Marantz or Mcintosh for 803D3

[Formerly YB-2]

Christian - After more digging (outside the Marantz website), you are correct. My bad. Ken Ishakawa called it "analogue switched mode design..........". Quite deceptive to brag about 'purely analog........' IMHO.

[rnrmf1971]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Christian - After more digging (outside the Marantz website), you are correct. My bad. Ken Ishakawa called it "analogue switched mode design..........". Quite deceptive to brag about 'purely analog........' IMHO.

Marantz certainly didn't go out of their way to say much more than it being a switched power supply, given how some audiophiles might not want to see the term class-D included in their amps.
I don't know whether this disqualifies the amp as being analog, though.

In the absence of another amp to compare to, I'm happy with the sound of mine though I'd eventually like to demo something else in the same system just to see what differences I could discern.

[vwpeacecar]

Originally Posted by RaceCarDriver

I had a pair of PM-10s bi-amping my 805D2s and D3s. I thought it was a lovely setup even though the room could have used some work.

I briefly used a single PM-10 on my 800D3s. I have read several articles and seen B&Ws in house with Marantz and the development of the reference product.

I LOVE the build quality of the Marantz reference gear. The PM-10 and SA-10 is gorgeous. the SA-10 is a TANK!

I recently have switched over to an all Mac system and the added power and "Mac Sound" have been welcomed.

While I really enjoyed the PM-10, I am not sure I am sold on class D. I have nothing negative to say about the PM-10. I put the fit and finish right up there with the best of them IMO, even surpassing Mac.

Now the SA-10. That is a special piece!

Sound wise, I am happy to be on a new journey with McIntosh even though I have no experience with the 8900. If I was considering the 8900, I don't know if I could stop there with the 803s. I would probably push/pull/drag whatever it took to get that 9000

I currently own a PM10, driving Q acoustics concept 500’s which can be bi-amped. I am absolutely happy with the pairing.
I’m on the fence about getting a second one. Can you please describe your experience from going from 1 to 2 pm10’s and perhaps what I may expect to see for results.

[Masterlu]

vwpeacecar… Welcome to AA!

[tdelahanty]

I looked at the description of the PM10 which is a bit confusing. It definitely says "all analog". A switching power supply for the output stage does not necessarily mean or require a Class D amplification.