The Marantz SA-11S3 Player/DAC is the "Flagship" of the Reference series. No compromises were accepted during its design. It has been designed in such a way as to perfectly reproduce the recordings of digital sources. This is a powerful combination of digital processing modules, a remarkable power supply and an analog preamplification section worthy of the Reference series. Compatible with CD, SACD, PCM and DSD formats, the SA-11S3 is a true universal source for High Fidelity systems. Incorporating exceptional construction, 2nd generation HDAM control modules, unique playback mechanics and a state-of-the-art conversion system, the SA-11S3 is a must!

- Plates as huge as 5mm thick are used for the thinnest sections.

- The entire faceplate has been machined from a huge block of solid aluminum.

- The chassis, in order to eliminate internal resonances as much as possible, is built on a concept of multiple plates.

- All surfaces are copper coated to provide outstanding electromagnetic shielding and each section is electrically isolated from each other.

- Robust Audiophile grade connectors are used for the complete construction of the SA-11S3.

- Solid aluminum parts are used as a base offering remarkable mechanical stability. The SA-11S3 therefore has an exemplary construction retaining Marantz's rich Reference heritage.

Having an impressive total weight of 37 Pounds, here we see a good indication of the SA-11S3's exceptional build quality.

For reading with absolute precision, the SA-11S3 incorporates the new generation of optical reading mechanics developed by Marantz. Offering a rotating environment that is both hyper-rigid and anti-vibration, the reading accuracy is only increased tenfold. Built on a chassis of a steel alloy optimized for the absorption of vibrations, the reading mechanics are firmly “Inked” there. Furthermore, in order to eliminate the effects of electromagnetic induction coming from the analog sections, the chassis is completely covered with copper.

As a novelty to the SA-11S3, the renowned Burr-Brown DSD1792A conversion processors have been integrated into it. Compatible with PCM and DSD signals, these processors are the heart of the conversion system. Processing 7 times more information than the previous generation, the SA-11S3 delivers exceptional sound quality. Also, what would a Player/DAC be without its analog preamp section? Following the conversion carried out by the Burr-Brown processors, the signal enters the preamplification stage designed to keep the entire signal while preparing it for the next stages of amplification.

Designed to have no compromises, the SA-11S3 features a one-of-a-kind Preamp stage. Unlike the competition's low-quality players using digital "chips" eliminating a good part of the sound quality, the SA-11S3 incorporates a circuit respecting an entirely Analog, Balanced and Discrete design.

The front of the SA-11S3 has a maximum of controls that are both very complete and refined. Additionally, on the back of the SA-11S3, both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) Audiophile grade connectors are present.

Designed entirely on the Reference series, one of Marantz's most renowned technologies is omnipresent in the circuit of the SA-11S3. HDAM modules provide remarkable dynamics and energy efficiency to meet the demands of modern music recording formats. No less than 40 2nd generation HDAM controllers are used at the very heart of its preamplification stage.

To be able to meet the demand for the best Audiophile Headphones and a very wide variety, the Marantz SA-11S3 incorporates a fully dedicated headphone amplifier. This offers remarkable sound quality and stability allowing the use of any earphone.