TRL Marantz Sa-14

TVAD: For me, I have several test discs that I know very well, having been present during the actual event. (Although being there is not a criteria, in my opinion, to knowing a disc well). I hear how the player distinguishes minute details and store them away in my memory.

For example, Lkdog has mentioned to me (and I concur) that since he has his SA-14 back from TRL (with their free updates) that he is hearing details that went un-noticed before ... that he is re-listening to his entire library of music, finding new details that were previously masked or blurred. As I stated above, I'm experiencing the same thing. Even old discs like Trio Jeepy have startling new details that I've never heard before and have a spooky realistic feel (and sound) to them.

This said, there is something to what we are both noticing and it has to do with our memory of these discs, some that we've been familiar with over a decade. I don't see Lkdog or I as "Supermen", nor am I directly questioning your cognitive powers or hearing acuity. I do know what I hear and what I remember, and I don't mind sharing my first hand experience to those here ... in the TRL SA-14 thread.

Sbayne-

It is well established that the specifics of circuit and parts changes are not released by TRL. This is troubling to some people, others could care less if the outcome is something they are happy with.
That said, I do know that they use some of that wire that goes into their reference power cords and that supposedly is the break in from hell for that stuff.

For whatever reasons, it has taken all of the 500 hours or more for the mods from them that I have had to really settle in.
I just kind of enjoy the ride.
My SA14 is at 324 hours with the upgraded mod.

Tvad-

It has improved over this time like most units usually do. The times I have noticed the most is when I have not listened to it for a few days and then play a CD.
I agree, it is a mysterious and debate provoking process.

I agree the whole break-in discussion is a little mysterious especially with TRL claiming 500 hours is necessary when other companies say 100 hours is enough. All I can say is my system is sounding better every day. My son even commented the sound is getting "wider and deeper". I'll just let it keep playing.....

I'm not so sure that TRL says that 500 hours is a magic number. IME, as one's music system gets better sounding, more changes are evident with break-in. If a system hasn't very much resolving power, one might not hear any change with break-in. So, some will hear differences with breaking-in a player or cable or... and, some won't notice a thing.
There's plenty of room for both camps in this crazy hobby.
Deb