I was surprised to read Mr Reina's review that recently came up.
Surprised for the fact that I have heard the same amplifier in January.
The amp was used with my own reference records and together with speakers from Transmission Audio speakers with ribbon tweeters (http://www.transmissionaudio.com/home.html) and Elac - since I own a pair myself and know exactly how those perform.
My impression was that the Marantz PM5003 peformed well in the midrange in delivering details, but was somewhat weak in the bassrange. And even tough the dynamic and details in the midrange was very good, it lacked in the treble and bass range.
Mr Reina wrote: ".....the PM5003's reproduction of bass was natural, deep, dynamic, and fast, with no noticeable overhang."
I agree that this amp don't have any overhang, in fact I would describe it as dry, even too dry. Some German products come the same characteristic.
And even though the reproduction of the music is nominally correct, one must say that it isn't a pleasure to listen to this amplifier.
So I was a bit disappointed of the Marantz PM5003, I am fully aware that you cant expect very much for the price.
But the sound technology have advanced to a stage where even budget products should perform nominally.
My verdict is therefore that Marantz PM5003 might be a good buy for the money, but that there are alternatives that perform better at the same pricerange, and that it doesn't deserve the rave review we can read on this website.
I was surprised to read Mr Reina's review that recently came up.
Surprised for the fact that I have heard the same amplifier in January.
The amp was used with my own reference records and together with speakers from Transmission Audio speakers with ribbon tweeters (http://www.transmissionaudio.com/home.html) and Elac - since I own a pair myself and know exactly how those perform.
My impression was that the Marantz PM5003 peformed well in the midrange in delivering details, but was somewhat weak in the bassrange. And even tough the dynamic and details in the midrange was very good, it lacked in the treble and bass range.
Mr Reina wrote: ".....the PM5003's reproduction of bass was natural, deep, dynamic, and fast, with no noticeable overhang."
I agree that this amp don't have any overhang, in fact I would describe it as dry, even too dry. Some German products come the same characteristic.
And even though the reproduction of the music is nominally correct, one must say that it isn't a pleasure to listen to this amplifier.
So I was a bit disappointed of the Marantz PM5003, I am fully aware that you cant expect very much for the price.
But the sound technology have advanced to a stage where even budget products should perform nominally.
My verdict is therefore that Marantz PM5003 might be a good buy for the money, but that there are alternatives that perform better at the same pricerange, and that it doesn't deserve the rave review we can read on this website.