MARANTZ SA-11S2

Pre owned. In good condition. Shows some signs of wear on the top panel, also visible in the photos. Supplied with remote control, without original packaging.

The Marantz SA-11S2 is a high-end stereo SACD/CD player that incorporates several design solutions from the flagship SA-7S1, approaching the latter in terms of architecture and performance. The transport mechanism, derived from the one used in the higher-end model, is enclosed in a dedicated metal shield. An external clock generator can also be connected via the BNC input, allowing an external timing reference to be integrated into the digital system.

The digital section uses the Marantz PEC777f2 processor, developed from a Motorola DSP and programmed to handle various filtering and oversampling algorithms. Three filter modes are available for CD playback, including one based on the Marantz Linear Music Filter system with 8x oversampling, designed to limit phase errors and maintain a smooth response across the audio band. The system also allows quantization noise to be managed and any very low-frequency components present in recordings to be attenuated. Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by two NPC SM5866AS converters, used for both PCM playback of CDs and DSD processing of SACDs. Three filter options can also be selected while listening to Super Audio CDs.

The analogue stages employ Marantz's discrete HDAM modules, with standard versions dedicated to the analogue filters following conversion and HDAM SA-2 modules in the output stages. This design is intended to provide a fast response, wide bandwidth and good dynamic capability. The power supply uses a toroidal transformer, while the rigid chassis and internal copper-plated panels contribute to shielding and overall structural integrity.

The player is designed for stereo CD and SACD playback and does not support multichannel SACDs. Analogue connections include unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR outputs, offering flexibility when pairing the unit with preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers. Available functions include digital filter selection for both formats and signal phase inversion, allowing playback to be adapted to the characteristics of individual recordings.

In listening terms, the SA-11S2 is characterised by a solid, coherent presentation, full-bodied tonal qualities, good detail retrieval and a well-focused soundstage. The different filters allow subtle adjustments to the overall presentation: some settings emphasise depth and sonic weight, while others favour greater openness in the upper frequencies or a more natural midrange. SACD playback delivers accurate definition and refined harmonic detail, with the option of selecting the filter mode best suited to individual preferences.

By incorporating technical solutions shared with the higher-end model in the range, the Marantz SA-11S2 offers a high-end stereo digital source that combines carefully considered construction, flexible signal processing and CD and SACD playback in a single unit.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Single-box stereo SACD/CD player with fixed output and remote control
• Supported formats: SACD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW
• Playback filters: 3 selectable settings
• Digital functions: Switchable DC filter; Noise Shaper
• Analogue outputs: 1 pair of unbalanced RCA; 1 pair of balanced XLR
• Digital outputs: Coaxial S/PDIF; optical TosLink S/PDIF
• External clock input: BNC
• Frequency response: 2 Hz–50 kHz (SACD, Filter 3); 2 Hz–20 kHz (CD, Filter 1)
• Dynamic range: 114 dB (SACD, Filter 3); 100 dB (CD, Filter 1)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): 0.0009% (SACD, Filter 3); 0.002% (CD, Filter 1)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 44.4 × 12.8 × 41.7 cm
• Weight: 16.5 kg