Buy Marantz PM8004 Integrated Amplifier (Black)Marantz PM8004 Integrated Amplifier (Black) Product Description:
- New Tri (Bass/Mid/Treble) tone control for more flexible sound adjusment
- Marantz original metal speaker terminal SPKT-1 x2 pair
- Fully discrete current-feedback amplifier, Fully discrete constant current feedback phono preamplifier, marantz HDAM-SA3 circuits
- Speaker A/B switching, "Power Amp Direct" input, Pre outputs
- Source Direct mode, Gold plated terminals, Triple layer bottom chassis, System Remote, Detachable Power code
- 70W (8 ohms), 100W (4 ohms) Output Power per channel using a Double-shielded Toroidal Transformer
Product Description
New Tri (Bass/Mid/Treble) tone control for more flexible sound adjusment, marantz original metal speaker terminal SPKT-1 x2 pair, Fully discrete current-feedback amplifier, Fully discrete constant current feedback phono preamplifier, marantz HDAM-SA3 circuits, Double-shielded large capacity toroidal power transformer, marantz custom tuned power supply capacitors, Short power line layout, High instantaneous peak current capability, Audiophile-grade semiconductors throughout, Separate input buffer for exclusive CD/for common other inputs, Speaker A/B switching, "Power Amp Direct" input, Pre outputs, Source Direct mode, Gold plated terminals, Triple layer bottom chassis, System Remote, Detachable Power code
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
31 of 34 people found the following review helpful.
One of the best $1,000 Integrated Amp.
By Nossy
For comparison sake, I demoed a NAD 356BEE, Rotel RA-1520, and the PM8004 with a pair of KEF Q300 and B&W685. The NAD appears to be $200 cheaper than the Rotel and Marantz, but it does not include a phono pre-amp stage, which cost an extra $200. So if you add that MDC module, it would cost the same as the Rotel and Marantz, which both of those amp include a phono preamp stage. The MDC slot does give you the flexibility of adding a DAC or phono.Note: I tested all amps in Pure Direct Mode. My computer fed audio in WAV 44.1KHz into a Cambridge DACMagic (upscales to 192KHz). The DAC was connected via AudioQuest interconnect into the "CD" input. The KEFQ300 were the preferred speakers (B&W685 is my zone2 speaker set). I also used 14 guage Audioquest X2 speaker wires that ran 12feet each - connections between speakers and amp were bi-wired. Speakers were set about 8feet apart, about 3-4 feet from wall and 20-30 degrees toe-in. Speakers were set on 24 inch stands. Speakers probably had about 150 hours on them. Each amp was left on for three days of continuous use for break-in.On to the comparison. I started out with the Rotel RA-1520. In terms of build quality, the Rotel is top notch and best of the three. The chasis, the knobs in the front, the binding post are all built with exceptional quality. The 60watts rating is very conservative, it felt like it was outputing close to 90-100 watts. The amp provided more power than most bookshelf speakers will ever need. The bass and midrange is top-notch. Bass is tight and controlled, it is probably the best amp for bass and midrange. Imaging and soundstage is exceptional and airy. The treble is a bit bright and edgy, though not harsh - and I'm using more laid-back speakers too. The Rotel is no slouch, but there was something missing from this amp. The sound that emanates from this amp sounded life-less and cold - some people calls it analytical or clinical - which is not for me. So if you like that kind of sound, the Rotel is the best choice. I would not pair this amp with bright speakers.The NAD 356BEE was next. This unit is very plasticy and I would probably rate it the lowest in build quality when compared to Rotel and Marantz. Regarding power output, this amp sound the most powerful. It has very powerful bass (best out of the three), but it was a bit more splashy and boomier (relative to the other two amps). This amp appears to be built to be driven at very high volumes - so if you want to crank it up, this is the amp for you. Soundstage and imaging was good. The one thing, and most critical to me, was that the amp sounded a bit dull. The treble was missing something to it. It just didn't really click with me.The PM8004. The sound was airy, warm, smooth, and full of life. The moment I got goosebumps listening to Adele's powerful voice, I knew this was THE amp for me. Norah Jones timbre voice came through with smooth and emotional impact. Frusciante's guitar licks screamed with authority when I popped in Stadium Arcadium. In addition, I felt this amp did the best in creating that center image, but it's only marginally. Some more observations: Power output is comparable to the Rotel. Bass is not as tight as the Rotel, but better than NAD. Imaging is not quite as clear as the Rotel, but a tad bit better (maybe even the same) than the NAD.In summary, the Rotel amp was like that hot chick that you drool over, but you didn't like her personality once you went out a date with her. I really tried to like the Rotel amp and even gave it a longer audition time. The NAD didn't impress me. The Marantz, although technically not as good as the Rotel, the warmer sound was a better fit for me. Also one thing I almost forgot to mention is that the Marantz does the best job at resolving details at lower volume - which is super important to me.Build quality: Rotel>Marantz>>NADBass control (tightness and timing): Rotel>Marantz>>NADBass impact (volume): NAD>Rotel>MarantzMidrange: Rotel>Marantz>NADTotal power output: NAD>Rotel>Marantz although they are all sufficient for bookshelf speakers.I can't recommend one over the other, but if you like warmer sound, stick with the PM8004. If you like the clinical sound with tight and accurate bass, the Rotel is the best choice. I'm not sure about the NAD since it didn't really do much for me.
26 of 28 people found the following review helpful.Marantz PM8004
By charles meyer
I have been most active with vintage Marantz gear for over 20 years. But the last few years I have been enjoying new gear.The speakers I used were both full range 10" woofer three ways as well as a 2.1 setup using a 6.5" woofer DIY monitor with a powered sub.The first thing that pops out at you is how stylish and well built the 8004 is. The feel and look just scream quality and class. It is not just another "black box" stereo. This amp has personality and looks. Marantz seems to be getting back to it's roots of making good looking gear like their big 70's receivers. As well as going back to the Tritone tone controls.After both the honeymoon and break in period I did some serious listening on both sets of speakers. I was quite taken with the clarity, detail and 3D like imaging. But it does differ from many other new amps as described below.The treble is very nice. Not beamy or harsh but very smooth and airy. Easy to listen to with no listening fatique.The midrange and upper bass is were this beast seems to come alive. A tremendous amount of detail, force and Razor sharp dynamics in the midrange. This amp had dynamics and clarity in spades!!!!! Here is were the major differences begin.The bass is very lush and full. This amp has NO problem in the bass department when using either a powered sub or a passive three way speakers with a 10" woofer. The bass is strong, dynamic and Very well controlled. Not boomy or slow. but well balanced.The overall sound I would describe this amp as: "very full and dynamic sounding and made for listening". Reminiscent of the sound of the big 70's receivers. But again with far more clarity and razor sharp dynamics.I use my Marantz 8004 almost entirely for classical low level listening. So detail, clarity and imaging at low levels are my main needs. The 8004 carries it off without missing a beat. At low levels this amp maintains it's great dynamic sound.I really can not say enough about this amp other than that I am very happy with it. And I consider myself an audiophile. If you are reading this a trying to decide between two amps, and the other amp is cheaper, my advice is save up and get the Marantz 8004Addendum: After about a year of listening I still like this amp. However to make this review a little more complete and fair I would like to add this: The amp does have what I would call a "polite" top end. What I mean by this is if you have bright speakers this amp will work out VERY well. If your speakers are laid back on the top end you will have to adjust the treble up a ways.I still find this amp to have an amazing midrange and full bottom end. Even with my monitor speakers I find myself, at times, not using my subwoofer. It does have a great deal of clarity, but not as much as my NAD. I think that is because the NAD has such a strong top end and the Marantz has a gentler top end. But if you are inclided to - just adjust the treble and it will be as strong and clear as the NAD's.
24 of 26 people found the following review helpful.Marantz PM8004 Integrated Amp
By Corey A. Broeder
This is an impeccable amp, especially at this price range. I picked one up from my local retailer for $750.00 when they were supposedly having a buy it at our cost sale and it is a great value for that amount. I have heard Rotel, Peachtree, Bel Canto, Denon, Onkyo, Classé, NAD, Yamaha, and many other integrated amps, but this amp stands up to, and in most cases, exceeds every one of those in sound quality. Unless you are talking about a high dollar monoblock or tube amplifier from a manufacturer such as Mcintosh, I am going to recommend this Marantz PM8004 all day. I am obsessed with electronics, I have tons of technology in my collection, but at the moment I have this Marantz hooked up to a pair of Revel F-12 floorstanding speakers for my music and I could not be more pleased. You won't find a better amp in the 700-1100 dollar price range, I have tried.
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