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Clash of the Titans: Vintage vs. New Marantz
Stereo Review
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Which is better classic Corvette or a brand new Vette? Classic architecture or modern? Frank Lloyd Wright or Frank Gehry? The Marantz question is another one that causes conflict. I own both so I take it upon myself to give them both a fair shake against one another.
A few caveats: First of all, I am not reviewing stereo receiver against stereo receiver. This will be a battle against the Marantz 2270 and a Marantz PM7001. The PM7001 is an integrated amplifier. This means it has no FM tuner built in. That is really the only difference. Second, the 2270 has no subwoofer out; this test will be using a subwoofer. The 2270 will be using speaker-level inputs while the PM7001 will use line-level inputs on the sub. I don't think that will make much difference, but you should know. Third, the PM7001 has a source-direct mode. This means that the PM7001 can bypass all the bass, treble, and balance knobs on the front of the face and use the source material as provided - unmodified. The 2270 does not have this capability. The bass, treble, and balance will be set at 90 degrees - straight up in the air - supposedly unmodified. Now that this is out of the way, let's get to the review. [More]
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Pro-Ject Xpression III Turntable Review
Stereo Review
The Xpression III is more damp sounding than any table I have heard in the sub-$1000 category. I have to say this with one caveat: I have never heard the stock Sumiko Oyster cartridge. I already had the Grado Platinum when I bought the table and therefore fitted it first and sold the Oyster. I often complained about thinness or metallic sound before the Xpression, but the Xpression may have gone too far. It sounds far away sometimes. With rock and roll, it is perfect, but rock has a tendency to insinuate itself into the room. Whereas Led Zepplin feels comfortable from the Xpression, Nick Drake comes across as more remote than usual. I consider the Xpression III the last table I will buy. It may come across as isolated but, for many, that is the whole goal. For me, I crave warmth. [More]
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Marantz PM7001 Integrated Amplifier Review
Stereo Review
Things I really like about the Marantz:
* If you like the gold trim, it really looks attractive and more expensive than its $400 price tag.
* Its 70 watts per channel is adequate in most instances - possible louder than the NAD 7100, but a bit less controlled in sound.
* Good price point when compared to the Pioneers, Denons, etc. on the market. $400 with a more-than-adequate phono stage is a steal!
* Marantz has a very good pedigree. From Saul to D&M Holdings, Marantz has consistently contended with the best on the market - even in the 1990s when everything was garbage, Marantz was considerably better garbage.
Things I really don't like about the Marantz
* The silver version is not available in the US.
* The blue light on the front is distracting.
* The bass can get a bit 'wild', uncontrolled.
* Feels a bit flimsy when compared to the NAD 720BEE. [More]
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