*New* Marantz PM6004 Integrated Stereo Amplifier

With its impressive array of inputs and outputs, the Marantz PM6004 Integrated Stereo Amplifier offers an ideal way to consolidate all of your audio devices. The amplifier features exceptional audio engineering, allowing it to amplify sound without loss of fidelity or balance. It also has a phono input, so you can enjoy music from your turntable on traditional stereo speakers. And with Marantz's audio technologies, this device is sure to please even the most discerning listeners.

When “What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision?” gave the Marantz PM6003 the “Best amplifier in its class” award, the performance bar was well and truly raised for its successor: the PM6004.

Fortunately, Marantz design engineers enjoy nothing better than a real challenge. And they seized this upgrade opportunity to further improve this already excellent amplifier by refining the sound and optimising the balance from Bass to Mid to Highs for a performance full of harmony.

The strategic difference is that now both the pre-amplification and power amplification sections exclusively feature discrete components – not a single IC in sight. Specially selected single components not only outperform ICs in quality, they also make it possible to refine the sound in much more detail, resulting in more clarity and transparency in the sound stage.

Of course the lower impedance Toroidal transformer with case-shield has been retained, so too has the customised main capacitors, and the potential power transistor which is mounted on the extruded aluminium heat sink and can easily handle higher currents to keep close control of speakers.

All of this proven, superior technology has been retained. And of course all of the original features - such as a full palette of audio inputs and outputs for connecting with a wide variety of audio devices. It features six line inputs (including phono), two line outputs, and two-pairs of gold-plated speaker connections with the convenience of bi-wiring. Finally, the RC-5 input and output enables one-button turn-on and control of Marantz source components like the new CD6004, using only the included PM6004 remote control.

All that’s now required is a lover of music.

Marantz PM6004 Integrated Stereo Amplifier Features

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.

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.

D-Bus: To optimise equipment in terms of ease of use, Marantz has designed the D-Bus system. Received remote control commands are communicated via this bus. This enables equipment without IR-receiver like tuners or hidden system together with an external IR eye to be controlled via the bypacked Marantz System Remote Controller.

Marantz PM6004 Integrated Stereo Amplifier Reviews

What Hi Fi? Sound and Vision - 5 Stars - Oct 2011
For: Solidity and scale, but with precision and pace; excellent transparency
Against: Again, Nothing of note

A thorough upgrade of the amp has achieved even more substantial improvements. It’s that ability to cut right to the heart of a track that’s most impressive.

Notes hit with punch and precision, but there’s also weight and solidity here that rivals struggle to match.

Even more impressive is the fact that this solidity combines with a lightness of foot that helps the amp dance from beat to beat without a hint of sluggishness.

While the PM6004 is flexible enough to be partnered with other, non-Marantz electronics, as a pair (with the CD6004 CD Player) they pull in the same sonic direction, and the resulting presentation is as fast-paced, detailed and dynamic as you could possibly hope for from a hi-fi pairing at this end of the market.

Audio Video Revolution - Andre Marc - 20 Dec 2011
... a powerhouse like Marantz, who has been at the game for over 60 years, can leverage technology and sheer purchasing volume to produce remarkable products, even at entry level. Very few companies offer a full line of CD and SACD players, AV receivers, file players, turntables, power amplifiers, and integrated amps for under a grand. And the others that do would have a tough time using premium grade parts, and trickle down reference level technology.

Speaking of components under a grand, I received for review a sample of the new PM6004 Integrated amplifier from Marantz.  The feature list is impressive, to say the least. Despite some very advanced engineering and a bunch of features, the PM6004 is incredibly easy to set up and use. Plug in your sources and power cord, and hit Play.

Within the first ten minutes of my initial listening session, I already knew this review process was going to be a very pleasant one. The music flowed beautifully, with plenty of body and soul.  There was not the least amount -- I mean not an ounce -- of detectable mechanical or electronic artifacts.  I have heard way more expensive amplifiers that have maybe provided more resolution, but along with a clearly detectable silicon haze that never let you forget you were listening to solid state.

To offer some operational notes, the PM6004 was exceptionally quiet, ran cool, and worked flawlessly. I was especially impressed with how smooth the volume control was. There were no large jumps, just smooth, continuous increments.

What you get with the Marantz PM6004 is a sweet sounding integrated amplifier with a feature list that seems hard to believe at this price point: The Marantz PM6004, matched with a nice pair of speakers in the same price range allows you, for under $2000 including cables, to assemble a system that would give all but the most unreasonable audiophiles immense musical enjoyment.

The Marantz PM6004 will receive my vote for budget component of the year, and that may even be selling it short. Highly recommended for those shopping for integrated amplifiers under $1000.

Marantz PM6004 Integrated Stereo Amplifier Specifications

Channels 2
Current Feedback Topology
Phono EQ: Standard
Power Transformer: Toroidal
High Grade Audio Components
Customised Components
Aluminium extrusion heat sink
Balance / Bass / Treble / Loudness

Linear Drive Power Supply
Shottky diodes
Input buffer amp - all inputs
Source Direct
Standby Mode

Inputs / Outputs
Audio Inputs 6
Phono Input: MM
Audio Outputs 2
Gold Plated Cinch
Speaker A / B
Speaker Terminal: Screw
Number of terminals 4
D-Bus
Headphone Out
iPod input:  docking station

Power Output (8 / 4 Ohm RMS) 45 W / 60 W
Frequency Response 10 Hz - 70 kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.0008
Damping Factor 100
Input Sensitivity: MM 2 mV / 47 kOhm
Signal to Noise Ratio: MM  84 dB
Input Sensitivity: High level 200 mV / 20 kOhm
Signal to Noise Ratio: High level 87 dB

Metal Front Panel
Power Consumption in W 150
Standby Consumption in W 0.2
Auto power off
Detachable Power Cable
Remote Control RC003PM
System Remote Function
Maximum Dimensions (W x D x H)  440 x 366 x 105mm
Weight  7.5kg