Advice on the Marantz 603 or Denon N8 to pair with KEF R100

[andy-liu]

Hi:

I demoed both Marantz 603 and Denon N8 with several speakers. The final decision comes down to either BX2 or KEF R100, i know they are not same level of stuffs cuz i found the bass on KEF R100 is more solid, and more musical.

I mainly listen to the pop music, I have tested two system with both speakers. In terms of the clarity, they are both good, probably a bit better on BX2, but lack of emotion when u listen to it.

Some people also said both denon N8 and Marantz 603 are not powerful enough to drive the KEF R100, or you cannot get the best of it. is it true?

Please feel free to comment on it.

If there is any other alternatives on the all-in-one system (the system needs to have ability to play CD.) please fire away.

Thanks vm

 

[ID.]

I doubt anything else at that level can drive the R100s and better than those two. If you heard them with the R100s and liked the sound, that's all that matters. The speakers would, of course, perform better with higher quality amplification, but you can say that about all speakers.

 

[andy-liu]

Thanks.

Anyone acutally owns these system?

 

[p_m_brown]

Not heard either of these I'm afraid but I bought my R100s before I upgraded to my current set up. A 20 year old Nad 302 ran them quite happily so I have no doubt that the Marantz with 60 watts should run them without too much trouble!

 

[chebby]

Not heard either of these I'm afraid but I bought my R100s before I upgraded to my current set up. A 20 year old Nad 302 ran them quite happily so I have no doubt that the Marantz with 60 watts should run them without too much trouble!

Although a great fan of the M-CR603, I would caution that their (quoted) 60wpc is more like a realistic 50wpc. So reasonably efficient speakers (and avoiding head smacking volume levels in large rooms) are the order of the day.

Spend on quality and compatibility. I've not heard R100s so I can't comment on their sound. (At 86dB sensitivity the R100s are a bit 'borderline' unless you stick to sensible volume levels.)

 

[audioaddict]

my 603 drives my cm1 quite well which arent the most efficient speakers in the world but since ive gone from 125watt mono blocs down to this mini marvel i.ve learnt not to worry to much about hifi specs and figure... just go with the sound that best suits your ears and enjoy