Upgrade Marantz PM6010-KI Sig amp - recommendations?

[the record spot]

Looking to improve my amp - any suggestions? The 6010KI is no slouch - originally £400 good tonal balance, but I'm looking to up the performance for the SA7001-KI as it's a little "dry" albeit tonally clear. Budget, circa £700 tops. Used obviously welcome as well as new.

 

[matthewpiano]

In that case steer clear of the Cambridge 740A - it will just give you more of the same. Not heard the 840A so can't comment on that.

Bit off-the-wall this one, but what about seeking out a used Sugden?

 

[the record spot]

Sugden? Oooo, hadn't thought of them - what's the tonal quality like for the one you had in mind?

 

[matthewpiano]

I'd describe it as warm and musical but without sacrificing detail levels. You might hate it, and its not going to be easy hunting one down but I think they are rather special so I'd certainly try to hear one. I think it was the A21 I heard (a couple of years old).

 

[d_a_n1979]

I think at that price i'd be looking at the Roksan Kandy LIII or a Cyrus 6v2 amp.

 

[John Duncan]

Second hand Primare A30.2 or, for less, a new PM7001KI.

 

[Anonymous]

A used PM17, or maybe even a PM14 if you want to make a good step up.

 

[the record spot]

Okay, there's food for thought in some of those - but a few questions.

Given the 6010KI was a £400 amp - conservatively priced IMO - would the Kandy and 7001 amps be a significant step-up from where I am now? Likewise the Cyrus (a lean sound I want to avoid incidentally).

It seems to me like the Primare and Sugden's represent real advances as opposed to a slightly sideways with a bit of forward shuffle - as it were!

I'm looking for quite an advance - I've seen an Eastern Electric valve amp (8w per channel - whoa!) too. Ex-display for a very good price. The Primare and Sugden go into that bracket for me. Just a case of trying to listen to some now...!!