TRL Marantz Sa-14

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).

Jsala
Yes, my RAM modded Toshiba has the full mod which DOES include the Super Clock 3. I prefer the McCormack to it though - The UDP1 just appeals to me more. A bit warmer sounding than the Toshiba, I would say. The UDP is a fantastic sounding "universal" player. The TRL is the way to go, as far as pure redbook and SACD are concerned.

Looking forward to hearing everyone elses impressions of their TRL machines.

Jes45-

Cousin, you got the TRL bug alright. Please whatever you do don't sneeze in my direction. I just can't afford it right now.

Lkdog-

Keep me informed on the SA-14 break in saga. Happy that you got something special. Look forward to your reports.

Lkdog,

Sounds good. Looking forward to your comments on the ST-225. A new amp would be a bit down the road for me as I need to first burn in the TRL SA14. I'd be curious about how warm and musical and engaging the ST-225 would be. Seems like you are quite happy with the modded A300. Used, these would be great buys now. I have a tube pre right now and I don't relish the thought of retubing it down the road (6 tubes, need to recalibrate, etc).

Oldpet,

Glad to hear that the TRL-Marantz SA14 comfortably beats the best RAM Toshiba. I had considered buying one of those and, sure, the SA14 turned out more expensive but I don't mind spending more in this case on better sound and build quality. If I like the voicing of the SA14 then I'd probably stick to TRL mods in the future!