Ever-evolving, fully-balanced system from SACD source to amplifier.
Auditioned the Bowers and Wilkins CM10 s2 and sonus faber Venere S but actually preferred the Chameleon T in the end. Although the preamp and amp are solid state, Cary voiced them to sound like they're tube-based, and the effect is astounding. The Cary drives the 4-ohm Chameleons with 350 watts per channel effortlessly.
I rolled tubes in and out of the Bellari VP130 phono stage and finally settled on the Mullard 12AX7, which I prefer for its clear, articulate sound, a significant upgrade from the stock tube in the unit. Overall, however, the phono preamp is probably the next upgrade, in addition to speaker cables and interconnects (using AudioQuest Rocket 33 bi-wire and Diamondback RCAs and XLRs, respectively).
Presently, my music interests reside solely in physical media (LP, SACD, CD) with no plan to venture into high-resolution downloads, but my preference may change in time. I guess I have a thing for Marantz source components and deservedly so: they've consistently served as reliably high performers in my systems over the years.
Milpai, the difference between the two players is negligible as far as performance is concerned, which is a testament to the Oppo given its price point and other capabilities. I noticed that you also currently use the Oppo in your system. The Marantz was slightly warmer but less analytical overall than the Oppo in its sound, although the difference is not neatly as noticeable as it was between the Marantz and the previous generation Oppo BDP-105D.
Hello jgerman, I read one of your posts hich stated that you now use the Oppo UDP-205 in your system. Can you please describe the difference in CD/SACD playback between the Oppo and the Marantz SA-11S3?
I'm revisiting your system again. I like everything about it. I'm especially fond of Cary Audio gear having owned a number of their and sister companies Audio Electronics products in the past. Your Cary SS amplification seem like a smart choice based on your comment of their tube-like voicing.
