Help choosing amplifier

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Anonymous

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Where is my text??

hmm

Hello whathifi forum. I am here and I could use some help putting together a good stereo system.

I have a Technics SL-1210 MKII turntable but I don’t have a amplifier yet. I am not planning to scratch and such on my turntable. I would rather like to listen to some good vinyl. I don’t much about amplifiers, so I’ve been searching on the internet. I read reviews from some different amps from Marantz, Cambridge, NAD and Yamaha. I paid particular attention to Marantz PM6004 and Yamaha A-S500, since both of them got some very positive reviews. Maybe you could give me some advice regarding the amplifiers?

I am willing to spend up to 3500 Danish crowns (around 600 USD) on a good amp if it gives me better sound. I have a pair of AKG K550 headphones, but I don’t have any good speakers yet. When I have the money I will upgrade the speakers so they match my amp and the other stuff. Where I live I have the opportunity to listen to some amps, but unfortunately the choice really isn’t very wide, so I was hoping that you could help me choosing a good amp.

I mostly listen to jazz, but also hip hop, soul, funk and such. My room is small and I don’t need to play very loud. I want some nice, detailed, balanced sound… Do you have any suggestions/ advice about amplifiers? Suggestions on loudspeakers are also welcome.

Thanks a lot!
 

GCE

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Jan 31, 2011
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I tested pm 6004 (as with my spk) with B&W 684 fl.st. and it delivered good bass and smooth treble, at low volumes too.
Phono imput is like my old Quad and headphones output is ok.
I have tweaked the TV link with an attenuator and I can enjoy film tracks with a big effects sound.

Only my impressions with my old B&W and B&W 684 in store (rock and Jazz):
Yam AS 500: very open sound , great horizontal image stage, but with too present high freq., for me; bass good only with loudness in, not very ergonomic remote and front commands; very, very easy to mark with fingers on the front (incredible!);
Nad 316: good bass, but not at low volume; medium-high freq. a little bit confuse; very ergonomic and nice.
Marantz 6004: more liquid and natural medium freq.; bass enough, but you can add something at low volume with loudness, not possible with Nad;
built like a tank in Japan, with golden input/output, smart and nice remote, that I found can drive my 20 years old CD Philips too!

review :

MARANTZ - PM 6004
Bancs d'essai
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
Ok thanks a lot for your answer GCE. It sounds like Marantz PM6004 might be a good choice.
It should be very good in combination with the CD-player. I hope it sounds as good with a Technics SL-1210 MK2 with a good cartridge! :)
I'd like to hear more impressions about the amps, but if I chose the Marantz PM6004, what speakers would match them? (in a small room)?
Thank you
 
T

the record spot

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If you can get them, try the ones I use - also in a small room much like yourself, or at least firing across the narrow width of the room anyway - the Tannoy Revolution DC4. Excellent across the frequency range; not boomy, with an articulate bass, lovely midrange and a sweet treble that's neither spitty nor muted. £350 in UK money so well within your budget.

Best to audition them with whatever amp you go for in the end though - good hunting!
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A

Anonymous

Guest
Ok thank you.

I have the opportunity to buy a pair of used Dali Mentor Menuet (demo in a store) for 3.500 DKK (£380). What do you think?

SL-1210 MK2 + Marantz PM6004 + Dali Mentor Menuet?

The ones you linked and the Dali's are both a bit small compared to other compact speakers. As long it is compact speakers (and not floorstanders etc.) I don't care much about design and size. So a pair of farily large compact loudspeakers would be good for me I think.
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
Ok thank you, but the Rega Brio R is a bit too expensive. Will the Marantz PM6004 be "overkill" if it's only for vinyl?

I mean, are there other cheaper/better amps that specialises in vinyl, and does not have as many features as the Marantz?

Thanks in advance :)
 

GCE

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Will the Marantz PM6004 be "overkill" if it's only for vinyl ?

***************

Not at all, as pm 6004 has a very good phono imput, ( it's like my old Quad 34, if not better);

in addition, his fine tone control ( centered on 50 Hz and 15000Hz) can sometimes play a big role

with poor LP record... :dance:
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
Ok

Another consideration... I'm also looking for loudspeakers:

The stereo system will be in a small room (3,5*2,7*2,5m) (l,w,h)

I think bookshelf speakers might be the best choice for me?

And if I choose bookshelf speakers, will I need a sub for the lowest frequencies ?

- If yes (I need sub): Will this be a problem with the Marantz amp since it has no dedicated sub output like for instance the Yamaha A-S500 has?
 

Big Chris

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If you do go down the sub route, look for subs with speaker level (often called "high level") connection. This will accept speaker cable from the speaker terminals of your amp.

The good thing is, you can add a sub at a later date if you feel you're missing out on the low stuff.
 
A

Anonymous

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What do you say if I say Focal Chorus 806 V + Marantz PM6004?
 

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