2. amps-preamps
  3. 1332718913

New reference Marantz compared to McIntosh

For those who’ve had the chance to compare, how does the newer reference Marantz components compare to McIntosh? The prices are almost comparable.
sndsrtaud
garyagostini
28 posts
 
I had the marantz pm 15s2 integrated amp(very nice) Then I picked up a mc2100 hooked it up to the marantz and used the marantz as a pre amp.(nicer) Then I picked up a c-34 and replaced the marantz.(much nicer)  The marantz sounded cleaner at higher volume. The Mcintosh sounded more musical and detailed everywhere. Both amps seemed to like bigger drivers over smaller ones. Both are non fatiguing but the mcintosh is much more dynamic. Ive owned a few different marantz set ups and the pm15-s2 was my favorite  But I sold it and kept the mcintosh.

paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 

I see this thread has been resurrected.  FWIW, I audition my Marantz PM15S2 for several hours against a McIntosh MA6300 that was approximately the same output into a pair of Sonus Faber Cremona loudspeakers.  I walked out of the store with the Marantz and it wasn't due to the PM15S2 being $1500 less either. 

I would say the Marantz reference gear, the stuff built at their reference factory in Japan, compares very favorably if you want solid state.  In all fairness to McIntosh, they make both and the MA6300 was their entry level integrated.

ejr1953
921 posts
 
I had a MAC6700, 200 watt per channel integrated, with a built-in tuner module, which replaced an NAD Masters Series M3 180 watt per channel integrated.

Before buying the M3, I compared it with the top end Marantz and I thought the M3 didn't sound like it was "struggling" to drive a pair of Totem Fire monitors.  The Marantz seemed to be "running out of gas", especially listening to dynamic symphonic music.

I always wanted McIntosh equipment, but before upgrading from the M3, I told my wife that I suspected it would sound "different", but not necessarily "better"...boy was I wrong.  The McIntosh just sounded smoother, more "musical", didn't seem to have "its sound".

The MA660/6700 both have the McIntosh "autoformer", which I suspect has some role in the smoothness of its sound.

I've since upgraded to McIntosh separates.  One distinct advantage in McIntosh equipment is its ability to hang on to its resale value.
More to discover