TRL Marantz Sa-14

As you guys recall I posted my impressions of how different power cords sounded with my TRL SA14 and on my preamp.

Here's an update. I did not mention before but I have bybee filters at the analog outputs of my preamp. Before, with the bybee filters, I noticed that the CRL Silver series power cord gave the the TRL SA14 extended highs and deep tight bass but was somewhat bright.

A few days ago I removed the inline bybees.... Funny, I barely heard a difference with or without the bybees before with my old source... but now with the TRL SA14... bass extension became a bit less and a bit less tight and there was a bit lesss treble extension but... the midrange now seemed fuller and more natural and the high end was less bright! All in all, though, a more natural and musical presentation that got me about 70% to where I would ideally want to be. I love it when taking something out of my system does the trick! ;-) Over x'mas I will send the SA14 back to TRL for the "free" upgrade (mine was one of the early SA14s modified and the mod has changed since then), which is supposed to further flesh out the midrange and improve dynamics. With that done then perhaps my system will sound perfect.

I bought the SA-14 yesterday and even stock it trounced the Rotel 1072. There was just so much more music there. I plan to use the stock unit over the weekend and then send it in to TRL early next week. Thanks for the support guys! Bob

I have had my unit modded now for about 6 weeks. Yes without a doubt for now this unit does everything right. Talk about a true reference component,this is it. "At Last" as Etta James would whale, finally the journey is over at last. Kudo's to the master and his team of fine gentlemen. Thanks Paul, and you're the greatest!

Hello all, I've been away for a while, trying to fully understand Audiogon's moderation. You can't keep a big mouth like me away for long ...

Bob: You'll enjoy the TRL/SA-14. It is a very involving player as Paul (Oldpet) stated. You'll find yourself staying up later than you'd planned. :)

Jay: Your player will change dramatically, after you send it back for the free updates. It will be the best $300 (for the shipping) that you've spent in audio. Just ask the guys who had the SA-14 before and after the updates.

Tony (Clio09): Nice to hear a report back from you. It has been a while. You must have been enjoying the music. FYI, it takes the CRL digital cable a while to fully break in ... ah Hell, the same can be said for the TRL mod. Enjoy!

Howard: I hope that you can find a nice, clean SA-14. Bob (Baranyi mentioned, "I do know of another version one in Chicago if anyone is looking". Maybe you 2 should e-mail each other? Good luck ... you deserve it. :)

Lithojoe: Are you the guy that bought Jerry Taylor's TRL phono stage?

Best,

Jack Seaton

Welcome to all the new owners of the TRL SA14!
It really still brings a smile to my face every time I spin a disk.

As for vibration dampening; I am using isoblock type things that Brian W. recommended. Have not tried others and I simply have 4 of them under the stock feet.
The unit is placed on a very heavy MDF shelf unit on a basement carpet over cement floor.
I should play around with tweaks more, but after I got my speaker placement dialed in decently, I am taking a break on changes right now.