Comments pls.: TEAC vs Marantz CD/SACD players

Ghosthouse, Yes, the champagne finish is wonderful to behold but I've gotten used to the business like look of the black finish.

As to your question on how it handles CDs, all I can say it does a magnificent job of rendering my CD collection. CDs that I thought were no longer listenable through the TEAC are now back in rotation. Even the really bad ones sound better. My exposure to SACDs is limited but from what I've experienced, well recorded CDs are pretty much the equal of SACDs. Really a close call.

The Marantz brings with it a healthy dose of weight and gravitas. It also unravels the music in a way that the TEAC couldn't. Don't take this as a knock on the TEAC since the Marantz is more than double (almost triple) the cost of the TEAC.

As for that Marantz house sound, I can't really say since this is my first foray into Marantz land. From what I've read on earlier units and from what others have said, I see/hear no resemblance. No warmth, euphonic shadings, frequency limitations or a tube like sound. It pretty much comes across as neutral and really clean, but that could be the synergy it has with the matching integrated and my system in general. It's capable of great dynamics, both micro and macro, reveals just about everything, and does so in an even handed and easy going manner. There's simply no strain that I can detect, which allows the performers to seem naturally relaxed, if that makes any sense.

Hope this helps,
Nonoise

I would appreciate any comments on the marantz sa11s3 too. I have the 11sa1 and really like it, but have been thinking for awhile of upgrading to the 3. Any Marantz comments would be appreciated.

Ghosthouse & Rudge, I have had a SA11s3 since January. I have never heard a TEAC unit, nor an Esoteric, or a Oppo CDP so I can not give you a direct comparison. What I can say though, is that compared to my other SS unit, a Wadia 302, the Marantz has a richer tone and has better dynamic's. It is hard to fault but it does sound better after a warm up period. The input for another source is fine. It will, for example, reveal the quality of the source or type of transport you are using. Re transports so far I like the onboard transport better.

If I could only use one CDP, of those that I have heard I would easily select this one. Fortunately I do not have such a restriction, and find the relaxed nature of my Raysonic 128, and the tonal balance and clarity of my Wadia 302 can be useful depending on my mood or the CD I'm going to listen to.

Hope that helps a bit. Feel free to ask questions if you think I can help.

Thanks for your comments Newbee. Took a look at your system - some nice gear [but based on a quick scan of it's history since '03, I'm wondering if "Done For Now" is quite the right place for it ;-) ].

Good to know the Marantz compares well to the higher priced and better regarded Wadia brand.

re warm up, doesn't the Marantz have a standby mode?

Thanks again for your input.

Yes, it does have a standby mode, but none the less it seems a tad warmer/sweeter/more fluid, less ss after a half hour or so. Much the same as my other CDP's (except for the Wadia which is always ready to go, or so it seems).

I find the question about warm up interesting. Most folks assume that it applies to the DAC, but I've noticed that even when my Raysonic has been on for 30+ minutes or more before its used, that the sound will smooth out some and is best after a half hour or so of use. This was never the result of any studies, just casual observations, and one that may have no basis in anything but my imagination. :-)