Marantz SA-11S3 vs Sony XA9000ES

Hello jafant, your question is the million dollar question I first asked about. Other than the USB DAC option on the SA-11S3 I will have to wait and see sound wise. The Sony is outstanding with SACDs and SHM-CDs. I can't imagine the Marantz being that much if at all better, I just wanted to try something new since the turntable and cartridge set-up I want  is out of reach at this time. I just love music and this awesome hobby of ours.

Excellent! rluthy57

its good to read that the ES still sounds good on SACD(s). This is my primary reason for wanting this specific model.

Keep me posted and Happy Listening!

An update -rluthy57?

Sorry jafant it took a while to break this in, I do love the Marantz but I also miss the Sony. The Marantz after break in is sounding really beautiful. The Sony and the Marantz aren't that much different when playing well recorded SACD and SHM-Cds. The Marantz does present a wider soundstage in my room that I'm very happy about.  They are both very warm sounding. The Sony for its age in design isn't very far behind and quite impressive considering. The Marantz does easily out perform the Sony when playing regular cds. I would say that and the wider sound stage are the biggest differences.

TY- rluthy57