5. A player should deliver much of the sonic experience the format is capable of, and more expensive players should deliver more. It ought to be pleasant to listen to; the pleasanter, the better.
As I've already said, with "Red Book" CDs, the sonic differences among the digital sources I had on hand—the SA8001, my Marantz SA-15S1, and my Benchmark DAC-1—proved exceedingly subtle. In A/B comparisons, I detected a small advantage, spatially, of the SA-15S1…
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/…
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:…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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'…