TRL Marantz Sa-14

Pardales,

As you have most definitely read in these threads TRL mods, including those on the SA-14, require a significant amount of time (500 hours is recommended) to fully break-in. I can understand your disappointment after 50 hours, my TRL Audio Mirror DAC sounded better than stock but nothing to write home about after 50, 100, and 150 hours. However, at 200, 250, and 300 the sound opened up and measurably improved. The unit was performing as I expected, and as the Weitzel's described it would. Even though the sound is phenomenal right now, I am waiting until the 500 hours mark to make my final analysis.

I think you need to give this more than 50 hours. Heck, even a new non-TRL CDP would require at least 100 hours of break-in, which is pretty standard in the industry.

Clio09: I agree 100%. Fifty hours is like what, a little over 2 days? My TRL modified players didn't really open up until around 300 hours, which is over 12 days.

That's when you get a taste of what to expect.

Time will tell.

Jack

I know I did not give it the full break-in. I'm sure the sound does improve. I thought the unit sounded quite nice. I guess I made the judgment that, since I heard strong similarities to the 9500, while it would improve, the fundamental characteristics would not. I guess I am referring to a Marantz house sound that is just not my cup of tea. I may have erred in my judgment though.

Cio09: I beleive Paradles is very well aware of this. As he is a seasoned audiophile. In researching one of his threads he had recommended a fellow member to wait for the 100 hour break in in a pair of speakers he likes. It is not for me after 50 hrs may really mean something else completely. Something been in the fridge to long with the power down. Yeah it's a real stinker alright. We'll eventually fish this one out!

Pardales-

How many hours do you have on it?
I mean no disprespect as everyone has different tastes, but the break in is a big deal on these things for various reasons-not the least is some of the new propreitary wire used in the mod which takes a very long time to settle in.
But, you may have already put 400-500 hours on it and it just doesn't work for you.