Review
Marantz PM-8004 (October 30, 2012)
| Ease of Use |
|
(5/5.0) |
| Value |
|
(5/5.0) |
| Performance |
|
(5/5.0) |
| Overall Rating |
|
(5/5.0) |
Reviewed By: J. H. - Trinity, FL
Sheesh! Most of these product reviews look like they are written by audio reviewers. I am just a long time audiophile with my own personnel views and opinions. Anybody who is really into audio knows that no two people are going to hear exactly the same thing from audio gear. There are however, acoustic similarities most of us can relate to. The point is, these are just my observations, some will agree, some will disagree. That is the bottom line. You have to decide listen for yourself. Here are my thoughts on the PM-8004. I am always thrilled when I can find a great mid-fi piece at a reasonable price. Although I have only auditioned this product for three weeks on and off, every session has been pleasing. The PM-8004 reminds me of the old Kenwood and Sansui integrateds from the late 70s and early 80s. Anybody remember the Kenwood KA-901. What great integrated. Power meters too. The Marantz has the same feel with a cleaner more present sound. It can be a little etchy for a while until it settles in. Now it is articulate and clear through all frequencies. It is matched with the CD-5004 player. This is a great package at a reasonable price. I am planning an upgrade to the SA-8004. It can only get better if the reviews of this SACD player are accurate. I tried several speakers with my 80045004 combo Polk LSi9, Dynaudio Contour 1.4, and Monitor Audio RX-2. The Monitor Audio speakers match the best with this system. The other two make the system too articulate approaching zing territory. Choosing cables has been a chore also. I have settled in with the Nordost Solar Wind speaker cables and an older pair of Monster 1000i interconnects. I have heard the Argentum Mythos would be an appropriate upgrade to the Monsters but I cant find anybody to sell me a pair. Maybe somebody at Vanns can locate a pair. In any case, I must recommend the Marantz gear. I used to avoid Marantz because of the poor quality control but current reviews on the web and from friends peaked my curiosity so I took the plunge. Good thing. So far I am impressed. And remember, when I listen to mid fi gear I dont listen for things it lacks. I listen for surprises things I wouldnt figure gear at this price would present in a high end manner. Many happy surprises with the new Marantz gear.
Review
Wonderful Amp! (July 26, 2012)
| Ease of Use |
|
(5/5.0) |
| Value |
|
(4/5.0) |
| Performance |
|
(5/5.0) |
| Overall Rating |
|
(5/5.0) |
Reviewed By: Sal R. - Fresno, CA
Purchased the Marantz PM8004 intergrated Amp along with the SA8004 SACD player.
I purchased these to go with my Klipschorn speakers. Many reviews said these would be a good amp for bright sounding speakers. They were correct, while not tube amps this combo rocks! I have space limitations and these fit perfectly in my cabinet due to their compact size.I already had a wonderful sounding Marantz amp but this amp is just at a different level. Very warm and detailed sound. The direct mode is the best setting to use.
Nothing beats a 2 channel stereo set-up. Simplicity and dedicated to music.
Highly recommended.
Review
Marantz PM8004 Integrated Amp (August 23, 2011)
| Ease of Use |
|
(5/5.0) |
| Value |
|
(4/5.0) |
| Performance |
|
(5/5.0) |
| Overall Rating |
|
(5/5.0) |
Reviewed By: David R. - Denver, CO
This is a solid, well constructed integrated amplifier made by Marantz in Japan. It is heavy with professional type speaker terminals and smooth control knobs and buttons. It is a no frills design with bass, mid, and high tone controls that can be by passed by engaging the source direct button. I would describe the sound as extremely clean and fast. It is much better built and sounds much better than the Chinese built Cambridge Audio integrated it replaced. The Cambridge failed twice in two years. Its a little pricey but you get what you pay for.