Thanks for all the input folks much appreciated, especially as I have no choice but to buy on spec. (Alears)
Nearest hi-fi shop is a 9hr return drive & they would have to order in the PM6004 with an expectation I would be buying it!
TBH that’s why I’ve shortlisted the highly regarded units by the hi-fi fraternity – it kind of lessens my risk of purchasing an unknown & regretting it! Even with my shortlist, like us all, I’d prefer to end up with the unit best for my system, albeit any of them are unlikely to be ‘bad’!
Pennypot – RA-12 I’m sure would be great but at this stage not really requiring an additional DAC so would prefer to put the money into the amp itself. Thanks for the i/p though.
Plastic Penguin – The CR603 has a fabulous amp for the money let alone what else the unit itself provides, it’s amazing value for money. It sounds great straight but even better set up Bi-Amped the downside to this is the drop to 25W RMS but in general that’s ample for majority of cases. The Audiolab deffo has the edge & effortlessly drives the M753’s whereas the 603 whilst ok just lacks something in comparison. To that end I did buy a set of MA BX2’s that I use connected to the 603 for general listening & making the TV sound pretty good! When I really want music, like I said I feed the Aux out to my 8000A & 753’s for a fuller deeper experience.
Toyota Man – M6i I bet is a bute but unfortunately well outside of my range it’s about $4300 out here (likely GBP much reduced) Hi Fi gear is heavily inflated out here as an example I was able to purchase the 603 when visiting my parents for GBP380 (no VAT) so about AUD600, at the time the best price here was $1495!! Yeah I got no guarantee but for that saving what else would u do!!! M3i likely at my top end here $1900 but still an unknown as such so a little worried about buying on spec a high outlay unit.
I have varied music taste but enjoy rock of many types as well as many alternative types & lots of female vocalists so the requirement would be a unit that is deadly across all genres rather than one that stands out in one particular area.
Keep up the advice though guys as it’s deffo appreciated.