lovely player unfairly, my first comments were after an inappropriately short break-in period. I left it alone for awhile, and listened again today after about 200 hours burn-in, and it is much enjoyable. I’d describe it as opening up, where it was ‘tight’ before (credit to a fellow audiogoner for finding this way to describe what I was originally hearing). Now it’s not calling attention to itself at all in that something special is happening, it’s just sounds balanced with no flaws. You can get into listening for new details if you want, or just kick back and enjoy the music. I’m listening to Filter #1 for CD (I haven’t listened to SACD yet but have a few first SACD’s on order), which seems to have the widest soundstage and be the least etched. It’s still not entirely seductive, but I believe my Krell KCT preamp is somewhat responsible for that (I replaced my ARC LS26 to get better bass when used in conjunction with my Krell 400cx and a CAST connection, and now I have killer bass but a less involving overall sound). I hear you need 300+ hours before the SA-7S1 is broken in (and 1,000 hours to sound its best), so if it’s going to sound even better I will be a very happy guy. I can live with what I have at this point quite easily, and will report back after more break-in.

Not surprised at all Tinear1. . . let us know how things are when you reach the 500 hrs mark. . . then at the 1000 hrs mark. Happy listening! G.

Here's the report after 500 hours -
At 200 hours it got much smoother and easier to listen too - the slight brittleness was gone.
At 300 hours it relaxed, and the soundstage, frequency extremes, and dynamics expanded.
At 500 hours the music is now floating in the room, disembodied from the speakers, and is REALLY fun to listen to. There is no CDP, just lovely music. I'm loving this player now.

On another note (I'll post on this seperately as well), but I just listened to my first ever SACD. The difference was uncomfortably noticeable, especially going back to listen to a Redbook CD afterwards - the CD sounded pinched and grainy by comparison. I'm more a smooth and electric jazz listener, so there just aren't many SACD titles for me. Such a damn shame it's not taking off, it's really wonderful stuff.

Thank you Tinear1, excellent info. .. and congrats! I can only wonder if break in is now complete or if SA7S1 will still change. Let us know at about 750 hrs, then at 1,000 hrs. Guido