TRL Marantz Sa-14

Thanks Oldpet. Actually, I talked to Paul yesterday about a TRL mod for the Cary. He said he could remove un-necessary circuits in the path and clean up some of the digit-itis. I've considered adding a external dac at the same time though, such as a Scott Nixon, Audio Mirror, or an Audio Sector dac before sending the Cary in for a mod. Not sure what to do! Never have heard a TRL mod cdp and am not familiar with their house sound.

Has anyone sent a high end cdp such as a Cary to TRL to be modded and with what results?

They have done over 600 units in the past year.
Many very high end units to my knowledge of all makes and models. They have also worked on many very expensive modded units from other modders.

I would contact Paul. Remember-they make a $30,000 digital unit themselves.
You will be surprised as to what they have found is best to mod in their opinion. It does not always equate with stock unit price.

The SA14 in this thread was a $3000 stock unit like your Cary.
FWIW, I had a Cary 308 which I liked very much, but even the entry level modded TRL/Sony 595 was signiicantly better IMHO and that was a $150 stock unit.

Another opinion to get might be from Empirical Audio as Steve Nugent also has a wide range of experience and a solid rep.
Good luck.

Hi Bradz

I don't like to tell people which way they should go, so I'm not going to start now. :-)
But - I'm not sure of the costs of the DACs you are considering. The TRL mod costs about $550. Do the DACS compare with the price of the TRL mod? I believe, unless TRL has changed policy, Paul will give your money back if you are not happy with the mod.

If you ask Paul for comparisons I'm sure he'll be accurate in doing so.

Lkdog has comparitive info on the TRL mods. (Cary 308 vs TRL Sony) I can say, that the Player is detailed/extended in its frequency presentation/dynamic, yet smooth. I really enjoy my CDP. As I've said to others It would take alot to convince me to part with my TRL SA-14.

Bottom line= Ask Paul how he thinks the Cary will stack up. I'd trust his judgement. But that's just me :-)

I really hope you can work through you decision making.

best
paul

TRL sent out my SA-14 last thursday via USPS. Hopefully, it will finally arrive today. I can't wait to hear it. I realize it will take 500 hours break-in to be at its best. My digital amps needed at least 300 hours to be listenable so I am familiar with the drill. Bob

La45: Hey Cuz, yeah, I'd give him a try at it. You might want to give him a call and see what he thinks.

Bradz: Clio09 can give you some insight on the Audio Mirror DAC, before and after mod.

Best,

Jack