$3500 integrated amp for Zu Definition speakers?

07-19-12: Rlwainwright
Wow, that Marantz integrated looks like a *very* nice piece!! And the 5-year warranty is a real bonus. I bet this integrated would make those Zus *sing*!

I actually heard that Marantz's little brother, the more humble $999 PM8004, power a $12,500 pair of Sonus Faber Cremona Ms in a most excellent way, leaving nothing wanting. Bass control, truth of timbre, ambience, inner detail, transparency, fully fleshed out tonality, timing, rhythm, and pace--it was all there. Starting with the PM8004 and moving up the line, the Reference Series Marantz integrated amps all use their HDAM circuit, which provides 70 dB of very wide bandwidth, very low noise gain. The s/n of the PM8004's amp section is a startling 125 dB. When you have that low a noise floor plus the wide bandwidth, you get great inner detail, a lifelike dynamic range, and clarity without harshness or edginess.

I was stunned at what that $999 amp did for those speakers and I have no doubt that the more powerful version well up in their Reference Series will--as you say--make those Zus sing.

Try to Hegel h-100 or the h- 200 a listen. I bet you will be impressed.

My favorite tube integrated (and I owned the Tri) was a little Mastersound Due Venti. I would hunt out the 845 Compact if you want big glass.

I've heard the Melody- it was a tad soft to me, but not fully broken in.

Also- the LM Audio stuff supposedly sounds good, although it's built at the same place Tri is.

Decware new zen torii III is AWESOME especially with those sensitive speakers.

I own VAC and love it.

CJ CA200 would be great choice too -- I have the PR350 bigger brother to CA200 and it is awesome.

I have a simaudio i5.3SE (willing to sell for $2k) which is another great unit.