Trying to decide between a Marantz SA-14, or SCD 777 ES

Anyone have any suggestions..........Steve, hows the redbook layer on your Sony 777? All I want is a player with Excellent redbook and DSD capabilities. I've read a few posts on audio asylum that some have had problems getting these machines to play normal redbook cd's.....

Steve, have you had any trouble playing redbook on your player?

-Wes

 

Well, I don't think I'm all that interested in modding either out....I'm not much of a techy....

-Wes

 

Wes, there are a few things to consider in deciding between an SA-14 and a 777 (I assume you mean the current M-C version).

1. The SA-14 uses discrete HDAM (High Definition Amplifier Modules), the 777 uses cheap opamps.

2. The XA777ES is M-C, the SA-14 is stereo only. Although there are a lot of folks who believe that there will always be a separate stereo segment on SACDs, I am of the opinion that several years down the road these will simply become fold-downs from M-C when the number of M-C SACD players is significantly higher than stereo ones.

3. The Marantz uses advanced crystal DACs, the Sony doesn't.

4. If you check the AA Hi-Rez forum, I think you'll find that the SA-14 is a more reliable unit.

Although many claim the sound of the SCD-1 and 777 (original stereo) to be almost identical, this was not the conclusion I drew when I auditioned both players in my home. The SA-14 falls in between these two players: It is not as "thick" (bloated?) sounding in the lower midrange as the 777 (stereo version), nor as forward in the lower treble as the SCD-1. It has a wider, deeper sound stage than either of these two, but may not have quite the bass extension of either (i.e. if your speakers can play the subterranean harmonics of authoritative bass, say, less than 25 Hz, then both will sound a trifle more substantial), but I suspect the only way you'll hear this is if you have big subwoofers.

There aren't as many dealers willing to give deep discounts on the Marantz as the Sony, so my guess is that you will be able to buy the current Sony a little cheaper. I got a little over $1300 off my SA-14, but the local dealer and I are friends, and I paid for it in advance.

As to the question about modifications, I hope you understand that if you have this done you void your warranty. But, yes, for those who think that mods are necessary, there are some offered (not as extensive), but I like the way mine sounds just as it is. My 2¢.

 

Good point.

The high density (HD) layer on a hybrid SACD (the only layer on a non-hybrid SACD) according to the SACD ‘Scarlet Book’ specifications, part II contains three data areas used to store:

1. High quality stereo audio
2. High quality multichannel (MC) audio (5, 5.1 or 6 channel)
3. Enrichment, e.g. for lyrics, graphics and video clips.
   [/list=1] I'm not actually certain that 1. is mandatory. I had a feeling it was, but when I tried to research this I could not find proof, so I can't say that for sure.
   
   It is my opinion (we all have them) that to ensure backwards compatibility, all SACD discs will contain 1. for the foreseeable future.
   
   Does any one know if 1. is mandatory?
   
   Since I'm strongly in favour of stereo, I will never buy SACDs that don't have 1.
   
   Regards,
   Geoff

 

Metralla,

Your assistance is needed over on the Scott Wheeler thread about a great LP. I'm almost positive that it was you who led me to a site that dealt with all things audio, and if you remember what/where it is It would be helpful for you to list the url. thanks.

http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=73395#post73395

 

Nor I.

 

I owned the SCD-777ES and felt that it did not sound warm at all. The
Marantz SA-14 is a more musical machine than the original 777ES.

I aquired a SCD-XA777ES multi-channel last October to replace my SCD-777. I have been quite happy with it. The tri-dac configuration and what
ever else they did to improve the sound makes this baby sound great when
playing Redbook CD's. As far as SACD is concerned, right now I don't really need it or care about it. But the player is ready and waiting if the format
ever takes off. In the meantime it is great red book CD player.

For those with a slightly higher budget who want even better Red Book sound and want to be conservative about the success of any new format.
I am told that Carey Model 306 is a good tube/solid state hybrid CD player. And I believe it comes with a few DAC options.

 

Right now I think I'm leaning towards the SA-14......Thanks for the feedback my fellow Hoffmanites........

-Wes

 

I have used a SCD-777ES for two year and love it. I have also been impressed with the Richard Kern modified SCD-777ES. I also auditioned the XA777 but found I liked the SCD version the best.

The Marantz is a good unit, but I think the audiophile press has been very mixed on its performance.

I will say that the build quality on the Sony is levels higher than the Marantz.

 

Really! I've only heard good things about the SA-14.......So far consumers that have listened to both players side by side actually prefer the sound of the SA-14, (audio asylum) had quite a few consumer reports.......

-Wes

 

It is rumored that there will be a review of the SA-14 in print in one of the leading magazines, but they are waiting for it to be discontinued.

AFAIK, the SA-14 has not to this point been reviewed in any USA publication either on the internet or in a conventional magazine. Even www.audioreview.com doesn't have the SA-14 on their website, so the only review I know of is by fellow AA inmate, Stephen Best. You can read his thoughts here:

http://www.AudioAsylum.com/forums/hirez/messages/59739.html

Neither Stephen nor I have ever experienced the slightest quirk from our SA-14's, yet I haven't found the same to be true of the SCD-777ES (and I don't know anyone who has bought the newer XA version).

 

The SA-14 looks great too........I think I'll go for the plunge.....


-Wes

 

When my CD player gets sold, then I'm going for the plunge....That'll be in a few weeks.....I'll post a review, after a coupla weeks of run-in.....


-Wes

 

Do so Wes and thanks.

 

I decided to add my 2¢ to Stephen's review of the SA-14

http://www.AudioAsylum.com/forums/hirez/messages/90007.html

 

Hats off to you sgb! Excellent review. You've helped me make an SACD decision amongst the massive offerings. I don't suppose you know some lottery Ju-Ju do ya?

 

"AFAIK, the SA-14 has not to this point been reviewed in any USA publication either on the internet or in a conventional magazine."

You know I miss my easy access quote button at the HTF...

Actually, Stereophile has discussed the unit favorably as shown at the below link:

http://www.stereophile.com/showarchives.cgi?582:2

I thought I read Mike Fremer having some thoughts as well. I will gather data...

 

If I did know some lottery guy, I'd be making it worth his while to make me the next big winner. Thanks for your compliment.

 

LeeS,

Thanks for the link to the Stereophile quote. Since I don't go to that site unless somebody supplies a link, I wouldn't have known about it. A single sentences is hardly a review though. I have heard that Fremer is supposed to like this player too, but did not know he had written anything on it.

 

SGB,

There was also a full review on the related SA-12s1 in Stereophile Guide to Home Theater July/August issue and it was reasonably favorable.

I seem to recal some negative impressions of the unit, but since I have not been able to track down what I recall reading, I retract my earlier comments about it to be fair.

I did listen to this in my local dealer and was not as impressed but perhaps this was related to the system and running in time. I always prefer to use my own system in such evaluations.