Will I hear the difference?

[Daveperc]

OK - Newbie here - so looking for some advice.

The core of my system is 30 years old - Marantz 1530 receiver and a pair of Tangent TM1's. In it's day (the late 70's ) it was a very solid Budget end system. I still have my AR77XB deck, but these days have a much more recent Azur 640H as the main source.

The sound is very smooth with plenty of bass though I suspect that the top end lacks detail (but that could be my hearing!!). I tend to listen to folk/rock and need something that is at home with Pink Floyd as it is with early Dylan!

I'm thinking about upgrading the Amp and speakers with a budget of about £1K - Possibly Azur 651A or Marantz PM6005, and a pair of Mission MX3's, though I plan to have a listen to the Rotel RA150 and several other speakers.

The big question is "Is it worth it? Will I actually hear the difference??"

Appreciate your thoughts and experience of the differences between good systems of 30 years ago and what my budget will stretch to.

Dave

 

[FennerMachine]

You will almost definitely hear a difference. Whether you prefer the difference or not is another thing. Go for a few demoes.

 

[davedotco]

OK - Newbie here - so looking for some advice.

The core of my system is 30 years old - Marantz 1530 receiver and a pair of Tangent TM1's. In it's day (the late 70's ) it was a very solid Budget end system. I still have my AR77XB deck, but these days have a much more recent Azur 640H as the main source.

The sound is very smooth with plenty of bass though I suspect that the top end lacks detail (but that could be my hearing!!). I tend to listen to folk/rock and need something that is at home with Pink Floyd as it is with early Dylan!

I'm thinking about upgrading the Amp and speakers with a budget of about £1K - Possibly Azur 651A or Marantz PM6005, and a pair of Mission MX3's, though I plan to have a listen to the Rotel RA150 and several other speakers.

The big question is "Is it worth it? Will I actually hear the difference??"

Appreciate your thoughts and experience of the differences between good systems of 30 years ago and what my budget will stretch to.

Dave

You will most definitely hear the difference though how much better the music will be is open to debate.

Your old receiver and speakers are decent enough in their day and would, if available today, cost in the region of your current budget.

In that sense it is a 'like for like' replacement, although the sound will be very different, the capabilities will be much the same.

Update by all means but don't expect too much.

 

[Zax89swe]

I compared a 1981 sr4010 to a marantz pm6004 and found the pm6004 sound cleaner but a little more bright. I actually belive your amplifier and the pm6005 is in the same league when it comes to the sound.

 

[Daveperc]

Go for a few demoes.

Anyone know if the usual suspects (Richer Sounds, Sevenoaks etc) will let me bring my existing kit in to hear back to back? Trouble is I will really struggle to accurately compare by the time I have driven to the shop, even if I play the same CD's etc!

Dave

 

[BigH]

Go for a few demoes.

Anyone know if the usual suspects (Richer Sounds, Sevenoaks etc) will let me bring my existing kit in to hear back to back? Trouble is I will really struggle to accurately compare by the time I have driven to the shop, even if I play the same CD's etc!

Dave

I would go to Sevenoaks, give them a ring and asking them. If its OK then book a room similar size if possible to yours for about 1.5 hours. My local 7Oaks is pretty helpful, but did not find Richers helpful at all. Speakers will probably be a lot different and may take some time to get used to, maybe more detail/clarity which some may not like. For £1,000 I think you can do better than those amps and speakers but it somewhere to start then try maybe Rega Brio R amp and Kef R100 speakers. Best to have 2 or 3 demos.

 

[Zax89swe]

I actually had a Rega brio r and sold it, sounded like marantz pm6004 but with little more power both amps bright sounding but with marantz you can adjust the treble. Im seeking a amplifier as well, but I guess a smooth amp cost some money Try demo arcam a19 or maybe the new Roksan kandy k2 BT which is avalible in your country.

 

[BigH]

I actually had a Rega brio r and sold it, sounded like marantz pm6004 but with little more power both amps bright sounding but with marantz you can adjust the treble. Im seeking a amplifier as well, but I guess a smooth amp cost some money Try demo arcam a19 or maybe the new Roksan kandy k2 BT which is avalible in your country.

At that price level demo the Creek 50A.

Re sounding bright what speakers did you use?

 

[Zax89swe]

BigH im using wharfedale diamond 155 now, I had dali zensor 7 with the brio r that time. The diffrence between those speakers are small.

 

[BigH]

BigH im using wharfedale diamond 155 now, I had dali zensor 7 with the brio r that time. The diffrence between those speakers are small.

I see I don't know those speakers but I did not find the Brio bright. What amp have you got now?

 

[Zax89swe]

Pioneer 656 mark II, also bright but think marantz pm6004 is more powerful and maybe little more detailed.