Marantz 2294 Manuals2300 - Page 3

but 5.1-channel operation is possible by ganging three PM-IISIs together in a fluster/slave arrangement. I'm not suggesting anything weird or kinky,just that Marantz's Floating Control Bus System can control up to four PM-11S1s from one PM-11Si. It's something you might want to discuss with your installer. The SA-1151 SACD player's connections are even more minimal than the PM-11S1's.There are stereo RCA and XL12. outputs, coaxial and optical digital outputs (for Cl) only), and RCA-type connectors that allow the unit to be linked to a Mara= remote control system. Curiously, neither Reference Series unit offers 12-volt triggers. RS-232, or infrared multiroom control facilities. I suppose Marantz sees Reference Series buyers as serious audiophiles disinterested in such conveniences. On the upside, no on-screen menus arc required for system setup, so I have everything hooked up and playing music in a matter ofminutes.While the PM1151 and SA-11S1 each come with their own remote, I use the amp's remote to The back of the SA-I /SI seems spare in these days a/jar/0MM MD players and receivers. but it has everything the audiophile needs. including XI.H balanced outputs. The copper chassis prosides superior shielding from out• side electrical interference. control both units.The slender, metalfaced remotes arc not backlit, but their eminently logical design makes them easy to use, even in a darkened room. I am tempted to describe the Reference sound as vacuum tubelike, but it is as clear as a bell with a smoothness that renders the sound of everyday audio/video receivers harsh by comparison. I listen to the integrated amplifier and the SACI) player individually and together within my own system, and their sound is consistently first-rate. A spectacular CD such as The Fantasy Hint World of Bernard Herrmann can really show off the Reference gear's talents. Herrntann's ravishing scores for Journey to the Center of the Earth and The Day the Earth Stood Still arc densely orchestrated, but the References effortlessly resolve the maestro's unfailingly silky string tone.The References can also unleash the massive grooves pulsing through James Brown's Soul On Top CI) without raising a sweat.This long-lost recording pairs JB with the Louie Bellson Orchestra tearing through Soul Brother # l's biggest hits, including "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," and moving onto outside choices such as Hank Williams' "Your Cheatin' Heart" and Kurt Weill's "September Song." (Seems Papa really did have a brand-new bag!) Even as Brown whips the band to frenzied peaks, the PM-IISI integrated amplifier never gets more than slightly warm. Of course, the SA-11Si also plays Super Audio CDs, and the sound of my Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones. Peter Gabrieljohn Hiatt, and Kinks SACDs is markedly better than the CDs of the same music. By better, I mean more meat on the bones, more of a natural balance, so instruments sound more like themselves and vocals sound snore human.When I switch back to CD, the music is still great,just smaller and less lifelike. Unusually, the player is equipped with three filters that allow a degree of sonic tailoring of your CDs and SACDs. After carefully scrutinizing their subtle effects on the sound, I settle on Filter 2 and never look back. Or you can just leave it in the factory preset mode and live happily ever afro.. The References' persuasive sound and refined elegance make for a mightily compelling package. There are many competitors vying for the same market share, but when you stop and consider that the company that Saul Marantz founded in 1953 is still making first-class products in the 21st century, that longevity has to be reassuring. El II PRICE: SA-11S1 S403/C0 player $3,499, PM•11S1 integrated ampl.fier $4,399 • CONTACT: 63a741 0300. mararaz.oxn o U . swum= Ole - - C5? . r e' '0' 0 sir" ee,lie0 1 G Eh' IMOCOVIMO 021101 Oral •IPIN.el OMAULTIMM • Ma OMR MGMa/OW COWL on. i • KM. NO WWI COMIIICI-. mara nix a0ta.Wa sr,UT 101 ff. T: t 1-'7.1*PPM MAY/JUNE 100• HONE ENTERTAINMENT 63