TRL Sony 2000es or RAM Toshiba 3960

Jsala-

You might email or call Paul about the different Marantz units they have assessed and are evaluating.
When I mentioned above about MArantz units that cost a "bit more", I should have stated that they are going to evaluate the 8260, as well as the reference players (SA11,and older SA14). The 8260 is really not too much more expensive than the Sony ES2000 and might have more potential. The SA 11's and SA14's are much more expensive of course.
To put in perspective, though, the TRL 595/2000 units are truly excellent and may be tough to beat for basic price/performance ratio.
With this hobby, as we all know, sometimes the incremental changes or improvements we seek are not a straight corelation with money spent. But no one ever claimed we are rationale:)

I don't know about the 8400, or if they have looked at that one. Chat with him about the build quality of the 3960. He is very impressed with how it turned out.

Have the RAM Tosh,EVS Panasonic S47 and the Stan Warren Aiwa X37c and they are all close.Will report back in 2 weeks after the Tosh breaks.Have not heard the Sony you speak of,but it sure is fun to be connected,Bob

The Sony 2000ES cost around $249-300 and the Marantz SA-8260 is a $1,000-$1,200 unit, so , it is a lot more. I own a Toshiba SD-3960 and compared to the 2000ES, the construction difference is HUGE. The Sony is much better in every respect. I would think it twice ( or more) to invest my money on the Toshiba rather than the 2000ES. But that it just my opinion!!

Jahaira-

I have never seen nor heard a Toshiba 3960. I had heard they were going for like 60 bucks somewhere lately.
When I suggested that Jsala talk to Paul about the build quality I did not mean to imply anything good or bad about it. What I meant is that they might have a valuable opinion- I have no idea.

As far as the Marantz 8260 - they are all over Agon for between $675 on up used and $800+ new. Yes, retail is high, but no one pays retail.
I have no idea if it will mod out well for TRL.
They certainly like the Marantz higher end units and seem fond of Marantz build quality. We will see what they have to say.

Sorry if my words were confusing Lkdog, I don't mean it. I just want to state that both units are in a different price range ( Sony/Marantz). The Toshiba is a big achiever but nothing spectacular. Here " http://www5.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=70377&highlight=toshiba+sd-3960" you can see pictures and a long thread about the Toshiba Sd-3950 which is about the same unit as the 3960. I have to admit that I was into the 3960 mods before I bought my 2000ES. After I heard both unit on my system, I took the Toshiba to video duties and the 2000Es to my main rig.

The 8260 was another unit I was looking for about a year or so ago but the related built quality issues posted here and at Audio Asylum keep me away from it. Like you said, Paul is the guy and he is the one who can best express which unit deserve consideration.

Hasta luego!!