2. amps-preamps
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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
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Thanks again for all of your replies and advice. I am definitely looking for bookshelf monitor speakers to be stand mounted. I have a toddler that moseys around and the more I can keep off the floor the better.
If your thinking of bookshelf speakers on stands, they usually take up the same amount of space as a small floorstander - they have the same footprint.   Besides the benefit of deeper bass response due to a larger enclosure, a floorstander might also be more stable with a toddler around.  Just something to keep in mind when you start looking for speakers.  Your budget gives you a lot of choices. 

Best of luck to you.
Post removed 
sfall
346 posts
 
"I’m very happy with my Dynaudios, thank you. And unlike some posters, I am not so presumptuous as to recommend them to the OP or anyone else. Or any other brand for that matter. Do to so, is just being a shill without taking into account the OP's best interests and needs."

Either way, you'll get over it, or not. But I can see why you're so upset. Dynaudio. I have to agree with you in that if they were my speakers, I wouldn't recommend them to anyone either.

In case you're keeping track, I recommended another pair of Vandersteen 1's in a thread this morning. No doubt I'll recommend at least another pair before the days over.

sfall
346 posts
 
"For speakers, I suggest 3-way designs; 2-way designs are inherently compromised. For stand mount that are 3-way, the Wharfedale Jade 3 would be a good choice. Read the review at Stereophile."

Speakers that are not time and phase correct are inherently flawed. That's why a pair of 2-way Model 1's will make those things sound defective.

"Also, floor standing speakers are fundamentally flawed regarding bass response, because you cannot place the bass driver where it needs to be in the room. This is a major benefit subwoofers."

Mine aren't. You need to try something different. I've never seen anyone have as many problems as you. You come up with so many issues with simple stuff, its incredible. There's more to audio than those "white papers" from Harman International and Stereophile reviews. Just become someone does things different doesn't mean the design is wrong. My systems reconstruct details from recordings that you don't know exist. (That's not meant as an insult. Its a simple statement of face.) You're never going to get any good at this if you keep doing the same things over and over.

paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
In case you’re keeping track, I recommended another pair of Vandersteen 1’s in a thread this morning. No doubt I’ll recommend at least another pair before the days over.
Keeping track? I wouldn’t have to even if I was so inclined. But I am not surprised. You might be vying for Vandersteen shill of the year award. Or trying to sell them and not doing a very good job. I just wonder if your doing Mr. Vandersteen any good though.

Remember, I never said a bad word about them. I even said they are very good speakers but may not be the right speaker for the OP.

Again, I would never recommend a brand of speaker to anyone as they are that subjective and I would never be that presumptuous to know what's best for someone in the confines of an internet forum. My own, yours or another brand. You seem to have no problem though.

I would rather dispense sound audio advice. So we’ll let the OP decide because now I am pretty bored with you and your juvenile style of writing.

BTW, your posts would be much more coherent if you learned how to use the quote feature on this board. Its really simple - everybody knows how.

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