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Soundstage of Marantz SACD players

Dear fellow members: I have a question regarding the soundstage of Marantz SACD players. I currently own a Marantz 8260. I like it dynamics, sense of pace and tonal richness. I have one caveat with it. I listen to alot of symphonic and piano music and find that it somewhat miniaturizes the size of instruments. It is as though the soundstage has been stretched-out horizontally and shortened vertically. I have had an Audio Research CD 3 in my set up as well as many other fine players, all of which provided me with a realistic soundstage. Only the Marantz SA 14 and Meridian 508.24 were similar to the 8260 in terms of making instruments and voices sound small. I would like to upgrade to a more expensive Marantz, possibly the 11 S2 and I am wondering if it will have the same soundstage presentation of my current 8260. I would like an Sacd player to give me the feeling that voices and instruments are in the room and not being heard at a great distance.
Many thanks.
amadeus
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I don't think another Marantz player will solve your dilemma. I own a modified SA-11S1, and it's deep, relaxed, 3-D soundstage is one of the reasons I like it. It sounds like you want a cd player with a more forward presentation. I'd recommend you try one of the Esoteric models, though they are not as rich tonally as the Marantz, they are more immediate. One has to make tough choices.

Of course, you could just try using a Virtual Dynamics or DCCA power cord on your Marantz. That'll move you quite a bit forward too. The Virtual Dynamics will put you in the front row, some folks like that.

Cheers,
John
plutos
224 posts
 
Then the power cord and cdp will be in a same prize class. LOL!
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I never said he needed the VD Genesis power cord. You can find used Virtual Dynamics and DCCA cords for less than $100 on the used market.
Though I do know a few fellows that have spent more money on cables than equipment, and swear by it. Different strokes for different folks.

Cheers,
John
plutos
224 posts
 
No offense meant John!
For $100 I would definitely try DCCA myself. But have never seen these selling so low.
As for the topic I can say that many Marantz enthusiasts still consider the SA-1 as the best Marantz player ever made. I have seen several guys selling SA7S1 and stick with SA-1.
At the moment I have SA-1 and Accuphase DP-67 on hand and will compare these soon. Lets see which one will stay in my system.
Greetings
Peeter
jetstream
30 posts
 
I run my SA-14 Balanced, and in my system it sounds quite remarkable. I own about 200 Classic SACD discs and couldn't be happier with the soundstage generated by this player in my system. I have no desire whatsoever to upgrade.
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