2. amps-preamps
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Cambridge 851A vs Marantz PM8006

Any owners care to weigh in on the differences in sound between these two?  


I am wondering why they aren’t compared more often.  They are incredibly similar and have almost exactly the same features.  They are $1,500 and $1,200 respectively, both have similar power ratings, toroidal transformers, HT Bypass, tone controls and they are both dedicated to analog and do not have built in DACs.  The Cambridge has two balanced inputs and a digital volume knob as apposed to the Marantz’s analog potentiometer, but other than that these two are the perfect competition and are a great addition to any budget setup, especially a home theater setup given the bypass features they both have.  


I’ve heard the Marantz described as “warm” many many times, but what type of sound signature does the Cambridge have?  I have looked around at reviews but nothing that compares the two or at the least describes the overall tone of the Cambridge.
10000_hz_legend

Showing 4 responses by 10000_hz_legend

10000_hz_legend OP
72 posts
 
My mistake.  Yea it looks like the Cambridge is almost double the power than the marantz.  It’s just that so many people say the PM8005 is modestly rated and is actually more powerful.  


Good to know that the Cambridge is neautral though.  That helps.
10000_hz_legend OP
72 posts
 
***Not more powerful than the Cambridge, but more powerful than it is stated at 70W into 4ohms.  
10000_hz_legend OP
72 posts
 
Dali Oberon 5’s (On order.  Should be here in a few days).  Apple Airport Express and Teac UD-301 DAC.  

Maybe I will just order each one.  Just seems like a shame to buy and return/sell. 

I am leaning towards the Marantz and would only go for the Cambridge if it is a significantly better match for my setup OR a significantly step up in quality peroid. 
10000_hz_legend OP
72 posts
 
Looks like I might end up with both.  I will report back which one sounds better with the Oberons.  
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