Marantz SA-14S1 SE Overview

The SA-14S1 SE incorporates a reference class DSD1792A digital-to-analog converter that handles 192kHz/24bit PCM and DSD decoding of Super Audio CDs. The power supply and digital audio stages are completely separated to eliminate cross-contamination, ensuring superbly accurate CD and SACD playback.

The oversized Toroidal transformer and robust power supply section generate clean, efficient power to eliminate any interference that can occur when internal components cross-contaminate with each other. The result is a highly advanced, high-quality CD and SACD player that can also be used as a DAC with a choice of optical and coaxial digital inputs, plus a USB-B port for direct computer connection.

Playing an ECM release of Arvo Part's Dei Profundis underlined Marantz's impressive ability to scale the image and convey the music's spiritual message. It had the room-busting soundstage size and micro detail that makes you think you're at a live performance and a depth of imaging that lets you immerse yourself in the music.

Marantz SA-14S1 SE Features

The oversized Toroidal transformer and power supply section are designed to generate clean power, eliminating component cross-contamination and providing the ideal platform for reference quality sound. DAC mode also supports high-resolution PCM up to 24 bit / 192 kHz and DSD.

Using the coax input fed by a Cyrus Stream X network streamer Herbie Hancock's Maiden Voyage was played with great musicality, the resonant bass, and drums very engaging.

The SA-14S1 SE is designed for high-fidelity music reproduction and features premium internal components to offer uncompromising sound quality. It also doubles as a dedicated digital audio converter, supporting linear PCM and DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz music files via the rear panel USB-B input.

Sigma Delta Modulation ensures a pure DSD signal to feed the output stage with its HDAM discrete output devices for exceptional clarity and transparency. A quick listen to Herbie Hancock's Maiden Voyage revealed the SA-14S1 SE elicits superb levels of detail retrieval and presentation ability with good groove and musicality.

The chassis is heavy and robust with a thick aluminum top plate and heavily rigid feet to reduce vibrations. Peering inside reveals an oversized Toroidal transformer and power supply section to generate clean, efficient power and eliminate potential noise and distortion caused by component cross-contamination.

Marantz SA-14S1 SE Specifications

Mechanism	FG Mecha (MZ original)
D/A Conversion	Multi-bit, Delta-Sigma

 

DAC IC	DSD1792A
Digital Filter	DSD1792A

 

Noise Shaper	DSD1792A
Low Pass Filter stage	HDAM

 

Output Buffer	HDAM SA2
Headphone amp	HDAM HDAM SA2

 

Frequency Response (Cust.)	2 Hz - 50 kHz
Dynamic Range (SA)	112 dB

 

Signal to Noise Ratio (SA)	110 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (SA)	0.001%

 

Channel Separation (SA)	102 dB
Frequency Response	2 Hz - 20 kHz

 

Dynamic Range	100 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	110 dB

 

Total Harmonic Distortion	0.0015%
Channel Separation	100 dB

Marantz SA-14S1 SE (Special Edition) SACD/CD Player