Question about Marantz/Pioneer amps

[stiffy]

Hi, I fancy a change from my Arcam Alpha 5 amp and have considered used examples of a Marantz PM4400, a Pioneer A400 and A333 models.

I'd be interested to know anyones thoughts on these amps and how they may differ sonically to my Arcam.

They would be matched to a Marantz CD52MKII CDP for now.

Regards

John

 

[Anonymous]

I can only comment on the Pioneer A400 I'm afraid. I had one some years ago when it was getting some pretty good reviews.

On CD playback I recall it being reasonable if not exceptional.

When I bought it I was still playing a lot of vinyl and the real downside was the Phono stage on the Amp was absolutely terrible.

I ended up trading it in for an Arcam Delta 290 and paying an additional amount to have a Phono stage installed.

Whether Pioneer have improved this aspect of the Amp in current versions I Don't know, but worth considering this point if you still like to spin a record from time to time.