Marantz refines its Award-winning budget amp recipe
View online review whf.cm/PM6007
Clearer and punchier than its lauded predecessor, Marantz’s latest entry-level amplifier never puts the formidable 6000 Series dynasty in doubt – and sees the company refining its Award-winning budget amp recipe still further.
Marantz has implemented a new DAC into the PM6007, with the AKM AK4490 replacing the Cirrus Logic CS4398 found in its previous entry-level model, the PM6006 UK Edition. It is complemented by two digital filters – a slow roll-off and sharp roll-off – that users can choose between when playing from a source connected to either of its two optical or single coaxial inputs. Such versatility has trickled down from the brand’s more premium digital processors, such as those built into the SA-10, SA-12SE and SA-KI Ruby.
Upgraded components
In an effort to improve performance across the analogue inputs (four line-level, plus an MM phono), new components in the power amp and phono stages have been swapped in. The latter has also benefitted from upgraded circuitry – similar to that found in the PM7000N’s phono stage – to achieve a higher signal-to-noise ratio.
And while this entry-level amplifier doesn’t have a USB input or Bluetooth, with Marantz evidently favouring improved performance over features this time, a subwoofer output has been added to accommodate those who want to add extra thwack to their stereo set-up.
Styling-wise, the PM6007 is more or less a carbon copy of its predecessor – and indeed the model that came before that. In fact, Marantz hasn’t revamped the aesthetic much at all over the years. Placed side by side, only the odd finish and button differential would distinguish the PM6007 from the PM6002 released in 2007, apart from the model number printed on the facade. It has to be said, that over-familiarity is a little disappointing.
Moving away from appearances though, this is a well-constructed, well-finished chassis that, while perhaps too densely populated with dials for minimalist tastes, offers traditional hi-fi appeal.
The clearest evidence of the line’s evolution lies in the PM6007’s performance. Its sonic character is as familiar as its casework: smooth, full-bodied and balanced, with a pleasing spaciousness. Like its predecessor, it is about as agreeable a performer as you could ask for at this price.
More spirited presentation
Where it pulls away from its predecessor is in its greater clarity, precision and rhythmic punch. Marantz has traded some of that amplifier’s smoothness for a bit more oomph here, as well as tightened
