@curiousjim love this, thanks for sharing. I love the tone of the speakers, but the amp is so good that I was hoping it was the speakers that lacked the aggression. In the future it’s an upgrade to the speakers I can now look forward to auditioning.
High End Intergraded comparisons, Marantz, McIntosh, Levinson, Luxman....
Ive been trying to listen to higher end integrated amps but its not easy.
Im looking for owners comparisons.
I had a Marantz PM-KI Ruby that replaced lots of low powered SET gear with high efficient speakers im no longer using.
I settled on a nice old pair of KEF Reference Model Fours from about 1999-2000. They are very hungry speakers. Very revealing.
The Marantz Ruby was rather nice in all ways.
Im trying a marantz PM-10s1 and although i was expecting a Bigger Better Ruby it turned out to be much more than that. I also got it for about 35% off list so it dramatically lowered the price point compared to competitive brands and products.
I dont really want any DAC in the box. I actually wanted a good phono stage. Id buy a unit with a DAC but I wont be using it and I Do need a phono stage for a Rega with a AT OC9 MC cart. Limits choices based on additional costs.
The PM-10 has a Much larger soundstage. Larger and tighter focused images. Wide, Tall and Deep. Much more detail and inner detail. Crystal clear presentation. Very tight and deep bass. Punch and slam. Very life-like presentation of instruments and vocals. Not necessarily bright but extended. Im rather happy but also very surprised.
I feel maybe I should be exploring some other Integrated amps before settling in on this PM-10. Not easy. They cost allot to ship, return.
The McIntosh MA7900 is an option but its more money than I spent and im not sure how it compares to the Marantz PM-10. Many say they are very similar in sound character.
The Mark Levinson 5805 is also a bit more money and is said to be more so detailed and brighter. Is that true? Ive read the PM-10 is smoother and richer. I dont want any more detail or brightness.
The Hegel 390 and MF MX8 lack phono which drives up the cost for me. Im not sure of their character in comparison to a McIntosh or Marantz.
The Luxman seems to be one to try, the 507uxii but it has much lower power and some say its rather bright with a bass boom.
Appreciate peoples comments based on what you've heard.
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I enjoy my Mac receiver, but I hear a lot of praise going to Hegel, Luxman, and Gryphon—not just in this thread but several online forums. If I get restless those would be the brands I’d look at. For me there’s comfort in buying from a well known company because resale will likely be faster. Enjoy the search. |
Good question @szore and does the Marantz sound more like a McIntosh than the others? The Luxman's and others aren't powerful enough. I lived in a 2 - 16 wpc class-a SETs for almost 20 years! Been there. Moving onto something different. And some are Great but way too expensive! Twice the price of the PM-10. The Hegel is an option to ty but its softer and smoother, much less punch and not likely the best match for my system. Im using a large pair of KEF Reference 4's and they are very revealing and can serve up plenty of bass if thats what it sounds like. Id rather control more of the warmth or detail through the source. But I dont like dead neutral amps like the Yamaha's and others. I find them too dull. @jbhiller I loved the Ruby. The PM-10 was much more of a difference and upgrade than I bargained for. But its Very revealing and will be brutally honest about what it thinks of your sources and speakers. For good or bad! Lots of good feedback. Thank you all. |
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