Marantz PM7200 replacement? Equivelant ?

[admin_exported]

Hi all,

My Marantz PM7200 integrated amplifier has recently developed a fault, where the right channel lacks detail and becomes fussy at low volumes. So I am trying to weigh up the options here of what to do with it.

Repair from a specialist Marantz dealer is something like £50 per hour to investigate/fix. So it could become costly.

However, it's a fantastic amplifier, and sounds awesome through my Dali Concept 6 floorstanders.I would be very sad to see it go, or not be able to replace it with something as worthy.

So what is out there that can match the sound and power of this amplifier at reasonable cost? Is there anything on the AV market which could power them so well when in stereo mode?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ben123]

Replacing a legendary amp isnt going to be easy. Unless you want modern styling get yourself another PM7200. Not even the Ki pearl lite could convince me to part with my pm7000 (same as your amp but without class a mode). 8)

As for AV, in my opinion dont bother - it will never compare to a proper 2 channel amp unless your spending big bucks on maybe arcam stuff. I did the whole 5.1 thing and decided to sell it all and never looked back.

Sorry if thats not what you wanted to hear but the pm7200 is tough one to beat.

 

[matthewpiano]

I agree. The 7200 is a great amp and if you love it so much you are going to find it hard to replace. Can the repairer give a rough estimate for how long it might take? I'd say £150 or less and it would be worth repairing. Otherwise seek out a replacement one on the used market.

If you want to explore new amps I'd suggest trying the Marantz PM-KI Pearl Lite.

 

[Paul.]

Funnily enough I went from a Marantz pm7200 to a 5.1 setup. It was worth it for me as I watch more films than I do sit and listen to music, but I guess you need to weigh up your priorities. I have an Onkyo 805, it doesn't sound bad by any means, but I do miss the old Marantz. My current setup is more detailed mainly because of the digital source and dacs in the amp, but it isn't as musical as the the old setup.

The 7200 are irritatingly expensive to replace, I bought mine I think in 2004 for £269, and I sold it in 2010 ish for about £250! I would expect to be paying £800 plus on a heavily discounted previous year av amp if you want to beat it for music.