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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
kjohn1234
22 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. 

joey54
429 posts
 

You’ve gotten some really great advice here but I will add another one to consider, the Aesthetix Mimas integrated. You can add a phono card and a DAC card but they are both optional. When I bought mine I compared, in my system, Hegel 360, Luxman 590, Ayre AX-5/20, Ayre EX-8. I almost bought the EX-8 as I liked that one the best until I heard the Mimas. It’s extremely musical with great dynamics and a very detailed midrange. I have both cards in mine and really like them. Overall  the best integrated I’ve heard. If you have a dealer who will let you try it in your system I would recommend it. Good Luck!

mjmcubfn
35 posts
 

The MA7900 was not a good experience for me.  I currently have the Hegel 390 and I love it!  As many have said, can't recommend it enough.  No phono like you said, but I got the Hegel Phono Stage, the V10, and it performs above it's price range.

sokogear
1,050 posts
 

If you can find a used Plinius integrated, it will give you great bang for the buck. Mine has a very good phono stage that has a switch for MC to MM, but when I put in a Sutherland phono stage, the improvement was very noticeable. I know their distribution in the US has thinned out and one of the company founders I believe passed away.

So many choices, I found that when you get one that works well for your system, stick with it. As long as it can provide the power and clarity at the volume you like, a change in the source can be much more impactful (and of course speakers).

limomangus's avatar
limomangus
1,183 posts
 

Now this was a nice read ....

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