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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
steviet OP
8 posts
 

@rbstehno Hehehe, the first Mac fan... Yeah, Ive listened to McIntosh for years. The MC amps in particular.  
Better? There's no better, just different. Better is subjective. 
The PM-10 produces a rated 400w into 4 ohms and over 550w continuous into 4 and 8 ohms on a bench with peaks over 1000w. Go listen to one, if you haven't. And in terms of power the Music Fidelity makes them all sound weak.  


The MA6xxx have too little power and they aren't particularly transparent. The MA7xxxx are better. The MA9000 better still. The MA7900 is less of a model than the PM-10 while the MA9000 best its at $12,500. 

Ive shopped the MA6xxx for a long time. Not worth the money, more status and eye candy at that point. And they are getting old now. 

I ruled out the Hagel because of that "soft" and less transparent sound which isn't better to me. As I ruled out the Yamaha's becasue they are the polar oppisite and again not better to me. 

Better??? I hate that word. Example, everyone is saying these new R-2R DACs are "better" and after trying a couple at a few thousand dollars I can say they aren't so great. Far from better to me. Soft, mushy and lack detail. Some think thats better i guess. 

 

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,110 posts
 

+1 for the Bryston.

petar3
69 posts
 

i can't recommend Hegel enough. had both 390 and 590. Run them with B&W 805 and Stirling. More than enough bass. I do use a subwoofer but not for the blast but for the depth. Yes, it should have a phono stage but there must be a simple workaround. good luck 

bmontani
195 posts
 

Check out BAT.  

kjohn1234
25 posts
 

I have zero experience with 98% of the amps mentioned here. This is not a comparison, it’s a testimonial. I’ve owned a Hegel H390 for a year and a half. It’s connected to Dynaudio Contour 30s. I still look forward to listening and can, and do, listen for hours without any sign of fatigue. 
 

Just my 10cents. 

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