@auxinput Thanks for replying. This is exactly the information I was hoping to get.
Cheers!
Cheers!
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
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
Showing 5 responses by stereosanctity
Also, just realized the link to the image didn't embed correctly. http://smg.photobucket.com/user/mdanja/media/Miscellaneous/IMG_7811-2.jpg.html |
@mesch & @paraneer Thanks for your input. I am almost thinking of holding off on a Marantz amp for now and wait until after my speaker upgrade. But if I do make the plunge the PM8005 sounds like the way to go. The streamer has coaxial, and toslink digital outputs. I use it for Tidal HiFi, Spotify, and internet radio stations. Cheers! Matthew |
@sfall Yeah. I am thinking the best route is keeping the electronics for now, and looking at speakers first. Thanks! @mesch There seems to be so many good DACs in all sorts of price ranges. To be honest, it’s a little daunting. And when looking at specs, to me at least, it doesn’t give me the greatest idea of sound reproduction. That said, having USB flexibility isn’t a deal breaker for me. I wouldn’t mind paying a little more if it allowed the option of connecting my Mac Book Air once in a while. In regard to used models do you have an opinion of which brands to gravitate towards, and which to avoid? |
Hey folks, 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. Which is also part of the reason why I was thinking of upgrading electronics first since it’s harder for him to get to those compared to speakers. What I’ve learned, and makes total sense, is to look at new speakers first, which I am going to do now. That said, I really love these Polk RTi’s. And even though I know they are the weaker link in my system, I still plan to keep them for a secondary one. I am gravitating towards Kef and Totem because I have already demoed those at local dealers, and I enjoy their aesthetics. I have never heard Wharfedale, but I see them recommended so much, and thought maybe I’d look into them. But I do welcome any suggestions for loudspeakers ins the $600-$1100 range. But that would probably be better suited for the speaker forum, rather than amps. Thanks again. And I have enjoyed reading all of your input and recommendations. Still so much to learn!!! Cheers! Matthew |