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Am I Crazy? Rotel Separates -> Marantz Integrated

So yesterday I bought my mother a Marantz pm7000n to power her JBL 4311s that I just rebuilt. I was blown away by power that this little 60wpc integrated has - as well as the warmth and musicality of course. (It is going direct to wall with a Pangea power cable)

That brings me to now, being at home with my current set up. Rotel RC-1572, Rotel RB-1552 MKII, Transparent Audio - Powerwave (2019), and all upgraded cabling - powering my own rebuilt JBL 4311s. I mostly use BT apt-x or pc-usb for music from my MBP using Apple Music. 

Getting to the point - after hearing these old JBLs paired up with the Marantz pm7000n I feel like they may make a better match. I feel a little crazy thinking about downsizing my setup from separates to integrated, let alone one that is half the price and made by Sound United. The Marantz has all the features I need and I found myself just wanting to sit there and listen for hours which I haven't done in some time. It could just be the newness factor and a new/different sound that caught my ear but I'm considering making the switch. Would this be an overall downgrade or would this new amp speaker set up be the right move?

e_feld

Showing 1 response by corelli

corelli
1,039 posts
 
Your observations are not dissimilar to mine years ago.  Had a well regarded 200wpc hybrid power amp driving my Magnepan 1.7's.  Swapped that our for a Marantz PM 8005 and could not believe how much more natural, smooth, warmer and more musical things sounded!
Been a Marantz fan since now owning the Marantz Ruby CD/Integrated.

P.S.  Owned the Rotel 990 power amp years ago.  That amp had lots of low end grunt for sure.  But it did not have that engaging musical quality of the Marantz gear.
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