2. amps-preamps
  3. 128906-74233

Help choosing Marantz integrated amp upgrade

Hello,

I am considering upgrading to a Marantz integrated amplifier. Curious if folks here could help guide me with this decision, or if it's even worth upgrading at this time.

My current entry level system consists of a Rotel RA-12 integrated amp (has a built in DAC and phono stage), Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, DTS Play-Fi streamer, and stand mounted Polk RTiA1s.

I hope to upgrade the speakers later this year. Will be looking at monitors from Totem Acoustic, Wharfedale and Kef at that time.


At present I am thinking of replacing the Rotel with a Marantz. These are the three options I have narrowed down ...


Option 1: PM8005 + an external DAC.
https://www.musicdirect.com/integrated-amp/marantz-pm8005-integrated-amp
I like that this has a pre-out. Sometimes I turn on a sub when playing certain genres or albums. Would be considering a Schiit or iFi DAC to connect to the Play-Fi streamer.


Option 2: HD-AMP1 + an external phono pre.
https://www.musicdirect.com/integrated-amp/marantz-hd-amp1-integrated-amp-dac
I really like the aesthetics and small footprint of this one. Plus has a sub out feature. I'd love any phono pre-amp recommendations. Would be looking to spend around $300 for one.


Option 3: PM7005
https://www.musicdirect.com/integrated-amp/marantz-pm7005-integrated-amp
Built in Dac and Phono makes this a simple solution, but no pre or sub out.


I have no plans to upgrade my TT any time soon. I have added the acrylic platter, Ortofon 2M Blue, and Speed box which have all been noticeable upgrades. I'll probably hold onto this TT for sometime.


Curious if anyone has input, suggestions, or, considering those three upgrade paths, if I should abandon this track.

Here is an image of my current system to give you an idea of the space. This system is only a couple years old and I am still learning a lot.



Thanks!
Matthew
stereosanctity

Showing 8 responses by paraneer

paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
As a Marantz reference series owner, I would say option 1, the PM-8005 and external DAC.  The PM-8005 is built at their reference factory in Japan alongside their higher end components. 

Besides more impressive specs, larger power supply and both preout & main ins, this combo is by far the most versatile and also ready to drive just about any speaker your likely to encounter when your ready to upgrade those.  Even true 4 ohm speakers as the PM-8005 puts out a solid 100 wpc into 4 across the entire power band.
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
You're welcome Matthew.

And when your upgrading speakers, be sure to understand their needs (impedance & sensitivity) and how this relates to your current amp and future amps output capabilities.  And above all, go out and audition them.  This will be the only way to get the speaker that's right for you.

And not get suggestions from strangers on the internet about what speakers they already have or want to have.  All being seldom the right speaker for you.
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
To not recommend a speaker upgrade, in this instance, would be irresponsible
I agree sfall, but why does it have to be your Vandersteen Model 1's?
Also, the OP said he is thinking about putting off the amp purchase and may concentrate on new speakers instead.

But to emphatically say...
Keep your electronics for now and just upgrade your speakers to a pair of Vandersteen Model 1's.
Leaves very little room to audition anything else.  I am sure the Vandersteens are very nice speakers, but that doesn't mean they are the right speakers for the OP.  He should audition as he can.




paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
OK sfall, whatever man. 
I know what I read in your post - you emphatically recommend only one speaker, a Vandersteen Model 1. 

Similar to auxinput's excellent advice above, I said he should understand a speakers needs (impedance & sensitivity) and how this relates to his current amp and future amp's output capabilities.  And above all, go out and audition them!

Speakers are so subjective that no one can make a meaningful recommendation other than offering advice on how a prospective buyer should seek one out on his own.

 


 
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
I’m thinking you should buy a pair for yourself, as well. Get your system sounding right and you won’t be so miserable.
I’m very happy with my Dynaudios, thank you. And unlike some posters, I am not so presumptuous as to recommend them to the OP or anyone else. Or any other brand for that matter. Do to so, is just being a shill without taking into account the OP's best interests and needs.


paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Thanks again for all of your replies and advice. I am definitely looking for bookshelf monitor speakers to be stand mounted. I have a toddler that moseys around and the more I can keep off the floor the better.
If your thinking of bookshelf speakers on stands, they usually take up the same amount of space as a small floorstander - they have the same footprint.   Besides the benefit of deeper bass response due to a larger enclosure, a floorstander might also be more stable with a toddler around.  Just something to keep in mind when you start looking for speakers.  Your budget gives you a lot of choices. 

Best of luck to you.
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
In case you’re keeping track, I recommended another pair of Vandersteen 1’s in a thread this morning. No doubt I’ll recommend at least another pair before the days over.
Keeping track? I wouldn’t have to even if I was so inclined. But I am not surprised. You might be vying for Vandersteen shill of the year award. Or trying to sell them and not doing a very good job. I just wonder if your doing Mr. Vandersteen any good though.

Remember, I never said a bad word about them. I even said they are very good speakers but may not be the right speaker for the OP.

Again, I would never recommend a brand of speaker to anyone as they are that subjective and I would never be that presumptuous to know what's best for someone in the confines of an internet forum. My own, yours or another brand. You seem to have no problem though.

I would rather dispense sound audio advice. So we’ll let the OP decide because now I am pretty bored with you and your juvenile style of writing.

BTW, your posts would be much more coherent if you learned how to use the quote feature on this board. Its really simple - everybody knows how.

paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Yawn!

Still struggling with the quote feature, huh?
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