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In the Forum: Audio Discussions
In the Thread: Marantz MA-9S2 Monoblock Amplifiers

Post Subject: Marantz MA-9S2 Monoblock AmplifiersPosted by Paul S on: 7/29/2012

This report is on a new pair of Marantz MA-9S2s, following up on the relevant post in the "Powerful Amplifiers" thread. I installed the amps in my usual stereo set-up, to make it easier to draw a bead on them. I still have less than 100 hours on the amps as this is written. I have written about my DEBZ speakers and ancillaries before (eg., the K&K phono stage thread).

The amp's design seems "modern": 2-stage, fully-balanced A/B; op amps followed by deluxe Sanken transistors; current feedback; lots of discrete and sealed, proprietary components; fairly cool running; effective, sophistocated protection circuitry. Output is 300/600W into 8/4 Ohms; gain seems high (more on this later). They are Big, very well-built and HEAVY.

Initially, it seems like the amp has some sort of HF filter, and the overall character seems somewhat "polite". However, neither of these traits seems to stick out or interfere with any music in any way, at any time. Further, and most importantly, the amps consistently excel at presenting all kinds of Musical performances, from simple to complex, small to large, quiet to LOUD. Something I find interesting is that even when the quietest sounds are quieter than in the past, yet the loudest sounds will still be louder than that volume setting would suggest from past expereience. Likewise, details and contrasts are always available, across the board, whether Tone or dynamics, sums or differences, in quiet as well as louder passages. It is uncanny at first, and then it is simply wonderful.

Last night I started out, very engaged, listening to great violin pieces at lower (for me...) volume settings. Then I put on Cosi fan tutti, and I cranked it up. I suppose the electricity was good, and all the Music was wonderful. In fact, the Cft was the best rendition of a "large scale performance" I have ever heard from hi-fi.

Just to be clear, these amps do all the parts well enough, and they do the whole - the Music - as well as any amps I have tried. They easily "handle" my DEBZs, including the 15" drivers. Overall, quite a contrast to the sodden shit I endured until I found these. Although I expected to go with Class A something, results are what I'm after, and these A/B SS amps simply deliver The Goods. And I suspect they would work even in cases where the power was more than enough.

Paul S

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