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Marantz PM7200 vs. Denon PMA2000IVR

Hi,
I need some advice. I'm considering buying a Marantz PM7200 or a Denon PMA2000IVR, but I can't find a store that carries both units, so I can't do a side-by-side comparison. Each store also has different speakers which makes it even harder to detect the differences. The Denon is twice the cost of the Marantz. I'll be using Linn Ninka speakers and a primare CD unit.

My questions are:
- Which has the better sounds qualities
- Which has more drive power
- If the Denon is a better amp, is the extra cost of the Denon worth it?

Thanks,
Zoey
zoeyzoey
mboldda1's avatar
mboldda1
575 posts
 
what's the rest of your system?
i have the denon pma 2000ivr it has plenty good clean power, it's weak point is the preamp section. i am using it as a power amp with dodd audio tube preamp and the sound is glorious. read the comments of danny richie(gr research) and gary dodd(dodd audio) where i took the amp to a local get together. here is the link.
i have not heard the marantz. you can get the denon online in the $700-$800 range.

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/viewtopic.php?t=14390
rwbadley's avatar
rwbadley
143 posts
 
I have not tried the Marantz, but I owned the 2000 for a while. It was quite good, excellent power, and dynamic. I thought the soundstage was rather two dimensional in my system, it would not show details at lower volume levels, and the amp always called attention to itself with it's 'pinpoint imaging' that didn't strike me as being correct for music.

If your speakers are not too difficult a load I would recommend a nice tube integrated. More pleasant all around for similar money, if you don't go overboard.
mboldda1's avatar
mboldda1
575 posts
 
i also own the onix a120mk2 at 120 watts per channel it's a great sounding amp and retails for $695 at www.av123.com
here is a link to a review of the amp.

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue20/onyxrs550.htm
quadophile's avatar
quadophile
418 posts
 
Both are good amps in their own right but they lack in something or the other, for the budget you cannot really go wrong with a NAD 372 which is an all rounder. Nad is a line level amp and phono stage is not included, if you do not have a turntable no worries whatsoever.
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