Description: Single-box, fixed-output, two-channel SACD player with remote control. Formats played: SACD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW. D/A conversion: 24 bits/192kHz. Analog outputs: 1 pair RCA (unbalanced), one ¼" headphone out (with level adjustment). Digital outputs: coaxial S/PDIF, TosLink S/PDIF. Analog output levels: 2.3V RMS, SACD and CD. Frequency responses: 2Hz–50kHz (SACD), 2Hz–20kHz (CD). Dynamic ranges: 112dB (SACD), 100dB (CD). THD: 0.001% (SACD), 0.002% (CD). Channel separation: not provided. Jitter: not provided. Power consumption: 20W.
Dimensions: 17 5/…
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Sidebar 1: Specifications
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Digital Sources: Marantz SA-15S1 SACD player, Benchmark DAC-1 D/A converter.
Preamplification: Balanced Audio Technology VK-52SE preamplifier; Whest 2.0, Rega Fono (MM) phono stages.
Integrated Amplifier: Arcam A75 Plus.
Loudspeakers: Vandersteen 2Ce Signature, Mackie HR824 active nearfield studio monitors (on cheap but rigid metal stands).
Cables: Interconnect: Chord Chameleon Silver Plus & Chorus, Monster Cable M550i, Mogami XLR balanced. Speaker: Chord Odyssey 2 & 4, Monster Cable M1.2. AC: PS Audio Statement Plus.
Accessories:…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
I tested the Marantz SA8001 using Sony's "provisional" Test SACD. The maximum output level at 1kHz was 2.4V with both SACD and CD, or 1.6dB higher than the CD standard's 2V RMS. This output was sourced from a low output impedance of 148 ohms at middle and high frequencies, this rising inconsequentially to 154 ohms at 20Hz. The Marantz preserved absolute polarity; ie, was non-inverting.
Error correction was the best I have encountered: like the Muse universal player also reviewed in this issue, the SA8001 produced no glitches in its analog output until…
Visit www.stereophile.com and look at the Vote Results for June 17, 2007: You'll see that when we asked our readers to name the one audio product that's spent the greatest amount of time in their systems, the most common answer by far was the Linn Sondek LP12 turntable (footnote 1). Little wonder that Scotland's most famous record player endures as an object of attention for various and sundry commercial tweaks.
Most such tweaks have come from outside of Glasgow: support platforms from the Sound Organisation and Mana Acoustics, power supplies from Naim Audio and Pink Triangle,…
During the review period I separated the retrofits into as many combinations as possible: the Trampolin with the standard subchassis and tonearm board, using my own Naim Aro tonearm; the Ekos SE with the standard subchassis and tonearm board (Linn standard, of course—I still had a fresh one in my parts box); the Ekos SE with the Keel, but without the Trampolin; and, of course, all three new products, taken together. I had returned my sample of the original Ekos just one month before, making a direct comparison impossible—although I dare say I know the sound of that product quite well, and…
Most telling of all was its performance with real music. Herbert von Karajan's really brilliant 1962 recording of Beethoven's Symphony 5 (Deutsche Grammophon 138 804) was cleaner, more dramatic, and more enjoyable than ever before. The great C-major theme of the final movement was clear as a bell, right down to the timpani that ushered it in: Slightly grainy though that recording is, overall, there was no coarsening of the sound in that or any other passage. Likewise, the fortissimo chords in Witold Malcuzynski's performance of Chopin's Polonaise in A-flat Major, Op.53 (Angel S35728),…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Ekos SE: Fixed-pivot, medium-mass tonearm with nondetachable headshell. Antiskating and downforce: calibrated, spring-driven. Downforce range: 0–3gm. Effective length, stylus to pivot: 229mm. Overhang: 18mm. Cable termination: RCA plugs.
Serial Number Of Unit Reviewed: 10587.
Price: $4950.
Keel: One-piece subchassis, tonearm board, and tonearm mounting collar for Linn LP12 turntable.
Serial Number Of Unit Reviewed: N/A.
Price: $3250.
Trampolin: Accessory base for Linn LP12 turntable.
Serial Number Of Unit Reviewed: N/A.
Price: $250…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Analog Sources: Linn Sondek LP12 turntable with Linn Lingo & Basik power supplies; Naim Aro tonearm; Miyabi 47, Linn Adikt & Linn Akiva phono cartridges; Tamura TKS-83, VAS MC-One, K&K Audio, Auditorium 23 Standard & Hommage T1 step-up transformers.
Digital Source: Sony SCD-777ES SACD/CD player.
Preamplifier: Shindo Masseto.
Power Amplifiers: Quad II monoblocks, Shindo Montille & Cortese.
Loudspeakers: Quad ESL, DeVore Fidelity Nine.
Cables: Interconnect: Audio Note AN-Vx, Shindo Silver. Speaker: Auditorium 23. AC: JPS…
Letters in Response
More, please
Editor: I always enjoy Art Dudley's work regarding evaluation of various Linn LP12 turntable bits. I'm aware from past reviews that Art prefers the pre-Cirkus bearing, and was wondering what bearing was used during his evaluation of the Keel subchassis in October (p.169)? Were both bearings tried on the Keel during his evaluation process?—John Gilleran
quadesl@msn.com
Yes please, Art
Editor: I was totally disappointed to find that Art Dudley's review in October did not even attempt to make a comparison (even from memory) between Linn'…
Home Entertainment 2007 was a blast for me, as it is every year. Not only did I get to perform with two jazz bands, Attention Screen and the John Atkinson Trio, but I enjoyed good to extraordinary sound in every room I visited. I've been attending hi-fi shows more than 20 years, so I'm rarely surprised, but HE2007 had two big surprises in store. First, the percentage of rooms sporting analog front-ends—vinyl and open-reel tape—was the highest I've seen at a show in over a decade. Second, there was a surprising number of very expensive loudspeakers. In fact, I counted more speakers costing…