PM-11S1 Setup and Listening Tests - Bookshelf

For this review, we configured the Marantz PM-11S1 in two different listening environments. The first was in my own two-channel listening room using a Slim Devices Transporter and Denon DVD-3910 as source components. The Transporter sent balanced signal to the PM-11S1's XLR inputs while I fed the DVD player's analogue outputs into the "CD" input. I utilized a pair of RBH Sound 61-SE/R speakers which were configured on a pair of StudioTech Ultra Series speaker stands. In the second room we had a more challenging pair of RBH Sound T30-LSE speakers and had the added benefit of listening in a more treated environment with a measured response. This system utilized a Denon DVD-5900 player for its analogue source (using Pure Direct Mode). In the listening tests below, we'll indicate where we were located when conducting each listening test. Cables for both rooms used the Velocity series by Impact Acoustics.

We are able to perform an interesting experiment while in the second, treated listening room. We pitted the Marantz PM-11S1 against a couple of "competitors" we happened to have on hand. This wasn't so much of a shoot-out as it was a "let's see what a true hi-fi product does to the mid-fi and entry level stuff." We pulled aside a Yamaha RX-V2700 and a Panasonic SA-XR50 (considered by some to be a "magically esoteric" ~$200 receiver) and performed some comparisons.

Listening Tests - Two-Channel System with RBH Sound 61-SE/Rs

The Marantz PM-11S1 is beautiful, well-built and looks to be perfectly suited for a high-end two-channel system. Now it was time to make sure the beauty of the sound output matched the exquisite styling of the unit itself. As I settled into my own listening room I queued up several familiar discs.

Sting: The Dream of the Blue Turtles CD
Skipping to Track 2 "Love is the Seventh Wave" I found that the introductory staccato notes portrayed a wide soundstage (starting from the left) with drums and high hat filling in from the right side. This launched the song into the main verse. A nice trombone entered, playing a complimentary accompaniment to the melody which rang true and, though positioned back in the mix, revealed itself with a very authentic and 'live' feel. Percussion was rendered with definition and clarity that told me the PM-11S1 was controlled and precise. In "Children's Crusade" the widely panned drums showed off Omar Hakim's most articulate hat work while Sting's vocals were full and the gentle reverb demonstrated a smooth roll off. Branford Marsalis' excellent saxophone playing showed through with an authenticity that found me closing my eyes to better take in the sound. Brief and playful, "The Dream of the Blue Turtles" has an opening jazzy feel that never really lets up. Clean Synclavier samples bass and drums make up the bulk of this fast-moving piece. Its raw feel and divergent sound really allowed the Marantz to produce nuances and subtleties that often get masked in the more produced tracks.

Steely Dan: Gold CD
I kicked off this album with the first track "Hey Nineteen". I'm very familiar with this album (and this track) and listened for the super-wide backing vocals to kick in. I wasn't disappointed. Male vocals sound wonderful on the PM-11S1 and I felt it was able to articulate the challenging mid-bass range of frequencies while also driving the highs with gusto and, more importantly, ample fidelity. "Deacon Blues" began with a well-rendered cymbal bell and a full bass guitar that maintained its somewhat gritty edge while still dipping to the limits of my listening system. Horns and sax were spot-on and sounded very live on my two-channel system (which is likely due to the somewhat ambient room which lends itself to a sound that is ever so slightly 'live'.) The subtle use of guitars in the bridge came through cleanly and the ability to pick out and place instruments within the soundstage gave away how much finesse the Marantz was capable of portraying. "Chain Lightning" has a thinner mix and gave me some driving drums to listen to (again panned wide across the soundstage) as well as cymbals which rolled smoothly, but quickly off into infinity. Electric guitar revealed finger noises and a very authentic sound that begged your attention. Piano, most notably on the song's lead-out, was clean, clear and well-defined.

Steve Miller Band: Fly Like an Eagle 30th Anniversary CD/DVD DigiPak
This disc was sent to me some months back and has proven to be a decent reference disc. "Fly Like an Eagle" has some very particular percussive bass as well as very high frequency cymbal bells and effects that deliver almost too much to listen to at once. Miller's clean vocals and the diversity of the track (which is never played the same twice live) made this a difficult test which the PM-11S1 passed with flying (pardon the pun) colors. "Wild Mountain Honey" has some interesting synth tracks and a rather raw vocal that is breathy and up-front. There is a lot to pay attention to (Steve Miller composes some rather complex pieces) and I felt the Marantz amplifier pushed my speakers farther than I'd ever heard them go in terms of articulation of high-energy playback material. Bass was tight and silky smooth with just a touch of finger pull at times which gave a truly "being there" feel to the tracks. Percussion was pervasive and authentic and, although it had the feel of a 60's flashback (whatever that is) it provided plenty of excellent high fidelity material for the PM-11S1 to faithfully reproduce.

Yes: Talk CD
"I Am Waiting" showed off a tremendously finessed presentation of Anderson's vocals as well as Trevor Rabin's guitar prowess. Alan White's drumming and Chris Squire's bass playing were absolutely punchy and powerful. This integrated amplifier can truly handle driving beats without breaking a sweat and switch - almost instantly – into a soft, detailed and gentle vocal. These transitions were effortless and both ends of the spectrum were equally satisfying. If you have a decent subwoofer for this track you'll be in for a treat as well. I continued listening to this album for its duration. Some stand-outs included the well-defined drumming and guitar playing in "State of Play", the truly amazing vocals in "Walls" and the pervasive hand percussions in "Where Will You Be." This is a great album and it was clear that the Marantz was in control - rendering all facets of the music in a way that told me this integrated amp is capable, controlled and worthy. Even though the system is a conservative 100W/channel, it never gave even a hint of limiting, distortion or compression - even when I cranked up 'The Dan' to somewhat excessive levels. This is one meaty amplifier with plenty of headroom.