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Marantz SA11S3

I just bought the SA11S3 and I am very pleased with the sound. It replaced a Sony ES 5400 which is no slouch. As good as the Sony is, the Marantz just sounds better. No buyers remorse here. I have a couple of questions.              
1. I'm currently running single ended cable. Is there any advantage going balanced line? It's being used with the Marantz PM11S3 amp.
2. When not in use should I leave it on all time or should I put it in standby and let it warm up for a half hour or so before I listen? 
I know the standard answer is "Try it both ways and see which sounds better" and I can't argue with that. I'm just curious as to what other owners are doing. Thanks.
rsfphil
hddg's avatar
hddg
123 posts
 
Hi,
I have the same cd player, but the rest of my system differs a lot (using dac/preamp/power amps *2). So i am using the coaxial output to go to my dac/preamp which makes better analysis.
In your system, by all means you should use the XLR option, which will give you without a doubt better results. A more controlled sound, with less distortion at higher volumes, which in return let you appreciate a more neutral and refined sound. Usually tighter bass and open medium and highs. Both your components are great stuff, using the XLR will let appreciate the greater part. Hope to have helped.

lynott
87 posts
 
I agree that going balanced is likely the best way in your situation. I run all-balanced with my SA-7S1, and IMO it definitely sounds better than single-ended. Purer and slightly darker backgrounds.

Other than when I go out of town, my player has been left fully on every day for the last six years. But if you want to leave it in Standby when not listening, that's fine too. It's a personal choice.
stanleylocke
241 posts
 
That unit has a standby mode and that's where it should be set when not spinning a disk. If don't have any XLR cables and wish to try something, contact me. 
davidpritchard's avatar
davidpritchard
866 posts
 
rsfphil:

Congratulations on the new Marantz player . Owning three Marantz SACD players, I also like the Marantz "sound". To take your player to a higher level consider replacing the main power fuse with a Synergistic Research "BLACK "brand fuse. I heard I significant improvement in sound with the upgraded fuse.

Enjoy your new system.

David Pritchard
rsfphil OP
139 posts
 
Thanks to everyone who responded. It looks like balanced is the way to go. I ran the Sony single ended for two reasons.
1. It seems like the Sony's balanced output is BINO( balanced in name only) and most people seemed to prefer the single ended output.
2. While most balanced connections have pin 2+ and pin 3-, the Marantz amp has the opposite, pin2- and pin 3+. I know there are ways to work around the polarity issue, but the Sony sounded so good single ended I just didn't want to mess with it. 
You can reverse the polarity of the Marantz SACD so that is no longer an issue. As far as replacing the power fuse I've only heard positive things. That is something I may do somewhere down the road. For now I want to get used to the sound with the balanced cable. Thanks again for your help.

Bob 

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