I had the marantz pm 15s2 integrated amp(very nice) Then I picked up a mc2100 hooked it up to the marantz and used the marantz as a pre amp.(nicer) Then I picked up a c-34 and replaced the marantz.(much nicer) The marantz sounded cleaner at higher volume. The Mcintosh sounded more musical and detailed everywhere. Both amps seemed to like bigger drivers over smaller ones. Both are non fatiguing but the mcintosh is much more dynamic. Ive owned a few different marantz set ups and the pm15-s2 was my favorite But I sold it and kept the mcintosh.