Still to this date the best overall sounding and build quality for Marantz CD/SACD players is the original SA-1.
Talking with Marantz America they told me the SA-1 was too expensive to manufacture, even at the $7500 msrp. The parts were too expensive and Marantz wanted to hit the price point. One of the designers had told me that the SA-1 today would have a msrp. of $15K if they made the same exact unit.
Once you have the correct cables on the SA-1 you'll understand what I mean. Plus if you compare the build quality vs todays Marantz 7S1 there is no comparison. The inside of the Marantz SA-1 looks like a complicated Patek Phillipe watch.
Go find yourself a mint Marantz SA-1 and that will end your search.
Talking with Marantz America they told me the SA-1 was too expensive to manufacture, even at the $7500 msrp. The parts were too expensive and Marantz wanted to hit the price point. One of the designers had told me that the SA-1 today would have a msrp. of $15K if they made the same exact unit.
Once you have the correct cables on the SA-1 you'll understand what I mean. Plus if you compare the build quality vs todays Marantz 7S1 there is no comparison. The inside of the Marantz SA-1 looks like a complicated Patek Phillipe watch.
Go find yourself a mint Marantz SA-1 and that will end your search.