Good upgrade or waste of money ?

[TheFrenchBob]

Hello fellow AKers,
I currently have a Marantz 1090 as a SS amp and my dad wants to buy one amplifier whether for me or for him. If the amplifier goes for me, he'll take the 1090, otherwise, i'll remain with the 1090. The amplifier i've been watching these days is the Sony TA-F5A (i just can"t resist for the design of the VUmeters ), someone sells it for €110 nearby my village. Do you think it is more like a good transition or a waste of money ?

PS : I currently use the 1090 with custom made Visaton speakers.

Peace and merry Christmas, happy new year and everything to all the forum !
Bob.

 

[Kevin D]

They both are nice looking! I like the meters to but then again its not a Marantz. Maybe you can switch back and fourth and see where that ends up.

 

[TheFrenchBob]

They both are nice looking! I like the meters to but then again its not a Marantz. Maybe you can switch back and fourth and see where that ends up.

Actually, I have to choose, kinda like in the Matrix : red pill or blue pill and I can't come back on my decision.

 

[beowolf9]

I think I would do an A/B comparison and see which one fits your need best. Having heard the Marantz myself, but not the Sony, I can't give you an educated opinion, however I can say I liked the sound of the Marantz. Hope which ever way it goes that you and your dad are both happy in the end.

 

[TheFrenchBob]

Thanks for the advice ! There is a difference of 5 for the damping factor, but is this difference really audible ?

 

[Northwinds]

thd .1%?

Here ya go Dad, it's yours

 

[Northwinds]

Thanks for the advice ! There is a difference of 5 for the damping factor, but is this difference really audible ?

Damping factor is the ability of the amp to control your woofers in lowend response as you crank. The higher the damping factor, the tighter and more accurate the bass

 

[BigElCat]

http://www.thevintageknob.org/sony-TA-F5.html

I've not heard either one, but I'm voting for the Sony.

 

[TheFrenchBob]

Alright, here's the situation: on this forum you're most likely me to get the Sony amp. However on the "french equivalent" of this forum they are more likely me to keep the 1090 or look for something better for €110 (like an Akai they said).

Bob.

 

[Daunia 70]

I have the Marantz... If someone offered me a straight swap for a Sony TA-F5A I'd do it. The Marantz is OK,but it's certainly no 1030/1060.

 

[TheFrenchBob]

Hello guys, I took my decision yesterday in the afternoon... I bought the Sony amp ! The guy who sold it to me explained us the story of this amp and all that kind of stuff, very nice guy though ! We tested it with my turntable and Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Major Lazer (songs I use to listen the most with the 1090) and the results was fabulous ! The basslines are sharper and the treble isn't saturated. The needles on the VU-meters are dancing and it is fantastic ! I do not regret it !

Thank you guys and see you soon !
Bob.