Best SACD player for the money - Marantz SA-11S1


My sense is that the Ed Meitner unit is the best SACD together with the Esoteric DV-50. However, after a lot of research on the net my sense is that there is a new player that is in the same top notch category for a lot less. This is the Marantz SA-11S1. Two channel - Great. I am not interested in five channels. My sense is that it is a great value for about $ 3,000. Looking for folks that have the player and hear their experience compared to the other top notch players. I currently have a Sony SCD-C555ES and think the Marantz will be a lot better than a Modified Sony unit. Thanks for responding.
dcaudio
Or, you could buy the Marantz SA-11, break it in and enjoy it, then send it to Tube Research Labs for their mod, at a modest $550.

I, too, have heard great things about the SA-11.
I have seen however a few misses with this Marantz SA-11 in its stock form. I spoke to someone who sold it for the reason that its too digital sounding although it packs in detail like the top players. Its not for everyone and a midas touch is needed to make it enjoyable.
I have yet to see a review of the SA11 vs. the SA14 (with the $200 Neuance platform). The latter may be the biggest bang for the buck.

I hope to do a side by side comparison with a modified SA11 against my SA14/neuance.

Richard
If you got the TRL mod route, Paul @ TRL feels that the modded SA11 sounds better than the SA14 but not by much. Given that a used SA14 is about half the price of a used SA11, the SA14 would be more cost effective -- you could spend part of the savings on tweaks like a good platform or even buy a very good power conditioner or a pack of room treatments.

I've been told that the SA11 sounds more detailed than the SA14 but can be less warm and musical. I have not listened to either, I am just passing on what I have been told.