Sorry for not posting sooner. I have been very busy with work and then the trip to Axpona. My computer also died, the GPU crapped out on my laptop and can't be replaced. I am going to pick up a new one thursday. In addition, I had my BAT preamp recapped so it was out of action for several days as all 12 output caps in the 6 packs were replaced.

So here's my review of the Marantz. It was not a good match for my system which was unfortunate because the build quality was superb. The sound was another issue. It was way too forward and in your face. Bass was too pronounced. I had to turn off my sub and even then it still sounded like the sub was on. The midrange was recessed and the lower treble was in your face. Female vocals were too forward. The sound was very uneven. I did like the 2 filters. Filter one gave a more airy sound and filter 2 was more focused and analog sounding. The only other thing I liked about the Marantz was the texture of piano, guitars and vocals. They were excellent. The decay of the piano just went on forever especially with filter 1.

I tried the Marantz with my Van Alstine preamp first since the BAT was getting worked on. I figured things would improve with the BAT but it only made things worse as the BAT has great dynamics and powerful bass. So I returned it to Music Direct and it is going to cost me about $130.

I have narrowed my choices for a DAC to the Cary Audio 200ts ( I can get a good deal on this new DAC which has a switch on the fly SS and Tube output stage), Auralic Vega as it sounded great at Axpona and the PS Audio Direct Stream which I would buy used.