PM-11S1 Conclusion and Ratings
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
Read Consumer Reviews on
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
| Metric | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frequency Response Linearity | |
| SNR | |
| Output Impedance | |
| Measured Power (8-ohms) | |
| Measured Power (4-ohms) | |
| Two-channel Audio Performance | |
| Build Quality | |
| Fit and Finish | |
| Ergonomics & Usability | |
| Features | |
| Performance | |
| Value |  |
Recent Forum Posts:
But I recently own the PM-15 model (the original one - 1994, not current PM-15S1 or PM-15S2 model) and I must say it's a truly high-end masterpiece. Far better than any of other integrated that Marantz ever made.
I liked the amp comparison, really helps appreciate the quality of a great piece of gear.
