Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Marsh Sound Design A400S Amplifier (SS) by jd29631@bellsouth.net

Model:	A400S
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$2,000
Description:	200 wpc., solid state, fully balanced
Manufacturer URL:	Marsh Sound Design
Model Picture:	View

Review by jd29631@bellsouth.net on January 10, 2010 at 13:26:44
IP Address: 74.248.242.75 Add Your Review
for the A400S

I bought mine used from Audiogon. Dont know how old it was but I've had it for 6 years. After working up to my present system for 55 years and gone through a number of amps, this is my last. I think those who think its sound is "cool" are experiencing truly neutral sound for the first time. This is the most neutral, clear, crisp and musical amp I've ever heard and that includes some that cost 4 times as much. Robert Green of TAS says it's as good as any regardless of cost. Used with: Nottinghaqm 294 'table and arm, Phenomena Nova phono preamp, Dyanvector 17D3 cartridge, Conrad-Johnson CT 5 preamp, Musical Fidelity 3087 cd player used as a deck w/Lavry Engineering dac all into Dunlavy SC IV speakers. Richard Marsh is a great guy to deal with. Called him when I thought a channel was going out and he got right with it. The amp wasn't the problem.

Product Weakness:	Havent found any.
Product Strengths:	Noticibly clear, neutral and musical. Crisp but full bodied.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Marsh Sound Design A 400
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): C-J CT 5
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Nottingham 294 w.294 arm
Speakers: Dunlavy SC IV
Cables/Interconnects: Kimber Hero and Harmonic Tech Prosilway II
Music Used (Genre/Selections): jazz, classical, rock
Time Period/Length of Audition: 6 yerars
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Shunyata and Monster 3500
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Marsh Sound Design A 400
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	C-J CT 5
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Nottingham 294 w.294 arm
Speakers:	Dunlavy SC IV
Cables/Interconnects:	Kimber Hero and Harmonic Tech Prosilway II
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	jazz, classical, rock
Time Period/Length of Audition:	6 yerars
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Shunyata and Monster 3500
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner