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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
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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samzx12
1,220 posts
 
Might want to also consider the single digit models like Model 8.  The build quality is second to none.  
abl3rider OP
4 posts
 
Thanks all, I just got my 1060 today and am thrilled with its sound and performance. Could not spend more on the Macs and the Sansui 9090 was quite pricey on eBay, too. With my old KENWOOD 3-way speakers the 1060 sounds way better than my Denon/Polk combination. I wonder why a 40 yr old amp and my 1989 vintage KENWOOD floor standing speakers sound so much better than modern stuff.... The Denon was around $350 and the Polks are about $350 each so I expected more. 

Now im thinking of getting a mini USB DAC, do they make computers audio files sound better? Like the Audioquest Dragonfly.


ejman's avatar
ejman
62 posts
 
Yes, the Marantz 1060 is a wonderful sounding amp.  I use one in my office set up ( with Paradigm Atom speakers) and it always pleases.  I don't know exactly what the pixie dust is with that amp but I suspect that it being capacitor coupled and coming from an era prior to the subsequent low distortion spec wars account for it sounding just right.  As the spec wars took hold SS amps started sounding more and more  sterile to me.
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