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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
128x128nonoise
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,373 posts
 
Nonoise,
I am glad to hear that you love your new player. And than you for the un-audiophile review. Ultimately it is the musical satisfaction that matters than the price of the player. And that player is also a nice DAC. So you are covered on the PC audio side as well :-)
nonoise's avatar
nonoise OP
10,833 posts
 
I just had to post that yesterday, somewhere around the 240 hr mark, the sound blossomed. Maybe bloomed. It's beyond words right now but it's almost intoxicating, like I'm drinking one song after the next. Supposedly it gets better up to the 400 mark so I'll be in need of a designated driver for the next two weeks or so. :-)

Oh, I liked the SACD player so much I went and ordered the matching integrated. Call me foolish, call me crazy, but just don't call me if I'm listening.

All the best,
Nonoise
tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
Nonoise, congrats! It's the best when you finally a component that just sounds right to your ears. It really is such a high. Enjoy your new rig and I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts when you get the integrated.
audiozen
831 posts
 
Nonoise, if your seriously considering going with a all in one integrated unit then you should seriously check out the
CODA CSIb built in Sacramento. I have owned CODA gear in the past. Very smooth refined sound with outstanding detail
and transparency. The CSIb peaks at 300 amperes from both channel's.
Thats the highest reserve output I have seen so far from an integrated. Puts out 330 watts into 8ohms and 660 watts into 4ohms. There is currently a used one for sale on Gon for $4300.00 in brand new mint condition. Only has 100 hours of use. Comes with full warranty.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise OP
10,833 posts
 
Tboooe, thanks for the pat on the back. I will get back to you after I've had it awhile.

Audiozen, thanks for the advice but the CODA is way out of my price range. I'm sure it sounds great and has all the output one can ask for but my room isn't that big and my speakers are 95db efficient and the Marantz I'm getting is just at the top of my price point (getting both at discount for being demos helped a lot).

If the Marantz comes anywhere near the performance (and from what I've learned, it does, and more) then I'll be one happy camper. Time will tell and I won't get it until the middle of next week so stay tuned for my next favorable outburst. :-)

All the best,
Nonoise
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