Marantz 170 dc

I use the Marantz 170DC for several months. I have many devices, and several amps (mono blocks, tube amps, amp transistor). Audiophile for over twenty years listening carefully to electronic to me.

I associated with the preamp Marantz 170DC 3250 which was designed to work with, and also with preamps such as the Audio Research SP11 and SP14. The speakers were mostly Wilson Audio Watt Puppies +, and other less prestigious speakers such as Mulidine, Kef, Marantz pro.

The 170DC is a fine camera quite heavy and bulky, which I particularly like the look. I love the two big gauges, brushed aluminum facade, the side monster alone.

The front also has two LEDs that light up Peak in case of problem (contacts between the son HP, clipping ...), and two gain knobs, allowing a possible connection to the output of a CD player, c is to say without preamp.

On the European version the device has an ON / OFF button. After power up, the relay trips after a few seconds.

The 170DC needs a few minutes before heating to stabilize its proposal sound. After thirty minutes it is ready for listening.

The bandwidth is very wide at both ends of the spectrum, with particular reference to the high bandwidth. The bass is firm and well kept, and advertised 85 watts are exceeded, reaching the 120W instead. It is dynamic and accurate. The mid-high range is particularly successful. The voices are particularly well rendered, the 170DC is very analytical, it gives body and the material instruments. The cymbals high spin, with great energy and great precision in the location.

The 170 space recreates a three-dimensional sound, the sound is not thrown forward, but instead it spreads deep behind the speakers and others on both of them.

No worries to keep serious of four HP Watts, the 170 and fluently, without smearing: it is clean, clear and precise.

The association with the 3250 is the most successful, these devices are clearly designed to work together.

With Audio Research SP14 preamp, a global benchmark, the 170DC provides yet another face, with qualities exacerbated, testimony to its high transparency: sound image even more successful, more profound, and an even wider bandwidth at both ends.

The Argus is the camera around 380 Roros in January 2008. At this price, it's a total bargain: Most modern electronic did not arrive at the ankle, and the "integrated musical" will be swallowed by tens to breakfast.

What it lacks, compared to the very high end (Audio Research, Goldmund), it is essentially two points: holographic soundstage, and extension in the extreme bass register. These two points require the entire chain of an extreme level, that the purchaser of such a piece will never.

A mouth of hell, a great service: I purchased a second!