TRL Marantz Sa-14

La45-

I get my TRL SA14 unit Tuesday if the Fedex tracking info is correct.
I also recently had TRL mod my integrated amplifier (Musical Fidelity A 300). I have only had it back for three days so only have initial impressions.
It will take several weeks to fully break in according to Paul and Brian.
I borrowed a TRL Sony 595 (which I had in my system before) from my friend here in town so I could hear the amp only change before I got the Marantz this week.

The changes from the amp mod are quite startling actually. I guess we all forget with all these digital mods TRL is doing that they are state of the art preamp/amp designers and builders. Who better to have mod your amp!

The noise floor has been lowered a great deal and the sound is quite a bit smoother, effortless, and more 3D. I will post more on this later on a different thread maybe, but I have been listening to my system today and wondering how in the hell is the Marantz going to top this? I am also wondering how much more can this modest little amp improve upon break in? I am in for a nice ride I think in the next couple of months.

While listening to Dave Brubeck Time Out tonight, I truly had the system disappear at times and was immersed in the music totally.
I do agree that the real test of any system is do you emotionally connect to the music.

Will let folks know how the TRL Marantz SA14 works out in my system.

Lk: What did TRL charge for your Musical Fidelity A 300 mod?

My TRL SA-14 was shipped to me last week so I should get it this week. I also got a CRL Silver series power cord on Paul's recommendation.

Paul/Oldpet, does your RAM-modded Toshiba have the Superclock? Glad to hear that the TRL is doing so well in your system, particularly vs the McCormack.

Lkdog, great news re your modded A300. Down the road I may want to simplify my system and go for an integrated so I'll keep a look out for reviews on TRL modded amps.

The fee is the standard $550 they charge on all mods for digital units/DACS/transports/ etc.

Brian feels that the MF A300 changes were very nice.
Not in the class of their new solid state 225 watt a side ST-225 integrated amp, but he was surprised how far they were able to take the MF.
The ST 255 is $5500 so that would be expected. I think the MF A300 was around $1700 new.

The mod was definitely worth it IMHO. It has a very different character now. Until you hear your unit with the noise and glare removed, you are not aware how much was in the way and what you were missing.

I have a friend who is going to demo the ST 225 in a couple weeks with his Soundlabs, so will get to here their new product soon in his very high end system.
Maybe he will arrange a visit for the ST 225 at my house :)

I thought I heard you have listened to the ST 225?
How was it in your opinion?

Jsala-

MAybe the ST 225 is something to consider down the road. Paul and Brian are quite excited about the product. For TRL with their worldclass SOTA tube preamp and amp experience to get excited about a SS integrated is something of note.

If I can get my buddy to bring it over here for a couple days, I will let you know what it sounds like to my ears.

Brian told me something about being able to easily tell when Branford Marsalis was swaying his head during a solo!!
It is probably a little out of my price range right now, but it doesn't hurt to look :)
(At least that is what I tell my wife).