A (Very) Budget Amp For A Marantz CD6003?

[Sizzers]

Hi! I've recently purchased a Marantz CD6003 primarily to be used for a headphone set-up (a work in progress).

I'm also running it through my Denon micro in to my Tannoy F1 Customs with such amazingly good results that I'm wondering whether purchasing a seperate budget amp would be a worthwhile investment.

Now I really can't do volume because of my living arrangements so I'm really not prepared to spend an awful lot of money for an amp that I'll never realise the full potential or benefit of so I'm very much looking at sub £200 budget wise.

Now I've been having a look at the NAD C315BEE and Denon PMA-510AE, so does anyone think this would work? I would have loved to have included the Rotel RA-04 but a remote is an absolute must. Or maybe I might be just as well off with what I've got?

All comments and opinions greatly appreciated.

Malc.

 

[the record spot]

Just get a Sansui AU-217. Superb amp for the money, many around, about 30-odd years old, often in great nick, expect to spend about £50 - it'll deliver hours, nay, days of easy enjoyment. Open, detailed and highly musical sound, I got mine last autumn and can't recommend it highly enough.

30 wpc, great build (handbuilt throughout I believe), not really too many negatives except it's age and it'll be secondhand. The first shouldn't be an issue, the second is down to your purchasing preferences.

Currently using mine as a stand-in for the 717 which is getting serviced. Brilliant with the laptop and Airport Express, just as good with the CDP.

 

[Sizzers]

I do remember Sansui kit from all those years ago (at launch, showing my age!), and always highly lauded gear in this mag (before it got in to TV's and stuff lol).

My purchase preferences are quite simple - go
in to a shop and buy!

 

[the record spot]

In that case, depends on what your "as little as possible" means in terms of the available budget. Check out the likes of BADA's Marketplace for a bunch of discounted amps, Mountain Snow for the same, and Steve's Hi Fi or Greenhome Electronics if the likes of, e.g. NAD's C355 heavily discounted in Richer Sounds at £249 is too rich for you. Something'll turn up, but really depends on what cash is left in the tin really!

 

[d_a_n1979]

The NAD C315BEE would be a very good amp to go for but if you wanted to save a little £££ then take a look at a NAD C320BEE via eBay.

Superb amp and will last you a fair while as well

 

[Sizzers]

the record spot:In that case, depends on what your "as little as possible" means in terms of the available budget. Check out the likes of BADA's Marketplace for a bunch of discounted amps, Mountain Snow for the same, and Steve's Hi Fi or Greenhome Electronics if the likes of, e.g. NAD's C355 heavily discounted in Richer Sounds at £249 is too rich for you. Something'll turn up, but really depends on what cash is left in the tin really!

Thanks for the tips.

As I don't have the listening environment to fully appreciate and enjoy a higher end system, I'm not looking for a high-ended amp which in turn then means buying new speakers.

My Denon does a fabulous job on it's own and I was intending to buy some Dali Lektor 1's to upgrade it. However, having played my CDP through it (which is intended for headphone use)and seeing what it can do, as turned my thoughts to buying a relatively modest amp as an improvement on running it through the Denon. I wouldn't be upgrading the speakers as well as buying the amp as I want new phones and a new headphone amp.

 

[the record spot]

The Tannoys are good speakers - plenty of life in them for an upgrade or two I'd have thought. I'm sure you'll find something out there that would work.

 

[plastic penguin]

Sizzers:I do remember Sansui kit from all those years ago (at launch, showing my age!), and always highly lauded gear in this mag (before it got in to TV's and stuff lol). My purchase preferences are quite simple - go in to a shop and buy!

...in that case, Rotel RA-04 (not SE) or Arcam A65+.

 

[Anonymous]

I would suggest an old Pioneer A400 amp, but not sure how that would 'gel' with your speakers .... a used one in good condition can be bought for under £130

 

[matthewpiano]

The Denon PMA510AE is a very good amp and should work well with the Marantz and your Tannoys, whilst offering a good upgrade from your micro system.

 

[Sizzers]

matthewpiano:The Denon PMA510AE is a very good amp and should work well with the Marantz and your Tannoys, whilst offering a good upgrade from your micro system.

How are you getting on with your Denon after your CA problems? It's terrible when you have to keep the volume down!

 

[matthewpiano]

Extremely pleased so far Sizzers. Its actually a much nicer piece of kit all round and brilliant at low volumes.

 

[Sizzers]

matthewpiano:Extremely pleased so far Sizzers. Its actually a much nicer piece of kit all round and brilliant at low volumes.

I'm genuinely pleased Matthew.

I'm not making an imminent purchase but hopefully in the next 4-6 weeks. I will be just SO sad to give up my little Denon on my rack but I could never sell it. Love it to bits and it's just the most amazing little thing. It will be like a death in the family.