Marantz 15s2 thoughts


Picked up a brand new Marantz 15s2 integrated this week. SO far I have about 50 hours on it.

I've seen Marantz gear labeled as warm and tube like, but so far i'm not hearing any of those qualities. Probably still needs a lot more hours on it. I've noticed that the CD input that is tied to an input buffer has sharper/fatiguing treble compared to the regular line inputs. The phono amp is hot in the treble as well. This is my first Marantz product, great build quality and potentially a one box solution (integrated + phono + headphone), but I was expecting a warmer sound, even out of the box.

What is the break in time on Marantz products?

I use a Rega P5 w/ Dyanvector 10x5, Transporter, Cardas & Tara Labs IC's, Audioquest Rockefeller, B&W 705 or BB&W CDM7SE's, and a REL Starta III
jclyle
Their sources are very smooth, warm. I would imagine applying the same voicing to their integrated amps may be too much of a good thing when combined together. I would still give it some time before making a final verdict.
i have a marantz CD player. They take a very long time to break in. The local hi fi shop still noticed a difference throughout the first year of their units. Once broken in, they do sound terrific
Thanks for the reminder Auxetophone! I bought the Marantz hoping it would be an end-all to get me off the merry-go-round and free up cash by selling off other components. I've got about 75 hours on it and the sonics haven't changed much. There was a change in the first 5 hours though. I bought from Crutchfield so I have 60 days to return it.
Give most solid state amps 150 hours or more to really settle down. 300 hours is not unreasonable. It might help to include a few heat-up/cool-down cycles in there as well.

Try to avoid spending more money to address the "issue"
while you're waiting :)
Thats what i'm thinking Jaybo. I'm downgrading from the CJ CAV200, that amp is one of the smoothest integrateds i've heard.