Marantz SC 11 S1 Pre amp

Winoguy, I can't contribute this thread with anything straight on-topic (never heard the SC-11S1), but I can say that another similar topic I've started (concerning bigger Marantz preamp SC-7S2) remains without any input so far (three days).

It seems that Marantz preamps don't exist too much in listening rooms out there...

Btw, SC-11S1 looks truly sturdy device, based on net pictures of course. Power supply seems to be excelent - two shielded toroidals (even not for dual mono but one for digital and another for analog section) and higher quality parts everywhere. Aesthetics is first rate, 16 kilos net weight smells pretty convincing etc.

Something that bother me is the inverted plarity of XLR connections... Entire Marantz Premium Series (integrades, preamps, power amps, CDPs) use an awkward pattern: pin 1 is ground (OK), pin 2 is "cold" (inverse to standard - usually pin 2 is "hot") and pin 3 is "hot" (usually pin 3 is "cold"). This aberation is clearly declared in their user guides... That means altogether that those components should be carefully connected via XLR to another brand components, since major part of other manufacturers uses the standatd pattern (2 "hot" and 3 "cold").

Well, this is easy to resolve with suitable (awkward) XLR interconnect, diy of course.

Thanks for the input Zormi. I am surprised that no one here seems to have any experience with either of these. I recently purchased the Sc 11 s1 and am just now getting a chance to use it.

Winoguy, any impressions sound wise..??

So far,I'm impressed. It isnt broken in yet, but i'm really impressed with the amount of fine detail it presents. It does not sound "solid state", tho it is a little "drier" than my tube pre. The soundstage is not as wide,but again, it is still breaking in. The unit is gorgeous to look at and built like the proverbial brick shit house! It seems "quicker " than my other pre, and really does a great job of presenting the leading edge of sounds and separating instruments without being cold or clinical. In a nut shell, I am quite impressed so far,and having been using tube pre's the last 20 years, I must admit that I am surprised by what I have heard so far. I' will update in the future if you would like.

Oh yea Zormi, i meant to add that I simply called Markertek and had them make me a set of XLR cable with the pins reversed on one end. Custom 2 ft. length with, high quality Canare cable w/ neutrik connectors for about $52.00!