Looking to upgrade from Marantz PM 6003 ... Any suggestions?

[Sasquatch]

Hello What HI-FI community,

I'm new here and this is my first post. I'm looking for some advice / recommendations for upgrading my system.

- Source: Cambridge Audio MXN10 streamer (streaming lossless audio from apple music)
- Source cables: Gold plated RCA
- Amplifier: Marantz PM 6003
- Speaker cable: Pure Link OFC 2x4.00mm^2
- Speakers: Monitor Audio Silver RX2 (on stands)

I recently upgraded my system with the Cambridge audio MXN10 streamer and am quite pleased with the results. With the Marantz PM6003 I find myself listening with loudness switched on (adds more depth and fullness), the bass turned down to 50% and the treble knob cranked up to 100% to get more detailed sound. But I still haven't found what I'm looking for. I'm not getting the detail, or that enveloping sound stage. Something is missing. I'm looking for a sound that gives the feeling of being in the music rather than it being played at me. I'm usually listening at relatively low volume (10 to 30% volume), as not to get complaints from the neighbors. The amp sounds better when I push the volume to the 50% range.

I am considering upgrading the amp. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking spend under 1200£.

Thanks for your feedback.

 

[matthewpianist]

Start by going back to 'Source Direct' on, to get a proper idea of what your system actually sounds like. You are currently in danger of jumping onto the slippery slope of never-ending box swapping, so steady steps are advised.

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

there is no real "correct" answer.
to get strong low level performance, thee amplifier ideally needs to provide good "grip"; thee ability to drive the speaker hard. in order to achieve, the transformer and output stages should offer high current and high power transients.
the more you spend [typically] the more grunt you will buy. there are exceptions to this, but you cannot escape power/current/voltage effect. VA rating of the transformer is usually a good indicator.

beyond that, have you a budget in mind ? and where are you; dealers local ? brands available ? home demo possible ?

 

[Shrek]

The manufacturers give very little away regarding the transformers inside .I have a 7000N and Stereo 70s the 7000N defo has more grunt .

 

[Gray]

I find myself listening with loudness switched on (adds more depth and fullness), the bass turned down to 50% and the treble knob cranked up to 100% to get more detailed sound. But I still haven't found what I'm looking for.

That's a seriously extreme EQ scenario 😱
100% travel of any tone control should never be necessary - especially on top of loudness EQ.

I'm usually listening at relatively low volume (10 to 30% volume), as not to get complaints from the neighbors. The amp sounds better when I push the volume to the 50% range.

Credit to you for your consideration to neighbours (there are quite a few of us in the same situation as you).
Unfortunately, that means we're never (or hardly ever) going to benefit from the full potential of any system (when using speakers).
Anyone that thinks otherwise is, sadly, kidding themselves.

Best that you can do is get to a few dealers and listen to different systems - with flat EQ - and see how close you can get to satisfaction at your normal listening level.

Based on your comments, I have to wonder if both your tweeters are ok.

 

[Shrek]

That's a seriously extreme EQ scenario 😱
100% travel of any tone control should never be necessary - especially on top of loudness EQ.

Credit to you for your consideration to neighbours (there are quite a few of us in the same situation as you).
Unfortunately, that means we're never (or hardly ever) going to benefit from the full potential of any system (when using speakers).
Anyone that thinks otherwise is, sadly, kidding themselves.

Best that you can do is get to a few dealers and listen to different systems - with flat EQ - and see how close you can get to satisfaction at your normal listening level.

Based on your comments, I have to wonder if both your tweeters are ok.

if your house is detached and sealed you wont disturb any one.

 

[Integralista]

Hello What HI-FI community,

I'm new here and this is my first post. I'm looking for some advice / recommendations for upgrading my system.

- Source: Cambridge Audio MXN10 streamer (streaming lossless audio from apple music)
- Source cables: Gold plated RCA
- Amplifier: Marantz PM 6003
- Speaker cable: Pure Link OFC 2x4.00mm^2
- Speakers: Monitor Audio Silver RX2 (on stands)

I recently upgraded my system with the Cambridge audio MXN10 streamer and am quite pleased with the results. With the Marantz PM6003 I find myself listening with loudness switched on (adds more depth and fullness), the bass turned down to 50% and the treble knob cranked up to 100% to get more detailed sound. But I still haven't found what I'm looking for. I'm not getting the detail, or that enveloping sound stage. Something is missing. I'm looking for a sound that gives the feeling of being in the music rather than it being played at me. I'm usually listening at relatively low volume (10 to 30% volume), as not to get complaints from the neighbors. The amp sounds better when I push the volume to the 50% range.

I am considering upgrading the amp. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking spend under 1200£.

Thanks for your feedback.

Hi, I think you have quite good system which is balanced. Better amp like Arcam A15+ or Rega Elex mk4 (your proposed budget) do not have a lot of sense without better signal source. And than speakers. Marantz amp with MA speakers is well balanced combination. Friend is using Marantz 7000N with MA Bronze 500 and Project Debut turntable and Rega Aria mk1 phono. Very good sounding system. I think, basic streamer (even good one) is weakest link in your system. Sory, I am honest here. Try some older still good CD player from Marantz. You could be surprised how well it will sound. BR.

 

[record_spot]

Are you able to move your speakers around somewhat? Before you start going out and auditioning new amps, try repositioning the speakers if you can. It's cheap, and just costs you a little time and you might be surprised. The RX2s apparently aren't exactly bass-shy so something's amiss somewhat. I wonder if it's your expectations too?

I've been revisiting old gear from the 70s, 80s and 90s of late and the most recent acquistion - a Marantz PM80 Mk II amp - just arrived over the weekend (slightly damaged, thank you ParcelFarce, but working and I'll deal with them later) and apart from getting used to the sound compared to a recapped and serviced NAD-3120, I was initially surprised that this monster amp didn't have the upfront oomph I was expecting.

As it seems to be turning out, and a minor speaker shift aside, there's greater layers uncovered in songs that I know incredibly well. Vocal harmonies aren't just a bunch of voices, but you can pick out the individual voices in the backing vocals. The other thing is there is plenty of bass on tap, but it's better managed by the amp. Expectations again. It may yet prove to be a tad too polite for my tastes and get moved on, but it's going into a three-way retro-amp shootout shortly (with it, the aforementioned NAD-3120 and a soon to be arriving Sansui AU-317).

I'd hold on the amp swap for now, do the legwork in doing the checks with the gear in situ and if that fails, then maybe start seeing what's available out there. I'd heed Matthewpianist's comment around going to source direct and holding back on the bass and treble controls.

 

[Gray]

if your house is detached and sealed you wont disturb any one.

Yes I know 🙂
But so many are not - and he's made it clear that he's compromised by the fact that his isn't.

Plenty of people are forced to play at low levels, some or all of the time.
But how many of them have loudness on, bass cut and treble 100% boosted in an unsuccessful attempt to get more detail?

That's why I wondered if both his tweeters are ok.