Integrated Amplifier: Outlaw RR2160 or Marantz PM8006 or PM-14S1

I just added KEF LS50 speakers to my system and I am very impressed with their sound. I don't know the proper terminology to describe them but they have an almost three dimensional feel. My current integrated amplifier, the Marantz PM6005, drives them well, however, I suspect I may get even more out of the KEFs with an amplifier with a little more oomph. The Marantz PM8006 would seem like a logic upgrade as I like the Marantz sound, I am looking to stick with solid state and I like having tone controls if necessary. I also like my upgrades to be significant and my worry with the Marantz PM8006 is that I won't notice that much of a difference from the PM6005. I saw the Outlaw RR2160 received a class B rating from Stereophile, received a great review from the Audiophiliac, plus there are many happy owners of the Outlaw on this forum. It also has loads of power and both reviews mentioned the Outlaw plays nice with the KEF LS50 speakers. I am also considering the Marantz PM-14S1 reference integrated amplifier. Its three times the price of the Outlaw and PM8006, but it may also be the last amplifier I would need for the next 20 years. I don't mind paying the money if it's worth it but I also like to get value for my money. Would you choose the Marantz PM8006, the Outlaw RR2160, the Marantz's PM-14S1 or stick with the Marantz PM6005 if you were in this situation?

 

If you can afford the PM-14S1, by all means... It won't become a limitation when you upgrade the speakers.
I have had a 5004 and upgraded to the 8004 after 3 weeks. It has the power and dynamic that was missing with the 5004, but essentially same house sound.
The 8004 has been on 24/7 for 7 years and it's running like out of the box.... a testament to the quality of Japanese hi-fi.
And I also have a 22-years old Yamaha receiver that's running like new.

 

The PM-14S1 is an significant upgrade over the others mentioned.

 

LS50s are one of those speakers that continue to reward front end upgrades. I haven't driven them with more than 100 watts RMS but many claim they only improve as more power is applied. My gut is to say the PM-14S1, but that Outlaw measured surprisingly well according to Stereophile and produces more power on paper. The PM sure wins the beauty contest IMO.

What I like about both brands is they omit the earth ground prong from the power jack. This usually results in a very low noise floor.

 

The new Parasound Halo Hint 6 (HERE) sells for the same price as the PM. "Power Output - Both channels driven (0.05% THD, RMS, 20Hz - 20kHz): 160 watts x 2 @ 8 ohms; 240 watts x 2 @ 4 ohms." 5 year warranty. I don't have one, but it gets a lot of good press on this forum. Good luck!

 

Thanks for the responses. I Suspected the PM-14S1 would be the favored choice. Regarding the Parasound, I was hoping to see the original Halo integrateds being sold at liquidation prices, but there was no inventory left to liquidate.

 

If I recall correctly, I sold my original H-int for about $1750 including shipping. I'd get the Marantz or a Yamaha.

 

In the last few years I've had to make some personal sacrifices for reasons I won't go into, but it was the right thing to do and I feel good about. I gave up my beloved Marantz Reference PM-KI-Pearl in the process, and while I think I made the right decision, I am also sad that I no longer own this special piece. While the Marantz PM-14S1 wasn't a personal project for Marantz legendary designer Ken Ishiwata, it is built to the same exacting standards and is an exemplary performer. While for the price the PM-8005/6 is an excellent unit, it does not compare to it and certainly IMO cannot compete with the Reference units.

 

Damn. I think I have to get that 40lb beast.

 

...and tell us about it.

 

Yea I would go with the HINT in a Hintbeat. Sorry

 

Or get an untamed monster from 1976 (GODZILLA)
Pioneer SX 1250. Coke can caps

 

Thanks again for everyone’s suggestions. I was able to get a very good deal on a Marantz PM-14S1 due (in part) to the newly released Marantz PM-KI Ruby Reference integrated amplifier.

 

I’m considering the pm-14s1 and pm-8006 too. Soundwise and powerwise, the 14s1 is the one to go for as I believe is the general consensus. But for me the quality of the phono stage is also important. Hoe doe these two compare on that part?

 

The thread starter having abandoned the thread since 1,5 years, for others: “Outlaw RR2160”.

 

ok, I'll start a new thread.

 

I find the quality of the phono stage in the pm-14s1 to be quiet good, but it is a little too laid back sounding on my system. I prefer using the Rega Fono MK III which I also have.

 

Holy cow, that thing has pre-out/main-ins! SO rare these days.

 

Sorry, but I assume you're being cynical? I'm not an expert, so can't tell if most amps have these or not.

 

He's serious, they're actually getting pretty rare. Even finding a variable pre-out is not all that common any more (as opposed to tape-outs, which lots of people use I guess?). And finding all of that plus proper analog bass-management for sub, as with the RR2160, is even more unique.

With the PM-14S1, though, they don't work as a traditional (jumpered) pre-out/main in. The "Power Amp Direct In" has to be chosen as a source. You can't pass a signal from the Pre out through a crossover, for example, to the Direct In.

 

So it's just for like "home theater bypass"?

 

and does it works the same on the Pm-8006? What I mean is, does the power amp direct has to be chosen as a source there also?

 

I guess it'd work for that, sure, functions only as a power amp in that mode.

According the the manual, yes, that input is only active when POWER AMP DIRECT mode is chosen.

Seems so much simpler and potentially more useful to have included jumpers and not make the functions mutually exclusive, but I'm not a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate. Yet.

 

Did you end up going with the Outlaw? I am testing out a Marantz PM7000N and I'm digging it but considering going with the Outlaw and just getting streamer separately. Crazy the 2160 has increased in price since 2018!

 

No, I went with the Marantz 14s1