Marantz or Onkyo Integrated?

[Madbugger]

Hello all, I have a few vintage amps and receivers but am looking to pick up something new. Mostly used for vinyl with headphones but I do have a few pairs of older Advent, KLH & EPI's that I use at low to moderate levels. I listen to all types of music but mostly classic rock, punk, new wave etc. I enjoy a big fat punchy sound with good separation. I had a Yamaha AS301 and returned it, it had no guts to it. So I am torn between Marantz PM6005 or 5005 and Onkyo A 9010 or 9050. I hear that the Onkyo 9010 sounds better than the 9050 but the 9050 seems to be better built. I am guessing that the Marantz are pretty equal except one has DAC which I do not really need at the moment but maybe in the future? If anyone with any experience with any of these amps has some insight, it is much appreciated.

 

[joekapahulu]

I have a PM8005 and its excellent. I listened to a variety of amps before buying it 2 years ago and it was among the best. I went with it because in addition to good sound in "direct" mode it offered tone controls for bass, mid and treble and a 2 year warranty and was built in the Marantz Japan Reference factory. I have owned the brand before and it has been as good as those older units. I woudl stay away from those with a DAC built in as that technology is changing rapidly and you should get a good free standing unit. They can be found for as little as $100 for USB versions and $200 for separate units from cos like Schitt Audio. Also, to deliver an integrated with a DAC the manufacturer hs to reduce costs somewhere else, generally that is the quality elsewhere in the amp. The PM6005 has gotten good writerups so I would go for that.

 

[Madbugger]

I have a PM8005 and its excellent. I listened to a variety of amps before buying it 2 years ago and it was among the best. I went with it because in addition to good sound in "direct" mode it offered tone controls for bass, mid and treble and a 2 year warranty and was built in the Marantz Japan Reference factory. I have owned the brand before and it has been as good as those older units. I woudl stay away from those with a DAC built in as that technology is changing rapidly and you should get a good free standing unit. They can be found for as little as $100 for USB versions and $200 for separate units from cos like Schitt Audio. Also, to deliver an integrated with a DAC the manufacturer hs to reduce costs somewhere else, generally that is the quality elsewhere in the amp. The PM6005 has gotten good writerups so I would go for that.

Cool, thanks for the reply!

 

[runnin']

Any reason you are not considering the Nad integrated amps? As for your two options, the general consensus I've read leans toward the Marantz gear.

 

[Drumolator]

I really like my Onkyo A-9050. Peace and goodwill.

 

[saggy]

If you can get the PM8005 that would be my rec. have you made the purchase, or are you still on the fence?

 

[Rentz]

Any reason you are not considering the Nad integrated amps? As for your two options, the general consensus I've read leans toward the Marantz gear.

I was originally like the op and looking onkyo and marantz pm line, but now I'm leaning towards Nad...they can be had for quite a reasonable price on refurb

 

[Poultrygeist]

I've had issues with a Marantz amp and SACD player. Both I bought new within the last 5 years.

I've had two new Onkyo components during the same time period that have been stellar.

 

[Bert 1100]

I have the Marantz PM8005 and CD6005, they are very nice, I've had zero problems whatsoever...