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Marantz SA-8260--low output and fuzzy bass???

I sold my two-channel Marantz SA 14 ver.2 and replaced it with the Marantz SA 8260 because I wanted 5 channel capability. The later is $2000 cheaper than the former and I was expecting a slight drop in sound quality for redbook playback. Presentation in the mids and highs are much like the SA-14, in other words fine, but the bass response on the 8260 is so far hugely disappointing--organ pedal notes, for instance, are imprecise and fade in and out, as if the player can barely hold on to them. Does the player need more break-in time? What kind of modification would need to be done to improve this? The only alternative is the Sony XA9000ES back at $3K, but I worry about it's being called "honest" regarding Redbook playback. And owners of the Sony: how's the bass precision?
jdaniel18ee
whatjd
1,139 posts
 
Hi,

I had the Sony and sold it...did not like the SACD or CD sound. Now have the SA-14v2 and feel it is the best SACD I have had...and near the top of the CD sound I have had...which includes...ARC CD2 and CD3, ML39, Classe CDT-1, Modified Denon 2900, seperate drive with Bel Canto DAC, older Sony DVD-9000, Sony XA-7ES, Sim Audio unit, and others. I have never tried the SA-8260....but felt it took a lot of playing time for the SA-14v2 to come around as far as Bass response.
rwwear
2,867 posts
 
It may be your bass management settings.
jdaniel18ee OP
88 posts
 
My cables are Cardas Neutral Reference fed into a Musical Fidelity A308. The Marantz SA-14 ver. 2 was definitely awesome, but I really want 5 channel, and redbook playback that is decent. My test disc is Holst's "Planets" (Dutoit/Montreal), the end of Saturn with the quiet organ pedals. The Marantz SA 14 ver. 2 could capture the fundamentals and present them in their own space--it was an awesome experience. Surely though, there are 5 channel players which can do Redbook as well. I'm probably going to try the Sony XA9000ES. I see there are a few XA777ES's out there. Big difference? (I don't need distance comp.)
audiofil
17 posts
 
I too have recently purchased the SA14v2 and am now playing withy the idea of 8620 for multichannel application. However, never would I dispose of the SA14, but perhaps add another milti channel source to it! As one of the respondents above, I have been seduced cy this player the first day, it is so beautiful, so musical most of all. I am somewhat puzzled what made you part with it.
jdaniel18ee OP
88 posts
 
I don't know now. : )I just couldn't justify a separate multi-channel and 2 chan units in the same household. I shold have just bought a supplimentary multi-channel. Oh well, I'll buy the ver. 2 used someday. The Sony I have now, (XA777ES) has the same bass response, but not the overall "glow" of the Marantz.
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