Marantz SA-10

simm

Does anyone own or have experience with the Marantz SA-10? I currently am using an Oppo 205 and really have no complaints with it but have the urge to upgrade and I have never had a disc player at the level of the Marantz. If I get it I will continue to use the Oppo for surround discs which I enjoy. My system is all digital- no turntable and no interest in getting one. I will also be adding a dedicated streamer in the near future.

I see Accessories for less has the Marantz at a decent price but still very expensive. Should I be concerned with going with a refurb unit on a disc player?

I’m currently using a Marantz SR 8012 with a Parasound A21+ driving the front 2 channels, L800 mains, L400 center, LSi702’s for surround, and PSA 2112 sub. I will move to a dedicated processor and additional amplification in the next year or two.

Any input or comments will be appreciated.

Steve

F1nut

I've heard it, stellar.

Check the Steve Hoffman forum, lots of discussion about it there.

simm

I’ve read those posts and that is really what got me interested in it. Would you be concerned about buying a refurb unit? I’ve always bought new disc players.

F1nut

No worries about Accessories4less.

Emlyn

Music Direct still has one new in the champagne finish for $4995, and an open box one in the black finish for a bit less:

https://www.musicdirect.com/disc-player/marantz-sa-10-sacd-cd-player/

simm

Emlyn wrote: »

Music Direct still has one new in the champagne finish for $4995, and an open box one in the black finish for a bit less:

https://www.musicdirect.com/disc-player/marantz-sa-10-sacd-cd-player/

Thanks, I saw those. I do prefer the black. I just need to convince myself that the use would justify the cost.

simm

F1nut wrote: »

No worries about Accessories4less.

Thanks

treitz3

Would you possibly be interested in my Marantz SA-7S1 Reference CD/SACD player? Right now, it's just sitting in my closet.

Tom

simm

treitz3 wrote: »

Would you possibly be interested in my Marantz SA-7S1 Reference CD/SACD player? Right now, it's just sitting in my closet.

Tom

I’m not familiar with that player. Will need to do some reading but think it might be older than what I want to go with.

simm

After a couple of weeks of dragging my feet I missed out on the deals on the SA-10 right after the holidays. I kept trying to convince myself I still listened to my physical discs enough to spend SA-10 money. After doing some some honest evaluation on my system and how I listened to music now I decided I wanted a nice CD/SACD player as well as a quality streaming setup. With that said I was able to pick up a mint Luxman D-05u disc player locally that I am enjoying immensely. Over the next few months I will be adding a dedicated preamp and streamer.

mpitogo

I have both the SA-10 and PM-10 since 2019. It’s a great disc player but it’s also a great DAC. I’ll give everything up before I
I give up the Marantz. And also for the size of the Totem Hawk, I haven’t heard anything that can compete except if it cheats like the B&W Formation in my office. The combination is the purest of my systems.

haudevbe

The Marantz SA-10 is a serious upgrade if you're looking for top-tier 2-channel digital playback. It’s built from the ground up as a reference-level SACD/CD player and DAC, with a heavy focus on extracting the most detail, warmth, and realism from discs.
How It Compares to the Oppo 205:

Your Oppo UDP-205 is already an excellent universal player, especially for multi-channel and video. However, for pure 2-channel audio, the SA-10 will bring:
✅ Superior DAC & Filtering: Uses Marantz's custom MMM (Marantz Musical Mastering) DAC, which upconverts everything to DSD before conversion—potentially leading to a smoother, more analog-like sound.
✅ High-End CD & SACD Playback: The proprietary disc transport is better optimized for music than the Oppo's universal transport.
✅ More Refined Analog Stage: Better internal power supply and circuitry mean lower noise and improved microdynamics.
Concerns About Buying Refurbished?

Accessories4Less is reputable and Marantz refurbs typically include a warranty.

Disc players have moving parts, so check the return policy just in case of any mechanical issues.

If it saves you a significant amount over new, it’s probably worth the risk, especially since high-end Marantz gear is built to last.

Does It Fit Your System?

Your Marantz SR8012 + Parasound A21+ setup will absolutely benefit from a higher-end source like the SA-10.

Since you’re moving to a dedicated processor and more amplification, the SA-10 will likely scale even better in a cleaner signal chain.

If you’re adding a dedicated streamer, you could use the SA-10 as a DAC via its digital inputs—saving you from buying a separate DAC.

Final Verdict:

If you primarily listen to stereo discs and digital sources, and want absolute reference-quality playback, the SA-10 is a worthy step up. If you mainly stream music, investing in a high-end streamer + DAC (like a Lumin, dCS, or Chord Hugo TT2) might give you more flexibility for the money.

Do you primarily listen to physical media, or is streaming starting to take over? That might help fine-tune the decision.