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Marantz 1060 vs. Mac 1700/1900

Hello, looking to add vintage system, any suggestion? I listen to a lot of vinyl and stream quite a bit, but I don't even really understand new stuff like what a DAC does. I currently have an entry level Denon HTR playing on Polk RTI A5 fronts and Sub. Great for movies but the turntable sounds a bit flat (budget Project phono stage). Would plugging iPod or computer into RCAs on a vintage Amp rival the sound of my Denon over AirPlay? 

Very tempted by the Marantz 1060 at its price on the bay, MAC 1700/1900 costs more but doable, Bryston B-60 at $900 is a stretch. Any comparisons on these or other similar options? Thanks. 
Abe


abl3rider
normansizemore
601 posts
 
I have had a ton of Mac gear over the years. It's really well made, the company still services everything and the sound is very good. 

To me Marantz sounds a bit dark and too warm. 

My vintage preference for receivers and intergrated amps is Sansui. I have a few. In particular I have a perfect 9090DB that seems to do everything just right. 

If if it were the marantz or the Mac, I would choose the Mac. Timeless looks and superb sonics. 
elevick
2,636 posts
 
I like the 1700 over the 1900 because of the tube tuner.  The Marantz tuning is nice but the Mac is nicer sounding to me.  If you don't care much about radio, then I wouldn't go vintage-vintage can need a ton of work.  You will have a lot of fun with something like a Peachtree Nova.  The Nova also has a built in DAC which is pretty nice and should work with Airplay nicely.  (The DAC takes the digital signal and turns it into analogue music).  There are huge differences in DAC's and they have come a long way over 10-20 years.  A PS Audio sprout even has a built in phono stage.  Your Project is fine and better than many built in phono stages.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
I hear that Norman,I had a 9090 that I had to leave behind in a move  and I miss it . Sansui just hit the spot .
abl3rider OP
4 posts
 
Cool I will look at the Sansui. I checked the Peachtree but it only has one analog input, and I am actually intimidated by all the digital technology. I have tons of music on my aging MacBook in iTunes but I don't really know what resolution it is and how to play it using the DAC functionality. Today I played music from YouTube on my iPhone over AirPlay to my Denon and it sounded lousy. Pandora sounded better not great. records sound much better, but still I just don't think the Denon/Polk combo is that great for music. 

Thanks for for your input.
normansizemore
601 posts
 
Schubert,

My first experience in audio was Sansui. I tell people this all the time, they do everything well. Never any listening fatigue. Not a lot of snob appeal, but tremendous build quality and sound. 9090 is a wonderful silky smooth sounding receiver. 
Norman
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