New Marantz Reference gear

Betcha the Apollon NCX 500ST ( Hypex class D, 380w 8ohm ) sounds just as good , if not better for literally 1/10 the price at $1400 ….

Bk

F1nut wrote: »

gyosa wrote: »

Betcha the Apollon NCX 500ST ( Hypex class D, 380w 8ohm ) sounds just as good , if not better for literally 1/10 the price at $1400 ….

Bk

You seem to have the mistaken belief that the only thing affecting the sonic signature of a class D amp is the amp module.

Have I irritated you somehow , as you seem to only be argumentative towards my thoughts on this matter rather than anyone else’s ?

Referring to both of your responses to me , I don’t know how you have deduced what you think my beliefs are based on what I’ve said - as my responses were rather generic and non-specific as my thoughts are that this class D amp probably doesn’t offer a $13,600 sonic premium over many other less costly class D amps that are properly designed and executed . And , if you look at my sig , I’m not exactly a neophyte.

Please take a few moments and educate me on what makes this class D amp’s sonic signature special to justify a $15,000 price tag - just it’s sonic signature, not it’s looks , inputs , weight , name or anything else - because that’s what I’m talking about - it’s sonic signature.

If it was class A , or A/B I’d be more receptive as class D amp modules are relatively inexpensive and “commodity” priced vs class A , A/B amplification.

Bk

The Apollon , yes. It will drive any speaker you throw at it with gobs and gobs of power and nil distortion at $1400…. And yes , it sounds good. Great actually. It is a “properly executed “ class D design.

The Marantz , obviously no. It’s brand new.

Have you ?

I can tell you this , I’ve owned my ex-442 for 30+ years (recently serviced), the A21 for several , as well as the S300 (class D) , and there is no way I could say one is “better” than the other when mixed in any possible combination with any of my equipment- I’ve tried all combinations- and my gear doesn’t exactly “suck”.
One may sound a tad “different” than the other , not better - it’s subjective.

Even the 25w integrated Dayens Ampino , that was karma’d to me , drove my Polk 1c’s and Salk’s with ease to moderate levels and sounded fantastic - with no complaints regarding its sound quality.

I can also say this , having owned many nice to upper end AVR’s over 40+ years - they suck. They all suck. Their only place , for me , would be as a compromise in a home theater set up . I would never , ever use one for a serious 2ch setup .


Bk

nooshinjohn wrote: »

gyosa wrote: »

Betcha the Apollon NCX 500ST ( Hypex class D, 380w 8ohm ) sounds just as good , if not better for literally 1/10 the price at $1400 ….

Bk

Have you heard either of them?

Listen ?
Sure , ok . Given the opportunity I will.

I was merely stating I doubt at $15k it offers a sonic value to justify its price relative to less costly class D amplification. That’s all . What’s bold about that ?
It appears that others have reservations as well.

Moot point , it’s not an object of purchase consideration for me.



Bk

tratliff wrote: »

@gyosa some bold statements and generalities you make. Why not listen before passing judgement?

gyosa wrote: »

Betcha the Apollon NCX 500ST ( Hypex class D, 380w 8ohm ) sounds just as good , if not better for literally 1/10 the price at $1400 ….

Bk

I might tend to agree, but that Apollon isn't an integrated. Clearly you would need to add a decently high end preamp that would at least double the cost. Clearly that is still a fraction of the Marantz.
This new Marantz is probably a fine sounding unit. They have never been a value leader. Worth $15k? Not for me. Value oriented buyers would always find an alternative, but they probably will sell all that are produced.

I'd be curious what a diy version would cost.