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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
rsfphil OP
139 posts
 
This thread is about balanced vs unbalanced and standby vs leave it on. I DON'T RECALL ASKING ANYTHING ABOUT FUSES!
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,407 posts
 
Alright OP. Don't blow a fuse now. On 2/24 you did show some interest in fuses. And on the same day, looks like all your questions were answered. This might very well be a good Marantz SA-11S3 thread for future owners. It has fuses - right? If your question is not answered, you can request members to get back on topic. But please don't scream (CAPS On above) and feel that you own this forum.
2channelforever
21 posts
 
Marantz is designed for & actually specs better w/ standard phono connects. Unless you have a long run between them stay with rca's.
rsfphil OP
139 posts
 
Thank you for staying on topic. I appreciate it. I think you may be on to something. I tried balanced cables (same cable as my unbalanced) and the unbalanced did sound slightly better. The way I understand it there should be a 6db difference in output between a truly balanced system as opposed to an unbalanced system. The output with the XLR's was the same as with the rca's which leads me to believe the Marantz isn't truly balanced. The manual gives the output as 2.4 v unbalanced, but it doesn't show any spec for balanced. I think it's possible that the XLR's are on the amp and cd player just for convenience.
davidpritchard's avatar
davidpritchard
866 posts
 
violin:

The Marantz SA11-S1 does not have a user replaceable main power fuse. It is hardwired into the circuit. It does have a total of 5 rail fuses that go to each subsection of the player. The player sounds better with these fuses upgraded. You can replace them one at a time. 

rsfphil:

Your Marantz will sound better if always left on. The DAC chip - circuit takes a long time to 100% stabilize. Antelope brand DAC's used in the recording studio are always left on, as even a broken in unit will take three days to stabilize.

Marantz equipment responds very well to fuse upgrades, especially to the Synergistic Research Black fuse. The system improvement I believe from this fuse is greater than going to balanced cables. Been there - prefer unbalanced in my Marantz systems.

If any Marantz users are still using regular home construction wall outlets, I hope you will try either the Furutech GTX-R outlet or the Synergistic Research Teslaplex SE outlet. Both will allow the Marantz players and amps to reach their full sonic potential. The Synergistic Research outlets are less costly and sold with a thirty day money back trial.

Marantz makes some great equipment - enjoy.

David Pritchard
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