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Help choosing Marantz integrated amp upgrade

Hello,

I am considering upgrading to a Marantz integrated amplifier. Curious if folks here could help guide me with this decision, or if it's even worth upgrading at this time.

My current entry level system consists of a Rotel RA-12 integrated amp (has a built in DAC and phono stage), Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, DTS Play-Fi streamer, and stand mounted Polk RTiA1s.

I hope to upgrade the speakers later this year. Will be looking at monitors from Totem Acoustic, Wharfedale and Kef at that time.


At present I am thinking of replacing the Rotel with a Marantz. These are the three options I have narrowed down ...


Option 1: PM8005 + an external DAC.
https://www.musicdirect.com/integrated-amp/marantz-pm8005-integrated-amp
I like that this has a pre-out. Sometimes I turn on a sub when playing certain genres or albums. Would be considering a Schiit or iFi DAC to connect to the Play-Fi streamer.


Option 2: HD-AMP1 + an external phono pre.
https://www.musicdirect.com/integrated-amp/marantz-hd-amp1-integrated-amp-dac
I really like the aesthetics and small footprint of this one. Plus has a sub out feature. I'd love any phono pre-amp recommendations. Would be looking to spend around $300 for one.


Option 3: PM7005
https://www.musicdirect.com/integrated-amp/marantz-pm7005-integrated-amp
Built in Dac and Phono makes this a simple solution, but no pre or sub out.


I have no plans to upgrade my TT any time soon. I have added the acrylic platter, Ortofon 2M Blue, and Speed box which have all been noticeable upgrades. I'll probably hold onto this TT for sometime.


Curious if anyone has input, suggestions, or, considering those three upgrade paths, if I should abandon this track.

Here is an image of my current system to give you an idea of the space. This system is only a couple years old and I am still learning a lot.



Thanks!
Matthew
128x128stereosanctity
stereosanctity's avatar
stereosanctity OP
74 posts
 
@sfall Yeah. I am thinking the best route is keeping the electronics for now, and looking at speakers first. Thanks!

@mesch There seems to be so many good DACs in all sorts of price ranges. To be honest, it’s a little daunting. And when looking at specs, to me at least, it doesn’t give me the greatest idea of sound reproduction. That said, having USB flexibility isn’t a deal breaker for me. I wouldn’t mind paying a little more if it allowed the option of connecting my Mac Book Air once in a while.

In regard to used models do you have an opinion of which brands to gravitate towards, and which to avoid?
chrisr's avatar
chrisr
543 posts
 
I have a pm8004, and before that i tried a pm5004.  The 5004 was lacking dynamics and power and that's why i went with the 8004.  I bought it 6 years ago and it's been on ever since.  Very smooth amp.  It 
powers nicely my totem hawks at loud enough volumes when rarely needed.  i also have a pair of relatively inefficient denton bookshelves which do well with the marantz.
also what i like about it is the quality of the volume control.  It is very linear and does not get at its loudest at "noon" like with a nad.
overall it is a very heavy and solidely built unit, from the front switches  to the rear connectors.
i wouls definetely look into the new yamaha integrated with dacs.  Yamaha and marantz know what high-fidelity sound is.
sfall
346 posts
 
"And not get suggestions from strangers on the internet about what speakers they already have or want to have. All being seldom the right speaker for you."

I get that, but looking at the other options presented here, I stand by my statement 100%. Of course you should demo first, but I can't imagine not upgrading from a pair of $325 Polk speakers that use plastic tweeters, to something like a Model , making a bigger difference. The Vandersteens are on a different plane of existience.

Not only that, there's no gaurentee electronics purchased now are going to matchup with new speakers purchased later on. To not recommend a speaker upgrade, in this instance, would be irresponsible.
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
To not recommend a speaker upgrade, in this instance, would be irresponsible
I agree sfall, but why does it have to be your Vandersteen Model 1's?
Also, the OP said he is thinking about putting off the amp purchase and may concentrate on new speakers instead.

But to emphatically say...
Keep your electronics for now and just upgrade your speakers to a pair of Vandersteen Model 1's.
Leaves very little room to audition anything else.  I am sure the Vandersteens are very nice speakers, but that doesn't mean they are the right speakers for the OP.  He should audition as he can.




chrisr's avatar
chrisr
543 posts
 
Agree with sfall too here... i crossread and ignored the words polk rti....
Upgrading the bookshelfs here should be the priority.  Plenty of options for the price of a marantz integrated.
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