I had the Marantz SA11s1 here at the same time I borrowed a NAD M5. The Marantz was slightly better in the treble, not as nice everywhere else, and overall, just way to soft and lifeless for me. It also had some noise issues with the transport when playing SACDs.
Anyway I sold the Marantz and bought a new NAD M5. That was about a year ago. I have since spent time with one of the Ayre C-5XE and I am selling the NAD to get either it or try one of the Cary SACD players.
Short answer. For me the NAD was much more enjoyable, cost less money, and built better than the Marantz.
Anyway I sold the Marantz and bought a new NAD M5. That was about a year ago. I have since spent time with one of the Ayre C-5XE and I am selling the NAD to get either it or try one of the Cary SACD players.
Short answer. For me the NAD was much more enjoyable, cost less money, and built better than the Marantz.