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Toroidal vs. Non-toroidal Transformers

I am an experienced audiophile, but am unsure as to how much weight should be given to the presence of a toridal transformer in a CD player. I am comparing the Marantz SA-15S2 to the Denon 100th Anniversary SACD player. With the cases open, the main difference I note is that the Marantz has a toroidal transformer, and the Denon does not. I am one who buys all of his gear on-line, sight unseen, and so design and parts quality are important to me (they would be important to me anyway).

I believe that design and parts quality have a direct relationship to performance. I am not one to readily accept the advice of: "Well, just listen to the players." I suppose that if I listen long enough, I might end up seeing the positive points of almost any piece of gear--and such is why I always marvel at the suggestions of "200" or "500" hours of "break-in". I would rather make an informed initial decision, as well-designed components with quality parts--and good weight and build--have rarely disappoined me. I welcome any relevant comments.
gtortorella
gtortorella OP
17 posts
 
These responses are very informative. I, too, think exactly that: Denon players are a tad "screechy" in the highs. This term, "screechy," is an excellent way to describe it.

I have very sensitive ears, and I have posed this question because I already have the highly-regarded SA-15S2. I have had it for a week now. At first, I was very impressed with its performance--lush, dynamic, smooth. In the last couple of days, though, I am a bit puzzled by its sound. I cannot listen for more than 45 minutes or so, and I am trying to figure out why. It is bothering my ears some, and I am wondering if there is some type of problem in the highs. I am now taking a break from listening to it, as I am trying to rest my ears.

Also, the drawer opened once unexpectedly. I am 99% certain I did not hit the remote (or other button), and so I was puzzled by that, too. My previous unit, the SA8004, did not seem to bother my ears, and I do not remember the tray coming out unexpectedly.

larryi
3,732 posts
 
I don't think it matters much as to the type of power transformer used. I am sure there are "cheap" and "better" forms of either type, but, how would you be able to tell. Both kinds will do the job effectively.

There is a bit more of a tendency for toroidal power transformers to hum or buzz (the transformer itself vibrating and creating noise, not noise injected into the output signal) if there is crap on the powerline, but that hardly happens.

If the only obvious difference that you can see between the two, in terms of build quality, is the choice of power transformer, I would call it a tie.

I have no experience with the Denon SACD player. I've heard various Marantz players and they sounded pretty nice for the money.
swanny76109
382 posts
 
The DAC and analog output design will have much more impact on sound than will the type of transformer. You are looking at lower end processors and outputs that make use of cheaper op amps rather than discrete devices. Hence the screech. Save up for a good DAC instead. You won't regret it.
gtortorella OP
17 posts
 
I am well aware of the ill effects of op-amp output stages. The problem is that so many players--even multi-thousand dollar units--have op-amp output stages or op-amps elsewhere in the design. Indeed, a discrete output stage will always sound better. Though, this HDAM thing in the Marantz units is pretty good. Some say its an op-amp, others say it is not. I have yet to figure out what, exactly, it is. In any case, is sounds better than whatever "OPA" three or four digit number (i.e. 627, 2132, 2134, and on and on) is offered by Burr Brown and the like.

A discrete output stage requires real design skills, and an op-amp is an inexpensive shortcut. This trend shows not the slightest sign of being reversed.
gtortorella OP
17 posts
 
I forgot to add that I am hesitant about adding yet another component to the signal chain, i.e. a DAC. While if I spend a bunch of money, I may get one with a discrete output stage, I may then perhaps introduce other issues or problems. At minimum, I have added a whole other component--with its own an input and out section--and another length of cable.
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