Which Power amp would you get ?

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My experience with modern Marantz has been favorable, with the kind of sound I prefer, namely transparent with a sweet top end. Haven't heard any Emotiva, so my bet would be on the Marantz, although I haven't heard that particular model, either.
 
I've been running two Emotiva amps, one a monoblock & the other a 2-channel, since 2013 on almost a daily basis. I've never had a problem with them. The value for money has been excellent and don't let the specs fool you...they usually outperform those quite easily.
 
oldflame said:
arcorob, what do you like about those two choices?
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Really great question. First, obviously I want the extra power using my Marantz SR4023 as a pre-amp. That as a receiver is rated at 80wpc (modern day amps...lol..if you read another post you get it). I want a clean sound but to be honest, (always honest) maybe I dont. I LOVED the depth and punch of when I ran the new JBL's with a Vintage Marantz 2220B. Yeah, 20wpc and it sounded amazing. Had so much OOMPF, I had to turn the BASS down to minus 2. On the SR4023 ? Bass is at +6.

so in all honesty, maybe I need to get myself another Marantz (vintage) says a 2230 or 2245. The cool thing with the 2230 is it has pre-outs so If I did afterwards want to add a power amp I could. sigh
 
arcorob said:
Really great question. First, obviously I want the extra power using my Marantz SR4023 as a pre-amp. That as a receiver is rated at 80wpc (modern day amps...lol..if you read another post you get it). I want a clean sound but to be honest, (always honest) maybe I dont. I LOVED the depth and punch of when I ran the new JBL's with a Vintage Marantz 2220B. Yeah, 20wpc and it sounded amazing. Had so much OOMPF, I had to turn the BASS down to minus 2. On the SR4023 ? Bass is at +6.

so in all honesty, maybe I need to get myself another Marantz (vintage) says a 2230 or 2245. The cool thing with the 2230 is it has pre-outs so If I did afterwards want to add a power amp I could. sigh
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Just out of curiosity, are your JBL HPM-100's modified Pioneers?
 
I have had a BasX A2 for a little over a year and its a :thumbsup::thumbsup:

I have heard a few of the upper models of the Marantz PM series integrateds and like them way better than the vintage house sound, these were compared directly to a few restored 70's "big" Marantzs receivers in an uncles "old receivers" room.

I was going to go with one of the PMs but after helping a buddy set up his XPA-2 and listening to it I took a chance on the BasX, for $469 (now $499) its the reason for the (bolded) statement in signature.
 
I haven't heard many but the Emotiva's that I have heard sounded a bit sterile to me. I'd pick the Marantz which has a more balanced & fuller sound signature and balanced inputs. There are reasons why it costs more.
 
kyle said:
Interesting. I've not heard of that model. Are they an older JBL?
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The HPM (High Performance Monitor) series of speakers was from Pioneer. Maybe you're confusing JBL L-100's with the HPM's. There were at least two versions of the HPM 100 (100 and 200 Watt). There was also an HPM-200 (large, floor standing) and HPM-60 (small bookshelf size).

IIRC, the Pioneer HPM series was designed by the same person (Bart Locanthi?) that designed the JBL L100's
 
Having had used both Emotiva(XPA-2, A/B) and the 7025 I find myself more pleased with the Marantz. No difference noticed in the power difference(250 to 140), just a smoothness in the mids. Both were well built. If the 7025 is finacially within your reach I would also consider Emotiva monoblocks at the same price.
 
JoeESP9 said:
The HPM (High Performance Monitor) series of speakers was from Pioneer. Maybe you're confusing JBL L-100's with the HPM's. There were at least two versions of the HPM 100 (100 and 200 Watt). There was also an HPM-200 (large, floor standing) and HPM-60 (small bookshelf size).

IIRC, the Pioneer HPM series was designed by the same person (Bart Locanthi?) that designed the JBL L100's
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That's what I thought as well and why I asked Arcorob about them. I'm pretty familiar with most JBL lines.
 
Just for calrity sake (I shoudl have been specific ) Yes, original Pioneer HPM 100's, 200watt version (they came in 100w and 200w)
Also clarity as I think I already know where my final decision lays. The vintage Marantz restored (my pioneer black restore has a place already and was used for testing). So why do I say this?

I dont think any of this is about power. All tried thus far have suffienct power. I think it comes down to coloration and syncronicty of sound. Many audiophiles strive for total uncolored purety of sound and I get that. But when you listen to vintage gear (I know this from experience) I can easily tell you the difference between a Pioneer and a Marantz. The Pioneer definately has clarity but I feel/think/hear the Marantz as more forward. A bit "richer" in sound. And if thats coloration then I like it. It suits me. It might not suit someone else but its my rig and my ears...LOL

I almost feel like I am wasting my time, go with my gut and stop the expensive experimenting (though I am anxious to hear the test when I use the mini poweramp arriving Monday - just to see and scratch an itch). Since I liked the way it sounded very much with the 2220B, I am sure if I invest in a good 2230 or 2245, I will get the same sound and a bit more "vintage watts" (okay, I had to)

The Pioneers (with a top off of JBL Studio 530's) - Run all 4 as a set and the sound is AMAZING as they compliment each other

20230313_041441066_iOS.jpg
 
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