2. amps-preamps
  3. 174473-134159

High End Intergraded comparisons, Marantz, McIntosh, Levinson, Luxman....

Ive been trying to listen to higher end integrated amps but its not easy. 

Im looking for owners comparisons. 

 

I had a Marantz PM-KI Ruby that replaced lots of low powered SET gear with high efficient speakers im no longer using. 

I settled on a nice old pair of KEF Reference Model Fours from about 1999-2000. They are very hungry speakers. Very revealing. 

The Marantz Ruby was rather nice in all ways. 

Im trying a marantz PM-10s1 and although i was expecting a Bigger Better Ruby it turned out to be much more than that. I also got it for about 35% off list so it dramatically lowered the price point compared to competitive brands and products. 

I dont really want any DAC in the box. I actually wanted a good phono stage. Id buy a unit with a DAC but I wont be using it and I Do need a phono stage for a Rega with a AT OC9 MC cart. Limits choices based on additional costs. 

The PM-10 has a Much larger soundstage. Larger and tighter focused images. Wide, Tall and Deep. Much more detail and inner detail. Crystal clear presentation. Very tight and deep bass. Punch and slam. Very life-like presentation of instruments and vocals. Not necessarily bright but extended. Im rather happy but also very surprised. 

I feel maybe I should be exploring some other Integrated amps before settling in on this PM-10. Not easy. They cost allot to ship, return. 

The McIntosh MA7900 is an option but its more money than I spent and im not sure how it compares to the Marantz PM-10. Many say they are very similar in sound character. 

The Mark Levinson 5805 is also a bit more money and is said to be more so detailed and brighter. Is that true? Ive read the PM-10 is smoother and richer. I dont want any more detail or brightness. 

The Hegel 390 and MF MX8 lack phono which drives up the cost for me. Im not sure of their character in comparison to a McIntosh or Marantz. 

The Luxman seems to be one to try, the 507uxii but it has much lower power and some say its rather bright with a bass boom. 

 

Appreciate peoples comments based on what you've heard. 

 

steviet
swede58's avatar
swede58
125 posts
 

I have compared three great integrated amps; Accuphase E800, Boulder 866 and Pass Labs int250. The Pass sounded best to me.

Two more I would add: Gryphon Diablo 300 and D’Agostino Progression int.

luvazquez
4 posts
 

The Marantz SA10(CD player)/PM10 was the first true hifi system I ever owned. I use it with BW 802D (bi-wired, which for this combination makes quite the difference).
1) The sound strikes a perfect balance between "tubes" and "solid state" having a sweet midrange, extended but non-fatiguing highs, and a powerful deep and fast bass. That makes it shine in all genres of music I’ve thrown at it as well as all types of quality of recording.

2) The soundstage is simply amazing. Deep, and wide (extending well beyond the speakers), with significant height.

3) The PM10 is a beast having being measured in the real World at 600Watts at either 4 or 8 ohms, so it will have no issues with most speakers it will be realistically paired with (it really makes my 802D’s sing!).

But being my first experience with true hifi I thought, "I’m sure there is something better out there". So while I kept (and still have) the SA10/PM10 I plunged into experimenting with other brands.
1) Amplifier: Bryston 4b3 bi-amping the highs of the 802’s with a Bryston 14B3 for the low frequencies with either a Rogue RP7 (stock tubes, Mullards, Telefunkens) and later an RP9. This combo used my SA10 for source and BW for speakers.
2) An All McIntosh system: separates, CD player, speakers. Don’t ask me about the model because I do not remember but either their best or second best line (I listened in a showroom).
Conclusion: I never found something "better". Not even in showrooms. I think once you reach the level of hifi quality the SA10/PM10 give you there is only "different". If you like the sound of the PM 10 enjoy it and save yourself the time and money. If, on the other hand, you want something different (i.e. more extreme) in the warm/bright spectrum then further searching is justified. It was an expensive lesson learned for me. If there is something better for me out there it’s probably tens of times more expensive than this combo.

boloe
2 posts
 

Anyone looking to sell a Marantz PM11S3?

austinbob
235 posts
 

Followed this thread. I own an Aesthetix Mimas with the phono card. The amp overall is great and the phono section is excellent. Another consideration. 

More to discover