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February 2, 2015 - 7:04pm
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Hello -- Integrated Amp Advice Needed
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I would go either for the Marantz or the Music Hall. The Marantz has a builtin DAC, but the Music Hall may just be more refined (but i doubt it really is worth the extra cash you'll have to pay over the Marantz option).
I agree with geekonstereo. The Music Hall is a touch nicer but you are going to probably want to step up and buy a Peachtree DAC iTx at $299 to go with it.
The Marantz has a decent phono stage built in and a better than decent DAC. One thing Marantz does really, really well is it's onboard DACs. I just go a M-CR510 and was blown away by how good the DAC sounds for a full unit at $499 though no on-board phono stage. It is very comparable in sound to the PM6005 but is a network receiver and streams Pandora and Spotify. I am extremely happy with it.
In the longer term, think about a Musical Fidelity V90 phono stage for $229 but in the short term, your would see the PM6005 as a big step forward.
You should check out accessories4less. They are the Marantz's clearing house for factory refurbished equipment. You may get a discount and a 1 year warranty though they don't always have inventory. Call them and ask when they expect a shipment if they are out of stock.
I'll keep an eye out on accessories4less. Seems like they have decent deals there. Music Direct has a discounted PM6005 too.
I think I'll also really consider the a15.3. Based on reviews it seems that model may match what I am looking for in audio the most, and I don't mind adding a separate DAC to complete the system.
Thanks again!
good choices.
also check out the Creek Evolution or Destiny amps. there is a glowing review on the Destiny in Stereophile, and i'd be surprised if you can't score one used for 900 (provided owners let them go). i am also a Rotel fan, Marantz 6005 is great. Arcam is another one to look at. You are looking at some great amps - good luck! what speakers are you driving? what is the style you enjoy?
not mine at all, but in your shoes i'd check it out
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CREEK-EVOLUTION-INTEGRETED-AMPLIFIER-85W-Per-Channel-/231470490687?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35e4b7643f
Between my wife and myself we have a pretty wide range of music. I am jazz fan and listen to a lot of post-war and avant-garde jazz. With also a lot of of noise, math and post-rock for the most part.
I am driving Polk RTi's that I selected based on Stereophile's recommended components. I have had them for a couple of years and am absolutely in love with them. I do not plan to let them go anytime soon so I am looking for an amp that will pair nicely with the RTi's.
One intriguing thing I like about the Rotel is that it has two Toslink inputs. So there is room for my Video and wifi music hookup; which both lack coaxial.
I was looking at Creek models but haven't been able to find anything used within my budget. I'll check out Destiny though.
Thanks!
can't go wrong with Rotel - i like brands that are minimalist and basically stick to the "amplified wire" ideal, and Rotel, Creek and Arcam do that. I like Marantz, but i think sometimes they have a few buttons too many, i personally have little use for compensation and loudness buttons and what not, but hey. Polks are classically designed and easy to drive, so i don't think you need hundreds of watts there. personal opinion - go by what you like :-) and don't forget to post what you decided and how you like it!
Thanks again...
Right now I think I am leaning towards the RA-12 or the a15.3 + separate DAC. I can demo both of these locally so I think that's the next step for me.
Cheers!
Matthew
The Music Hall 15.3 is excellent for the money.
The Audioengine D2 is a good inexpensive DAC.
So I ended up going with the Rotel RA-12.
I went into a few stores and demoed the Marantz, Rotel, and even a Rega Brio R.
The Brio R was amazing but just above my budget and I still needed to get a DAC.
The Marantz and Rotel seemed comparable to me as far as range and tightness. I ultimately ended up with the RA-12 because I really enjoy it's design and aesthetic and am quite happy with the sound.
I tried to find a Music Hall a15.3 but seemed like stock was out around Portland, OR. And the few dealers I went to discouraged the Pro-Ject MaiA. One dealer (Echo Audio) even suggested that I head to the only Rotel dealer in town (Fred's Sound of Music) and check out the RA-12.
Anyway... very happy with it. The DACs do a nice job cleaning up the audio, especially with my lower bit rate music, and the phono stage has improved phasing and control compared to my Denon AVR.
Thanks again. Loving my system right now!
Cheers!
Matthew
It is always good to see what someone ultimately settles on. Looks great. I hope you enjoy!