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Marantz SA14 vs. Shanling T-100 vs. Philips 1000

I would appreciate anyone’s feedback, especially from those who have compared at least two of these CD players or own one. I live in a geographic location where actual comparison-shopping is very difficult. I've read most all posts here in Audiogon as well many threads in AA on these units. I am looking for a player that plays back redbooks CD's well. SACD would just be an added bonus. My budget would permit me to have the Philips player modified. If I go with either of the other two, mods would have to wait a while. Of course the quality of sound if of utmost importance, I also value a unit that it built well with good reliability.

At this point, I’m leaning towards the Marantz, but would have to settle for a used piece, which really is not a problem. The Shanling is a very new product with very mixed reviews. I’m assuming that build quality and reliability as still up in the air. The Philips is a great buy right now while you can still get one since the unit has been discontinued. I feel that the build quality with the Philips is a notch below the Marantz and Shanling. I’m sure many of you would suggest the Sony XA777ES but it is really beyond my budget especially if I want to have it modified in the future. Besides I’ve been told that with normal redbook CD’s in stock form, the Sony would rank below all three.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
islandflyfisher

Showing 1 response by randytsuch

randytsuch
6 posts
 
I have a Stan Warren modded SACD 1000, and I think this is the way to go(I guess I am bias though). I did own a stock SCD-C333ES, and it was not in the same class as the 1000. I must admit I have not heard the better Sony's.

I know Stan has modded the Sony 9000ES, as well as a SA14, and Stan likes the 1000 best. The 9000 was not in the same class, the SA14 had better low end, while the 1000 had better detail in the mids and high end. Stan said he would pick the 1000 even if they were the same price, but given the price difference, it became a no brainer.

Randy
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