Cary 306 Professional vs. Marantz SA11S3

I very recently bought the Cary 306 Pro used off of Audiogon, for a reasonable price. I'm not familiar wth the Marantz SA11, but have heard some of their other products. After reading several reviews on the Cary, I decided to go for it, and have been very happy I did. It's not overly airy or bright, but has the ability to relay all the detail in the recording, I would call it very truthful. Being a bass player, I love to be able to pick the bass out of a recording with ease, and while the bass is not prominent, overly boomy or dynamic, I can pick it, or any instrument out with great ease. So over my old Sony ES deck, it is nothing short of awesome! But, my unit is CD only, no SACD or other formats. Which, concerned me at first but honestly I don't presently own any SACD's, so thus far it hasn't been an issue. Build quality is extreme. Solid brushed aluminum on all sides, weighs a ton! Solid as stone, and reads the disc almost before the drawer shuts! The remote could be used as a weapon it's so well made. Which is best? I can't say for sure, but I do know if you choose the Cary, you will not be disappointed. First class piece of gear. Also, it's DAC can be accessed both in and out, so I can pump my computer though it, haven't tried it yet but all the connections are there.

I recall the Marantz was also on my short list, my daughter has one of the lesser models from the SA11, and it has a nice full sound, not bright or boomy, and while the front panel is actually some plastic panels, it's a nice looking unit. And, before helping her buy that unit research showed that Marantz is well liked in customer reviews, required less repairs than many other brands, their numbers on infant mortality is next to zero. (Dead out of the box)

So I chose the Cary, I think it would work well with your tubed gear, if you don't mind the lack of SACD. But honest. I think it's a win-win situation. Either choice will be a good one.

Perhaps my Cary 306 is an older model? As to why it doesn't play SACD? Honestly, the man I bought it from told me it didn't play them, I haven't actually tried. And don't own one to try. The instruction manual makes no mention.

There you have it! Thank you Dtc for clearing that up. Mine is a 306/200 apparently. I just bought it in May, so I'm still in the "Honeymoon" phase. I'm still mesmerized by the rock solid performance, and overall neutral tonal balance. All my CD's are new again! Some sound much better with the pressing of the 24/96 button, others, hardly any difference if any. I haven't figured out why that is just yet. What is different about those that do? I've been experimenting with what available cables I've got around here, and it looks like I'm going with the Harmonic Technologies Precision. Single ended, I'd love to try the XLR outputs but at present do not own a good pair of XLR cables. On my list of things to do. All of this has me now wanting to upgrade my preamp! The curse of the audiophile. Will it ever end?

So, Djfst, have you made a purchase yet? I'm very interested to know what you bought, and what you think of it.

Thanks Dtc, that also helps me, and reflects my experience. After reading your post, I looked back, and thought to myself that is what I've been hearing, the first button (labeled Digital) doesn't make a difference, the second button, (labeled Analog) occasionally does make a difference. I'm trying to figure what it is about the CD's that are improved, over those who are not. So far I can't find any trends, just that some do, and some very little, and some no real improvement. Whether the are AAD, or DDD, sure isn't it, but it's still nice when I press the button and it does make a difference.