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Marantz SA-15S2b, thoughts & opinions

Hey there everyone.
I'm on the fence on purchasing a new Marantz SA-15S2b SACD player and would like a little feedback. I'm not interested in PC, streaming or downloads so please keep the chatter on the SACD player :-)

I've heard the previous version just last week and was really impressed with it. That was with CDs only and CDs will be my primary source of music. After seeing the price of SACDs out there and the wide range of opinion on the sonics, I'll tread lightly if and when I buy any.

Any criticisms or raves are appreciated and please don't be put out if I don't respond to any or all responses as I just need opinions. Alternate suggestions need not apply since I really don't see myself buying another RB CDP. My tastes currently run to world jazz, vocals and acoustic, including small piece chamber music. My amp is a Burson integrated that mostly runs in Class A and my speakers are Tonian Labs TL-D1s with all cabling by Mapleshade and I listen in the nearfield. That should sum up all parameters and help narrow down any responses. And, I definitely will replace all fuses with HiFi Tuning ones or better which will improve sonics and allow me to hear further into recordings.

After talking to Marantz headquarters over in NJ and picking their brains, it appears this unit came out in June/July of 2011 and will be current for the next few years and there will be no discounts given at years end but I may have an authorized online dealer willing to negotiate a bit, but it's a long shot.

Thanks, in advance,
Nonoise
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tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,589 posts
 
As you know, I'm sure, the Marantz players get excellent reviews in the magazines and from owners. The problems I see are that digital players are improving rapidly and downloads could put the brakes on new SACD releases at any time.

If you're not easily swayed by the latest and the greatest reviews, the Marantz might work for you.

Music Direct has a 30 day return policy but their website sounds as if they're getting a little tired of the try it and return it type of customers. You could talk to them and see if they are willing to take a chance on you.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise OP
10,842 posts
 
Thanks Tomcy6.
It is indeed eating at me that progress is rapidly outpacing the time slots that models usually occupy but most of it seems geared towards streaming and such. The only caveat is the huge amount of data that DSD takes up, requiring lots of storage and managing that storage. I just like spinning those discs.

This is not an inexpensive player but one that I hope will satisfy for the long run as I plan on continuing to buy CDs and now that I've checked out some SACD sites, trying them out as well. Both formats are said to sound wonderful on this player.

It sounds like I'm just looking for confirmation for what I'm about to do.
Thanks for the gentle push.

All the best,
Nonoise
nonoise's avatar
nonoise OP
10,842 posts
 
Just ordered the Marantz SA-15S2b through Music Direct and got a great deal on a demo. They don't come up that often as just last week the one they had already sold. Timing is everything.

A big selling point was the assurance that if I don't like it, I can return it, no problem. Full warranty and a patient, knowledgeable and understanding agent made this an easy choice. Great company to deal with.

Can't wait :-)

All the best,
Nonoise
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,377 posts
 
Congratulations Nonoise. Please post your listening experience with the new player. Do you plan to use the Optical/Co-ax INs for HiRez music?
nonoise's avatar
nonoise OP
10,842 posts
 
Thanks Milpai.

Expect to hear me gushing about it in a week or two. :-)

For the present time, I won't be streaming any HiRez. I plan on immersing myself in all that those shiny discs have to offer. After all, it's the original form of DSD that everyones going ga ga over with their PCs and streaming.

I may plan on getting a iMac or PC notebook sometime far off in the future or maybe an Airplay and stream what I do have through the Opt/Coax when funding comes back to somewhat normal levels.

This is a fun hobby.

All the best,
Nonoise
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