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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
jonwolfpell
342 posts
 

You might consider one of the Rogers High Fidelity tube integrateds. Great sound, powerful, tight & nuanced like only the best solid state amps can do. Rock solid build quality, point to point wiring, full lifetime warranty! Pricey but worth it. 

at_home_theatre_designs's avatar
at_home_theatre_designs
13 posts
 

The Hegel H590 surpasses the H390 in the areas questioned, namely offering more leads ng edge transients and dynamic wow including the deep bass. 

vinpic
34 posts
 

If you are looking for the ultimate integrated cost will go up but sound quality will stun you. I tried more than 20 and landed on 

- Ypsilon Phaeton (tube preamp)

- Vinnie Rossi L2iSE with Tak300B tubes

- Enleum amp23r (for speakers >90db)

There are plenty of good reviews on each one of them.  Try listening to them in your setup, once you settle on one the quest is over! 

flying997
2 posts
 

When I was shopping for an integrated amplifier I was able to bring home to test the McIntosh MA7900 and the Mark Levinson 5805 and 585.

Doing A/B comparisons between the McIntosh and the Mark Levinson I came to the conclusion the McIntosh revealed significantly less musical detailed; it was as if the high frequencies were muffled. On the other hand, both Mark Levinson amps had an amazing ability to reveal every detail. They sounded a lot more transparent and revealing.

At the end of the day, I was able to get a good deal on a Mark Levinson 585, which has more power and a bit better specs than the 5805, and I have never regretted my decision.

mtbiker29's avatar
mtbiker29
156 posts
 

Of the ones you have listed the only competition in my mind is from Luxman and Hegel, and I would add Accuphase to the list.  If you replaced my Luxman 509x with either that PM 10 or an H390 I’m sure I would be just as happy. I do like that Luxman is no frills (no DAC) and you can just let the integrated be the heart of your system for the long term. Honestly if you like what you’re getting from that Marantz I would grab it and then try to hear all of the other stuff at the next big audio show near you (or travel to one if needed) in the next few years. JMHO.

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