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Marantz SA-11S3 vs Sony XA9000ES

Hello all, my question is, would I hear a noticeable sound improvement replacing my very nice but older Sony XA9000ES SACD player with the Marantz SA-11S3 Reference SACD player? System consists of a Rogue Zuess tube amp, Rogue Super Magnum 99 tube preamp, Shunyata Hydra line conditioner, Martin Logan Summit speakers and all upper end Audioquest speaker cable and interconnects. I don't have the cash yet for the analog rig that I desire so I thought this may be a good upgrade in the 4K range. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
rluthy57
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,451 posts
 
Great question- OP

I would love to own an XA-9000ES player!
rluthy57 OP
35 posts
 
Thanks for the replies so far. I wish I could just be happy with the stuff I have and leave it at that. 4 amps four sets of speakers later I'm still on the quest. I love my amp and pre-amp no need to change again. The SACDs on the Sony CDP are amazing and I'd have to sell it at a huge loss but I have to think that newer DACs are even better. 
rluthy57 OP
35 posts
 
Thanks for the replies so far. I wish I could just be happy with the stuff I have and leave it at that. 4 amps four sets of speakers later I'm still on the quest. I love my amp and pre-amp no need to change again. The SACDs on the Sony CDP are amazing and I'd have to sell it at a huge loss so not so sure which way to go.  I have to think that the newer Burr-Brown DACs in the Marantz are even better. 
rluthy57 OP
35 posts
 
Sorry for the double post : (
newbee
4,767 posts
 
FWIW, try to articulate exactly what you are trying to change or improve. It may well be your CDP, or not.

 There is probably no CDP, redbook or SACD, that matches well with all systems playing all tytpes of music. I have multiple CDP's - they each excel in certain aspects of reproduction but not all. Some sound better with one amp, not so much on another amp. Synergy is a big issue (for me anyway).

For example, I have the Marantz you asked about. I find it has an excellent mid-range and highs, but I find compared to my other units it's upper bass is a bit full. On rich orchestral music it is a bit too much. With that music my Wadia excels. I also find that in my system the sound stage is a bit closed down on orchestral music, but for small groups (classical or jazz) and solo instruments it is excellent. My system is voiced on the warm side of neutral and I'm sure that it is more the system than the Marantz that limits the system  performance., but it certainly contributes.

Based on that experience with the Marantz in my present system I would not get another, but if I were running a solid state system instead of tubes I expect it would be excellent as most solid state stuff doesn't have upper bass emphasis (nor do your speakers I think). The Marantz is built like a tank and has operated perfectly for over two years now. 

Be nice if you could audition one.....
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