Post your stereo system!

pjpjpaul · May 2022

Just added the VPI 16.5 RCM and so far its been great. It's loud but cleans vinyl very well.

tempo_n_groove · November 2022

Looking to purchase a tube amp finally.

Narrowed it down to:

Pro-Ject S2
Willsenton R8
Decware Super Zen SE84UFO

The Decware seems to be a really cool one. There is one hell of a waiting list for it though. I may just do that and wait. Thoughts?

mrussel1 · November 2022

tempo_n_groove said:

Looking to purchase a tube amp finally.

Narrowed it down to:

Pro-Ject S2
Willsenton R8
Decware Super Zen SE84UFO

The Decware seems to be a really cool one. There is one hell of a waiting list for it though. I may just do that and wait. Thoughts?

So maybe I'm confused but the S2 is a phono stage whereas the R8 is an integrated amp, if I'm not mistaken. Which component are you to buy?

tempo_n_groove · November 2022

mrussel1 said:

tempo_n_groove said:

Looking to purchase a tube amp finally.

Narrowed it down to:

Pro-Ject S2
Willsenton R8
Decware Super Zen SE84UFO

The Decware seems to be a really cool one. There is one hell of a waiting list for it though. I may just do that and wait. Thoughts?

So maybe I'm confused but the S2 is a phono stage whereas the R8 is an integrated amp, if I'm not mistaken. Which component are you to buy?

So I've been reading and reading about tube amps and I wrote the wrong one down...

It should be Boyuurange A50 MKIII.

Back to the Decware. It pairs w my 92db MArtin Logans well going by their charts.

mrussel1 · November 2022

tempo_n_groove said:

mrussel1 said:

tempo_n_groove said:

Looking to purchase a tube amp finally.

Narrowed it down to:

Pro-Ject S2
Willsenton R8
Decware Super Zen SE84UFO

The Decware seems to be a really cool one. There is one hell of a waiting list for it though. I may just do that and wait. Thoughts?

So maybe I'm confused but the S2 is a phono stage whereas the R8 is an integrated amp, if I'm not mistaken. Which component are you to buy?

So I've been reading and reading about tube amps and I wrote the wrong one down...

It should be Boyuurange A50 MKIII.

Back to the Decware. It pairs w my 92db MArtin Logans well going by their charts.

Ok so you want an integrated. What are you using now?

tempo_n_groove · November 2022

mrussel1 said:

tempo_n_groove said:

mrussel1 said:

tempo_n_groove said:

Looking to purchase a tube amp finally.

Narrowed it down to:

Pro-Ject S2
Willsenton R8
Decware Super Zen SE84UFO

The Decware seems to be a really cool one. There is one hell of a waiting list for it though. I may just do that and wait. Thoughts?

So maybe I'm confused but the S2 is a phono stage whereas the R8 is an integrated amp, if I'm not mistaken. Which component are you to buy?

So I've been reading and reading about tube amps and I wrote the wrong one down...

It should be Boyuurange A50 MKIII.

Back to the Decware. It pairs w my 92db MArtin Logans well going by their charts.

Ok so you want an integrated. What are you using now?

Was using a 70's Pioneer to pair w my HPM100's but using an Onkyo for my Martin Logan 15's.

I don't see a need for a preamp as of yet. Let me get a tube amp first and go from there.

mrussel1 · November 2022

tempo_n_groove said:

mrussel1 said:

tempo_n_groove said:

mrussel1 said:

tempo_n_groove said:

Looking to purchase a tube amp finally.

Narrowed it down to:

Pro-Ject S2
Willsenton R8
Decware Super Zen SE84UFO

The Decware seems to be a really cool one. There is one hell of a waiting list for it though. I may just do that and wait. Thoughts?

So maybe I'm confused but the S2 is a phono stage whereas the R8 is an integrated amp, if I'm not mistaken. Which component are you to buy?

So I've been reading and reading about tube amps and I wrote the wrong one down...

It should be Boyuurange A50 MKIII.

Back to the Decware. It pairs w my 92db MArtin Logans well going by their charts.

Ok so you want an integrated. What are you using now?

Was using a 70's Pioneer to pair w my HPM100's but using an Onkyo for my Martin Logan 15's.

I don't see a need for a preamp as of yet. Let me get a tube amp first and go from there.

Just from a brief glance, it doesn't look like any of these have a phono preamp. I'm guessing your 70's Pioneer did for sure. So you will need to fill that gap if you go with one of these tubes.

tempo_n_groove · November 2022

mrussel1 said:

tempo_n_groove said:

mrussel1 said:

tempo_n_groove said:

mrussel1 said:

tempo_n_groove said:

Looking to purchase a tube amp finally.

Narrowed it down to:

Pro-Ject S2
Willsenton R8
Decware Super Zen SE84UFO

The Decware seems to be a really cool one. There is one hell of a waiting list for it though. I may just do that and wait. Thoughts?

So maybe I'm confused but the S2 is a phono stage whereas the R8 is an integrated amp, if I'm not mistaken. Which component are you to buy?

So I've been reading and reading about tube amps and I wrote the wrong one down...

It should be Boyuurange A50 MKIII.

Back to the Decware. It pairs w my 92db MArtin Logans well going by their charts.

Ok so you want an integrated. What are you using now?

Was using a 70's Pioneer to pair w my HPM100's but using an Onkyo for my Martin Logan 15's.

I don't see a need for a preamp as of yet. Let me get a tube amp first and go from there.

Just from a brief glance, it doesn't look like any of these have a phono preamp. I'm guessing your 70's Pioneer did for sure. So you will need to fill that gap if you go with one of these tubes.

Glad you said something... I'll double check these again and see if they have them or not.

When I first got into this, I bought vintage so I wouldn't have to worry about these things...

mookieblalock · November 2022

I just took the plunge and bought a VPI Prime with 10 in JMW 3D tonearm. Pretty stoked.

I am considering the Marantz PM8006 integrated amp to pair it with, but a lot of you guys have more knowledge than me, so I’d thought I’d see if anyone had any suggestions. Open to separates. I’d like to stay around 2k for a budget.

mrussel1 · November 2022

mookieblalock said:

I just took the plunge and bought a VPI Prime with 10 in JMW 3D tonearm. Pretty stoked.

I am considering the Marantz PM8006 integrated amp to pair it with, but a lot of you guys have more knowledge than me, so I’d thought I’d see if anyone had any suggestions. Open to separates. I’d like to stay around 2k for a budget.

Nice! Congrats! What cartridge did you select?

You went "end game" level with your turntable, as there likely won't be a need to upgrade that for the rest of your life. So my humble advice is to start planning what your end game (or close to it) for the rest of the system, and move towards that, even if that means holding off a bit. So I'd love to nerd out on this for a bit, so indulge me if you would..

1. What stereo/integrated, etc. are you using now that a Marantz or similar would replace?
2. Do you have a standalone phono stage, or is yours built into your existing? (note, the Marantz does not have a phono stage)
3. How large is your room?
4. What speakers are you using?

mookieblalock · November 2022

mrussel1 said:

mookieblalock said:

I just took the plunge and bought a VPI Prime with 10 in JMW 3D tonearm. Pretty stoked.

I am considering the Marantz PM8006 integrated amp to pair it with, but a lot of you guys have more knowledge than me, so I’d thought I’d see if anyone had any suggestions. Open to separates. I’d like to stay around 2k for a budget.

Nice! Congrats! What cartridge did you select?

You went "end game" level with your turntable, as there likely won't be a need to upgrade that for the rest of your life. So my humble advice is to start planning what your end game (or close to it) for the rest of the system, and move towards that, even if that means holding off a bit. So I'd love to nerd out on this for a bit, so indulge me if you would..

1. What stereo/integrated, etc. are you using now that a Marantz or similar would replace?
2. Do you have a standalone phono stage, or is yours built into your existing? (note, the Marantz does not have a phono stage)
3. How large is your room?
4. What speakers are you using?

I went with an Ortofon Bronze for the cartridge. I almost went black, but figure I will upgrade that next year to compare as they use the same body.

You certain the the Marantz PM 8006 doesn’t have a phono? I was targeting that one specifically because it was recommended to me because of the phono stage.

My setup is in my basement. The actual room is about 1500 square feet. I’ll try to attach pictures below. Right now I am using wharfedale diamond towers. Again, probably will upgrade those next year or so.

mickeyrat · November 2022

https://www.marantz.com/en-us/product/amplifiers/pm8006

PM8006

Integrated Amplifier with new Phono-EQ

Featuring exquisite Marantz sound, expertly crafted for purity and power.

Integrated for maximum power

Integrated Current Feedback Amplifier with 2x 70W / 8 ohm rms
Smooth volume control

Newly designed electric volume circuit
Marantz-pure vinyl

Exceptional Marantz Musical Phono EQ stage
Smoother more Marantz sound

Marantz proprietary HDAM-SA3 circuits

Current Feedback

Current Feedback amplification is a well-known, Marantz-original circuit technology, thoughtfully designed to match the requirements of Super Audio hi-res music for wide-bandwidth, high-speed reproduction. The impedance at the Current Feedback point is limited, generating a very low phase shift. Marantz Current Feedback amplifiers reduce the need for phase compensation by minimizing Negative Feedback (NFB). This simplifies the signal path and results in a high through-rate, excellent transient response and superb sonic transparency across the full bandwidth. Unlike conventional Voltage Feedback topology, Current Feedback also makes the power amplifier insensitive to difficult loudspeaker loads.

Marantz HDAM Technology

Marantz developed its own discrete circuit boards called Hyper-Dynamic Amplifier Modules, or HDAMs, to replace the chip based amps used elsewhere. Using discrete surface mount components with short mirror-image left and right signal paths, HDAMs outperform the regular integrated Op-amps dramatically in Slew Rate and noise level. The result is much more dynamic, accurate and detailed sound. Over the years, Marantz has developed different HDAMs to fit the particular requirements of players and amplifiers. The PM8006 uses the high-grade SA3 version.

Marantz Musical Phono EQ

For a long time, Marantz integrated amplifiers have featured high-quality phono stages. We’ve elevated our commitment to vinyl with the Marantz Musical Phono EQ stage, as seen in the PM8006 amplifier. Enjoy the very best playback of all music sources, be they digital or analog. Marantz Musical Phono EQ uses two-stage amplification, allowing less gain per stage for lower distortion. The PM8006 combines Marantz HDAM technology with JFETs (junction gate field-effect transistors) in the input stage, providing high input impedance that eliminates the need for AC coupling capacitors and simplifies the signal path, vastly improving the signal purity overall.

Learn More

Toroidal Transformer

A Toroidal transformer offers several advantages that derive from its efficiency and power capability. The shape of it lends to low levels of electromagnetic radiation and mechanical vibration, producing improved sound quality over what you might experience with dated transformer models.

mrussel1 · November 2022

Whoops, you're right. It does have one. Beautiful basement, btw. Nicely done.

Are you driving multiple sets of speakers across the basement, or just the Diamond's, therefore a 2 channel setup?

The Marantz is supposed to be good. As is the Cambridge CX-81. The two benefits Cambridge may bring is 1. A built in DAC, which is pretty solid. Marantz does not have one. 2. Balanced and unbalanced inputs. That could be useful if you go discrete phono stage down the line. The downside to Cambridge is that there is no phono stage on that one. So you would need a discrete phono stage.

The other brand that is very good in that range (solid state amps) is Yamaha. I think they have excellent audio reproduction. But I was looking and it's seems like there is a hole in their lineup of integrated amps. There is nothing between $800 and $2900. I would not spend $800 on an integrated for that good of a turntable.

Regarding the separates, I'm not sure you could get good separates for under $2k, unless you go Emotiva, which should be a consideration. But I have never listened to the brand myself. But people are fans.

Now this is leaving tubes out of the discussion. Whether you are interested in going that route is a whole different deal.

mookieblalock · November 2022

I’m only going to driving one set of speakers, so purely 2 channel. Marantz is high on my list because it’s got a nice phono stage and is in my preferred price range right now. I’ve had good experience with Marantz, too. I actually did consider a Yamaha as-1200?? Which in the 3k range. It just started leading me down this rabbit hole of adding to my budget, which I prefer to adhere to as I just dropped a nice chunk on the rig.

I think long term, whatever amp I get is my next to last. I’ll be upgrading in a year or two and I think at that time I’ll have more flexibility in price and that will open up more possibilities. I’m not sure about tubes as I’m not educated enough, but I’d love hear what has worked for you and if it’s something I should be considering when I can splurge more.

mrussel1 · November 2022

mookieblalock said:

I’m only going to driving one set of speakers, so purely 2 channel. Marantz is high on my list because it’s got a nice phono stage and is in my preferred price range right now. I’ve had good experience with Marantz, too. I actually did consider a Yamaha as-1200?? Which in the 3k range. It just started leading me down this rabbit hole of adding to my budget, which I prefer to adhere to as I just dropped a nice chunk on the rig.

I think long term, whatever amp I get is my next to last. I’ll be upgrading in a year or two and I think at that time I’ll have more flexibility in price and that will open up more possibilities. I’m not sure about tubes as I’m not educated enough, but I’d love hear what has worked for you and if it’s something I should be considering when I can splurge more.

I think if you're going tubes, that's going to be more at the high end, to get a great sound, so it seems like Marantz is a good choice in your range for today. One thing to consider is ordering from Crutchfield. They are very good about the 30 day home trials. You could do Marantz, Cambridge, Yamaha and others and see which ones you like better. I think return shipping is $10 for even a large component. It's a good way to go.

mookieblalock · November 2022

mrussel1 said:

mookieblalock said:

I’m only going to driving one set of speakers, so purely 2 channel. Marantz is high on my list because it’s got a nice phono stage and is in my preferred price range right now. I’ve had good experience with Marantz, too. I actually did consider a Yamaha as-1200?? Which in the 3k range. It just started leading me down this rabbit hole of adding to my budget, which I prefer to adhere to as I just dropped a nice chunk on the rig.

I think long term, whatever amp I get is my next to last. I’ll be upgrading in a year or two and I think at that time I’ll have more flexibility in price and that will open up more possibilities. I’m not sure about tubes as I’m not educated enough, but I’d love hear what has worked for you and if it’s something I should be considering when I can splurge more.

I think if you're going tubes, that's going to be more at the high end, to get a great sound, so it seems like Marantz is a good choice in your range for today. One thing to consider is ordering from Crutchfield. They are very good about the 30 day home trials. You could do Marantz, Cambridge, Yamaha and others and see which ones you like better. I think return shipping is $10 for even a large component. It's a good way to go.

I had no idea about Crutchfield’s policy. That definitely sounds like something I will take advantage of. I appreciate the advice!

static111 · December 2022

I’m running a pioneer ax-750 with a u-turn orbit and the u-turn preamp and have been since 2016. Today I replaced the drive belt and swapped out the Ortofon OM5E for a Grado Black 3. It’s like I have a new damn stereo. Amazing clarity and the bass is phenomenal. My first time replacing a cartridge rather than just the needle. Total pain in the ass. Lining up tiny screws, setting the needle to the correct length with a compass and then adjusting the tracking force. Totally worth it. I’m christening it with The Doors first album and it’s really like hearing it for the first time again.

mrussel1 · December 2022

static111 said:

I’m running a pioneer ax-750 with a u-turn orbit and the u-turn preamp and have been since 2016. Today I replaced the drive belt and swapped out the Ortofon OM5E for a Grado Black 3. It’s like I have a new damn stereo. Amazing clarity and the bass is phenomenal. My first time replacing a cartridge rather than just the needle. Total pain in the ass. Lining up tiny screws, setting the needle to the correct length with a compass and then adjusting the tracking force. Totally worth it. I’m christening it with The Doors first album and it’s really like hearing it for the first time again.

Congrats! It should only get better as it breaks in!

static111 · December 2022

mrussel1 said:

static111 said:

I’m running a pioneer ax-750 with a u-turn orbit and the u-turn preamp and have been since 2016. Today I replaced the drive belt and swapped out the Ortofon OM5E for a Grado Black 3. It’s like I have a new damn stereo. Amazing clarity and the bass is phenomenal. My first time replacing a cartridge rather than just the needle. Total pain in the ass. Lining up tiny screws, setting the needle to the correct length with a compass and then adjusting the tracking force. Totally worth it. I’m christening it with The Doors first album and it’s really like hearing it for the first time again.

Congrats! It should only get better as it breaks in!

Thanks. I always thought high end cartridges were bs. Tried out an upgrade because my daughter bent the stylus on the ortofon. My eyes have been opened. I doubt I will go as crazy as some but I’m happy for this upgrade.

mrussel1 · December 2022

static111 said:

mrussel1 said:

static111 said:

I’m running a pioneer ax-750 with a u-turn orbit and the u-turn preamp and have been since 2016. Today I replaced the drive belt and swapped out the Ortofon OM5E for a Grado Black 3. It’s like I have a new damn stereo. Amazing clarity and the bass is phenomenal. My first time replacing a cartridge rather than just the needle. Total pain in the ass. Lining up tiny screws, setting the needle to the correct length with a compass and then adjusting the tracking force. Totally worth it. I’m christening it with The Doors first album and it’s really like hearing it for the first time again.

Congrats! It should only get better as it breaks in!

Thanks. I always thought high end cartridges were bs. Tried out an upgrade because my daughter bent the stylus on the ortofon. My eyes have been opened. I doubt I will go as crazy as some but I’m happy for this upgrade.

My first upgrade was after my son snapped a needle somehow as well.

I think there's big room for improvement from entry level to "mid fi". After that, it still gets better with each upgrade, but it's the law of diminishing returns.

Post your stereo system!

Comments

PM8006

Integrated Amplifier with new Phono-EQ

Integrated for maximum power

Smooth volume control

Marantz-pure vinyl

Smoother more Marantz sound

Current Feedback

Marantz HDAM Technology

Marantz Musical Phono EQ

Toroidal Transformer

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