Marantz SA-14S1 or Vinvent CD-S7-DAC

Well you probably already know that I would lean towards the Marantz for two reasons. First of all, I have heard Marantz CDP's, owning a SA-11S1, and I like them quite a bit. I sold a couple of more expensive CDP's when I bought my Marantz SA-11S1 about 6 years ago. Now I haven't heard the Vincent, so this basically is a bird in the hand analysis.

The second reason that I would go with the Marantz is because of it's SACD capabilities. That was the key for me keeping this unit over an $8K BAT CDP, the Marantz sounded as good as the BAT on redbook, but offered the ability to play SACD as well. Not all SACD's are exceptional, but there are many very good ones that will better any redbook cd.

They both offer USB connectivity, which is a plus, but the Marantz has the flexibility of front and rear USB ports. As always, YMMV.

i reviewed bot of these players on audiophilia.com .

the marantz review is available on the web site now, but the vincent review must be accessed in the archive section, on the right side of the front page.

here is my take.

strictly from a sonic point of view, the two players are polar opposites.

the marantz is highly resolving and ruthlessly revealing of poor recordings. there is no liquidity and ot sounds like a good solid state component. it is very dynamic and spacious. but, I think that to some extent it exaggerates the detail and is not musical.

the vincent has a slight tube sound. it is not overly euphonic or soft, but it has some tube warmth. its tube circuit is sensitive, so rolling tubes can get you a more classic tube sound.

obvious, the marantz is more versatile. it is a difficult choice.

although i reviewed both of them, i would not buy either.

there is another player i just reviewed. it will appear on the website shortly. i can't say what it is, but i am probably going to buy it. if this thread is up, i will tell you the name of the player and why i intend to buy it.

Is the ability to play SACD's important to you, or are you just interested in redbook audio quality.

Remember, these are all opinions and your opinion is the most important. We all have our own preferences;>)

11-11-13: Tom6897
Is the ability to play SACD's important to you, or are you just interested in redbook audio quality.

Remember, these are all opinions and your opinion is the most important. We all have our own preferences;>)

Actually i would like a player that does both SACD and Redbook, but it does not HAVE to play SACD .
I really do not have any SACD ,but do have some DVD-Audio that i play through an OPPO DV-981 HD.
The aspect that i really like about both is that they can be used as a DAC. I would like to find a great cd player that can be used as a DAC, which seems to be the trend these days
I like the inputs on the Marantz which give you Toslink Coaxial and USB Asynchronous and regular USB. I'll wait to hear what you are reviewing Mrtennis.
@Mrtennis
When will the review be posted ?