Marantz PM6006 UK
What makes for a UK Edition of an already-beloved integrated amplifier? Is it one whose timbre better matches the taste of a bacon butty? Is it easy-wipe to cope with the damp, drizzly weather? Or perhaps it is portable, designed for those afterschool trips to the park with a can of cider?
In fact, it’s a lot more sensible than that. When the UK Edition was launched, Marantz kept the details of the changes made to its Award-winning PM6006 close to its chest, but the fine-tuning was done with help from some of the finest technicians in the industry.
This opportunity may have arisen organically. As time goes by, certain parts become unavailable, and ploughing the same furrow with different tools is not always the most fruitful of practices.
So is this a completely different animal? As far as the consumer is concerned: probably not. And yet the performance gains that this model achieves compared with its predecessor are significant, so anybody entering the market now will be treated to even better value for money than before.
And that’s where we are with the PM6006. Even with the two side by side, we’d hesitate to give percentage-point improvements – but with an amp that became like an old friend in its heyday, we can confidently say the ‘UK’ version is even more obviously a five-star product than its predecessor.
Enduring design
Despite internal changes, outwardly the UK Edition looks identical to the original (apart from some additional branding).
The front face is dominated by a pair of dials – one for toggling input and one for managing volume – flanking a slimline LED source indicator.
Below this is a quartet of buttons for switching between the amp’s internal DAC and analogue inputs, between either or both pairs of wireable speakers, and to operate the PM6006’S ‘loudness’ feature. Further down is another trio of smaller dials for fine-tuning bass, treble and balance, as well as a 6.3mm headphone jack.
What’s there – and what’s not
On the back panel, you’ll find five analogue line-ins, a coaxial and two optical digital inputs, outputs accommodating two pairs of speakers and a tape loop for recording.
That means there’s still no USB input – Marantz says to include one would have been impossible at the price point, and to look further up the chain if that is indeed a deal-breaker.
So if you own the original PM6006, there’s no need to trade it in. But if you’re in the market for a stereo amp, then this is just about the finest performance you’ll get for this amount of money. It’s a characteristically full-bodied and focused Marantz presentation, with plenty of detail to boot.
A smoother approach
The most granular textures perhaps aren’t so readily on offer – this amp favours a smoother, more wholesome overall tone – but the ‘UK’ nevertheless does more than enough digging for detail. Even so, things never become overly analytical, nor do they lose any sense of musicality. And musicality is one of the PM6006’S strengths.
The balance is tonally even and overall it’s pleasingly insightful, with a nice wide soundstage. More striking, though, is this amplifier’s rhythmic and dynamic confidence. While not up to the impressive levels achieved by Rega’s io, it nevertheless still knits together well.
There’s a certain smoothness between strands, yet also enough punch and drive to grab your attention, with the Marantz’s cohesive musical approach blending neatly with an impressive sense of refinement.
These aspects can, of course, be improved upon if you’re willing to pay, as with any other facet of performance, but the PM6006’S talents are such that it will musically trump many amps much further up the food chain.
DAC pros and cons
The built-in DAC is a decent performer that retains much of the detail we hear through the line stage, but loses a bit of body and natural warmth on the way.
To answer our initial question: it appears a UK Edition is pretty much in line with what went before, only with a little more focus and detail - and possibly a touch more fidelity.
Either way, whether you already own a PM6006 or you were hoping to take home this latest variant, rest assured you’re getting as good an amp as this relatively meagre sum will allow. Proceed to your retailer with confidence – and not a little anticipation.