I very recently bought the Cary 306 Pro used off of Audiogon, for a reasonable price. I'm not familiar wth the Marantz SA11, but have heard some of their other products. After reading several reviews on the Cary, I decided to go for it, and have been very happy I did. It's not overly airy or bright, but has the ability to relay all the detail in the recording, I would call it very truthful. Being a bass player, I love to be able to pick the bass out of a recording with ease, and while the bass is not prominent, overly boomy or dynamic, I can pick it, or any instrument out with great ease. So over my old Sony ES deck, it is nothing short of awesome! But, my unit is CD only, no SACD or other formats. Which, concerned me at first but honestly I don't presently own any SACD's, so thus far it hasn't been an issue. Build quality is extreme. Solid brushed aluminum on all sides, weighs a ton! Solid as stone, and reads the disc almost before the drawer shuts! The remote could be used as a weapon it's so well made. Which is best? I can't say for sure, but I do know if you choose the Cary, you will not be disappointed. First class piece of gear. Also, it's DAC can be accessed both in and out, so I can pump my computer though it, haven't tried it yet but all the connections are there.
I recall the Marantz was also on my short list, my daughter has one of the lesser models from the SA11, and it has a nice full sound, not bright or boomy, and while the front panel is actually some plastic panels, it's a nice looking unit. And, before helping her buy that unit research showed that Marantz is well liked in customer reviews, required less repairs than many other brands, their numbers on infant mortality is next to zero. (Dead out of the box)
So I chose the Cary, I think it would work well with your tubed gear, if you don't mind the lack of SACD. But honest. I think it's a win-win situation. Either choice will be a good one.
I recall the Marantz was also on my short list, my daughter has one of the lesser models from the SA11, and it has a nice full sound, not bright or boomy, and while the front panel is actually some plastic panels, it's a nice looking unit. And, before helping her buy that unit research showed that Marantz is well liked in customer reviews, required less repairs than many other brands, their numbers on infant mortality is next to zero. (Dead out of the box)
So I chose the Cary, I think it would work well with your tubed gear, if you don't mind the lack of SACD. But honest. I think it's a win-win situation. Either choice will be a good one.