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PM-11S1 Conclusion and Ratings

by Clint DeBoer last modified June 15, 2007 04:13

I've spent a lot of time with the Marantz PM-11S1 and I can say it's one of the most beautiful pieces of gear I've come across. The measured power this integrated amplifier exhibits told us that Marantz plays fast and loose with its stated power specs - but in the consumer's favor. Its styling is unique to Marantz and really makes a statement in your reference system that says this is a serious piece of audio equipment. The $4000+ price tag means that this integrated amplifier is not for those looking for a bargain product, but rather for consumers looking to have the best as well as a showpiece that works almost as much as a piece of furniture as it does an audio component. The difference is, if you push an Italian sports car to its limits too often you'll likely end up in the shop. With the PM-11S1 - it'll just beg you for more. The Marantz PM-11S1 comes highly recommended from us to those brave enough to whip out their credit cards and take this 60+ pound box home with them. It's been nice driving this Italian sports car of an amplifier for these past several weeks - I'm certainly not looking forward to waving goodbye and driving back home in my Jeep.

Marantz PM-11S1 Integrated Amplifier

MSRP: $4399

Marantz of America
100 Corporate Drive
Mahwah, N.J. 07430-2041
http://us.marantz.com

About Marantz of America
Marantz America is committed to upholding the tradition of technological superiority initiated by founder Saul Marantz. In keeping with this emphasis on quality, Marantz audio and video components are carried only by the nation’s premier independent audio/video specialty retailers. Additional information is available at www.marantz.com. Marantz America is a wholly owned subsidiary of D&M Holdings Inc.

The Score Card

The scoring below is based on each piece of equipment doing the duty it is designed for. The numbers are weighed heavily with respect to the individual cost of each unit, thus giving a rating roughly equal to:

Performance × Price Factor/Value = Rating

Audioholics.com note: The ratings indicated below are based on subjective listening and objective testing of the product in question. The rating scale is based on performance/value ratio. If you notice better performing products in future reviews that have lower numbers in certain areas, be aware that the value factor is most likely the culprit. Other Audioholics reviewers may rate products solely based on performance, and each reviewer has his/her own system for ratings.

Audioholics Rating Scale

  • — Excellent
  • — Very Good
  • — Good
  • — Fair
  • — Poor
MetricRating
Frequency Response LinearityStarStarStarStarStar
SNRStarStarStarStarStar
Output ImpedanceStarStarStarStar
Measured Power (8-ohms)StarStarStarStarStar
Measured Power (4-ohms)StarStarStarStarStar
Two-channel Audio PerformanceStarStarStarStarStar
Build QualityStarStarStarStarStar
Fit and FinishStarStarStarStarStar
Ergonomics & UsabilityStarStarStarStarStar
FeaturesStarStarStarStar
PerformanceStarStarStarStarStar
ValueStarStarStarhalf-star