I would have to disagree with you here MrT. I've heard the Marantz SA-7S1, and it is on the warm side of neutral, especially when you put it up against the competition, like Esoteric, EMM Labs, Cary, etc.
Yes, you may find a sweeter presentaion with Audio Aero products, or you may even want to try Kevins new DAC.
However, as far as one box players go, the Marantz is definitely not on the lean side of neutral....even in stock form. If you think it is, you really need to listen to more CDP's.
As for me, vinyl is my format of choice, and my modified Marantz SA-11S1 is a CDP that I can listen to and enjoy, which does not cause my ears to bleed. I've heard the stock SA-7S1, and it is a great CDP, I prefer my player, but neither unit would I call harsh or aggresive as many higher priced CDP's that I've heard.
Cheers,
John
Yes, you may find a sweeter presentaion with Audio Aero products, or you may even want to try Kevins new DAC.
However, as far as one box players go, the Marantz is definitely not on the lean side of neutral....even in stock form. If you think it is, you really need to listen to more CDP's.
As for me, vinyl is my format of choice, and my modified Marantz SA-11S1 is a CDP that I can listen to and enjoy, which does not cause my ears to bleed. I've heard the stock SA-7S1, and it is a great CDP, I prefer my player, but neither unit would I call harsh or aggresive as many higher priced CDP's that I've heard.
Cheers,
John