Features
Controls
Connections
Specifications
Features
Disc Compatibility: The Marantz Reference Series SA-15S2 Super
Audio CD player can play the following discs:
- Single layer Super Audio CDs: contains
a single HD (high density) layer which can contain a high
quality stereo area and a high quality multi-channel area;
playable only on an SA-CD compatible unit such as the SA-15S2
- Dual layer Super Audio CDs: contains
two HD layers for longer playing times; can also contain
stereo and multi-channel areas; the data is recorded on
one side only, so the discs do not have to be turned over;
playable only on an SA-CD compatible unit
- Hybrid Layer Disc: contains a high
density SA-CD layer and a conventional CD layer, allowing
them to be played either on an SA-CD compatible unit or
on a regular CD player
- Audio CD (CDDA): pre-recorded CD
- CD-R: recordable disc containing CDDA,
MP3, or WMA files
- CD-RW: re-writable disc containing
CDDA, MP3, or WMA files
- CD-ROM: recordable disc containing
CDDA, MP3, or WMA files
Note: The SA-15S2 is a stereo-only player,
and cannot play the high-quality multi-channel audio areas on
single layer or dual layer SA-CDs.
Compressed Audio: The SA-15S2 will play MP3 and WMA files
recorded on CD-R, CD-RW, and CD-ROM discs. Recordings must conform to the ISO
9660 Level 1/Level 2 file system and extended format (Joliet/Romeo). Multi-session
recording and DRM are not supported. The sampling frequency must be 44.1 kHz and
the bit rate between 32 kbps and 320 kbps for MP3 and between 48 kbps and 192
kbps for WMA, variable bit rate is not supported.
Super Audio CD: The Super Audio standard is based on Direct
Stream Digital (DSD) technology. This direct-stream digital format comprises a
1-bit system that has a digital sampling frequency that is 64 times higher than
that of a conventional audio CD (2,822,400 vs. 44,100). SA-CD produces a frequency
response of over 100 kHz and a 120 dB dynamic range over the entire audible spectrum.
Because of the way the inaudible frequencies mix with the audible frequencies, the
sound that is heard is more natural.
Super Audio DAC: The SA-15S2 uses a high performance Cirrus
Logic (CS4398) 192 kHz/24-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter for DSD (SA-CD) and PCM
(CD) signal processing.
DAC Mode: Using the optical digital input on the rear panel you
can take advantage of the SA-15S2's DAC with a signal from another component; CD
transport, MD recorder, etc. The input will accept PCM signals with sampling
frequencies of 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 64 kHz, 88.2 kHz, and 96 kHz. In DAC
Mode only the analog outputs are active.
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.
Display: The display can be set to show current track elapsed
time, current track remaining time, or the remaining time for entire disc. The
display can also be turned off at the remote.
Controls
Remote Control: The supplied remote control (RC003SA) fully
controls this unit, including some functions that can only be performed with the
remote control. This aluminum-topped remote also has input selector, volume, and
mute controls for Marantz pre-amps and integrated amplifiers.
Note: Four buttons on the remote
are not functional on this unit: DC Filter, Noise
Shaper, Phase Inverter, and External Clock.
Playback Options: The SA-15S2 provides the following options
for disc playback:
- Direct Search: enter the track
number on the remote control to play the desired
track
- Track Skip: skip to the next or
previous track or the beginning of the current track
- Forward/Reverse Search: search
for a particular part of the current track, you can
search forward or backward; no sound is output during
forward or reverse search
- Repeat Play: repeat one track
or the entire disc
- Random Play: play all tracks
of the disc in random order
- Program Play: play tracks on
a disc in a specific sequence; up to 24 tracks can
be programmed; during programming the display shows
the number of tracks in the program and the total
playing time
- AMS: Automatic Music Search
plays the first 10 seconds of each track on the
disc; when you find the song you want to listen
to press the AMS or play buttons for normal
playback
Switchable Filter: The digital filter has two settings, asymmetric
slow roll-off and asymmetric sharp roll-off, allowing you to select the one best suited
to your environment and source material.
Sound Mode: When you play a hybrid Super Audio disc, you can
specify which layer to play, CD or SA-CD. Using the Start Sound Mode setting you
can also specify which layer plays by default.
Connections
Digital Outputs: Two digital outputs, one optical (Toslink)
and one coaxial (RCA), are provided for sending signal to the digital input
terminals of a receiver, outboard D/A converter, or CD recorder. Digital signals
are output only during playback of a CD or the CD layer of a hybrid disc. No signal
is output during playback of a Super Audio CD.
Headphone Output: The unit has a discrete high current headphone
amp and a front panel 1/4" jack with rotary level control.
Remote Control: Two RCA jacks (one input and one output) are
provided for connecting this player and another Marantz A/V component for system
remote control purposes. The accompanying switch allows you to select the remote
control mode; External (controlled by another component, front panel IR receiver
is disabled) or Internal (this player is used as a standalone component).
Specifications
Super Audio CD:
- Frequency Range: 2 Hz-100 kHz
(2 Hz-50 kHz -3 dB)
- Dynamic Range: 112 dB
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 110 dB
- THD (1 kHz): 0.0010%
- Analog Output Level: 2.4 volts
RMS
CD:
- Frequency Range: 2 Hz-20 kHz
(-0.15 dB)
- Dynamic Range: 100 dB
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 110
dB
- THD (1 kHz): 0.0015%
- Analog Output Level: 2.4
volts RMS
Weight: 29.8 pounds
