Thanks psyop...............As mentioned, this will be my third Marantz machine and I've been very happy with them...........In it's day my ancient CD 63 was well reviewed..and still works after maybe 20 years, fussy, but playable.
The SACD 8001, my current go-to machine has served me well for 10-12 years, but it too is beginning to get fussy. It's old, so I'm OK with that..............
The S14s1 is from their reference line, so I expect that it will be a step up in SQ and it will likely be my last stand alone player.
I'm still interested in a separate DAC at some point, but I'll have to wait until I've had the S14s1 a while. Once it's up an running, perhaps I won't feel the need to go further.
I'm likely older than many here, so I've lived through the progression in audio from console radio/record players, 8 tracks, cassette, high end turntables, CD and now digital/web based music. It's been an interesting journey.
Much of the progress over the decades has been more about convenience and portability than improved SQ.............I'm sure it's nice to keep a thousand of your favorite tunes on you phone in your back pocket or purse. I don't do it, but it's a great way to carry your music with you.
As far as SQ, I smile every time I hear the phrase, "it almost sounds analog". I have a nice TT rig, certainly not "uber", but nice. I have yet to hear anything from my CD rigs that is any better. More convenient, of course, but better sounding?.....not really. Your experience may be different, but that's been mine.
I suspect that the latest, greatest thing, hi-rez, MQ, streaming, computer based audio, etc. is much the same. New and different ways of doing the same thing. Does it sound better? I think that's largely system dependent and debatable, depending on who you ask. I have yet to jump into that pool, so I have no opinion on it.
Audio is fun, with many ways to go. Do what you can afford and enjoy what makes you happy..............It is after all, just a hobby :)
The SACD 8001, my current go-to machine has served me well for 10-12 years, but it too is beginning to get fussy. It's old, so I'm OK with that..............
The S14s1 is from their reference line, so I expect that it will be a step up in SQ and it will likely be my last stand alone player.
I'm still interested in a separate DAC at some point, but I'll have to wait until I've had the S14s1 a while. Once it's up an running, perhaps I won't feel the need to go further.
I'm likely older than many here, so I've lived through the progression in audio from console radio/record players, 8 tracks, cassette, high end turntables, CD and now digital/web based music. It's been an interesting journey.
Much of the progress over the decades has been more about convenience and portability than improved SQ.............I'm sure it's nice to keep a thousand of your favorite tunes on you phone in your back pocket or purse. I don't do it, but it's a great way to carry your music with you.
As far as SQ, I smile every time I hear the phrase, "it almost sounds analog". I have a nice TT rig, certainly not "uber", but nice. I have yet to hear anything from my CD rigs that is any better. More convenient, of course, but better sounding?.....not really. Your experience may be different, but that's been mine.
I suspect that the latest, greatest thing, hi-rez, MQ, streaming, computer based audio, etc. is much the same. New and different ways of doing the same thing. Does it sound better? I think that's largely system dependent and debatable, depending on who you ask. I have yet to jump into that pool, so I have no opinion on it.
Audio is fun, with many ways to go. Do what you can afford and enjoy what makes you happy..............It is after all, just a hobby :)