2. digital
  3. 123280-6845

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
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 

jafant's avatar
jafant
19,601 posts
 

Thanks! for sharing- All.


I am in this position as well, Sony ES or Marantz, for SACD playback.

Which brand(s) of cabling are you guys using?

lynott
87 posts
 
Jafant:

For cables, I'm using upper-end Jena Labs with my SA-7S1. Out of the many cables I've tried over the years, the Jena synergizes the best with the player--at least to MY ears. But there are plenty of other great choices too.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,601 posts
 
TY-lynott
davidpritchard's avatar
davidpritchard
866 posts
 
Before you start auditioning - changing cables I do suggest replacing the main fuse on the Marantz with a Synergistic Research "Black" fuse. 

This upgrade has improved the sound of my three Marantz players! They are sold with a 30 return policy. There is a long thread in the Amplifier forum with the positive results of these fuses.

David Pritchard
More to discover