Rotel RA-1520 vs Marantz PM8003

[admin_exported]

Hi,

I am considering either a Rotel RA-1520 or a Marantz PM8003 to drive a pair of Monitor Audio RX8 : which one do you advise ?

Thanks

 

[Frank Harvey]

Both are excellent amplifiers, and as alway, a demo is recommended with your speakers. The Rotel is a little more forward sounding, more 'in your face'. The Marantz is a little more laid back with more finesse.

The RX9's are quite laid back, so my choice would be the Rotel to pep them up a little and keep thatbig bass in check.

 

[DIB]

FrankHarveyHiFi:
Both are excellent amplifiers, and as alway, a demo is recommended with your speakers. The Rotel is a little more forward sounding, more 'in your face'. The Marantz is a little more laid back with more finesse.

The RX9's are quite laid back, so my choice would be the Rotel to pep them up a little and keep thatbig bass in check.

In the 15 years or so that I've had a hi-fi system, apart from a cracking little 30W Rotel amp that died a death a couple of years ago, I've always had Marantz components albeit at the budget/2nd hand level. Having said that they've given me years of pleasure.

I'm now in a position where I can actually go out and look at upgrading my system and thought that the amp might be an area to look at.

My question is basically, in your opinion would either of these two amps be a step up in performance and quality from my PM7001?

I've got a demo booked for next weekend where I'm taking my own Quad 12L2's along to test some amp/cd combos. When I first went into the store and spoke to the dealer he almost dismissed Marantz and NAD out of hand as not an upgrade, and was rather pushing the Cyrus/Naim brands. Anyway I'm going in with an open mind and wont allow myself to be steered to what he wants me to buy. I'm rather looking forward to it, never done a proper demo before.

Anyway back to my initial question, any ideas how the PM7001 compares to the PM8003 or RA-1520?

Thanks.

 

[batonwielder]

Does the dealer even have the products you are looking for? If he keeps pestering you about how much better Cyrus or Naim would be, just walk away. If that was really the case, then he shouldn't be carrying any other products in the first place.

Anyhow, I think the PM8003 or RA1520 would be a decent step up from what you have, basically in power and grip.

Would you consider a different brand? Is there anything you would like to improve?

 

[Cypher]

Try the Roksan K2. A major improvement on most amps you mention. It's not cheap but worth every penny IMO.

 

[Anonymous]

Cypher:Try the Roksan K2. A major improvement on most amps you mention. It's not cheap but worth every penny IMO.

I second this. Roksans are nice and dynamic. They match very well with Monitor Audio gear in my opinion. If you have the chance, give them a listen.