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Comments pls.: TEAC vs Marantz CD/SACD players

Would appreciate your thoughts on the TEAC Distinction Series CD-3000 vs Marantz SA-11S3- especially from any that have heard or own either. I'm in the process of reading as much as I can find about them. Have searched the forums here as well. Both are audio only, can do CD & SACD and offer balanced XLR out. Both accommodate a range of digital inputs (up to 192 kHz?) including USB.

I'd hope to be able to do in-house auditioning. Goal would be to replace an Upgrade Factory mod'd. Denon DVD2910.

The TEAC is very attractive at a $1000 lower price and has dual DACs - but relatively little info to be found on it. While generally favorable, I'm not entirely sure how to interpret the Feb 2012 HiFi Choice review.

Thanks in advance for your time and comments.
128x128ghosthouse
rudge
76 posts
 
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.
newbee
4,767 posts
 
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.
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse OP
4,306 posts
 
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.
newbee
4,767 posts
 
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. :-)
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse OP
4,306 posts
 
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.
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