Amp/Preamp Asylum

Looking for a new Amp or Preamp? If you're after tubes, post over here.

Return to Amp/Preamp Asylum

Message Sort: Post Order or Asylum Reverse Threaded

Marantz SC7S2 preamp!

71.6.4.66
Posted on November 13, 2015 at 10:42:46
gotoma8
Audiophile

Posts: 482
Location: Bay Area
Joined: April 20, 2003
 Hi all, just made a deal on the SC7S2 preamp. Unfortunately, I won't have the funds to get the matching MA9S2, but was wondering if any of you have recommendations for amps? I need at least a good 150wpc into 8 ohms. Of course, what I would like, listed from top to bottom, really due to funds and costs are as follows (used):

Marantz MA9S2 monos ($7500)
Pass Labs X350.5 ($6000)
Ayre V5xe ($2500)
Odessy Extreme Monos ($2500)
Emotiva XPA-2 (two stereo amps for bi-amp) at $800 each

What do you all think?
Opinions are welcome!

 

Hide full thread outline!
    ...
RE: Marantz SC7S2 preamp!, posted on November 13, 2015 at 15:47:47
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 That is a FINEEEEE preamp!!!!! I actually did hear one at a local shop years ago. But it was clearly out of my price range. A sweet looking piece as well.

I did hear it with the matching amps - NICE!!!!

If you can get the amps they are excellent. I did hear them and yeap - I was impressed!!!!!

 

RE: Marantz SC7S2 preamp!, posted on November 13, 2015 at 17:55:08
gotoma8
Audiophile

Posts: 482
Location: Bay Area
Joined: April 20, 2003
 Thanks for the notes on the sound of the SC7S2 and matching MA9S2. Those are the amps I want, but not sure how I will ever afford them. In the meantime, I guess I will try some other lower end amps...

 

RE: Marantz SC7S2 preamp!, posted on November 14, 2015 at 08:10:05
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 Hey - don't underestimate lower ended amps!!!! Like I said, the Marantz is nice. but would I!!!!!! pay eight grand - hell no! If I won the lottery - sure.

But being the regular guy I am - no. However those Odyssey's seem to be consistent in getting good reviews.

A good preamp is worth the money. But don't go crazy with amps. They do make a difference but in the end the preamp IS!!! more important.

The main thing is matching the amp to your sound taste.

What are YOU looking for in sound?

charles

 

RE: Marantz SC7S2 preamp!, posted on November 14, 2015 at 13:20:58
gotoma8
Audiophile

Posts: 482
Location: Bay Area
Joined: April 20, 2003
 Hi Charles,

Thanks...I had the Mono Extremes before, and loved them... There are things I like from them, but in the end, like all of us, I traded up or traded towards different.

Sound wise, I like details and also some warmth. Not glaring, bright details, not boomy warmth, I like a good balance. I don't want to cringe at glaring details but don't want bass to overshadow the rest of the music as well. Honestly, I love my Marantz gear, currently the PM11S3 is awesome. Kind of bought this SC7S2 because it's a great deal and always wanted one....

My plan is to use it with the PM11S3 first and see how it goes, if the sound is noticeably better, than, I am keeping the SC7, if not, then I am keeping the PM11S3.

I have had Pass X250, Odessy Mono Extremes, EVS M100 and M500 combo, Some tubes (Cyber 800), Emotiva XPA5, etc.

Thanks
Tuan

 

RE: Marantz SC7S2 preamp!, posted on November 14, 2015 at 15:17:03
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 See if you can patch in the amp section of that to the new preamp. If you are amble?

I LUSTED after that integrated amp for years !!!!!!

Enjoy them all.

I would not recommend the lower end Marantz power amps. Very dull. However their higher ended stuff is quite good.

charles

 

RE: Marantz SC7S2 preamp!, posted on November 14, 2015 at 16:14:38
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23900
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004
 You could buy a cheap amp to tide you over until you save the money for the amp you really want. I just bought a Crown XLS 1500, which is currently on sale for $199. I've been playing it for two weeks and it doesn't sound that bad at all. In fact, I'm rather enjoying the change from my Parasound Halo A21.

 

RE: Marantz SC7S2 preamp!, posted on November 15, 2015 at 10:36:21
gotoma8
Audiophile

Posts: 482
Location: Bay Area
Joined: April 20, 2003
 Thanks John,

I already have the PM11S3 integrated and will use the amp section of this integrated as the amp for the SC7S2. It's hard to imagine that the PM11S3 could be improved as it's such a great piece!

Thanks for the suggestion.
Tuan

 

RE: Marantz SC7S2 preamp!, posted on November 15, 2015 at 10:45:30
gotoma8
Audiophile

Posts: 482
Location: Bay Area
Joined: April 20, 2003
 hey Charles, I am putting up the PM11S3 for sale as I could use the unds to fund the new amps...
Interested?

Tuan

 

RE: Marantz SC7S2 preamp!, posted on November 16, 2015 at 07:08:21
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 No thanks, I'm back into tubes these days. And I'm quite happy with my two setups.

I'v chased that solid state demon for far too many years.

 

RE: Marantz SC7S2 preamp!, posted on November 17, 2015 at 06:20:01
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 You do know that the amp section in that integrated """IS""" the same as the mono blocks you are looking at. the only difference is the power output.

 

RE: Marantz SC7S2 preamp!, posted on November 17, 2015 at 06:52:31
gotoma8
Audiophile

Posts: 482
Location: Bay Area
Joined: April 20, 2003
 are you certain? If so it behooves me not to get another one to Biamp.

How do you know?

 

RE: Marantz SC7S2 preamp!, posted on November 25, 2015 at 17:03:30
bobschneider8
Audiophile

Posts: 100
Location: Chicago
Joined: August 5, 2008
 If you can't swing the Marantz monos, why not go down a notch in the Marantz Reference line and get a SM11S1 stereo power amp. It was on the cover of Stereophile when it was new. I love mine, which I use with the matching SC11S1 preamp.

 

RE: Marantz SC7S2 preamp!, posted on November 25, 2015 at 18:45:18
gotoma8
Audiophile

Posts: 482
Location: Bay Area
Joined: April 20, 2003
 Thanks for the suggestion. The SC7S2 purchase is now off, as working payment to Canada was too trying and we'll, after spending 45 minutes at the BofA and not being successful at wiringt HW funds, I think my PATH now is to Biamp with another PM11S3.

What do you think?

 

Page processed in 0.022 seconds.

[ Top Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]