Marantz PM8005 or PM-14S1?

[FennerMachine]

I think I've decided to upgrade my amplifier first and stick with my speakers for now.

I like the Marantz sound, similar to the qualities I heard from Icon Audio, plus Marantz amps have several useful features that Icon Audio ST40 does not not.

What would be better – Marantz PM8005 or PM-14S1?

I could get the PM8005 this week, but the PM-14S1 would have to wait several months.

What difference in performance might I notice at normal listening levels?

Is the PM-14S1 worth 2.5 times the cost when used with my Quad 21L2's, or would PM8005 be good enough?

 

[Covenanter]

Finding stockists in the UK for the Marantz Premium range is the difficulty.

Chris

 

[FennerMachine]

Not for me - have one 5 minute drive from home.

 

[FennerMachine]

Anyone have an idea on if the PM8005 would be good enough?

At its current price it might be a good purchase but is the PM-14S1 that much better?

 

[rainsoothe]

Not for me - have one 5 minute drive from home.

I haven't heard any of them, but I like the Marantz sound. Can't you just demo and let your ears decide?

 

[FennerMachine]

Probably a good idea. I'll get home demo's anyway to be sure, but just wondering what opinions are of the difference between the two. Is the PM-14S1 that much of a jump in performance and quality?

If the PM8005 is good enough, I would likely stick with what I have.

The PM-14S1 might give me upgraditis, knowing it can drive much better speakers, and encourage me to upgrade speaker as well.

 

[Thompsonuxb]

You should see if you can find a Quad 909 power amp (2nd hand) for those speakers it's a digital power amp.

With the cdplayer it came with at the time, the player had volume control so the set up did not require a pre amp - I recall the set up winning a group test 'by miles' with a pair of 4star quad 12L's a few years ago.

Made the 12l's sing - it'd probably do the same for your 22l's

WHF said at the time 'it does everything.....' ref weight, imaging, soundstage.... or something similar.

You need to get the best power to pound you can find - the used market will be a much better place to look with that budget.

 

[Thompsonuxb]

WHF still have a review of it from 2003 - how time flies.... *shok* - May be worth considering.