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Help me decide on new amp please

I am trying do decide on cost /benefit of two options to upgrade from my current integrated amp.  Presently, I am using a Marantz PM-8005 (70w@8ohm / 100w @4 ohm) IA to drive a pair of Focal 836V speakers which are rated at 91.5db @8 ohm, but dip down to a 3.3 ohm load at around 100 hz. Room is medium sized with no treatments other than wall to wall carpet and upholstered furniture, and music is mostly classic rock, blues, jazz and female vocals.  I listen primarily through a Music Hall MMF 9.1 TT with a Dynavector 10x5 cart. I also listen 20% of the time through a Marantz Sa-8004 SACD player.

I plan to sell the 8005 to offset cost of the replacement IA.  Cost below represent my cost net of selling the 8005. I have two used options ( both in excellent condition) available in my area:

Hegel H100 ( 120w@8 ohm / 22w@4ohm) plus Musical Surroundings Nova Phenomena phono amp - this is a $1,200 option

Marantz PM-11s3 (110w@8ohm / 220w@4 ohm) (built in phono amp) - this is a $2,200 option

Simple question - is the Marantz worth $1,000 more than the Hegel in terms of improvement to SQ, or am I at the point of diminishing returns. I have already spent more than I planned a year ago when I first decided to put a system together, but I have learned a lot since then, so see the value in some upgrade  My hope is that either of these can compensate for the 100hz dip when I want to listen at lower volume levels. I know I like the Marantz sound with the Focals, I am considering the Hegel because so many recommend the brand in combination with Focal speakers. I do not plan on running a sub or replacing speakers in the near future.  The next big move would be a major upgrade of all components and that is not in the cards for now..

 Thanks.

sjtm
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jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Simple question - is the Marantz worth $1,000 more than the Hegel in terms of improvement to SQ, or am I at the point of diminishing returns.

Unfortunately, only you can answer this question, as the value of an extra $1,000 sunk into any component will only have subjective responses. Some may feel it worthwhile, while others may not. Since it is YOUR money, YOUR opinion is the only one that really matters.

That said, you seem familiar enough with the Marantz sound, and enjoy it, is there anyway you can find a place to listen to the Hegel amps?

kingshead
44 posts
 
Keep the Marantz, use it as a preamp for a couple of B&K ST-140 amps. Use the two amps to vertically biamp your speakers, spend the savings on a bunch of new records.
 
Take two aspirin, call me in the morning lol.

Martin
mesch
3,397 posts
 
My subjective thought is that I would be inclined to lean toward the Marantz. This based on your budget concerns, you like the Marantz sound with your speakers, it has a phonostage, and the Hegel is almost twice the upgrade cost. 

That said, if at all possible I would want to hear both with my speakers as a way to evaluate the cost differential of the Hegel and the need for phonostage.


sjtm OP
92 posts
 
Mesch - not sure I follow.  The Hegel is the cheaper of the two options and comes with the MS phono stage.

Kingshead - I assume you mean keep the 8005.  Not familiar with the B&K st-140 amps,but this seems to be a 20 year old + amp. Any reason you specifically recommend this or are you suggesting any decent power amp is a better option and easier on the budget? 
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