Thoughts on new Marantz integrateds?

[crouse]

Hey guys,
Any thoughts on the current line of Marantz integrateds?
Thanks

 

[komoyuki]

Depend if you talking about the Reference serie. But the base line (PM-5004-8004) are some very good product. Be more specific

 

[crouse]

Thinking about the base line, PM 5004 etc

 

[slippers-on]

I have listen to lots of Marantz over the years. Like all gear, they have their following and those who don't like what they have to offer. I find Marantz with a very nice mid-range with subtle rolled off high frequencies while maintaining a nice bottom end. You can never mention bright in the same sentence with Marantz, but you can find laid back and dark in the same sentence. I find the majority of those who are rockers and prefer hard rock and metal will not like Marantz at all until you get into the Reference series..and then system matching is a must. Those that are hard pressed to please have found Marantz will do its best with other Marantz components and the Marantz Reference Mono Blocks with the preamp is a system which performs well above it price points. Most Jazz lovers love Marantz with the exception of a small minority. I say that because it comes down to taste, personal preferences and individual choice. I like Marantz...especially the Reference line. And the Hifi line in my opinion can be very very good with the correct system matching...and if you are looking for a fast sports car with the highest highs and room shaking bass like Krell you may want to look for some thing else.

...slippers---

 

[slippers-on]

Thinking about the base line, PM 5004 etc

As I said above...good system match will make most gear shine....have a listen to the PM5004 and think about what best to make it shine...only your ears can tell you that.

In my second home theater I have a Marantz SR 5500 and a Marantz VC 6001 super audio player with a Pair Canton GLE book shelf speakers. In two channel mode the system is very very good.
I believe your PM 5004 and a Marantz CDP would best it.

 

[Art K.]

Personally I don't enjoy the sound of the Marantz 2 channel products. Just not my cup, I suppose. I own a Marantz AVR and like it. Perfectly fine for home theater and casual listening.

 

[davidro]

Had 5003 and 7002. The build quality is usually better than other similar amps in the price range. I find that they lack imagination a little but I guess that's just not intended anyway. Sound is more of a refined, tamed side than gutsy, huge etc.

 

[crouse]

Thanks for all the responses. I have a Music Hall a15.2 that I like, but I'm really wanting tone controls for those times I listen to good music poorly recorded. I'm thinking I may go with a vintage McIntosh or Marantz. Man! I've never waffled this much in my other hobbies.

 

[estreeter]

Even for the vintage stuff, I suspect that a decent Mac will cost you considerably more than a PM5004. Anyone ?

 

[RamblinE]

Uh yeah. Macs just don't depreciate. They just don't.

 

[Art K.]

Thanks for all the responses. I have a Music Hall a15.2 that I like, but I'm really wanting tone controls for those times I listen to good music poorly recorded. I'm thinking I may go with a vintage McIntosh or Marantz. Man! I've never waffled this much in my other hobbies.

Your MH will probably sound better than anything you are considering.

 

[davidro]

Even for the vintage stuff, I suspect that a decent Mac will cost you considerably more than a PM5004. Anyone ?

dont even need to be decent. just a mac would do.

 

[slippers-on]

Thanks for all the responses. I have a Music Hall a15.2 that I like, but I'm really wanting tone controls for those times I listen to good music poorly recorded. I'm thinking I may go with a vintage McIntosh or Marantz. Man! I've never waffled this much in my other hobbies.

Whats your budget?

 

[komoyuki]

Takes as well in consideration as no matter the choice of the amp which you are going to make, the match of speakers is also very important.

 

[crouse]

Under $1000

 

[Duane]

Under $1000

The PM8004 is right at that price.The PM6004 is a bit less.The PM8004 has a pre-out in the event you'd want a separate amp.

If you can find a local dealer that carries this line,take some time and audition them. It would be better if you could audition one in your setup.Some dealers will allow this over the weekend which gives you ample time to test it. It's you,not others who should make the final decision.

 

[estreeter]

Under $1000

You really needed to specify that at the start of the thread. I see vintage Macs on E-Bay all the time, then I come here and read the threads from people desperate to get their 'bargain' working, followed by the awful truth re the number of parts they need to replace. It isn't pretty. :sigh:

 

[slippers-on]

The Marantz is a good amp...in my opinion Its pretty good especially the PM8004. But you have to take a listen with your own ears. Its boils down too personal preference and this should be the norm with any audio gear and big purchases. A very good option on the PM8004 as Duane said, is the option to add an external amp. The MM 7025 would make for a nice system with the PM8004 especially if you where building a hybrid system combining 2 channel as well as home theater.

Take a look at the web site.http://us.marantz.com/us/Products/P...Id=HiFiComponents&SubCatId=0&ProductId=PM8004

 

[Tom Brennan]

Uh yeah. Macs just don't depreciate. They just don't.

I don't think old SS Macs sound especially good either.

 

[estreeter]

The Cult of Mac seems to ensure that anything with a low asking price is snapped up. Given that we already have reality tv shows on people who flip houses and cars, I'm expecting 'McIntosh Flippers' any day now.