PM6004/CD6004 - First Impressions

[sound10]

Hi everyone, had a demo of the PM6004/CD6004 at my local Superfi store and was really impressed with the sound. Sound Direct was selected on the PM6004. Was initially connected to the Kef Q500's, then changed to the B&W CM1's and it sounded even better.
Then compared it with the Marantz M-CR603 connected to the B&W CM1's and found that although the M-CR603 sounded superb too, the PM6004/CD6004 had a more full bodied sound and was more neutral, whereas the M-CR603 sounded slightly bright with the CM1's.
Then had a listen to the Marantz Pearl Lite Combo again connected to the CM1'S. Yes it did sound a bit better than the PM6004/CD6004, but not by that much.
I previously had the PM6003/CD6003 Combo with B&W 685's and ended up selling it because I didn't think the sound was that fantastic. It was good, but not great.
Marantz have definitely had a complete rethink with the PM6004/CD6004 and it shows with the sound quality.
Might get this system next year for upstairs all being well.

 

[Cypher]

So the PM6004 is much better than the PM6003 ?

Maybe it's time to sell my C326...........

 

[smuggs]

strange but i have a feeling its because the cm1's are a way better the 685's even though there is only £140 differ in price.if you were to have listened to cm1's on the 6003 and said it betters it but some way then i may of rushed out for a listen . im sure its better but if they make a massive change they would milk it over 2 versions.

 

[sound10]

Hi smuggs, that is a fair point you have made. I never got the chance to try out the PM6003 with the CM1'S. I'm sure it would have sounded excellent. I originally bought the PM6003/CD6003 with the Wharfedale Diamonds 10.1. Thought the sound was okay, but not great. Upgraded the speakers to the B&W 685's and still not happy. In the end I just ended up selling it rather than spending more money.
I just went in to have a demo of the PM6004/CD6004 purely because of the whathifi review and the fact that the PM6004 amp won product of the year.
As mentioned in my original post, the sound was absolutely fantastic and didn't disappoint with the Kef's & he CM1's.
Also, I totally agree with your point that the CM1's are much better than the 685's. I had a demo earlier in the year with the Roksan Kandy Amp/CD firstly hooked upto the 685's and then the CM1's. It was a night & day difference imho. The CM1's to my ears sounded much better than the 685's imho.
If any forum member is able to do a direct comparison with the PM6003/CD6003 & PM6004/CD6004 hooked upto the same speakers, then that would make for interesting reading !