break-in for Marantz SA-7S1

It's interesting how one audiophile's 'analitical' player is often an other audiophile's 'musical' one. Conversely, one audiophile's 'musical' player, may be judged as overly 'warm' by someone else. 'Dissonant perception' or simply 'differing taste?' G.

I have had a couple of Marantz players. First came the CD7 and I replaced this with a RAM modified SA11S1. I did hear with the standard SA11S1 the same hardness Mr Tennis is complaining about and which was absent from the CD7 but also noted better PRAT and a sense that there was something pretty good there. I went for the RAM modification as something of a leap of faith but kept my CD7 until I was able to do an AB in my own system and decided I would sell whichever player came in second in my comparison. I also arranged with my very helpful local dealer to do an AB comparison between the modified and unmodified players after the RAM modified SA11S1 had over 500 hours on it.

My dealer was a big fan of the standard SA11S1 but I had noted in his demonstration system, which was highly revealing a certain glare, a hardness which did not make for a pleasurable listening experience long term. I thought some of this was the amplification but when we hooked up the RAM player it was clear that the hardness was coming from the standard SA11S1. The modified player was in a different league. It provided a much more refined presentation with instruments and voices much more clearly defined in the sound stage. It provided a significantly more realistic portrayal of the music and the slight edge I noted with the standard player was banished. The improvement was clear and unequivocal.

A couple of interesting observations were made during this comparison. Firstly, both modified and unmodified players sounded superior using the balanced outputs and the difference was not subtle. For comparative purposes the CD7 was pretty much the same in balanced or SE mode.

Secondly, both units sounded significantly better when placed on a SAP Relaxa support. I now use the Magix 2 supports for similar results. I would also endorse the comments of others who have found improvements with interconnects and PC's. I use Basis PSTT's to excellent effect.

I ended up selling my CD7 as you would have noted from my first paragrah. It was far higher in its quality of manufacture but in the end the sound is the most important thing and the modified SA11S1 was simply better in every way.

I would have preferred not to have to modify a machine but I am well satisfied with the results achieved in both RB and SACD mode. I now have excellent sound from both SACD(though not all are created equally) and CD.

To put all this into perspective, however neither medium comes close to my analog rig in connecting me with the musicians though admittedly I have invested a great deal more money in this area. Analog remains for me the ultimate expression of the art and science of sound reproduction. I wish digital could do it as it has so many positives from convenience and musical choice perspectives but it hasn't got there yet.

I have a Marantz SA-7s1 and for the money it is very nice.
Is it in the same league as the other players that cost 3 to 4x the price? Of course not, but it's not to far off.

Place it on a good platform and use good components downstream and you will be rewarded. The player is balanced,smooth,detailed,and,neutral. It is definitely not hard sounding. Mrtennis pointed out bad recording still sound somewhat bad, and that's exactly how I want my source to be TRUTHFUL !

If I want a warmer sound I'll just change the tubes in my Pre-amp for some warmer ones. Do you want to see everything through rose colored glasses, I don't.

Whatever information you loss at the beginning of the chain you cannot get back downstream. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

To answer the question I think 200-300 hours or so should do it. Mine was a demo so I can't be sure but it's always sounded good.

I'm not sure what CDs and associated equipment other people are listening to when they say a Marantz SA7S1 is "too focused", has "unnatural timbre", is "precise", is "hard sounding" or "analytical". Something else is really wrong. None of that is evident on a good system. I couldn't stand the sound of most CD players until I got this one and never bothered getting one until this came along.

I'd hit myself over the head hard with a tennis racquet before I'd try a tube buffer stage or anything else drastic on this unit. Note that every other piece of equipment in my system IS SERIOUSLY / INSANELY modified even all my Pass Labs stuff (although I may not quite as fanatical as Dave -- how about TX2575s everywhere next?).

This player is resolving but very musical, has a wide and deep soundstage and has almost perfect tonal balance. SACD is wonderful & CD can sound great with a good recording but is sometimes a bit less engaging and listenable. The one consistent failing is that deep bass lacks weight & impact (my subs are flat to below 20Hz). There might be just a smidge of transparency that's lost with this but I'm guessing.

If you own one of these you've made a good choice & should be very happy once it's broken in.