Marantz SA-1 holding up well agains next gen.?

The Marantz SA-1 sets the standard in both Redbook CDs & SACDs. I've owned dozens of different digital setups over the years with dedicated transports & DACS. You name I've probably owned. Living with the Marantz Reference SA-1 player the past few years has been a breath of fresh air.

There was a reason why the tag was $7500. Internally the best of the best is used. It looks like a complicated Patek watch the layout internally. No SA-11, SA-14 etc.. could even care. I say time will tell, and if you have an SA-1 hold on to it. If not try to find one.

No doubt the Marantz SA-1 is very cable dependent to reach it's potential. Definitley go with Balanced and an upgraded power cable.

Another great CD player to look for regular CD playback (non-SACD), is the Denon DCD-3520 CD player. This is an amazing CD player even though 15 years old. And definitely go balanced with the DCD-3520. This Denon player is very sought after in Asian market. Know this because I often travel there on business.

I am done with this topic. *Please don't e-mail with questions on this topic because I am very busy. Just wanted to chime in a bit and contribute.

MrChips -

We are so honored you took time from your busy schedule to enlighten us.
GMAFB.

Lkdog, "Sarcasm gets you no where".

By the looks of your system you have a very , very long way before you are in the Big Leagues. Maybe you should put more energy into your system then trying to start trouble.

Funny statement from a man with SA-1'a and SA-2's with a stock SA-1 Marantz.

I've auditioned the SA-1, owned the modified 14, and heard the SA-11 in a syatem identical to mine. Of the three, I'd take the modified 14 any day over the other two.

Then again, I would take the DVP-NS900V modified over all three ... :)

MrChips-

Ironically, the SA1 player you worship at the altar of Audio Dogmatism has been directly compared by several people (including some in this very thread) to the actual digital front end in my system.
Many people prefer the modded TRL SA14 over the stock SA 1 that have heard both or who have had both. At a minimum, there are things they like about each and it is a difficult call.
You should have a more open mind.
Technology marches on and modded players by and large usually eclipse anything any large manufacturers are able to engineer and develop.

Enjoy your SA1.