Price Paid:  $1899.00 from Local dealer in Loui

Summary:
An excellent product for the money; better sounding than most CD players costing even more.

I have enjoyed this CD/SACD player more than any other I've ever owned. It offers a clear and transparent sound verry much like the best analog audio, but without the related problems of playing LPs. Built like a tank,too.

Strengths:
Not problematic, smooth, analog-like sound, beautiful fit and finish.

Weaknesses:
Price
Won't play black CDR's

Similar Products Used:
Rotel RCD-971

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Very few CD players last more than a few months in my system. The SA14 is one of those that has. I've gone through lots of CD players, including some that were very well written by the press, but this is by far the most musically satisfying, and the one that comes closest to mimicking LP sound from my Linn Sondek. The truth is I’m not sure how good this player really is, since it gets better with every passing day and upgrade I make to my system. This player does everything right. On most material the sound is lush, grand and musical but occasionally I hear some grit. This I attribute to the SA14 not sugarcoating the signal the way, for instance, the excellent Rotel RCD1072 or Marantz DV8400 do to everything played through them. As a result, I find the SA14 more convincing and satisfying to listen to. It should, since it costs 4 times the Rotel and twice the Marantz. If there is a weakness, it’s depth of image – I’ve heard better from at least one tube player. One thing’s for sure - if the SA14 doesn’t sound good in your system, something needs to be replaced. It is that good!

Strengths:
Musicality, Refinement, Construction

Weaknesses:
Slow tray, track access

Similar Products Used:
Marantz DV8400; Rotel RCD1072; Arcam CD92

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