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Marantz SA-10

I currently own a Modwright Marantz SA-8005. Its has some upgrades including a WyWires umbilical and SR Purple fuse. Its a great player but I'm considering some system upgrades and the Modwright outboard PS will be an issue. The plan was to move to either an Esoteric/Luxman unit but after doing some research another possible candidate might be a Marantz SA-10. Has anyone had a chance to compare the SA-10 with the Modwright SA-8005? Would the SA-10 be and upgrade or just a sideways move? As always your feedback is appreciated.

cmach
jafant
18,963 posts
 

cmach

 

Is there an aspect that you do not enjoy with the Modwright SA-8005?

 

Happy Listening!

cmach OP
193 posts
 

Jafant,

Overall I'm very pleased with the Modwright. Its takes some effort to get the best ouf of it but get it right and you'll be rewarded. Its more the logistics, the extra power cord, power supply and umbilical take away precious real estate. I'd like to reclaim that for other possible upgrades.

I have come to enjoy the Marantz house sound and that's what sparked my interest in the SA-10. I'd like to know if its a significant upgrade over my Modwright sonically.

goose
674 posts
 

@cmach I am in the same boat.  My Modwright Marantz 8005 has served me very well and the Marantz SA-10, Esoteric K-03XD and Luxman D-10x are on my potential upgrade list.  I would be interested in your journey.  An outside entry would be the PS audio transport and dac when it becomes available.

jafant
18,963 posts
 

cmach

 

Thank you for the quick reply to my query. Any comparison between those 2 Marantz players would be very interesting. Also of interest, would be Dan's position when he chose to offer his modifications to an already very good (performance/price-point) SA-8005. Another thought, it would be pretty cool if Marantz obtained a modded-SA8005, then, built /designed the newer SA-10 Reference player.  Not many of you guys own a Modwright 8005. I wonder how many Dan built? Are mods/repairs still available via Dan?

 

I have a staked interest as well because I own a Marantz SA-11S2 Reference player.  No doubt an Esoteric or Luxman spinner would offer stiff competition.

Luxman is in full comeback mode, although, this company does discontinue their players a little too fast for my disposition.

 

At this level, it all comes down to preference or brand taste. Staying tuned...

 

Happy Listening!

mahler123
3,089 posts
 

I’m not a fan of the Marantz house sound.  I used to own the (unmodded) 8005, sold it because imho the treble was m.i.a.  Fwiw when I heard the SA-10 at a dealer a few years ago it sounded like the 8005 with more expensive casework.

I put my bias about Marantz out there so you can contextualize my opinion.  I would at least try to explore some competitors, hopefully in your own system, before pulling the trigger

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