Things we sometimes do for insights…
"We don't do this very often, but I'd like to show one of our actual spec sheets":
"We don't do this very often, but I'd like to show one of our actual spec sheets":
MUSICRAFT
Well-known member
Took in a PM17 KI MK2 Signature in Champagne Gold finish as a trade in today which I had sold to our client back in September 2003 btw. Still looks and sounds great 
Proper old school
Proper old school Took in a PM17 KI MK2 Signature in Champagne Gold finish as a trade in today which I had sold to our client back in September 2003 btw. Still looks and sounds great
may i ask rick, what did you make of the cable test video above, post #53 ?
I've that 17 MKII KI amp & cd player set too, have lent them to my uncle to use, which he enjoys…
And to link up some earlier Posts, price point of their 17 Series amps had a Warm-up Meter too:
Plus, AudioQuest has been distributed by Marantz Japan (MJ) for quite some time. Mind you, cable-wise, MJ also is the distributor for Kimber Kable.
Furthermore, although Bowers & Wilkins are also imported by MJ and used as their reference, Ken wasn't fond of the new 800 revisions:
Took in a PM17 KI MK2 Signature in Champagne Gold finish as a trade in today which I had sold to our client back in September 2003 btw. Still looks and sounds great
And to link up some earlier Posts, price point of their 17 Series amps had a Warm-up Meter too:
Plus, AudioQuest has been distributed by Marantz Japan (MJ) for quite some time. Mind you, cable-wise, MJ also is the distributor for Kimber Kable.
Furthermore, although Bowers & Wilkins are also imported by MJ and used as their reference, Ken wasn't fond of the new 800 revisions:
matthewpiano
Well-known member
I'm quite surprised, given such a strong association with Marantz, that Ken Ishiwata started a project with Rotel last year, prior to his death. He worked on modifications to their CD11 CD player and A11 amplifier which are finally coming to light as the 'Tribute' versions of these models. It will be interesting to hear what the input of KI has achieved here, especially as on price they will be going head-to-head with the new Marantz CD6007/PM6007.
manicm
Well-known member
Welcome back Matthew, have you been lurking or just rejoined recently? Quite the gear you have there, how does the Audiolab streamer pair with the 606s?
matthewpiano
Well-known member
Hi! I've been checking in every now and then. Hope you're well.
The Audiolab is excellent, but it's just the 6000N so it's more the amp that makes the differences with the 606s. I'm currently using the RA01 and it works very well with the 606s. I also have a Roksan K3 amp, but that sounds very upfront and slightly too bright with the B&Ws - almost aggressive. The Roksan pairs better with the Wharfedale Linton 85s I have, but over time I've found them to get a little lethargic at times, great though they are in many respects.
Of Rotel Tribute, we may as well discuss Karl-Heinz Fink:
Speaking of Karl-Heinz Fink
Doing an on-site search, very little has been said of Karl-Heinz Fink. Yet quoting, from 2008: Karl-Heinz Fink, who's behind more speakers than you'd imagine for a wide range of well-known names. So, let us speak of KHF and be conscious of current products he has had a hand in developing...
forums.whathifi.com
N.B.:
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matthewpiano
Well-known member
It's sad to see people of such experience and expertise being pushed out of companies they have worked for over so many years.Of Rotel Tribute, we may as well discuss Karl-Heinz Fink:
Speaking of Karl-Heinz Fink
Doing an on-site search, very little has been said of Karl-Heinz Fink. Yet quoting, from 2008: Karl-Heinz Fink, who's behind more speakers than you'd imagine for a wide range of well-known names. So, let us speak of KHF and be conscious of current products he has had a hand in developing...
N.B.:
View attachment 1602
Pjl2122
Member
Ken RIP this New model 30 has all of his last efforts with the Ruby
i just got one of the first ,is is almost identical to the KI Ruby ,but more retro with the knobs on front
but all functions can operate from remote,
ruby didnot have a preamp out the 30 has a pre in and out. And $1500 less .it is very musical your power cord and cables will dictate its balance, your speakers to to a less extent a very well behaved integrated and same active preamplifier with seperate power supply no cheap alps volume pot ,all linear electric volume nice OLED
fully adjustable display. And in 1/2 db increments , integrated amp of the yearIMO dualmono Hypex amps direct coupled to the outputs and Descreet designed modules ,not opamps like most .i have been in audio 40+ years .
this sounds like a very good class AB setup. the ruby was $4k this is a more more linear not quite as warm.
get a good power cord and upgrade the fuse inside to a synergistic Orange fuse. The cdp,dac is equally good.
and I personally like the looks lI have it in Black.,and weighs around 16 kilos.👍🎼
i just got one of the first ,is is almost identical to the KI Ruby ,but more retro with the knobs on front
but all functions can operate from remote,
ruby didnot have a preamp out the 30 has a pre in and out. And $1500 less .it is very musical your power cord and cables will dictate its balance, your speakers to to a less extent a very well behaved integrated and same active preamplifier with seperate power supply no cheap alps volume pot ,all linear electric volume nice OLED
fully adjustable display. And in 1/2 db increments , integrated amp of the yearIMO dualmono Hypex amps direct coupled to the outputs and Descreet designed modules ,not opamps like most .i have been in audio 40+ years .
this sounds like a very good class AB setup. the ruby was $4k this is a more more linear not quite as warm.
get a good power cord and upgrade the fuse inside to a synergistic Orange fuse. The cdp,dac is equally good.
and I personally like the looks lI have it in Black.,and weighs around 16 kilos.👍🎼
Ken said his leaving the company "sad" too.
Text drained of his usual colour, this is most of the reply from just after news broke:
"What HiFi announcement":
Marantz brand ambassador Ken Ishiwata leaves company after 41 years
A 'mutual agreement' sees both parties go their own way
www.whathifi.com
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Congrats on the Model 30 purchase
However, you are saying that cables will make a major difference, moreso than speaker choice, and are suggesting that a mega expensive fuse will change the sound more than speakers! Are you for real??
Gray
Well-known member
That's the most incredible statement I've seen on any forum.
Al ears
Well-known member
It's certainly a tad rum for a Sunday and difficult to digest, and that's after having read it twice....
Autism, somewhat.
Seeing you're fond of MF, linking them with the subject of tuning products, I'll point to the following in case you (and others) haven't read it:
Two years ago, when [Antony] Michaelson opted to retire, [Heinz] Lichtenegger took over the company with the promise to rebuild the line while maintaining the Musical Fidelity tradition.
"Antony was never a designer," Lichtenegger said. "He was the idea holder, the man behind the sound whose specialty was electronic and analog design. For 10 years, I'd already been producing his digital and software line using Pro-Ject's digital engineers."
As part of the ownership shift, Lichtenegger welcomed the original designer of the company's analog layouts, Musical Fidelity's technical director and main engineer, Simon Quarry. David Popeck, who was involved in designing the digital side of the M8xi, also remained with the company and focuses mainly on software design for the Encore line of streaming music systems.
"Our philosophy involves both circuitry and components. You can take the best circuitry and components, put them together, and build something that measures really well but doesn't sound good. Antony knew how to balance circuitry with components. It took us two years to fine-tune the M8xi to its current level, which required finding the correct placement for components. The layout of every wire and transistor has a huge impact on distortion and sound. You don't just put something in and solder it and consider it done; sonic balance is only achieved by play, play, play.
It's very difficult to combine a certain warmth and sweetness with musicality in solid-state. Antony, whose first products were tube amplifiers, worked to get tube sound from solid-state amplifiers that could power big speakers. I'm very happy that I still have Simon and Antony on board to fine-tune the circuitry and components that create the famous Musical Fidelity sound."
For over 20 years, supporting KI, I had studied, saved and bought mostly products he had worked on. Going forward, likely everything…
Seeing you're fond of MF, linking them with the subject of tuning products, I'll point to the following in case you (and others) haven't read it:
Two years ago, when [Antony] Michaelson opted to retire, [Heinz] Lichtenegger took over the company with the promise to rebuild the line while maintaining the Musical Fidelity tradition.
"Antony was never a designer," Lichtenegger said. "He was the idea holder, the man behind the sound whose specialty was electronic and analog design. For 10 years, I'd already been producing his digital and software line using Pro-Ject's digital engineers."
As part of the ownership shift, Lichtenegger welcomed the original designer of the company's analog layouts, Musical Fidelity's technical director and main engineer, Simon Quarry. David Popeck, who was involved in designing the digital side of the M8xi, also remained with the company and focuses mainly on software design for the Encore line of streaming music systems.
"Our philosophy involves both circuitry and components. You can take the best circuitry and components, put them together, and build something that measures really well but doesn't sound good. Antony knew how to balance circuitry with components. It took us two years to fine-tune the M8xi to its current level, which required finding the correct placement for components. The layout of every wire and transistor has a huge impact on distortion and sound. You don't just put something in and solder it and consider it done; sonic balance is only achieved by play, play, play.
It's very difficult to combine a certain warmth and sweetness with musicality in solid-state. Antony, whose first products were tube amplifiers, worked to get tube sound from solid-state amplifiers that could power big speakers. I'm very happy that I still have Simon and Antony on board to fine-tune the circuitry and components that create the famous Musical Fidelity sound."
For over 20 years, supporting KI, I had studied, saved and bought mostly products he had worked on. Going forward, likely everything…
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GSV Ethics Gradient
Moderator
Thanks to matthewpiano for taking the time, carefully sharing his thoughts regarding their 6007 set:
I don't have time right now to satisfactorily write up all I've in mind to say. Yet, 2 quick points, the person currently tasked with leading their product-finalisations is "Sound Manager" Yoshinobu Ogata:
Secondly, it's imperative he continue to be "successful in this category" e.g. as KI had explained to AE, 9 years ago:
www.whathifi.com
I don't have time right now to satisfactorily write up all I've in mind to say. Yet, 2 quick points, the person currently tasked with leading their product-finalisations is "Sound Manager" Yoshinobu Ogata:
Secondly, it's imperative he continue to be "successful in this category" e.g. as KI had explained to AE, 9 years ago:
Home
As Marantz prepares to launch the successors to its Award-winning CD6003 CD player and PM6003 stereo amp – see news on the CD6004/PM6004 here – we caught up with the company's Brand Ambassador and all-round audio guru, Ken Ishiwata, to talk more about the new products.A man with more airline...
www.whathifi.com
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They've a YouTube Channel named Sound United Training, this 48 minutes vid is quite revealing on several levels:
mikeyc38
Well-known member
A pity a great engineer and audiophile has left us...
My first Marantz product was a CD-63KI Sig and it is still one of the most amazing CD players for £500 I've ever heard. Recently upgraded to an audiolab 8200CD and it just outperforms it. In my setup of Audiolab 8000s, 8000sx bi-amped in to Mission 782 with QED Silver anniversary cable just sounds sweet with a large expansive sound stage . System can go really loud without harshness. In fact you don't realise how loud it is until you try to talk to someone!
My first Marantz product was a CD-63KI Sig and it is still one of the most amazing CD players for £500 I've ever heard. Recently upgraded to an audiolab 8200CD and it just outperforms it. In my setup of Audiolab 8000s, 8000sx bi-amped in to Mission 782 with QED Silver anniversary cable just sounds sweet with a large expansive sound stage . System can go really loud without harshness. In fact you don't realise how loud it is until you try to talk to someone!
It's been 10 days since news of "a bug in the HDMI chip in Denon, Marantz and Yamaha's latest receivers has "rendered them incapable of passing through either 4K video at 120Hz or 8K video at 60Hz from the Xbox Series X and Nvidia PC cards", although Sound United, which owns Denon and Marantz, has since been in touch with What Hi-Fi? to clarify that it's only 4K at 120Hz signals that are affected."
www.whathifi.com
I noticed the following 2 vids were released a couple of hours ago by Sound United Training:
HDMI 2.1 Troubleshooting
HDMI 2.1 Recommended Setup
So far, consumer comments within YouTube reflects dissatisfaction, frustration e.g. "So you’re saying the main new feature of 2020 AVR’s is actually useless because eARC setup is better anyway?" And "How about a refund as SU has been pushing products that do not live up to the marketing, this is not an inconvenience that needs a solution, this is a product that does not do what was advertised and consumer protection should be involved. I used to be annoyed at Denon customer service and lack of service after the sale but we now see the issue run deeper, lack of R&D, lack of quality, lack of service. To many options out there to have this kind of brand loyalty."
"Major bug" hits PS5 and Xbox Series X-friendly AV receivers
The bug is said to result in a "black screen" of doom...
www.whathifi.com
I noticed the following 2 vids were released a couple of hours ago by Sound United Training:
HDMI 2.1 Troubleshooting
HDMI 2.1 Recommended Setup
So far, consumer comments within YouTube reflects dissatisfaction, frustration e.g. "So you’re saying the main new feature of 2020 AVR’s is actually useless because eARC setup is better anyway?" And "How about a refund as SU has been pushing products that do not live up to the marketing, this is not an inconvenience that needs a solution, this is a product that does not do what was advertised and consumer protection should be involved. I used to be annoyed at Denon customer service and lack of service after the sale but we now see the issue run deeper, lack of R&D, lack of quality, lack of service. To many options out there to have this kind of brand loyalty."
Consciously, I've not continued this Thread with another Post until today.
I could easily share a lot more on the topic. But I just want to let-it-go.
"Joel Sietsema, SVP of Brand at Marantz parent company Sound United, says that, 'Our main goal in updating Marantz was to effectively capture the timelessness, musicality and passion the brand has brought to the world for nearly 70 years. The result is a familiar, yet entirely new Marantz ID and an exciting listening experience that delivers on the Marantz promise of the most musical sound'."
Words, words, words.
I could easily share a lot more on the topic. But I just want to let-it-go.
"Joel Sietsema, SVP of Brand at Marantz parent company Sound United, says that, 'Our main goal in updating Marantz was to effectively capture the timelessness, musicality and passion the brand has brought to the world for nearly 70 years. The result is a familiar, yet entirely new Marantz ID and an exciting listening experience that delivers on the Marantz promise of the most musical sound'."
Words, words, words.
Something nice to say, (definitely make-an-effort and) say it.
Evidently, value-for-money:
"The Marantz CD6007 once again wins the Product of the Year gong in the CD player category, while the matching stereo amplifier, the Marantz PM6007, becomes the latest member of our Hall of Fame for the consistent excellence of the generations of 6000 Series models."
www.whathifi.com
Evidently, value-for-money:
"The Marantz CD6007 once again wins the Product of the Year gong in the CD player category, while the matching stereo amplifier, the Marantz PM6007, becomes the latest member of our Hall of Fame for the consistent excellence of the generations of 6000 Series models."
What Hi-Fi? Awards: 26 Product of the Year winners announced for 2021!
Our five special annual awards have also been revealed…
www.whathifi.com
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