Integrateds: $3K, $4.5K or $5K


I'm building a new system with an integrated amp at its heart. I'm considering Musical Fidelity M6i (200 wpc, $3,000), McIntosh MA5200 (100 wpc, $4500) or Bryston B135 SST2 (135 wpc, $5070 w/ remote).

Will be driving either Totem Element Fire (8 ohms, 88db SPL) or Joseph Audio Pulsar (8 ohms, 85db SPL), both 2-way stand mounts.

Small room (13' x 15', 9' ceiling).

Listening to mostly mainstream rock, R&B, dance/club. Occasional light jazz, Broadway, Sinatra and the like.

Would welcome input from those who've had experience with, or opinions about, any of these amps.

Thx.
jbltmp

Showing 1 response by lowside67

I've not heard a PM11S2/S3 but I own a Marantz Reference PM-KI which is their slightly lower 15 series with upgraded 11 series components (copper chassis, larger transformer) which is reputed to run with a PM11S2 and I am extremely happy with it. The build quality on the Marantz Reference series is simply second to none at anything under $10k. With that said, I have Totem Forests that I power with my Marantz amp and I find the combination a bit warm - both the speakers and the amp are on the warm end of the spectrum and sometimes I would prefer a bit more "analytical" top end. I swapped out my copper interconnects for silver ones and noticed a definite improvement - in my system the marginal loss of bass resulting from the swap to silver was a nonissue, the combo produces an abundance, but the increased detail in the high end was welcome.

I am considering making a switch to a B135 for synergy reasons but I find the Marantz more attractive, it is considerably less money to buy, and on a resale basis is fantastic.

Cheers