I love this Marantz!

[frenchmon]

One day...I will have this outfit in my two channel room and the Vincent as a secondary unit in the wifes 2 channel room and study.

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/marantz/1.jpg

Is there any one here who has their eye on a future reference system?

[Ajani]

How about getting this one in the meantime?

http://us.marantz.com/assets/images/products/MM7025/XL_MM7025_Black_D.jpg

[Poultrygeist]

My SR6006 has that same port hole window which you can't see from across the room.

[JohnMichael]

I seriously considered this amp. I ended up buying the Krell.

[frenchmon]

I think the Krell is like a hot rod sports car compared to the luxury car Marantz.....two very different sounds.

[frenchmon]

How about getting this one in the meantime?

http://us.marantz.com/assets/images/products/MM7025/XL_MM7025_Black_D.jpg

I thought about that amp for my home theater....it's listed at $549.99 over at Accessories4less.

[JohnMichael]

I think the Krell is like a hot rod sports car compared to the luxury car Marantz.....two very different sounds.


From the reviews I have read the Krell is more neutral while the Marantz is warmer. Of course I have also read that the latest Krell int. amp is an improvement over earlier amps. The new amp has a nice wide and deep soundstage. It is not bright in any way but detailed.

[blackraven]

I would love to have the top of the line Marantz reference CD/SACD player.

MUSICDIRECT - MARANTZ - SA-7 REFERENCE SACD - CD PLAYER (http://www.musicdirect.com/p-7270-marantz-sa-7s1-reference-sacd-cd-player.aspx)

[Jack in Wilmington]

I've been looking at the Marantz PM-15S1. Are their integrateds as good as the other reference pieces?

[frenchmon]

I've been looking at the Marantz PM-15S1. Are their integrateds as good as the other reference pieces?

Yes...But keep in mind, Marantz Reference is warm and can pass for tubes in the right system. Sorta like Bel Canto. And in my opinion the Marantz Reference is excellent for Acoustic and Electric Jazz and most acoustic music as well as being outstanding with classical. While some do, but most die hard hard rock/metal fans stay away from Marantz are not happy and satisfied with its warm musicality. That group tends to go for something like fast race cars like a powerful fast Krell or Jeff Roland.

Jack are you looking to replace your tubes?

[frenchmon]

I would love to have the top of the line Marantz reference CD/SACD player.

MUSICDIRECT - MARANTZ - SA-7 REFERENCE SACD - CD PLAYER (http://www.musicdirect.com/p-7270-marantz-sa-7s1-reference-sacd-cd-player.aspx)

Yeah you and me both.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Yes...But keep in mind, Marantz Reference is warm and can pass for tubes in the right system. Sorta like Bel Canto. And in my opinion the Marantz Reference is excellent for Acoustic and Electric Jazz and most acoustic music as well as being outstanding with classical. While some do, but most die hard hard rock/metal fans stay away from Marantz are not happy and satisfied with its warm musicality. That group tends to go for something like fast race cars like a powerful fast Krell or Jeff Roland.

Jack are you looking to replace your tubes?

Not to replace so much as to supplement. Sometimes when I'm in a rock mood, I may not be getting all the emotion that I was looking for from my tubes. Maybe the Krell is more what I'm looking for, or something like that.

[Feanor]

I would love to have the top of the line Marantz reference CD/SACD player.

MUSICDIRECT - MARANTZ - SA-7 REFERENCE SACD - CD PLAYER (http://www.musicdirect.com/p-7270-marantz-sa-7s1-reference-sacd-cd-player.aspx)

Me too, but I'd be pretty content with an SA8004 like JM's.

http://ca.marantz.com/assets/images/products/SA8004/XL_SA8004_D.jpg

[frenchmon]

Not to replace so much as to supplement. Sometimes when I'm in a rock mood, I may not be getting all the emotion that I was looking for from my tubes. Maybe the Krell is more what I'm looking for, or something like that.

Have you rolled your tubes? And also keep in mind, there are many romantic speakers. Example...Peabody and I have a Vanessa Williams CD that we like to listen to as we listen to different speakers. She has this voice that is really warm as in making you feel good in side...make you have that look on your face as you get all up in the smoothness of the sound..some times that voice brings goose bump...voices like Shirley Horn, Chaka, Roberta Flack and a few others. IF the speaker does not move me with those voices I automatically know its not for me. If it does, I listen for other parts of the sound, but it begins with the voices for me.

Yesterday, while listening to the Canton Vento 809 DC at $5000.00 a pair...they where all that and a bag of chips. Then we listened to Vanessa Williams and I was moved. I knew that speaker was romantic. But then we listened to the Canton Ergo 902 DC and I was just like wow! Absolutely moved and stired up inside. Even Peabody thought they where Romantic...and that was through a Marantz AV 7005 Pre/processor and driven with a Theta digital 7.1 power amp. My point???? Its more in the speakers than the amp or preamp.. I hate a sterile speaker.....but thats my opinion. Now tubes are romantic as well....tube rolling may give that to you as well.

[frenchmon]

Also Jack....from my reading I've come to understand thatsome die hard tube guys keep lots of tubes to change the sound of their rig when they are in a certain mood for a specific music and sound. But that takes a lot of tube knowledge of tube characteristics.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Have you rolled your tubes? And also keep in mind, there are many romantic speakers. Example...Peabody and I have a Vanessa Williams CD that we like to listen to as we listen to different speakers. She has this voice that is really warm as in making you feel good in side...make you have that look on your face as you get all up in the smoothness of the sound..some times that voice brings goose bump...voices like Shirley Horn, Chaka, Roberta Flack and a few others. IF the speaker does not move me with those voices I automatically know its not for me. If it does, I listen for other parts of the sound, but it begins with the voices for me.

Yesterday, while listening to the Canton Vento 809 DC at $5000.00 a pair...they where all that and a bag of chips. Then we listened to Vanessa Williams and I was moved. I knew that speaker was romantic. But then we listened to the Canton Ergo 902 DC and I was just like wow! Absolutely moved and stired up inside. Even Peabody thought they where Romantic...and that was through a Marantz AV 7005 Pre/processor and driven with a Theta digital 7.1 power amp. My point???? Its more in the speakers than the amp or preamp.. I hate a sterile speaker.....but thats my opinion. Now tubes are romantic as well....tube rolling may give that to you as well.


I did roll my output tubes to Gold Lion KT88. That gave me more bass, but not as well defined. I was going to try the KT120's but after some discussion with some of the other AR members, I decided against it.

As far as female voices go, I agree with you. That is the first test I give to any worthy speaker. My choices are Annie Haslam and Mary Fahl. If it gets those two right, it's passed the first test.

[poppachubby]

frenchie, 02audionoob and I listened to those units with the KI-SACD Pearl at AKFest. They were using Paradigm speakers and it was my vote for best in show. I have never forgotten the way that system impacted me, and all listening after that point had to meet the new gold standard. Thanks to that encounter, I now have a system which moves me everytime I listen to it.

Compared to what was at the show that day, I think it was considered pedestrian to vote for Marantz/Paradigm but guess what? It owned!! They were playing a slow blues rock number and the immediacy/emotion was so intense. I was sitting in front of 02 and turned around at one point, without talking we shot each other the same confirmed look. "Yep, this is the real deal".

[Ajani]

Me too, but I'd be pretty content with an SA8004 like JM's.

JM's is the older model - SA8001... When I was considering buying my DAC1 back in the day, I had to fight the urge to get a SA8001 instead... Had I been more interested in SACD than computer based audio, then I would own the Marantz... I still have fond memories of my old CD5001...

[Ajani]

frenchie, 02audionoob and I listened to those units with the KI-SACD Pearl at AKFest. They were using Paradigm speakers and it was my vote for best in show. I have never forgotten the way that system impacted me, and all listening after that point had to meet the new gold standard. Thanks to that encounter, I now have a system which moves me everytime I listen to it.

Compared to what was at the show that day, I think it was considered pedestrian to vote for Marantz/Paradigm but guess what? It owned!! They were playing a slow blues rock number and the immediacy/emotion was so intense. I was sitting in front of 02 and turned around at one point, without talking we shot each other the same confirmed look. "Yep, this is the real deal".

I loved that show right up... Always nice too see a really positive experience with mainstream audio brands... Not that there's anything wrong with boutique gear, but I do think there is a certain amount of snobbishness that prevents many audiophiles from even considering anything remotely popular...

[Ajani]

Is there any one here who has their eye on a future reference system?

Given your description of the Marantz Reference sound, I could well imagine it pairing nicely with my DAC1 to give me what I'm looking for... And I've always loved the look of Marantz Reference... If you're going to pay for a not-cheap product, it should look like that...

[frenchmon]

frenchie, 02audionoob and I listened to those units with the KI-SACD Pearl at AKFest. They were using Paradigm speakers and it was my vote for best in show. I have never forgotten the way that system impacted me, and all listening after that point had to meet the new gold standard. Thanks to that encounter, I now have a system which moves me everytime I listen to it.

Compared to what was at the show that day, I think it was considered pedestrian to vote for Marantz/Paradigm but guess what? It owned!! They were playing a slow blues rock number and the immediacy/emotion was so intense. I was sitting in front of 02 and turned around at one point, without talking we shot each other the same confirmed look. "Yep, this is the real deal".

PappaC....that is what I am talking about.. perfect synergy!
I have heard both Marantz Reference and Paradigm Speakers, but not together... but I know the sound Characteristics of both. The warm full bodied sound of Marantz combined with Paradigms Signatures Richness and luxuriousness of the mid section and liveliness of the upper ranges is to my ears all ways a perfect match...that is always the Passionate, romantic sound I live for in audio. (I have a pair of Nola Mini's, while being a little soft in the bottom end, they give that richness and liveliness I desire.) But notice..the warmness of the preamp (not to warm which may be boring) with lively speakers that not only have a bottom end and top end liveliness, but also have a midsection that is busy, but not to recessed! That will give you goose bumps and make your eyes water over. In my opinion... I believe gear should have a little coloration to it.... I just don't get that from a completely sterile system.

One time Peabody and I listen to a system that cost all most 100K. It was one of Peabodys friends. It was all Jeff Roland and Esoteric gear. He had these big Conwall speakers the fit into the corners of his room perfectly. He had expensive Cardas Cables and said to us his goal was to build a system that was free of any coloration at all. This guy even had this very expensive key board plugged into this system. He put on a Bob James CD and then turned on his Key boards and was playing every note that Bob James was playing, so he was literally playing along with the band and the key board sound was coming through the same speakers as Bob James...the guy was in the band with his Key Board. This system was extremely loud...I think it was something like 700 watts of power from all his mono Jeff Roland and Esoteric amps. Peabody was sitting right next to me and we could not hear each other talking. The system was fabulous, but it was sterile and really did nothing for me but gave me that feeling like I was at a really loud rock concert. No...give me a little simple humble set up with some emotion and romance any day not loud and sterile.

[Feanor]

JM's is the older model - SA8001... When I was considering buying my DAC1 back in the day, I had to fight the urge to get a SA8001 instead... Had I been more interested in SACD than computer based audio, then I would own the Marantz... I still have fond memories of my old CD5001...
Right you are re. the 8001 vs. 8004.

I have a fair number of SACD and would buy more. I've proven that my old Sony CE775 doesn't reproduce the transparency that SACD can deliver.

[Glen B]

One day...I will have this outfit in my two channel room and the Vincent as a secondary unit in the wifes 2 channel room and study.

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/marantz/1.jpg

Is there any one here who has their eye on a future reference system?

I think I'm there already. I would love to trade up my preamp to a Marantz Reference to match my digital player, but I run my system all balanced and there is a connection compatibility issue with Marantz that I don't care to deal with.

Marantz Reference components all use XLR pin 3 hot/pin 2 cold, whereas most North American higth end components use pin 2 hot/pin 3 cold. To use a Marantz preamp in my system, I would need to reterminate one end of my interconnecting cables to match my amp (not going to happen).

This is thankfully not a problem with the SACD player because it features XLR output polarity reversal from the remote. The preamps do not have this feature (I don't know why). If the preamps did offer this feature, I would give one serious consideration.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/191557/SA-11S2_04.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/191557/202.jpg

[Hyfi]

As far as female voices go, I agree with you. That is the first test I give to any worthy speaker. My choices are Annie Haslam and Mary Fahl. If it gets those two right, it's passed the first test.

Interesting choices. What Annie tracks in particular and Mary Fahl tracks?

Last night I decided to hand truck the Clearfields out and roll the Audience 82s back in. I also decided to leave the Counterpoint in play to drive the Danes.

Man, all the lacking bass has returned, but at the slight loss of the outrageous Mids of the Clearfields. But, the Dyns are an awesome speaker once you reconcile the sound change and re-appreciate what they do good.

I first spun several tracks from the Morglbl Groteskue disk...I was surely in a Bass mood. Next up I played track 3, LA Underground from Larry and Lee which has a slamming opening as well as a deep bass line that many speakers reproduce as mush.

I then played Markus Miller's live version of Mile's Tutu...awesome. Next up it was several tracks off of trick of the Tail which was really enjoyable.

I then wanted to hear some female vocals and put on Sarah Mclachlan - Afterglow. What a beautiful disk. The wife went to bed so I had to turn it down a bit. I switched the VAC to Passive and really enjoyed the overall sound combo.

[frenchmon]

I think I'm there already. I would love to trade up my preamp to a Marantz Reference to match my digital player, but I run my system all balanced and there is a connection compatibility issue with Marantz that I don't care to deal with.

Marantz Reference components all use XLR pin 3 hot/pin 2 cold, whereas most North American higth end components use pin 2 hot/pin 3 cold. To use a Marantz preamp in my system, I would need to reterminate one end of my interconnecting cables to match my amp (not going to happen).

This is thankfully not a problem with the SACD player because it features XLR output polarity reversal from the remote. The preamps do not have this feature (I don't know why). If the preamps did offer this feature, I would give one serious consideration.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/191557/SA-11S2_04.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/191557/202.jpg

Awhhh Glen B...that system is a thing of beauty! I wonder why Marantz does that with the connections? But at the same time, if you know how to do it...what is so bad about exterminating one end of your interconnecting cable?

[Jack in Wilmington]

Interesting choices. What Annie tracks in particular and Mary Fahl tracks?

Last night I decided to hand truck the Clearfields out and roll the Audience 82s back in. I also decided to leave the Counterpoint in play to drive the Danes.

Man, all the lacking bass has returned, but at the slight loss of the outrageous Mids of the Clearfields. But, the Dyns are an awesome speaker once you reconcile the sound change and re-appreciate what they do good.

I first spun several tracks from the Morglbl Groteskue disk...I was surely in a Bass mood. Next up I played track 3, LA Underground from Larry and Lee which has a slamming opening as well as a deep bass line that many speakers reproduce as mush.

I then played Markus Miller's live version of Mile's Tutu...awesome. Next up it was several tracks off of trick of the Tail which was really enjoyable.

I then wanted to hear some female vocals and put on Sarah Mclachlan - Afterglow. What a beautiful disk. The wife went to bed so I had to turn it down a bit. I switched the VAC to Passive and really enjoyed the overall sound combo.

From the first time I saw Renaissance at the old Robin Hood Dell in Fairmount Park, they opened up with "Prologue" and that has always been my opening song when auditioning audio gear. From the opening bars of John's piano and then Annie's voice just comes in as if from heaven. When I was auditioning my Ushers at Quest, even Steve and his customer from the other room came in to listen. I have a half dozen Renaissance tracks on one of my test discs that I use, but I always listen to "Trip to the Fair" and "Vultures Fly High". My Mary Fahl tracks are varied. One from her days with October Project called "Something More Than This" and two tracks from her solo work The Other Side Of Time. One is called "In The Great Unknown" and the other is the title track.

[frenchmon]

Interesting choices. What Annie tracks in particular and Mary Fahl tracks?

Last night I decided to hand truck the Clearfields out and roll the Audience 82s back in. I also decided to leave the Counterpoint in play to drive the Danes.

Those Clearfields must be some heavy speaker to have to wheel them out.


Man, all the lacking bass has returned, but at the slight loss of the outrageous Mids of the Clearfields. But, the Dyns are an awesome speaker once you reconcile the sound change and re-appreciate what they do good

Well...I've discovered the Canton Ergo and Vento, series of speakers has the bottom end of the Dyns and great mids and a very nice transparent tweeter. If I had to say anything negative about the bass of the Canton vrs the Dyns it that the Dyns are a little bit more refined in the bass. But the Cantons are not that far off....you have to really listen to hear it....they have this DC technology they use with their bass. IF you get a chance look them up. Cantons are a airy speaker so if you don't like air and transparency with your bass its not the speaker for you. Canton's hand made Reference Series must be off the chain.


I first spun several tracks from the Morglbl Groteskue disk...I was surely in a Bass mood. Next up I played track 3, LA Underground from Larry and Lee which has a slamming opening as well as a deep bass line that many speakers reproduce as mush.

I then played Markus Miller's live version of Mile's Tutu...awesome. Next up it was several tracks off of trick of the Tail which was really enjoyable.

I then wanted to hear some female vocals and put on Sarah Mclachlan - Afterglow. What a beautiful disk. The wife went to bed so I had to turn it down a bit. I switched the VAC to Passive and really enjoyed the overall sound combo.

[Hyfi]

Those Clearfields must be some heavy speaker to have to wheel them out.


86lbs each, but remember, I had back surgery earlier this year and I know moving amps and speakers was part of the cause of the injury.

I use 1" thick granite slabs under the spiked 82s and use the hand truck to move them on the slabs.

[Hyfi]

From the first time I saw Renaissance at the old Robin Hood Dell in Fairmount Park, they opened up with "Prologue" and that has always been my opening song when auditioning audio gear. From the opening bars of John's piano and then Annie's voice just comes in as if from heaven. When I was auditioning my Ushers at Quest, even Steve and his customer from the other room came in to listen. I have a half dozen Renaissance tracks on one of my test discs that I use, but I always listen to "Trip to the Fair" and "Vultures Fly High". My Mary Fahl tracks are varied. One from her days with October Project called "Something More Than This" and two tracks from her solo work The Other Side Of Time. One is called "In The Great Unknown" and the other is the title track.

Good choices. Annie did have a voice of angels back in the day....still not bad today. I still remember seeing them at the Academy of Music in Philly, can't think of a better venue for them.

I have several of her later solo work.
The Dawn of Ananda
Live Under Brazilian Skies
One Enchanted Evening, which was recorded in a little church not too far from me.

She lives in Doylestown and I have seen her at local shows.

[Poultrygeist]

Since this has become a general Marantz thread and their SACD players have been discussed I'd welcome input on my dilemma. My CD players include a Rotel 855, an Integra DPS-7.2 and a Sony CE595 ( SACD ).

I have never heard a SA-8004 but can probably buy one at close to dealer cost but without the opportunity to audition it. I really like SACD and have close to fifty discs but I'm wondering if the Marantz SA-8004 would be a significant upgrade over what I currently own? I've always had the impression that CD players make the least amount of difference in a system but correct me if you think otherwise.

[frenchmon]

86lbs each, but remember, I had back surgery earlier this year and I know moving amps and speakers was part of the cause of the injury.

I use 1" thick granite slabs under the spiked 82s and use the hand truck to move them on the slabs.

Oh...im sorry Hyfi....I did not know. Hope you are feeling better.

[frenchmon]

Since this has become a general Marantz thread and their SACD players have been discussed I'd welcome input on my dilemma. My CD players include a Rotel 855, an Integra DPS-7.2 and a Sony CE595 ( SACD ).

I have never heard a SA-8004 but can probably buy one at close to dealer cost but without the opportunity to audition it. I really like SACD and have close to fifty discs but I'm wondering if the Marantz SA-8004 would be a significant upgrade over what I currently own? I've always had the impression that CD players make the least amount of difference in a system but correct me if you think otherwise.

Poultry....I have Marantz 6001 SACDP and a Rotel RC 1055 CDP. The Rotel can not touch the Marantz SACDP.

[blackraven]

I did an in home audition of the 8001 and 8003. They sounded the same to me. I would bet that the 8004 sounds similar. The 8001 and 8003 lean to the warm side. They lack high frequency detail IMHO. I felt their sound was lacking the sparkle that the 740c and 840c had. Bass did not seem as tight either. I'm not saying that I did not like the sound, it was just that there were better options at the time. I believe the reference series has better sound.

[Glen B]

Awhhh Glen B...that system is a thing of beauty! I wonder why Marantz does that with the connections? But at the same time, if you know how to do it...what is so bad about exterminating one end of your interconnecting cable?

(1) I just don't care to reconfigure my expensive factory-terminated Acoustic Zen ICs just to accommodate one brand of preamp. (2) I would need to reterminate the cables a second time if I ever needed to connect to another brand preamp.

Actually, I would sooner reverse the connections in the preamp, but there is the issue of voiding the warranty if I should need service. I have modded many out of warranty and vintage components, so working on them is not an issue for me.

[frenchmon]

(1) I just don't care to reconfigure my expensive factory-terminated Acoustic Zen ICs just to accommodate one brand of preamp. (2) I would need to reterminate the cables a second time if I ever needed to connect to another brand preamp.

Actually, I would sooner reverse the connections in the preamp, but there is the issue of voiding the warranty if I should need service. I have modded many out of warranty and vintage components, so working on them is not an issue for me.

Here you go Glen...no warranty.

Marantz SC11 S1 For Sale | AudiogoN (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatran&1320199209&/Marantz-SC11-S1-Reduced)

[JohnMichael]

I did an in home audition of the 8001 and 8003. They sounded the same to me. I would bet that the 8004 sounds similar. The 8001 and 8003 lean to the warm side. They lack high frequency detail IMHO. I felt their sound was lacking the sparkle that the 740c and 840c had. Bass did not seem as tight either. I'm not saying that I did not like the sound, it was just that there were better options at the time. I believe the reference series has better sound.



You and JRA have mentioned a lack in high frequency detail with the SA8001. I find mine to be detailed and wonder if it is associated equipment or cabling that creates the difference in our experiences. Or maybe my purchase of a first generation player which was so bad that I sold the player and cd's and stayed with vinyl. It was years before I purchased a Sony ES player. I still do not like bright sounding electronics or speakers.

[frenchmon]

Raven...I have the 6001 which I have not listen to as of late, being a vinyl junky. But to night or tomorrow I will put it back into the system and listen to the highs to see what they are like with SACD.

[Feanor]

I did an in home audition of the 8001 and 8003. They sounded the same to me. I would bet that the 8004 sounds similar. The 8001 and 8003 lean to the warm side. They lack high frequency detail IMHO. I felt their sound was lacking the sparkle that the 740c and 840c had. Bass did not seem as tight either. I'm not saying that I did not like the sound, it was just that there were better options at the time. I believe the reference series has better sound.
I'm kinda discouraged being remined of your finding that the Marantz 800x are lacking in high-freq detail. Personally I'd like an SACD player that can cleanly reveal the detail possible from the hi-rez SACD format. I've concluded that my old Sony CE775 player just can't deliver hi-rez results. I have a modest SACD collection and would like to expand it, given that hi-rez downloads are still very restricted vs. classical music on SACD.

For long while I opined that SACD really didn't deliver better sound than well-recorded CD (except multi-channel), but I now thing I was wrong. What changed if for me were hi-rez downloads + a new DAC. E.g. comparing my DG recording of the Kleiber Beethoven 5th on SACD to the HD Tracks hi-rez download, the latter was clearly superior in transparency.

N.B. that the hi-rez download is identical to the stereo SACD from the disc in question -- in fact the 24/88.2 download is a rip of the SACD layer.

[blackraven]

It was night and day comapring the 2 Marantz units and my 740c and 840c. My son, daughter and wife all said the same thing, that the Marantz did not have the high frequency detail that the others had. The Marantz sounded smoother but to mellow. My good friend has the 8001 paired with a Audio Reseach LS1 line stage tube preamp, Nuforce Model 9se monoblocks and PSB Synchrony One speakers. It has great sound in his system but is still lacking HF detail. I think it is holding his system back a little, but he loves the smoother sound.

However, stereophile gave the 8001 a class A rating. And I have to say that the unit has much better sound in SACD then CD. The SACD sound is sweet but still lacking the HF detail. I would still consider buying a used one for SACD and maybe pair it with some silver interconnects.

[frenchmon]

Could it be the speakers? I have yet plug mine in as I am on my smartphone...but if my memory serves me correctly mine was not lacking

[Poultrygeist]

No doubt in my mind that well recorded SACD sounds better than well recorded redbook and Diana Krall's SACDs have the best fidelity of any discs I've heard.

I know if SACD sounds this good on my cheapo Sony the Marantz SA-8004 must take it to another level.

[frenchmon]

Poultry.....I have 2 Diana Krall sacd's....The look of love...and the girl in the upper room...
and they sound fantastic on the Marantz SACDP last I remember.

[Poultrygeist]

If there's detail to be had from the Marantz, the 2a3/OB's will squeeze out every drop.

[frenchmon]

It was night and day comapring the 2 Marantz units and my 740c and 840c. My son, daughter and wife all said the same thing, that the Marantz did not have the high frequency detail that the others had. The Marantz sounded smoother but to mellow. My good friend has the 8001 paired with a Audio Reseach LS1 line stage tube preamp, Nuforce Model 9se monoblocks and PSB Synchrony One speakers. It has great sound in his system but is still lacking HF detail. I think it is holding his system back a little, but he loves the smoother sound.

However, stereophile gave the 8001 a class A rating. And I have to say that the unit has much better sound in SACD then CD. The SACD sound is sweet but still lacking the HF detail. I would still consider buying a used one for SACD and maybe pair it with some silver interconnects.

Ok Raven.....I've finally made it home and plugged the Marantz back into my system. its the Marantz VC6001. Its a Universal Player that I use strictly as a SACDP. Its been a while but I am hearing it for the first time in about a year. This is the first time I have plugged it into the Vincent and am driving it with a pair of Nola Mini's which are different speakers than my Cantons. The Mini's are a warmer sound and not as big in the bottom end as the Cantons.

I am now playing Diana Kralls SACD "The girl in the upper room".

The sound is nice with tube warmness. Most certainly a different presentation than with my SS gear. Now as far as the high frequencies...they are there....and may I say, sounding good. Are they jumping out like my XRAY would do it??? No. But they are hanging in the air. Its more rounded through the tubes but its nice and smooth and warm. The high infrequence fit very well with what Marantz wants I suppose. I suspect that if I put the Cantons back in place they would be a little more pronounced. But I assure you, the sound is very engaging. So yes, the highs are there and they are sounding good. But one should also keep in mind....Cambridge has a totally different sound. I must say....this Marantz sounds really good with tubes....Shoot, I may have to consider a much better Marantz SACDP one of these days.

[Poultrygeist]

The Azur may be comparable to the SA-8004 playing redbook but with the Marantz playing SACD vs the Azur playing redbook it shouldn't be close. The SACD format is just better.

One reviewer who owned the 8003 and 8004 said the latest version sounds better.

[frenchmon]

Well I cant tell you about those models but I am now listening to a Vanessa Williams CD on red book through the 6001 and the sound through tubes is better than I remember with SS. Its the warmth and inner detail of the Marantz that is really good. The combination of the warm smoothness of Marantz SS and the tubes are a very good combination in my opinion. And this is only a $700 Marantz player.....Marantz Reference has to be that and a bag of chips when combined with tubed gear.

[Poultrygeist]

frenchie,

If you're having this much fun with a tube preamp I see a tube amp in your future.

[JohnMichael]

I did an in home audition of the 8001 and 8003. They sounded the same to me. I would bet that the 8004 sounds similar. The 8001 and 8003 lean to the warm side. They lack high frequency detail IMHO. I felt their sound was lacking the sparkle that the 740c and 840c had. Bass did not seem as tight either. I'm not saying that I did not like the sound, it was just that there were better options at the time. I believe the reference series has better sound.



One thing I do not like about the SA8001 is if you insert a disc with both cd and sacd it will default to cd. After insertion I select sacd and start the disc. I would not think this would be an issue with sacd only discs but with two layer discs you could find yourself listening to only the cd layer.

[frenchmon]

frenchie,

If you're having this much fun with a tube preamp I see a tube amp in your future.

I don't have a problem with that....I think Peabodys mono block CJ tubed amps are great....especially when I connected them to the Vincent.

[frenchmon]

One thing I do not like about the SA8001 is if you insert a disc with both cd and sacd it will default to cd. After insertion I select sacd and start the disc. I would not think this would be an issue with sacd only discs but with two layer discs you could find yourself listening to only the cd layer.

Now thats strange! I wonder why? Is there some setting you can select to make it default?

With the VC6001, which I don't think sounds as good as your SA8001.... if its a two layered disc with red book and SACD it will default to SACD and a red light comes on letting you know it. If you want the red book layer, you have to chose it, unless its red book only.

But in saying that...in SACD you do have to select 7.1 or 2 channel play back if you have it set up in a 7.1 or 5.1 configuration which I dont any more.

[JohnMichael]

Now thats strange! I wonder why? Is there some setting you can select to make it default?




I enjoy reading but rarely do I enjoy reading instruction manuals. I can rename the inputs on the Krell but I would have to crack open the instruction manual. I may just have to look.

I wonder how many people might have thought they were in SACD mode but was actually listeneing to the cd layer with the SA 8001?

[frenchmon]

Hey JM...I have been listening to the Marantz VC6001 Universal player lately in CD and SACD modes and its a nice warm sound and has a lot to offer in the mids. It has a lot of potential.

If Marantz has built upon and expanded the technology of their sound into the Reference SACDP's and I'm sure they have... it likely an outstanding emotional and romantic player. Have you ever considered getting one? I can see my self one day investing into one of the Reference SACDP.