2. amps-preamps
  3. 155517-1541

looking to upgrade amp. Best choice of Belles Aria vs Rogue CM v Parasound HINT?

Moved a modern amo w remote 5 years ago..Marantz PM8005. Been happy with it but upgradeitis has set in. Also curious about tubes. Rest of system is SONY SACD5400ES, Marantz ND8006, Kef R300, Ohm Walsh 2s. Listen to all kinds of music especially blues, jazz, female vocals, fingerstyle acoustic guitar (Tommy Emmanuel, Tony Rice, Laurence Juber, Ed Gerhard), singer songwriter, classical and classic rock, Hawaiian slack key. At 60+ need remote as bad back has me in a recliner alot. Options after lots of reading down to Belles Aria, Cronus Magnum, Psound HINT, possible a Raven or Line Magnetic tube amp  $3K or so budget. Live in Hawaii so no options to hear here. I am assuming all of these are real upgrades. Love midrange, clarity, some warmth  (other system is old Mac MC250 at core). Best thing about the Marantz is warmth, clarity, detail, not fatiguing and remote. Appreciate all input.
joekapahulu
4 responses Add your response
gcknapp
52 posts
 
Bought a Belles Aria at the recommendation of John Rutan at Audio Connection and haven’t regretted the decision. Smooth, fatigue free sound, excellent detail and soundstage. Can’t speak to tubes as I have never wanted the hassle. Best integrated I have ever owned, and I’ve had a bunch.
corelli
941 posts
 
I bet the Aria is a nice little integrated.  I do see a number of them for sale, sometimes after short ownership.  Not sure why.  In any event, wonder if this will be a move up from your Marantz or more of a lateral move.  (They may be voiced in a similar direction)  If you had the money, I would think a Raven integrated might make for a startling contrast to your Marantz.  They have an in home trial period so it would be hard to go wrong on this one.  If you did go this way, would love to hear your thoughts.
soix
8,590 posts
 
There’s a Pathos Twin Tower amp available here now under $3k with tube input stage and Class-A amp that should match well with your system and tastes.  Beautiful and originally almost $8k amp.  Best of luck. 
garyagostini
28 posts
 
I had the marantz reference integrated that is a step above your pm8005 and upgraded to the rogue cm2 which had tighter bass and was more musical then the marantz. Also its very responsive to tube rolling. Also I heard it side by side with a new parasound integrated. I liked the rogue a lot better at low to mid volume but the marantz and the parasound at really high levels.
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