I picked up a used Black Marantz SA-14 v1 last week. I sent it off to Paul @ TRL yesterday.
I currently own a TRL Sony 2000ES, which I have been quite happy with, but have been watching this discussion thread for the last 8 months enviously. In a recent burst of upgrade-itis, I also picked up a used Conrad-Johnson 17LS preamplifier as well.
Paul said that the Marantz SA-14 should be quite a step up from the Sony. Looking forward the improvement in my system.
I did a brief comparison of the SA-14 in its stock form versus the TRL Sony 2000ES, before I sent it out. No more than one hour switching between the two units.
The SACD performance of the SA-14 was OK, good detail but a different sound than the 2000ES. Didn't form a conclusive opinion but probably gave the nod to the 2000ES.
The Redbook performance of the SA-14 was another matter. I found it to be thin and definitely less musical than the 2000ES. Not that I expected the SA-14 Redbook performance (in stock form) to be anything to write home about.
So now the wait, shipping from Canada to US, modification, shipping back to Canada, 500 hour burn in. If all goes well, I should be able to celebrate the New Year in style!
Will provide an update once I get the Marantz unit back from TRL.
