Choosing an integrated amp

[JorisC]

Hi,
I have trouble finding an integrated amp, so many choices...

I own a pair of B&W DM17's (almost 30 yrs old), currently used with an Sony LBT-V901 (late 80's) which has a built-in DAC (CD and DAT). The left channel is wearing down, not always sound, kinda frustrating.

I mainly listen to rock, acoustic guitar and trip-hop music, mainly lossless all stored on my NAS with Sonos ZP90 to the built-in DAC with optical.

I am thinking of buying a second hand Rotel (prob RA-1062) or Marantz PM6003 but there are some 2nd hand PM7200 available.

Which would be best option: Rotel and Marantz? Can't audition them because 2nd hand.
Since the Marantz and Rotels don't have built-in DAC's, would I benefit with an extra external DAC with my Sonos?

Thanks,
Joris, Belgium

 

[matthewpiano]

The Rotel would be the best out of those three amps. The PM6003 is an excellent entry-level amp, but nothing more than that. Rotel always seems to work well with B&W as well.

 

[the record spot]

Depends on your requirements I think. The Rotel would be good, the PM7200 offers a Class A (25wpc) option as well as standard Class AB at 95wpc. I think the 7200 was the rabbit out of the hat for Marantz a decade or so back. Didn't hang round for long, but it struck me as a big lump of an amp that was pretty capable with it. The KI Signature version would've been worth having, but few were made I think. I didn't hear it, but I think it might be a little less edgy than some of the company's other line of amplifiers at the time.

I hear good things of Rotel, but equally, I hear some of their stuff can be a little towards the detailed and brighter end of the scale. Depends on what you like really. I'd pick either over the 6003, which is a fine amp in its own right, but not up to the standard of the other two (IMO of course).

 

[JorisC]

picked up the 2nd hand Rotel RA-1062.
I am pleased with it, more detailed and bassier than my old Sony, but a bit on the bright side.