SA-14 vs XA777es


I have just purchased an SA-14 for $1,599 from cambridge soundworks.I had listened to an XA777es and was blown away by sacd, prompting my decision to get an sacd player as
well as to upgrade my current 67se. Reviewing the posts here at audiogon I felt the SA-14 would be the equal of the sony on sacd as well as better onredbook. Multi-channel is of no importance to me, sacd sound is of primary importance. I have had the unit for about a week
and my observations(from memory-unable to have direct comparision) are that the SA-14 is definately the better
redbook player, however it seems to pale in comparison
to the XA777 on sacd. My question is have others had similar findings or am I missing something? Given the price, balanced connections, and redbook play I would
prefer to keep the SA-14 but as I stated sacd play is
the most important to me. I have had it running over 100
hours and not much change. Other parts are Bryston B-60
and Dunlavy SC III's. Is the digital filter setting critical? Last thought from what we heard- the sony on sacd was breathtaking-the SA-14 on sacd is not that different from it's excellent redbook play. Please note that Cambridge soundworks does have a 45 day return policy.
Thank you for any feedback
Attila
attilasimon

Showing 1 response by attilasimon

Thank You for all your input.
I called Marantz about the switch and
they stated that in custom mode it
puts out a 100 kilahertz signal.I called Bryston,
they said no problem- Brystons go from 1/2 to
130 kilahertz, as well as stating the speakers are
not the concern, the amp is.
I have placed an inner tube(16in)under the player and feel
it sounds better in the custom mode so I will heed your
advice and continue to let it break in.
Your points are well taken-I have yet to hear a bad word
about the SA-14 and I'm quite surprised all responses
have been supporting the Marantz and not any feedback from someone who has tried both and ended up with the sony.
If anyone has chosen the XA777es over the SA-14 I would
love to hear your thoughts as well.

Thanks Again,
Attila Simon