cambridge audio 650 VS maratnz 6003

[admin_exported]

Hello, 

Another question, I will receive a pair of B&W 602.5 S3 from my parent. I wanna buy a ampli and a cd player that would match it:

I have pint point three possibilities:

cambridge audio 650 

maratnz 6003

NAD C326BEE

or maybe the pioneer A-A6

I have doubt with the marrantz as with B&W I often find the sound to be too much "colorfull", I believe that B&W needs a more direct and punchy amplifier.

What woud you think.

thanks, 

 

[vinod_david]

Hi:

For more direct and punchy amp, look no more, get a NAD 326BEE, really good.

 

[matthewpiano]

I've extensively auditioned the 6003, had the 650A for a month, and own the C326BEE. I've also home auditioned the 685s for a week when I had a C325BEE, and I've heard them with the Marantz 6003. I haven't heard the Pioneer amp so can't comment on that.

The 6003 is a very good amp for simpler acoustic music and sounds wonderful with intimate singer-songwriter stuff, small-group jazz, and chamber music. In my experience it starts to fall apart when things get more complicated, partially because its bass can sound very slow and plodding. Playing the first 'Imagined Village' album, the complex combination of acoustic and electronic textures tripped it up quite badly, as did the scale of Shostakovich's 5th Symphony. It is beautifully built for the price.

The 650A is a step up from the Marantz in terms of detail resolution and its ability to keep control of large-scale music but it loses some of the Marantz's musicality. In particular it has a tendency to sound overly bright and analytical in the treble and overall it can sound too clinical so it needs careful partnering to get the best out of it.

The NAD sits more comfortably between the two, with more control and clarity in complex music than the Marantz, but without veering towards the brightness of the CA. Of course, it doesn't resolve details as completely as the CA, but it is still a detailed listen and there has to be a trade-off somewhere. Its bass performance is far superior to either of the other amps but, unlike some earlier NADs, it is very well balanced across the whole frequency range. IMO it would power the 685s better than the Marantz or CA amps but I would also look at speaker options from Monitor Audio, Dali, and Q Acoustics.

The other amps you should look at are the Rotel RA-04SE and the Rega Brio 3. The Brio 3 works very well with Rega's own speakers, whilst I'd be inclined to try the Rotel with MA RX series and the Quad 11Ls.

 

[Anonymous]

thats fantastic...Thanks a lot..

 

[Anonymous]

Hey, I have read very bad review on the 602.5 S3 and I have to admit that I am not the best fan of it..

If I get bored of them in a while, which amplifier woud be the best to match with another speakers..

I mean, which ampli would be the easiest to match with another speakers..ÿ

I know it is a silly question, but I have to admit that I might consider to buy speakers myself if I am too desapointed by the b&w..

I am even thinking of the EB accoustics...

Will see,ÿ

 

[Anonymous]

I agree with it,..NAD C326BEE would be better..we have one at home..its so cool!

 

[Anonymous]

The 650A if partnered with the 650C work very well together. They would however need better speakers than the B&W 602.5 to give their best.

Not bright as everybody seems to state, but accurate, natural and dynamic and no - bass is not a problem. Do the people that come up with these statements actually try them for more than 10 minutes.

A much better pairing than the 6003's

 

[phildouf]

Stumpy21,

Could you give us some examples of speakers you would associate with the 650AC pair?

You seem to know this system quite well and I am looking for ideas.

Thanks

Philippe

 

[matthewpiano]

Stumpy21:
The 650A if partnered with the 650C work very well together. They would however need better speakers than the B&W 602.5 to give their best.

Not bright as everybody seems to state, but accurate, natural and dynamic and no - bass is not a problem.

4 weeks with at least 2-3 hours listening each day actually. To my ears, in my room and with my music the 650A is bright and the NAD is a better amplifier.

That is why the OP needs to arrange an audition and decide for himself.

 

[Anonymous]

I have the Pioneer A-A9. It's a very safe-sounding amp. I suppose it sounds similar to the A-A6. It's a good amp, but it lacks the excitement and resolution of the best out there.

In terms of detail and imaging, I would prefer the 650a and the pm6003 over it. It is a bit punchier than both though. NAD's punchier still (and quite a bit warmer), if you like your music that way.

You can bring your speakers with you and listen to them one by one. I think this would be the safest approach.

 

[Anonymous]

matthewpiano:The 6003 is a very good amp for simpler acoustic music and sounds wonderful with intimate singer-songwriter stuff, small-group jazz, and chamber music. In my experience it starts to fall apart when things get more complicated, partially because its bass can sound very slow and plodding.

Hi Matthew, sorry to go off topic here, but I've heard people say this a couple of times before. I've experienced the same with my own PM 4001. Got rave reviews, but when I played it through my (excellent) B&W DM303's I was very disappointed by the bass performance. Then I connected it to a pair of (underrated) Dali Concept 1's and these really suited the Marantz. Can listen for hours to this humble combination.

Just to say that, as always, synergy is key. (And nothing can replace a good long audition.)

Regards,

Jack

 

[Anonymous]

Hey Guys, Just came back today with the CA 650 and the cd player NAD 515BEE with the speaker 602.5 S3 and the result is amazing..

Really, ok, it is not the 30000 $ budget HIFI but I love it..It is detail and warm at the same time..I am just infront of it and I am discovering again music that I have been listenning for 100000 times..with soo may things that I have never heard before..

It is maybe not the rolls roys but it is an audiophile system...soo detail that if you are reading a book your hear always goes away, paying attention to the little details..but God, it is soo good to listen to good music (my old systm was bought 10 years ago for 300 euro)..before I knew "what hifi forum" for sure ;-)..I mean music was good before but this music is GOOOODDDD..

Going back to the 9th of beethoven...was soo enthousiast that I have been listening from vic chesnut, miles, beethoven, lhasa, Jenn Ghetto...and always the same result..

Great combination,ÿ

I am fan

 

[batonwielder]

The CA 650A sounds pretty good, huh? This is already a great system with a room for speaker upgrade later.

What cables are you using?