Marantz PM-KI Pearl Lite: Integrated Amplifier

• 2x 70 Watts RMS 8 ohm
• Full discrete Current Feedback amplifier technology
• Toroidal transformer
• Copper plated chassis
• HDAM-SA3
• Power amp direct
• Constant Current Feedback Phono MM
• Speaker A/B
• Custom made speaker terminals
• Remote bus
• Remote Control
• Available in Black & New Silver

As you would expect from a KI Pearl, this new current feedback amplifier has been given layer upon layer of tender loving care.

For example, the high-quality components that proved such a success in the original KI Pearls are now used in this new amp. This helps ensure that it faithfully reproduces the music’s dynamic structure, tonal quality and stereo image.

This new Pearl has also been given a copper-plated chassis to help ensure the lowest possible impedance grounding. Marantz designers also shaped and optimised the power handling characteristics to guarantee the unique KI Pearl experience.

Marantz redesigned the large double shielded Toroidal transformer’s circuitry to optimise bandwidth power: a massive energy reserve to drive even the most demanding of speakers with absolute ease. And, because ‘vinyl’ is back, the PM-KI Pearl Lite supports Phono MM also with current feedback technology.

So much has been given. It’s now time to take time, and enjoy.

PM-KI Pearl Amplifier Lite Reviews

Hi-Fi Choice
The beautiful amp and player adorn the front cover, the contents page, and their coverage culminates in an incredible four page review complete with a ‘Hi-Fi Choice Recommended’ award.

Sound Image Awards
Marantz PM-KI-Pearl STEREO AMPLIFIER OF THE YEAR UNDER $5000

Watch the Marantz KI Pearl Lite Series overview on Aussie Hi Fi's YouTube channel (1:19).

PM-KI Pearl Amplifier Lite Features

Copper Plated Chassis
A copper plated chassis provides the best shielding against noise or electromagnetic distortion radiating from other components in the equipment. It prevents this noise from being amplified together with the audio signal. And even more important, it gives equal low impedance ground level to every point of the chassis, keeping the ground potential as clean as possible.

Current Feedback
Current Feedback amplification is a well known, Marantz’ original circuit technology. The Current Feedback amplifier technology fits perfectly with the high requirements set for Super Audio software providing wide-bandwidth, high-speed reproduction. The impedance at the Current Feedback point is limited resulting in a very low phase shift. Marantz receivers and amplifiers equipped with Current Feedback can keep the phase compensation via Negative FeedBack (NFB) to a minimum, resulting in high through-rate, excellent transient response and superb sonic transparency for the full bandwidth. Unlike conventional Voltage Feedback amplification, the Current Feedback amplification makes the power amplifier in-sensitive to difficult loudspeaker loads.

Customised Components
On paper an electrical component might look excellent but the result may fall short of the combined design expectations. Marantz selects the appropriate components for the specific design application. In some cases it’s simply not possible to use standard components that meet the high Marantz standards. These components will then be specially made for Marantz in close cooperation with the Marantz engineers.

HDAM SA3
Marantz developed its own discrete circuit boards to replace standard IC's. These HDAM's consists of discrete surface mount components with short mirror image L/R signal paths. Those devices are doing exactly the same thing as the Op-Amps, but outperform the regular IC Op-amps dramatically in terms of the Slew Rate and reduced noise level, resulting in a much more dynamic, accurate and detailed sound. Over the years Marantz developed different types of the HDAM to improve quality and to fit to the special requirements of a product category like CD or amplifier.

Symmetrical Circuit Layout
To achieve the best possible sonic performance, signal paths need to be short, direct and mirror imaged. The construction of our circuitry provides improved stereo imaging by ensuring close to perfect symmetry between right and left channel layout.

Toroidal Transformer
Toroidal transformer has several advantages over a normal EI core transformer. It is very efficient and therefore delivers more power compared to the same size of an EI core transformer. In addition, due to its shape, the electromagnetic radiation and the mechanical vibration are extremely low all ending in a better sound quality.

Tri Tone Control
Marantz extended the sound tuning possibilities by introducing Tri-Tone-Control. In addition to Bass and Treble you can now also adjust the Mid Range. Especially for today’s compressed audio formats like MP3 and AAC this is a big advantage, as these often lack on sound quality.

About KI Pearl Lites
When the Original KI Pearl were first introduced in 2009, they were universally acknowledged as supremely exquisite high audio gems. Not only did they take music sensations to new heights, they were the ideal tribute to Ken Ishiwata’s 30-year association with Marantz. At special listening demonstrations across the globe, music lovers were first captivated and then totally spellbound by their supreme performance. However, as a highly exclusive limited edition, they were also beyond the reach of many.

That’s why Marantz decided to reuse all that had been discovered in developing the original Pearls to create the KI Pearl Lites. So that more people could take part. Importantly, the new Lites embody the same passion, the same commitment, and the same emotion as the original Limited Edition. Only the exterior design is different, their performance is still sublime.

PM-KI Pearl Amplifier Lite Specifications