Question Rookie choice - rank these amps!

[hejira]

Ok, so I'm looking for a second hand amp and the following have come up within my (meagre) price range.

How would you rank them (and, even better, why)?

1. Denon PMA 510 AE
2. Marantz PM6010
3. Cambridge Audio A5

Will be mainly using with turntable and computer.

Thanks!

 

[KeesWIjn]

I think you should clarify what speakers you will be using....they will have a much greater impact on sound than Turntable & computer.

 

[hejira]

I think you should clarify what speakers you will be using....they will have a much greater impact on sound than Turntable & computer.

Thanks, good point. I'm actually building a system from scratch so have an open mind re speakers. Just looking for a solid amp in the first instance, and taking it from there...

 

[Al ears]

Ok, so I'm looking for a second hand amp and the following have come up within my (meagre) price range.

How would you rank them (and, even better, why)?

1. Denon PMA 510 AE
2. Marantz PM6010
3. Cambridge Audio A5

Will be mainly using with turntable and computer.

Thanks!

i would dismiss the Cambridge A5 unless you are sure it has the optional phono stage fitted....

 

[hejira]

i would dismiss the Cambridge A5 unless you are sure it has the optional phono stage fitted....

Ah thanks - this is a rookie question, sorry, but if I get a relatively cheap preamp, will that solve the problem? Or would it degrade the sound quality to such an extent that it's not worth it?

 

[TrevC]

You could compare them if someone had tested them, but not otherwise. You can only go by the specs.

 

[hejira]

These are all very helpful and reasonable replies, but I was expecting stronger opinions! Hit me with your kneejerk reactions! Or perhaps they all suck equally 😂

 

[Al ears]

Ah thanks - this is a rookie question, sorry, but if I get a relatively cheap preamp, will that solve the problem? Or would it degrade the sound quality to such an extent that it's not worth it?

If you go for the Cambridge you might need a cheap phono preamp.
Be careful as a preamp isn't the same thing....

 

[Al ears]

These are all very helpful and reasonable replies, but I was expecting stronger opinions! Hit me with your kneejerk reactions! Or perhaps they all suck equally 😂

They are all old amps, probably from the eighties, they may have issues so unless you can actually listen to them I would avoid.
What is your budget and where did you get these amps from?

 

[hejira]

They are all old amps, probably from the eighties, they may have issues so unless you can actually listen to them I would avoid.
What is your budget and where did you get these amps from?

Cool, thanks. They are all potential eBay bids. All going for around £75.

 

[hejira]

Of course any other recommendations for around £75-100 also gratefully received

 

[Dom]

Visit the Fosi Audio Store

All kinds of cheap and cheerful amplifiers.

 

[Al ears]

Visit the Fosi Audio Store

All kinds of cheap and cheerful amplifiers.

Probably not within his budget for a stereo amplifier and a phono preamp but haven't checked in detail.

 

[Al ears]

Cool, thanks. They are all potential eBay bids. All going for around £75.

Unless you are prepared to chance it or these state reconditioned I would be careful here.

 

[Gray]

Will be mainly using with turntable and computer.

Which turntable? I ask because some contain the necessary phono preamplifier.

And what will you listen to from the computer?

 

[KeesWIjn]

You could go for a Pioneer A400 - saw one for 79 and another for 99

 

[hejira]

Which turntable? I ask because some contain the necessary phono preamplifier.

And what will you listen to from the computer?

It's a Technics without a phono preamp - at the moment I use a cheap £20 thing.

In terms of the computer, I'd be streaming all sorts - lots of jangly guitar music...

 

[Dom]

Probably not within his budget for a stereo amplifier and a phono preamp but haven't checked in detail.

You can't go wrong with a Denon if you can find one.

 

[hejira]

You can't go wrong with a Denon if you can find one.

So the PMA 510 AE is alright then?

 

[Al ears]

So the PMA 510 AE is alright then?

It would need checking, it came out in the eighties.
I don't think you can take it as written that all Denon amplifiers are good ones unless you can use it.
If I were you I would be looking for something as modern as your budget allows.

 

[nopiano]

If you can get one in good condition, I’d choose the 50 watt Marantz from those you list. I’ve got a Marantz dating from 1993/4 and it still works, though it needs a service. The PM6010 is almost ten years newer and worth a punt. A cheap example with no remote for £65.

MARANTZ PM6010 OSE AMPLIFIER ORIGINAL SE COLLECTION ONLY | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for MARANTZ PM6010 OSE AMPLIFIER ORIGINAL SE COLLECTION ONLY at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

However, the Denon is another ten years newer, 2009-12, so is likely to benefit from being more recently made. It’s fractionally less powerful at 45 watts, which isn't significant. The condition and the credibility of the seller would be relevant too.
I think they both had remote control, so knock off something if it’s missing.

I‘m less keen on older Cambridge and the phono board was an option. It doesn’t seem to include a remote though is reportedly quite well made. 60 watts per channel.

 

[hejira]

If you can get one in good condition, I’d choose the 50 watt Marantz from those you list. I’ve got a Marantz dating from 1993/4 and it still works, though it needs a service. The PM6010 is almost ten years newer and worth a punt. A cheap example with no remote for £65.

MARANTZ PM6010 OSE AMPLIFIER ORIGINAL SE COLLECTION ONLY | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for MARANTZ PM6010 OSE AMPLIFIER ORIGINAL SE COLLECTION ONLY at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

However, the Denon is another ten years newer, 2009-12, so is likely to benefit from being more recently made. It’s fractionally less powerful at 45 watts, which isn't significant. The condition and the credibility of the seller would be relevant too.
I think they both had remote control, so knock off something if it’s missing.

I‘m less keen on older Cambridge and the phono board was an option. It doesn’t seem to include a remote though is reportedly quite well made. 60 watts per channel.

Thanks, this is really helpful.

The Marantz I'm looking for is from 1999, and going for marginally more than the Denon (subject to a bit of haggling).

Marantz PM6010 OSE Stereo Integrated Amplifier | eBay

<p>Marantz PM6010 OSE Stereo Integrated Amplifier. </p><br /><br /><br /><p>This has been fully tested prior to listing and all features and functions work flawlessly. Item does have a few cosmetic flaws around the exterior of it. (Please view images)</p><br /><br /><p>I have provided the...

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[matthewpianist]

It would need checking, it came out in the eighties.
I don't think you can take it as written that all Denon amplifiers are good ones unless you can use it.
If I were you I would be looking for something as modern as your budget allows.

The 'Advanced Evolution' range didn't come out in the 80s, it was around 2010, and was the range before the current 'NE' one. They-re good, solid amps and would be my choice out of those mentioned.

 

[hejira]

Great, thanks all. I've just picked up the Denon for £50, which was a bit of a bargain. Will let you know how I get on.

Not to repurpose the thread, but for speakers I'm looking at a pair of B&W DM602 or Wharfedale Diamond 12.1, both of which are available for about £100. Would be interested in your thoughts on those, or other suitable speakers in that price range.

 

[Al ears]

The 'Advanced Evolution' range didn't come out in the 80s, it was around 2010, and was the range before the current 'NE' one. They-re good, solid amps and would be my choice out of those mentioned.

my mistake.