the record spot:From one Marantz fan to a new convert, good call!
I think so - All hail the Holy Marantz KI. Lol
hi fi newbie:Excellent news, it sounds like you are absolutely made up about the amp you have now got and it sounds like what you are saying is the NAD was a step up from the CA, but the Marantz was a big step up from the NAD, interesting, i will remember that amp in future
With regards to the NAD over the CA, i would say yes when listening to the type of music i like to listen to. Other people might think differently depending on their musical taste.
"Big step up from the NAD to Marantz": I can't speak for the PM7003, but with the Ki, a resounding YES!! If you get the chance, demo the PM7003 against the NAD, then try the Ki. You will be pleasantly surprised.
I don't know how much better the Ki's replacement is (PM8003), but i would say if the only difference is just features but not in sound quality, save the extra cash and get the Ki unless you need those features.
I also bought a Marantz CD5003 from RS on the way home - bargain at £130, and hooked it up with my SB3 to a Beresford TC-7510 dac. Music from both became like Frankenstein,(in a good way) "I'm alive, I'm alive!!".
So Yes, i am extremely made up. What started out as a bad day (as i was leaving for the demo, received call from eldest child school, she slipped on stairs and knocked her head. Had to collect and take her to A.E.) ended in sheer delight. Haven't slept yet for playing music, only stopped due to work - the cheek of it.
Bar the hospital trip, it has been a splendid week so far. Day off Monday and Tuesday due snow and no buses, snowball fights with the whole street, making snow angels with the kids. A quality Marantz PM7001 Ki on Wednesday. It's all good.