Features
Input and Output Notes
Specifications
Features
Direct Stream Digital (DSD)
Encoding: The Super Audio CD standard is based on Direct Stream Digital
(DSD) technology. The DSD format is a 1-bit system that has a digital sampling
frequency 64 times that of conventional audio CD, 2,822,400 samples per second.
The result is spectacular: a frequency response of over 100k Hz and a 120 dB
dynamic range over the entire audible spectrum. Mixed with as many of the
original frequencies as possible, the audio information audible for human ears
sounds much more natural.
Disc Compatibility: The
SA-11S2 Super Audio CD player can play single layer Super Audio CDs,
dual layer Super Audio CDs, Hybrid-layer Super Audio CDs, conventional audio
CDs, CD-Rs and CD-RWs (recorded in standard CD-DA format). Both 12cm and 8cm
discs are compatible. This unit is a two channel stereo player, so it does not
recognize the multi-channel areas of Super Audio discs.
Construction: The heavy copper-plated chassis features a double
layered bottom and aluminum top cover to dampen unwanted mechanical resonances while it
shields delicate internal circuits from destructive radio frequency and
electromagnetic radiation. The resonance-free disc mechanism provides an
ultra-stable platform for both disc and laser optical system.
Segmented
Power Supply: The segmented power supply includes a high-capacity toroid
transformer entirely shielded by an aluminum shorting ring and a copper-plated
case. This keeps magnetic radiation from affecting internal circuitry.
HDAM (High Definition Amplifier
Module): Marantz uses HDAMs
instead of standard op-amps, rendering a more dynamic sound and less
susceptibility to radiated noise, heat, and vibration.
In addition to Marantz's proprietary HDAM-SA2 (Super Audio) signal transfer
modules, audio path circuits boast custom-selected and, in some cases,
custom-made internal components chosen for their combined contribution to
overall signal quality.
Sound Mode: When you play a
hybrid Super Audio disc, you can specify the layer to play, CD or SACD. Using
the Start Sound Mode setting you can also specify which layer plays by default.
Phase Switching: By digitally processing audio signals read by this unit,
it is possible to perform phase inversion without changing the tone quality.
Inverted signals are output from the unbalanced output connectors. Phase
switching can result in better sound quality when the player is used with an amp
or other device that may be setup with an incorrect phase (such as a European
device). In some cases, you may get a disc that is recorded with the incorrect
phase being played, and you can play it in the correct phase by pressing the
"Inv. Phase" button on the front panel.
Audio Adjustments: When playing a CD or the CD layer of a Super Audio
CD, there are several audio settings that you can adjust for better sound
quality:
- Noise Shaper: The Noise Shaper can be turned on or off during
playback. Noise shaping is a type of digital feedback used in the algorithms
for oversampling. Digital feedback improves the linearity of bass sounds and
the noise characteristics of the audio frequency band.
- DC Filter: The DC filter can be turned on and off during
playback. The DC filter is effective when the speakers vibrate abnormally
for discs with recorded audio having extremely low noise characteristics.
(The cutoff frequency is set to 1.7Hz.)
- Digital Outputs Off: The digital outputs can be turned off if no
digital connections are made. When the digital outputs are turned off, sound
quality is improved.
- Filters: The unit's PEC 777f2 filter is developed with an
improved algorithm from the digital filter for CD playback. The filter has 3
types of built-in characteristics for both Audio CDs and Super Audio CDs.
You can cycle between Filter Types 1, 2, and 3:
| Filter Type |
Audio CD |
Super Audio CD |
| Filter 1 |
This filter has short pre-echo and
post-echo characteristics. It carries a lot of sound information;
therefore very profound sound image and a clear sound source are
reproduced. |
This is a direct mode that does not
perform any filtering on the DSD data. The original source data is
reproduced without any alteration. |
| Filter 2 |
This characteristic is known as
asymmetrical impulse response. The post echo is slightly longer than
the pre-echo. The analog characteristics are slow roll-off
characteristics, with well-balanced reproduction. |
This filter dampens the section of DSD
data that exceeds 100 kHz. Also, operations within DAC are made
asymmetrical, priority is given to DAC resolution, and the
equivalent of 40 multi-levels are achieved. |
| Filter 3 |
Impulse response is the shortest
characteristic of these filters. It provides high sound definition
along with a comfortable playback balance. |
This filter attenuates sections of DSD
data that exceed 100 kHz. In the DAC, it provides fully symmetric
operation for 23 multi-levels. |
Digital Outputs: There are both
coaxial and optical digital outputs on this unit. The digital outputs are active
only when playing a standard CD. Because of the quality of the DACs in this
player, one might choose not to use the digital outputs; in this case they can
be turned off.
External Clock: The SACD player has a rear-panel BNC input for
connecting an external master clock generator. Commercially-available master
clock generators can output a highly precise clock signal with very little
jitter, which provides a higher-quality sound playback. The frequency of the
clock signal that can be input into the unit is 44.1, 88.2, or 176.4 kHz. When
an external clock is connected, the External Clock button on the front panel can
be used to synchronize the clock frequencies between the units. A lock indicator
lights up on the display when the settings are complete.
Super Audio CD Text: The
SA-11S2 can display the album title, artist name, and current track name. Twelve
characters are displayed at once, if the text information is longer the display will scroll.
Most SACDs have text information but it may be limited on some discs.
Display: The display
can be set to show current track elapsed time, current track remaining
time, entire disc remaining time, or Text information. The display can also
be turned off.
Direct Search: You can specify a specific track using the numeric
keypad on the SACD player's remote control.
Program Play: Up to
30 tracks can be programmed and played in any order.
Random Play: The
SA-11S2 can play the tracks on the disc in random order. A program can also be
played in random order.
Repeat Play: This
unit can repeat the current track, all tracks, repeat Shuffle play, and
repeat Program play. The unit also features A-B repeat to repeat a certain
section of a disc.
Quick Replay: The quick replay button rewinds the disc a specified
amount with each push. The factory setting is 5 seconds but is adjustable from 10-60 seconds in 1 second
increments.
Automatic Music Scan (AMS): This feature is convenient to search for
an unknown track on a disc. During AMS, the SACD player moves to next track
every 10 seconds.
Remote Control: The supplied remote control (RC-001SA) features can
fully control this unit, including some functions that can only be performed
with the remote control. This aluminum-topped remote also has input selector and
volume controls for select Marantz amplifiers (SC-7S2, PM-11S1, PM-15S1, PM7001,
and SR9600).
Input and Output Notes
Rear Panel:
- Unbalanced Analog Outputs: Stereo
RCA connectors
- Balanced
Analog Outputs: XLR
connectors, if connecting the balanced output jacks, be sure to leave the
unbalanced jacks unconnected, the balanced and unbalanced connectors cannot be
used at the same time
- Coaxial Digital Output (CD only):
Gold-plated RCA digital output, only outputs CD or the CD layer of a Hybrid SACD disc, can be turned off if not in use
- Optical Digital Output (CD
only): Toslink optical digital output with a plastic cover, only
outputs CD or the CD layer of a Hybrid SACD disc, can be turned off if not in use
- Ext. Clock Input: This is a BNC input connector for the clock
frequency from an external master clock generator.
Specifications
Super Audio CD:
-
Playing Frequency Range: 2Hz to 100kHz
- Frequency Response: 2Hz to 50kHz (-3dB)
- Dynamic Range: 114dB
-
S/N Ratio: 112dB
-
- Total Harmonic Distortion Rate: 0.0009%
CD:
- Frequency Response: 2Hz to 20kHz
- Dynamic Range: 100dB
- S/N Ratio: 115 dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion Rate: 0.002%
or less
Analog Output Voltage:
- Unbalanced: 2.5 Vrms (Super Audio CD), 2.3 Vrms (Audio CD)
- Balanced: 5 Vrms (Super Audio CD), 4.6 Vrms (Audio CD)
Weight: 36.4 pounds
