@russ69 The transformer and caps you note ONLY power the preamp section. It is a class D design and superior to their prior class AB amp designs. The amp has its own switching power supply. The sound is excellent and the power delivered into low impedance loads is extremely high. Nothing wimpy about this intergrated.
Marantz Ruby PM KI amp vs Accuphase e-480 or e-380
So... does the Marantz "economies of scale" trump here? Can they make just as good of luxury product for cheaper than the more "boutique" brand? Sound quality -wise, is the Ruby PM KI amp just as good or better (though without the features) as the Accuphase e380 or e480...?
My preference is detailed but perhaps on the warm side of neutral...
Could run either of ’em w a bluesound node going through the Ruby SACD player dac, so consider that the source(s). Just consider that to be my inputs, into the Ruby and/or Accuphase amps, to control that point. So the question is about the amps.
And btw... I know there are plenty of other choices... but let's keep this discussion focused to my question at hand; I've heard all the arguments for all the other possible amps in this world, and I'm down to these two for the purposes of my question; I'm not interested in hearing about a bunch of other brands.
Another related thought, although it would likely void the warranty, if I bought an Accuphase, say the 480, in Japan ... could it be easily "rewired" to be American power (110/120) ? A high end repair shop ought be able to do that for a couple hundred bucks I’d think, or am I mistaken.
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@corelli, Based on my past experience, I am not a fan of Class D amps. How does the Marantz Ruby PM KI amp class D design differ from their previous class D designs? In other words, how is it superior than their previous class AB Designs? Do you have any more comments on its sound quality? Thanks..... |
a few comments - a number truly top tier class d amps are now, finally, really the equal to some of the best class a or ab out there... witness agd audions - that said, while i am sure the marantz unit sounds quite nice in absolute terms, i doubt it would perform at the level mentioned in the point above... i don’t really know for sure, but i suspect this to be the case, furthermore, i personally am not really that motivated to find out
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Marantz Ruby 4K; Accuphase E-380 9.5K. Apples to oranges. No doubt that the Marantz is an excellent integrated at 4K: there are lots and lots of very happy users. Does the E-380 sound and perform better: at the price differential it darn well better! Only your ears can tell you whether that "better" is worth the extra price. |
@hgeifman I have never much discriminated of amplifier class. There are good and bad examples of all types. The Ruby is clearly part of the Marantz Reference Series. It is voiced to be smooth with a hint of warmth like all of the Marantz integrateds I have heard. Compared to the PM 14s2 LE I had prior to the Ruby, I find the Ruby to have superior low end impact with a more cavernous sound stage. The Ncore modules can put out over 600watts of clean dynamic power into 2 ohms! Not bad for a 100wpc amp. https://www.hifinews.com/content/marantz-sa-kipm-ki-ruby-sacd-playeramplifier-lab-report I thinks this amp can give more expensive amps a run for their money. No comment of the Accuphase--never have had the pleasure to audition one. |
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