TRL Marantz Sa-14

It looks like my SA14 will ship mid this week, and I should receive it by mid the following week. I'll give it 500 hours to break in but I will of course sneak in a few listens before then!

Good discussion on vibration management. I have a set of Herbie's Tenderfeet (soft, vibration absorbing) as well as a set of JJAZ FOD, which are made of a foam rather than a gel. I get the impression that the SA14 responds well to isolation as others have posted that partially inflated bicycle inner tubes work very well. I'll have to do some reading on Stillpoints and HRS Nimbus.

Paul mentioned to me that the modded SA14 also responds well to changes in power cords. Has anyone experiemented with different power cords? I currently use the Bolder Cable Nitro on my source and preamp and hope that it works out well with the TRL/SA14.

Jsala: Why not talk to Paul about a power cord? He might have a solution for you. My friend bought a power cord from Paul for his SA-14. I use a FIM Gold on my TRL/Sonny 2000. It's funny using a $1300 power cord on a $850 player, but I had it around anyway and it is incredible. It makes sense though, Paul designed the FIM Gold cable, so maybe it's an integration thing.

Regarding isloation, I recommend that you try every possible combination so you find what works best in your personal system. Try as many combinations as you have to find what works best. You'd be surprised how much performance is lost when folks fail to spend the time finding the best isolation for their player. Remember that isolation device material will determine the voicing of the unit. Don't be afraid to try 1-1/4 inch maple blocks or brass cones, too. Softer materials may have a tendency to soften the sound, (dynamics, too). Harder materials may have the tendency to harden the sound. Experiment! Have fun! I love our hobby!

Paul (Oldpet): I've decided to buy a used SA-14 and enjoy it until for a while. That is after TRL gets done with it! My friend's TRL/SA-14 had around 400 (?) hours on it the last time I'd heard it and it was incredible. We played a couple of Paul's live recording CD's and his Fidelis Cello SACD and I sat with my jaw dropped for an hour. But, I don't need to tell you that, do I? You have one ...

These guys also have a new amplifier company, Transistor Research Labs. I've heard the proto-type over at Brian's house and it is insane! I've sold my Tube Research amps and will take delivery on their new ST-225 integrated within a few weeks. It's 225 conservative watts/channel, has 3 pairs of inputs, and has a seperate 48 stepped attenuator for each channel. Price is $5500. (The amps I sold went for 2 to 3 times that amount). They also have a 500 watt mono for $9K, but it isn't out yet.

Best wishes,
Jack

I am wondering about the performance similarities or differences between the SA-14 v1, v2, and 8260 players once they have been TRL modified. I am particularly interested in SACD performance. Thanks,

Pardales -

To my knowledge, TRL has not done an 8260. I think they may have done both versions of the SA14, but were not able to do a side by side comparision if I recall correctly.
Maybe if you email Paul he can comment on that.
I seem to recall someone stating (don't hold me to this)that the difference after mods of SA14v1 and SA14v2 was negligible even though the SA14v2 had some enhancements to the stock version.

The 8260 uses the same DAC. The SA14v1 has been claimed to be very similar in stock form to the 8260 IIRC in sound by one professional reviewer. They fooled around with power cords and were able to get the same voicing or sound basically from the two units.
The SA14 v2 supposedly had some improvements of some type in shielding and power handling after alleged comments about the SA14v1 being so close to the 8260 in sound.
I think someone stated in a forum that the SA14 v2 was slightly better than the v1 in SACD, but the Redbook was the same.

All of the above may be irrelevant as to how this all translates after a TRL mod and is something only they can maybe answer for you from their understanding of the topology of the three units.

FWIW, I almost got a used 8260, but found an SA14 at a reasonable price so went with that.

The users who have heard or who own the SA14v1 modded by TRL are certainly happy so that is probably a safe bet right now. The SA11 is supposedly slightly better.
My guess is the 8260 would be very nice also. Who knows- it might be right there with the SA14/SA11 TRL units.

hi Jack

Concratulations! I'm sure you'll love having such wonderful sound at your finger tips. Who knows - The 14 may even stop your search, for a while. :-)

I love those recordings of paul's they really are a joy to hear. I haven't even begun to play with isolation devices yet. I am using a Signal Cable HC digital power cord on the 14. It works for me. FWIW