Marantz pm6005 to Cambridge CXA60 worth the upgrade?

[antandshar]

Hi, i've just bought a amp/speaker bundle comprising of a Marantz pm6005 and Dali 5's. I got the pair new for £599, and as the Dali's are £549 retail, gives me the Marantz for £49!
I like the sound of the Marantz as i already have the CD6003 and have just sold the PM6003. I went for the 6005 because of the dac. After reading the review of the Cambridge CXA60 i'm tempted to go the whole hog and go for the amp first, then the transport and finally the network player. What i was wondering was if there would be a big difference in sound quality? I can't get anywhere to audition the amp, so i'd be buying blind, but do trust what hifi reviews.

 

[nopiano]

If you changed your mind, would you only get £49 back for the Marantz? If so, then stick with it.

The Cambridge may have more control in a big room or with demanding music, but it depends very much on what it might cost to change. And not sure why you are having second thoughts...

 

[antandshar]

I was wondering if it would be a step up the hifi ladder because of the good reviews it has and it's in the next price class in the what hifi review. I was planning to buy the speakers anyway, so i would not be losing out if i sold the marantz to fund the Cambridge. Would i get a better amp going through the used route and if so, what should i be looking for?

 

[nopiano]

You will get a better amp for a fixed sum of money if buying secondhand, but unless you are familiar with what you are getting - and most people won't be - it is a leap in the dark!

Start by hearing both with your speakers. Why can't you audition anything! BTW, I've not heard the Cambridge and it may be amazing, but I tend to think of doubling the spend at least, if upgrading amps meaningfully. Whatever the current offers are, these two are really £350 -v- £500.

 

[antandshar]

I was looking to spend around £600 for a new or used amp. The problem with auditioning an amp is that i don't drive and the nearest hifi store is around 40 miles away.
I appreciate what you're saying about the price difference and would assume from that, that i'd not get a great deal of improvement from what i have?

 

[doifeellucky]

...with Zensor 3's at the weekend. Tried the 6005 and the Minx xi. Difficult to tell if you can't switch between them, unlike with speakers. The extra digital swayed my decision. Very happy with my choice so far.