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SACD with LFD/ Harbeth

I have been accumulating numerous SACD classical cds the last few years but still have no SACD player. I use a Rega Saturn with an LFD integrated amp and Harbeth M30.1 speakers with all LFD cabling. On some cds the midbass with the Saturn is too accentuated and the top end a bit rolled off. I have been thinking of the Marantz SA-14S1 player.
Any thoughts on this possible combination or another SACD option? $2500 new is my top spending amount, preferably $1500 if a used player in good condition comes available.
valinar
elevick
2,636 posts
 
A used Oppo 95 by Modwright would be awesome. The SACD layer and decoding can be quite different than the cd layer on these discs. You really need to compare the cd layer to the sacd layer-it could be enlightening (or disappointing). Maybe even get some HD recordings to compare to?
the_rang
41 posts
 
I have not heard the SA14S1 but did have its little brother SA8005 in my home for a demo recently.
If you are worried about midbass and a slightly rolled off top end then I'm not sure Marantz (assuming the 14S1 and 8005 have the same house sound) is the right answer.
It was those very qualities that prevented me from buying the Marantz. I'm running KEF104.2 (tweeters restored) with a Modwright integrated.

Many others would disagree so I recommend trying a Marantz (or any other player for that matter) in your system first to ensure a satisfactory match.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,788 posts
 
Esoteric DV-50s, around $1200 used.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 

Right out of the box the Oppo 105 is the player to have modded, the Oppo 95 does not have the direct audio path circuitry designed for high end 2 channel sound, using the ESS sabre dacs in dual configuration going to either specific XLR or RCA outputs. The 105 is the only OPPO for high end audio consideration. So to clarify, the Oppo 105 costs $1200 new and sounds way better right out of the box  than any of the suggestions given hear so far. You can’t buy a better sounding player used or new for $2500. Then when you really want to raise its performance up several levels more, you can have it modded  by Modwright (around $2000). The 105 uses the same dac’s as other way more expensive units do. It is the best deal in universal players for yesterday, today and tomorrow. 


Regards,


Matt M

chayro
2,984 posts
 
I would work with speaker placement before I did anything. Maybe get them a bit further from the wall or change the stands or the way they are coupled to the stands. A harder footer could clean up the midbass and a bit more toe-in could result in more treble energy reaching your ears. I don't think an SACD player will fix what your are describing.
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