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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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nonoise's avatar
nonoise OP
10,897 posts
 
Hey Bigbird, our flock seems to be growing :-)

I originally thought of trying out the SA-8004 myself as it and the PM-8004 have gotten some really good press. Then I read where Absolute Sound ranked it and my TEAC PD-H600 (along with some others) as great buys under $2000 so that led me to audition the SA-15S2 and it did so well that I had to take a chance.

If I'm not mistaken, the K1 Pearl was an upgrade from the SA-15S2 and the SA-15S2b is a distillation of the K1 Pearl, made more affordable. Every step is appreciated.

Yes, cables are very important and can limit the potential of a component if not properly matched and evaluated. Can't wait to hear it and let you know what I think of it as well as hearing what your impressions are.

All the best,
Nonoise
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,408 posts
 
Nonoise,
I am a disc spinner as well. I will look at the Marantz SA-11S3 when the time comes. I only hope that Marantz comes up with a firmware update on their USB capable SACD players so that they are able to play DSD via USB. I know that their latest Network player (NA-11S1) is able to do DSD using USB - and it uses the the same DAC as the 11-S3. They should also come up with a firmware for making the 15-S2B DSD capable, provided the CS4398 can handle DSD stream via USB.
If Oppo can do it, why can't (or will not) Marantz do it?
nonoise's avatar
nonoise OP
10,897 posts
 
Milpai,
That SA-11S3 is quite the player. I don't know if it does DSD via USB but if I could afford it, I'd seriously consider getting it. I've corresponded with an online reviewer who's listened to and reviewed both units and although he loves the SA-11S3, he got the SA-15S2b as he feels it's got the best price to performance aspect going for it. YMMV.
The DACs in the SA-11S3 are DSD capable so it should stand to reason it could be done. That would make it a great hub for all your needs.

All the best,
Nonoise
larrybigbird26's avatar
larrybigbird26
25 posts
 
Nonoise remember this.TEAC PD-H600 CD PLAYER HOWS IT SOUND we have converse before and thats when i started with the marantz cd-6004 and been going up the ladder since. I order one of the teac PD-h600 from one call,but had to send it back cause it didnt work,so never got to hear what that player sounded like. have really liked the warm or signature sound of the marantzs since. i have had a cambridge 740c a couple years back and the sound of that was little bright,but a overall ok player. before that the music hall cd25.2 nice stock cd player and also had a sony xa-20es,which i had that for about 8 years before i started trying more cd players. boy that sony really had a nice transport in it. well really got to love this audio hobby and hope to hear you review on the new marantz. The bird.
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,597 posts
 
"Question of Balance" by the Moody Blues is a really good sounding SACD. Shelby Lynne's "Just a Little Lovin'" is too if very laid back covers of Dusty Springfield songs might interest you. The Dave Brubeck you got is a good one.

Give me some time, I'll think of more.
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