Help me decide on new amp please


I am trying do decide on cost /benefit of two options to upgrade from my current integrated amp.  Presently, I am using a Marantz PM-8005 (70w@8ohm / 100w @4 ohm) IA to drive a pair of Focal 836V speakers which are rated at 91.5db @8 ohm, but dip down to a 3.3 ohm load at around 100 hz. Room is medium sized with no treatments other than wall to wall carpet and upholstered furniture, and music is mostly classic rock, blues, jazz and female vocals.  I listen primarily through a Music Hall MMF 9.1 TT with a Dynavector 10x5 cart. I also listen 20% of the time through a Marantz Sa-8004 SACD player.

I plan to sell the 8005 to offset cost of the replacement IA.  Cost below represent my cost net of selling the 8005. I have two used options ( both in excellent condition) available in my area:

Hegel H100 ( 120w@8 ohm / 22w@4ohm) plus Musical Surroundings Nova Phenomena phono amp - this is a $1,200 option

Marantz PM-11s3 (110w@8ohm / 220w@4 ohm) (built in phono amp) - this is a $2,200 option

Simple question - is the Marantz worth $1,000 more than the Hegel in terms of improvement to SQ, or am I at the point of diminishing returns. I have already spent more than I planned a year ago when I first decided to put a system together, but I have learned a lot since then, so see the value in some upgrade  My hope is that either of these can compensate for the 100hz dip when I want to listen at lower volume levels. I know I like the Marantz sound with the Focals, I am considering the Hegel because so many recommend the brand in combination with Focal speakers. I do not plan on running a sub or replacing speakers in the near future.  The next big move would be a major upgrade of all components and that is not in the cards for now..

 Thanks.

sjtm

Showing 3 responses by kingshead

Keep the Marantz, use it as a preamp for a couple of B&K ST-140 amps. Use the two amps to vertically biamp your speakers, spend the savings on a bunch of new records.
 
Take two aspirin, call me in the morning lol.

Martin
The B&K ST 140 is/was one of Stereophile’s favorite amps at any price, and can be had for a song used. Check out the reviews by multiple Stereophile writers, they can’t all be wrong.

But if that doesn’t float your boat, and you want to spend more then there are a plethora of power amp options out there. Either way I’m inclined to believe this is a sonically better and more economical option than just replacing the existing amplifier. Just my opinion though.

Martin

Here’s what Sam Telling thought.

http://www.stereophile.com/content/bk-st-140-power-amplifier-sam-tellig-1985#EDkKdSh5pCUsD6xD.97

Going this route allowed me to shorten my speaker wire to 18", and that’s always a good thing. Plus the benefits of having the bass driver further divorced from the high frequency driver’s signal path, not sharing the same filter cap, etc.




I should have mentioned in my previous post, I have absolutely no personal experience with the B&K ST -140 amplifier other than recently considering purchasing one. This led me to investigate the amplifier and was about to pull the trigger when a Belles I serial #260 saw it's way into my home instead. Still wondering if I should pick up the B&K, and from what I've heard the model with the champagne handles is the one to own

Martin