TRL Marantz Sa-14

To clarify the little bit remarks on the Marantz SA-1 I am dead set against the Modification. I have not heard the Mod but doing research and Marantz America's advice to leave the SA-1 stock is your best bet. Both from a present owner and anybody that may buy one preowned in the future. Marantz America told me that the SA-1 is highly sought afte in the Asian market. And they said even 10,20 years down the line audiophiles will be seeking to find an SA-1. Only 1000 units were ever made, and less than half were shipped to the USA for Marantz America distribution.

Now they were not my words that the stock SA-1 was lame. They were the words copied and pasted from "Reference Audio Mods" website about the Modification. Of course they are going to say the Mod is going to make the SA-1 sound fabulous. They charge over $2900 for the basic Mod and if you go the full mod from "Reference Audio Mod" you can speand over $8000 which would include a nice wood cabinet for the SA-1.

So to reiterate the Marantz SA-1 stock alone is incredible. And what I am trying to say is that you can take a full modded up Marantz SA-14 and it will still not come close to a stock SA-1. Again it is unfair to make the comparison regarding the Marantz SA-1 was a no holds barr design to begin with at $7500 msrp. While the Marantz SA-14, SA-14mk.2, SA-12si, SA-11 were all in the $3K price range and massively produced by Marantz. Plus the SA-1 was so limited very few were discounted while the step down SA-14, SA-11 .. were found new under $2400.

Talk to Marantz America (Co inventors with Sony). Actually Philips invented the hardware and Sony the software , just like over 20 years earlier with the 16 bit CD technology. Marantz America will tell you honestly that SACD technology doesn't get any better that what is in the SA-1. And that whoever has one should be lucky and hold on to it, for the future demand will be very high.

Lawyerman-

Of course Marantz will tell you that- what are they supposed to say? All companies will claim their flagship is SOTA and the benchmark for years to come :)

Glad you are enjoying your SA 1. I see from previous threads that you state you sold a $22K Wadia setup for your SA1 and you have a $200K system. You must really like it. Surprisingly, there are a couple SA 1's sitting on AGON right now pretty cheap and have been there for weeks.. Somebody should grab one.
LaFish is a pretty reputable seller.

By the way, when did you get your SA14 modded by TRL? Did you listen to it stock before you sent it on to TRL?
Many people tend to think the SA14, either version 1 or 2 pretty much barked in stock form. What version do you have?

LA-45: Which player beats the TRL modded SA-14 ???

Howard: The SA-1 is good in its stock form, but in my experience, I'm not going to rush out to buy one ... I'm quite happy with my TRL modded SA-14. :)

Other players and DACs have came along that have surprised the TRL mod team, like Tony's (Clio09) Audio Mirror DAC. Having heard it myself, I couldn't believe how good it was, (even stock). Anyone looking for a DAC in the $500-$600 price range should definitely include the Audio Mirror to their short list. Then, of course, send it off for the final finishing touches. Once modded, the Audio Mirror isn't far from the SA-14. This is based on my first hand experience in TRL's listening room, with full TRL cables, the TRL ST-225 integrated and Paul's Magico speakers. Transport used that time was one of Paul's modded Masterlinks.

My point? Since TRL has done so many mods this past year, it is quite possible that they will find other players that may not be all that impressive stock that will mod into a very good player. Since they are in this position, I'll take their word on it ...

And, of course, Howard, I'll be happy to send along any info that comes my way ... :) I have already planned out my week so that I can have time to drop by the shop and hear your player as well as a few others.

Best,

Jack

Lithojoe-

Which player beats the TRL SA-14?? I will let you know. My plan is to compare it to two Sony players, one is modified and the other is in stock form. After that I have a friend who does have the stock Marantz SA-1 that I mentioned earlier (love this player).

I refuse to enter into a "shootout" with other players in the mix. The biggest problem is there is no standard testing procedure in place. If we were to select one important criteria for determining the superiority of a product perhaps we can use the "Neutral" term.

But the closest I have ever heard a "neutral system" was at Sony headquarters testing facility where I heard a special crossoverless design speaker system in an anechoic chamber. It was so impressive that I could not describe the sound to you. Its nothing I have ever heard both or since at home or at a live concert event. Therefore I have concluded that this must be what a neutral system should be.