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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
nonoise
nonoise's avatar
nonoise OP
11,187 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
chayro
3,032 posts
 
While I am generally not a huge SACD fan for reasons that are not important right now, if you have any interest in acoustic music, I suggest you pick up the Yo Yo Ma "Solo" SACD. Once in a while they get it right and this one has incredible "in the room" presence, along with excellent performance of course. Enjoy your new player.
SOLO
nonoise's avatar
nonoise OP
11,187 posts
 
Charyo,
Thanks for the recommendation! I didn't know Yo Yo Ma did a solo performance. I already have "Dialoghi" with Elinor Frey and love her playing as well as the sonics.

And the price is right!

All the best,
Nonoise
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,631 posts
 
Congratulations NoNoise! I hope you enjoy the Marantz. I think you will. Let us know in any case.

I'm a disc spinner myself. I like having something physical to keep and I like to have the art and liner notes, even if I need a magnifying glass to read them.

I like the sound of the SACD format too. My SACDs are mostly rock and jazz and I'm away from home right now, but I could probably come up with a few recommendations if you're interested in those genres.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise OP
11,187 posts
 
Tomcy6,

Thanks for the nod. It's nice to know that there's still some of us who like to spin those discs. Suggestions are appreciated as I find it time consuming going over the reviews, prices and trying to find a site besides Amazon that allows one to hear samples. Jazz is so broad in taste as is Rock but anything that can steer me in the general direction is welcome.

Right now I'm waiting for Yamamoto's "Midnight Sugar", Brubeck's "Time Out" and Norah Jones "Feels Like Home" to start things hopefully this weekend. I'm also planning on getting Sinatra's "Where Are You?" and "No One Cares" along with Jacintha's "Best of Jacintha".

Boy, these things add up.

All the best,
Nonoise
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