Marantz PM6003 deals

[Pistol Pete1]

I've currently got a 1996 Pioneer A605R stereo amp connected to a Marantz CD63 KI cd player and my KEF Q500 front speakers, with Chord Odyssey 2 cable (bi wired), and Chord Cobra plus interconnetors.

With the fact that KEF use the Marantz PM6003 amp to demo the KEF Q300's and the fact that I have a Marantz CD player, would it be a good 'upgrade' to snap up one of these PM6003 amps at a bargain price at the moment?

Would it show any improvement from a £400 Pioneer amp that got a 5 star review in 1996, after Pioneer were riding on the waves of the Pioneer A400 amp!!

Any thoughts? My music tastes vary considerably, so looking for an alrounder....

 

[Pistol Pete1]

Anyone out there?

:help:

 

[Sizzers]

I can't speak for your A605R but I do have the A400 which I THOUGHT I liked when I bought it (playing through Mission 780SE's at the time).

However, compared to the Marantz I find it quite harsh, not as well controlled (particularly in the bass), and nowhere near as an enjoyable listen IMO.

 

[matthewpiano]

Like Sizzers I've not heard the A605R but I have owned a huge number of amps, including 2 A400s, and the Marantz is the most wholly satisfying and involving amp of all of them.

 

[tonky]

I have a pioneer a400. It's a class amp which will always stand the test of time. It will sound harshish if driven too hard into an inefficient speaker. Used within it's limits it sounds great.

tonky

 

[Pistol Pete1]

Interesting comments....thanks for your input, guys!!!