Marantz PM7004
1 review
Amazing sound – Firstly, it's not really an AV Receiver, it's an integrated stereo amplifier. It does 2 channels. Not surround or anything like that. I bought this amp to replace my older PM4200 which was giving me some problems. I auditioned the PM7004 against an Rotel RB1520 which was around the same price point at the time of purchase. On my B&W 602s3 speakers both amps sounded great but the Rotel was slightly bright and the bass was tight.
The Marantz had a totally different sound. More forward in the mid-range, less bright in the highs and the bass seemed to extend much further down. I wouldn't have believed their could be such a difference if I hadn't heard the comparison.
To my ears, and with my speakers, I think the Marantz PM7004 (and even 6004 if you are stuck for cash) are an amazing match.
I've subsequently run the 7004 on a set of Dali floor standers and B&W 684s and both sound amazing. There may be speakers out there which don't play to it's strengths but I would strongly recommend auditioning it if you're in the market for a stereo amp in that price bracket.
I'd give this amp 4.5 stars if I could. It's not perfect but pretty close. Sounds amazing. Looks great. Solidly built. Sounds amazing! No speaker A/B switch on remote. Hard to tell where volume is set from a distance. Could do with a marker on the volume knob.
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Follow up. After having this Amp for a little over a decade, it finally developed a problem. Coincidently, or not, after not being used for several months. Distortion and lower output on one channel. Ended up costing me about $450 to get fixed. Still sounds amazing. Still love the amp. Kind of hoped it was a "buy it for life" purchase but that's just how it goes I suppose.