Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Marantz PM15S1 Amplifier (SS) by mark

Model:	PM15S1
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$2099USD
Description:	Integrated Amplifier
Manufacturer URL:	Marantz
Model Picture:	View

Review by mark_nz ( A ) on April 14, 2007 at 21:24:22
IP Address: 125.239.192.194

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for the PM15S1

I currently own 2 x PM15S1 driving B&W804S loudspeakers, vertical bi-amping (one amp per side).
The PM15S1 is well built with a beautiful balanced visual design. The vertical blue lighting adds visual drama at night, but fortunately can be turned off. Interestly, while I always liked the rounded edge look of the previous Marantz reference components, I find the new look grows on one and remains visually interesting due to the different textures and curves.
Ergonomics are great with useful features, including ability to hook up multiple PM15 and sync up the volumes for bi-amping or multi-channel solutions.
The other features that I appreciate are: ability to switch loudspeaker output off to allow speaker leads to be changed, or keep the amplifier warmed up; precise digital controlled volume control allowing ability to trim channels, and hence when used in bi-amp mode, tweak output to treble/mids vs bass; and pre-amp outputs.
In terms of sound quality, the PM15 has overall neutral sound, clear mids and sweet treble. This complements the 804S midrange, resulting in a nice pleasant sound, expecially on female vocals.
But negatives include a lack of authority and pace in bass resulting in a slightly sterile sound. The lack of pace manifests as slight blurring of leading edges on percussion, and unfortunately robs some music (e.g. rock) of it's musicality.
BTW, bi-amping brought improvements to soundstage width and stability of the stereo image, but no improvement to overall bass quality.
Also a warning about run-in (whether you believe in such a thing or not), it took a few weeks of continously running in before the overall sound smoothed and filled out.
My advice if planning to purchase the PM15S1 is proceed with caution; make direct comparisons to other amplifiers if at all possible before making a decision.

Product Weakness: Lack of bass authority and pace resulting in slightly sterile sound quality
Product Strengths: Looks, build quality, ergonomics, smooth non-fatiguing sound

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	PM15S1
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Marantz SA14v2 & Sony CDPXA555ES (modded)
Speakers:	B&W804S
Cables/Interconnects:	Kimber
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Pop, Jazz, Acoustic
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Monstor Power Conditioner
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Lack of bass authority and pace resulting in slightly sterile sound quality
Product Strengths:	Looks, build quality, ergonomics, smooth non-fatiguing sound