Kicker 08ZX7501 750-Watt Class D Mono Subwoofer Amplifier Review

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(More customer reviews)I did some research to find the best amp for my limited cash. This was mention a few times, but not nearly as much as the zx 1000.1. I went ahead and bought this amp anyways. I am extremely impressed. Right now I have it set up with 2 kicker comp vr 12"'s in a sealed box and man, this thing hits so hard... I got my neighbor who lives about 30 yards away to come out of his house screaming at me to "turn that **** noise off". I was rattling my house's windows.
If you're considering this amp, buy it now. You will not regret it.
Also thank you kicker for listing the RMS Watts instead of Max Output!

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ZX dominance means severe stereo or mono amplifier power surging into corresponding KICKER subwoofers and speakers. ZX dominance also means the utmost reliability from the biggest name in trouble-free amplification and loud, clear sound.
ZX-Series Amplifiers return for 2008 as reliable as ever--21 no-fault options to run a complete car audio system. Two-channel, four-channel, three- and five-channel hybrids, and absurd single-channel subwoofer amps round out a hard-working, noise-free lineup known for supplying the force until the listener shuts the music down. And now all ZX Amps are outfitted with differential RCA inputs, completely eliminating unwanted whines and audio trash and making for the most enjoyable listening experience possible. Differential inputs and new automatic turn-on modes make ZX Amps some of the most complete power producers on the market.
ZX Mono-Channel Amplifiers ZX.1 Mono Subwoofer Amplifiers add one new option to its existing stable of six--the 500-watt ZX500.1 with all the same great benefits. From 300 watts up to a ridiculous 2,500-plus watts, KICKER makes selections available for what it does best... bass. Hiding under an efficient heat sink, ZX sub amps offer a 24dB/octave low-pass electronic crossover and a 24dB/octave subsonic filter fixed at 25 hertz. All have up to 18 decibels of boost centered at 40 hertz, and all come with remote bass control. Optional endcaps are available for all ZX amplifier models.
ZX750.1 Features
3 automatic turn-on modes
Balanced differential inputs for noise elimination
RCA inputs have direct speaker level input capability
Easily removable top allows for custom painting
Optional end caps
2 ohm stability on all amps
Angled power connections

What's in the Box ZX750.1 amplifier, Remote bass control, Mounting hardware, User's manual

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JL AUDIO 500/1 V2 MONO AMPLIFIER 500 WATT SLASH AMP Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this amp and had it paired with the JL 12w6v2. I carefully considered this sub/amp combo since it was going to be a first system that I put into my car. This combination maybe a little too much for my 4 door sedan, but it was well worth the money spent. The amp itself remains relatively cool under conditions of hard use. If your looking for one of the best amps that your money can I would go for this one. However, if you don't need a lot of bass consider something else. You could probably get a package installed for this much. I hope this helps who ever reads it.

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Grado RA1 - Headphone amplifier Review

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(More customer reviews)I think most of the negative press comes from those using the Grado RA1 with phones other than Grado, and I'm not going to say they're wrong. The RA1 is an excellent choice with Grado phones. I'm using one with the GS1000 and it's a great match. It's pretty much common knowledge in the audio community that Grado headphone amps are optimized for Grado headphones, just as Grado phono preamps are best suited for Grado cartridges.

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The best way to enjoy the stunning quality of Grado headphones is with the Grado RA-1 Battery Powered Headphone Amp. Built from a solid block of mahogany, the RA-1 uses a pair of audiophile op-amps with high-current output capability and wide bandwidth to deliver true, clear and lifelike sound into your headphones. Two nine-volt batteries will drive the amp for a full 40 to 50 hours. Just hook it up to any line source -- portable or in the home -- and luxuriate in the warm, smooth, and full-bodied sound that has built Grado's world-wide reputation for high-quality headphones.What's in the Box Grado RA1 Headphone Amplifier, user's guide, and registration card.

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Rockford Fosgate Prime R1000-1D 1000 Watt Mono Amplifier Review

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(More customer reviews)LOVE rockford fosgate's quality and this amplifier is no exception. Small footprint and solid performance. I use this amp to power one kicker L7 solo 15" sub and I can tell the difference between this amo and the planet audio I was using. Would definetly recommend.

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The PRIME R1000-1D is a Class-D amplifier producing unreal power with unmatched efficiency. You simply cannot get a Kilowatt of power from a chassis this small using traditional Class-A/B amplifier designs. The Class-D topology inside the R1000-1D allows the amplifier to produce that much power with an amazing 90% efficiency! The 2-Ohm load mono stability is perfect for four 4-Ohm DVC subwoofers, or you can create your own car-shaking eight woofer system with 2-Ohm DVC subwoofers.

R1000-1D Features
Class-D Topology High efficiency amplifier design that reduces current consumption from the charging system.
Power and Protect LEDs The Protect LED illuminates if a short circuit or to low of an impedance is detected at the speaker connections. The amplifier will automatically shut down if this occurs.
RCA Input Jacks The industry standard RCA jacks provide an easy connection for signal level input. They are nickel-plated to resist the signal degradation caused by corrosion.
RCA Pass-Thru Jacks This Pass-Thru provides a convenient source for daisy-chaining an additional amplifier without running an extra set of RCA cables from the front of the vehicle to the rear amplifier location.
Gain Control The input gain control is preset to match the output of most source units.
Phase Switch Allows you to select the output phase of the amplifier between 0 degrees and 180 degrees.
Variable Low Pass Crossover Determine which frequencies you feed your subs with the built-in 12dB/octave Butterworth filter, with a crossover point variable from 40Hz to 130Hz.
Punch Bass This is an adjustable Bass level control centered at 45Hz @ 12dB/octave.
Remote Punch Level Control When connected, the "Gain Control" is linked and allows you to remotely control the output level of the amplifier from the dash or center console.
R1000-1D Specifications


Thirty Years of Rockford FosgateRockford Fosgate products have been designed and engineered in Tempe, Arizona since the beginning. Rockford's 30 year reputation is grounded in engineering and manufacturing some of the finest audio products in the world. The company's no-compromise approach has yielded patented iconic products such as the Punch EQ, Punch 45 amplifier and the 3Sixty integrated signal processor. Today, Rockford's new products push the performance envelope even further. Each new product is a step forward--they sound bigger, they play louder, and run longer. Rockford never settles for "good enough."
The 2010 product line represents the company's core philosophy. Rockfords new amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers have raised the bar on the competition.
What's in the Box Rockford Fosgate Prime R1000-1D 500 Watt Mono Amplifier, User's Manual
Need More Amp? Step up to the Punch Series P1000-1BD or the Power Series T1000-1BDCP for more advanced mono amps, or check out the many other Rockford options.
Rockford Fosgate Prime Series Amplification

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Pyle Home PT990A 1000 Watt AM/FM Multi Source Digital Receiver with Vacuum Tube Preamplifier (USB/MP3 Inputs, Remote Supports iPod Control) Review

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(More customer reviews)Recived this a few weeks ago. Was looking for a powerfull amp to drive my Cerwin vega 15inch home speakers for music. Have a 525 watt surround amp but I use that for watching movies. The surround amp just couldnt do the job. This amp is excellant. Now I feel my speakers can live up to their full potential.

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Rockford Fosgate Punch 500-Watt Mono Amplifier Review

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(More customer reviews)Purchased from Amazon, professionally installed in a 2004 GMC Yukon. Driving a Rockford Fosgate Punch P3 P3L-1X12 Single 12-Inch Pre-Loaded Enclosure, also purchased from Amazon.
Plenty of power, clean/clear/accurate sound. It even looks good. Happy customer here. I was concerned about it being powerful enough; my concerns evaporated when I first heard it.

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With its super efficient Class-BD circuit topology, the P500-1bd will drop some serious BASS! Due to its dedicated low frequency response, this amplifier is optimized for mid-bass speakers or subwoofers only. No need to worry because its 1-ohm capability will drive a pair of 4-ohm DVC subwoofers or quad-configuration of 2-ohm DVC subwoofers with ease.

P500-1bd Features
12dB/octave crossover
4 Gauge power/ground terminals
Audiophile grade speaker connections
Infrasonic filter
MOSFET output stage
MOSFET power supply
RCA pass-thru
Top Mounted LED Indicators

CEA-2006 Power ratings on Rockford Fosgate amplifiers conform to CEA-2006 industry standards. These guidelines mean your amplifier's output power ratings are REAL POWER numbers, not inflated marketing ratings.
Class bd Rockford Fosgate bd topology is a revolutionary patented design, integrating a technology that is more efficient than typical class AB and has lower distortion than class D designs. POWER bd amplifiers are 75-80% efficient vs. 20-60% efficient class ab amplifiers. What does that mean? More power from your amplifier with less drain on your vehicles electrical and charging system.
Differential Inputs Differential input circuitry measures the voltage of both the (+) and (-) input signal. The circuitry subtracts the voltage common to both conductors (noise) resulting in only the clean signal. This allows only clean signal to enter the amplifier.
DSM DSM utilize 1% tight-tolerances improving efficiency of the circuit, decreases cross-talk from other discrete components and lowers operating temperature.
Dynamic Thermal Management Heat is often inefficiently dissipated across a heatsink causing "hot spots". Rockford Fosgate engineers have developed an award winning cooling design called DTM. This patent pending design seamlessly manages the output of power supply temperatures, while evenly distributing the excess heat across the entire amplifier.
MEHSA3 MEHSA3 (Maximum Efficiency Heat Sink Application--gen. 3) reduces MOSFET temperatures, lowers distortion, increases durability and prolongs the output device life span.
NOMAD NOMAD (Non Multiplying Advanced Decision) is a "real time" analog computer that protects your amplifier from shorting speaker wires and dangerously low speaker impedances.
Punch EQ2 In the early 70's, Jim Fosgate studied the acoustical properties of automobiles. Utilizing a real-time analyzer and pink noise, he would graph out the acoustical characteristics of each car he tested. Jim discovered three problems that were common to all cars: a midbass hump between 100-275Hz, a steep roll-off of high frequencies from 2kHz up to 20kHz, and reduced bass response below 50Hz.
The Punch EQ on-board equalization circuit helps correct for these acoustical deficiencies in the listening environment. When set to Low-Pass(LP) operation, it becomes a variable Bass Boost. When set to High-Pass (HP) operation, it acts as a variable Mid-Bass and Treble Boost. When set to All Pass (AP) operation, both Bass and Treble frequencies are boosted.
Rockford Fosgate Avatar These Avatars are a personal signature from the Rockford Fosgate team member who designed and engineered this fanatic product. This statement illustrates Rockford's commitment to being Designed and Engineered in the U.S.A.
TO-247 MOSFETs Rockford Fosgate amps use custom TO-247 MOSFETs. These have 60% more metal tab area for more power capacity, lower impedance and improved heat dissipation over traditional TO-220 MOSFETs found in competitor amps.
P500-1bd Specifications


Thirty Years of Rockford FosgateRockford Fosgate products have been designed and engineered in Tempe, Arizona since the beginning. Rockford's 30 year reputation is grounded in engineering and manufacturing some of the finest audio products in the world. The company's no-compromise approach has yielded patented iconic products such as the Punch EQ, Punch 45 amplifier and the 3Sixty integrated signal processor. Today, Rockford's new products push the performance envelope even further. Each new product is a step forward--they sound bigger, they play louder, and run longer. Rockford never settles for "good enough."
The 2010 product line represents the company's core philosophy. Rockfords new amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers have raised the bar on the competition.
What's in the Box Rockford Fosgate Punch P500-1BD 500-Watt Mono Amplifier, User's Manual
More Amplifier Options From Rockford Fosgate If you need more features, step up to the Power Series T500-1BDCP.
On a Tighter Budget? Rockford's also got you covered. Consider the Prime Series R500-1.
Rockford Fosgate Punch Series Power Amplifiers

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Bazooka MC-HD-AMK 4-Channel Harley Amplifier Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)I installed the AMP myself and tested it. I seems to work great. The sound is so much better. I like my music loud and I can only turn it up to 1/2 volume. I have not really done anything other than test the unit in my garage as it is too cold to ride right now. Will have to see how it performs on the road. I need a year of riding to give a good review.

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JBL WEM-1 50-Watt Wireless Amplifier and Expansion Module (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this once it first came out and I've been pleased. It works effectively to expand your listening area wirelessly between zones or even between 5.1 and 7.1 setups.
I use this across my house - a house that is also set up with a wireless network for my computers as well as both cordless and cellular phones. The interference from these units is minimal, if present at all. Surprisingly, I find the most interference from either myself or others walking past it. Wierd. Though, there are 4 channels available to sync the transmitter and receiver seamlessly (or close to it).
The sound is great. It has a built in 50W amplifier and provides crisp sounds. The subwoofer output allows you to make this mini system a sharp 2.1 surround sound system. Note - use a non LFE sub (or just bypass the LFE option on your sub) since the receiver has its own volume input.
Obviously, the best results are for when you connect an outside music source to the receiver via the mini-jack input. If this is your sole reason to use this product, you don't even need to hook up the transmitter at all. Though, to fully enjoy this product, you should.
I have it hooked up to a 7.1 receiver with 2 zone capability. It works fine and I'm very happy with it. The built in amp definitely helps the performance.

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The JBL WEM-1 is a Wireless Expansion Module that allows the user to make any loudspeaker wireless. The kit contains a transmitter that wirelessly transmits a signal up to 70 feet. The WEM-1 includes a receiver/amplifier that receives the wireless signal and drives any pair of loudspeakers with its internal 50 watt amplifier. The transmitter connects to the source using either line or speaker level inputs. The receiver/amplfiier also offers equalization settings for several speakers. A local input allows the user to hook up a portable device or gaming system to the amplifiier.

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Alpine PDX-5 - Amplifier - 4-channel plus Mono-power Review

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(More customer reviews)I felt compelled to write a review after owning and playing with this amp for a month.I read alot of reviews before buying and they were mostly positive with a few sub power complaints.I've been a car audio fan for more years than I like to mention,and tend to stick with JL,Boston,old Kicker or MB Quart speakers and Alpine or old Blaupunkt amps.
First off, if you want power to blow away your buddies with a bass competition,will be bummed by not not being able to listen to body panel flex outside or blow dry your hair,look for something else.
The front and rear sections of the amp are more than enough for most anyone, but the sub section has it's limitations. It came with a factory output sheet of 94x4 and 400x1 RMS. Nothing needs to be said about the 94x4 as it is quite good all the way around. The sub section is 400W RMS but really hits more like 200W RMS. I replaced an old Blaupunkt 5ch rated at 50x4 and 150 RMS. The Alpine 4ch section is twice the juice of my old amp as rated, but the sub output is not much more powerful.
I have spent much time making numerous adjustments and have come to the conclusion that the sub section on the Alpine amp is ok, but not for a kickdrum slam worshiper. I have a Peerless XXLS 10 in a sealed box.It is 2ohms and rated at 175W RMS. It sounds very good and accurate, yet seems to run out of steam. I swapped it with a $250 JL 10 and it made no real difference.This is in a standard cab full size truck.This amp does well and is accurate for subs rated at similar wattage, but dont expect it to throttle your 1000 watt RMS competition sub. For efficient enclosures/ported boxes I feel it would likely be much better than my setup being a sealed box design takes a bit more juice to ramp up.
**listening to a rap or what I will call "hanging bass" cd the sub appeared louder and cleaner. I listen mostly to hard rock though and like a hard kickdrum hit. My matched sub and sealed box volume was chosen for the purpose.It is rated at 175W RMS so pushing to capacity yet not overdriving is not a problem.I am happy with the performance of the amp in this system because I had realistic expectations,though I was hoping to be surprised.
For sealed designs It appears it should be ok for most.Overall I do like the amp and the headroom I now have for the other channels. The adjustability/versatility of this unit is well done in a small all-in-one solution that won't have your alternator crying for mercy. Was it worth spending $350 over what I already had? Yes for the size and power efficiency,yes for the 4ch headroom,a wash for sound quality (the old Blau is quite good) and a marginal yes for the sub output. I am not trashing this amp. It is a very good 5ch solution that performs well with an ample,yet not powerhouse sub section.

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Harman Kardon HK 3490 120 Watt X 2 Stereo Receiver with XM Radio-ready Tuner and Dolby Virtual Speaker Review

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(More customer reviews)I used the HK 3480 (the precursor to this model) for five years and loved it. The 3490 is even better. The sound is more robust and full, not different, but just more refined. It easily powers my Klipsch Synergy speakers and would pair well with any mid-level speakers. With 120w even inefficient speakers will have more than a enough power to move air.
Further, the 3490 has an important new feature: digital inputs. This is a very nice option for those who have made the jump to an all digital music library and use a digital jukeboxes like the Roku Soundbridge or the Squeezebox. Both players have digital outs and pair up nicely with the 3490.
The difference in quality from digital inputs or analog is debatable, but to my ear, going from the 3480 with analog cables, to the 3490 with optical TOSLINK, there was an immediately improvement in clarity. Songs with delicate sound work came alive. Soft details were more apparent. It's been a great upgrade for me.
It's important to note that the 3490 doesn't leave analog fans in the cold either. It has a very nice tape loop and a wonderful gold plated stereo pickup. In short, whether you're library consists of vinyl or mp3s this amp will do it all.
I have always been a fan of Harmon Kardon, and I bought the older 3480 because I'm a strict fan of stereo music listening. The 3490 is a very smart update to the 3480, bringing it into the 21st century with a host of digital options. For those who rely on an iPod for music, there is specific iPod cradle for this amp that allows you to play your iPod's music effortless over the stereo while controlling it with the HK remote. This amp is also XM Radio ready, just plug in your XM receiver and the HK will allow you to control it.
It's very hard to find a subtle, high powered stereo receiver with these features. The market has sadly moved away to the home theater, multi-channel world, but I'm glad Harmon Kardon is still loyal to their stereo listeners.
Build quality is very nice. It's not a flashy amp, it doesn't light up the room with needless LEDs. It's very understated, and handsome. HK even includes two little inserts that hide the front inputs and bass, treble, and balance controls (nice if you don't want people messing with your settings, or you appreciate a clean look.)
Other than the digital options, the tape loop and the phono pickup, the amp does allow video switching and pass through should you want to integrate into your home theater. The other notable detail are the speaker posts. They allow the use of banana clips or allow you to secure naked wire in two different ways to the posts. This is nice if you don't have a lot of clearance behind the amp.
At this price point, there is simply nothing out there that can compete with this amp in terms of quality, performance, or features.

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The HK 3490 is a high current stereo receiver that will give you the best possible audio performance. You can use the optional "Bridge II" to control and navigate your Ipod'. The power rating is 120 watts times two at 8 ohms and 150 watts times 2 at 4 ohms. It has 45 amps of current. It is also XM Ready. It has speaker A/B switching.

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Onkyo A-5VL A-5VL Integrated Stereo Amplifier Review

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(More customer reviews)After years of getting mixed result from multi-function receivers, I have decided to try a dedicated stereo amp to see if the music really sounds better. And it sure does. There are many brands out there but the real choice (testing the equipment) is quite limited. Since my favorite mid price brand (Harman Kardon) does not offer much in the integrated amp area, the focus shifted to another popular and easily available name -Onkyo. The A-9555 got pretty good marks, but there was very little information on its A-5VL successor available in September 2009. Thanks to generous return policy I got both models and tested them with two sets of headphones - Denon AHD 2000 and Sennheiser HD 800.
Staring with the newer A-5VL model, the moment I turned up the volume knob there was the "WOW" factor. I have never before experienced that excellent sound quality from a mid priced amp and instantly felt this is something to hold on to. However, after a while I have noticed that that the sound does have that sharp digital quality different from the "tube-like" softness and warmth I was looking for and found in its predecessor.
Thus, the A-9555 is a real winner here - sonically more realistic, with a wider sound stage and twice the (Watt) power coming at a lower price tag. I can honestly recommend this amp to anyone looking to boost the CD sound without spending thousands of your hard earned dollars.
Other observations:
1) Both receivers have very good headphone output, but they really lack quality phono input. An LP played with Technics 1200MK2 sounded more like a cd than vinyl record. Harman Kardon is I believe a better choice for analog media. It is clear that the Onkyo was primarily designed for digital media and that's were it really shines.
2) I did not test MP3's as I truly and absolutely despise any decrease in audio quality.




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PYLE PT8000CH Rack Mount 8000-Watt 8 Channel Stereo/Mono Amplifier Review

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(More customer reviews)First let me praise Amazon for selling this item. The price can't be beat as well as the free shipping. This product is well worth the price. It should really be described as a single 4U case with 4 built in amplifiers as each pair of speakers may have is own source of input w/ separate volume control for each pair. I did have to drop one star for three reasons. First the unit has a humming noise that can be heard through the speakers. Second it is a little misleading as it is 8000 watts PEAK power. The 8000 watts is divided by 8 channels which is 1000 watts peak / channel. There is nothing in the documentation or description that states what the RMS wattage is but is is loud enough for my needs. As for the humming noise, the manual states to remedy the hum you should try reversing the ac plugs of other components in the system. I guess I will have to try a dedicated power line conditioner. Third is that the volume controls are in the rear of the unit. This design does not make sense, at least not to me.

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Marantz PM5004 Integrated Amplifier (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I was looking for an amp that would do justice to analog, a contemporary unit that would treat vinyl with the same respect digital gets. I have found that in the Marantz PM5004. This beautiful amp is now making the house happy, hooked up to a Denon DP-500M turntable plus four vintage Sansui speakers. I'm listening to jazz and classical - I can feel the full-bodied brass of Kai Winding's trombone under my foot and the amp handles the most saturated passages of Borodin's Symphony no. 2 with depth, detail and color. There is something about the Marantz sound that sets it apart from others, a panorama and naturalness that makes tweaks and gadgets unnecessary. Midrange is very musical and integrated - not a trunkated flat sheet of sound; bass is full, deep and never boomy, and highs are natural and clear - not artificially crisp and detached. And thank you for the loudness button, which used to be very common in the golden days of stereo but has become a rarity - the PM5004 is one of the very few models I've seen lately that has one, and it makes all the difference. The phono stage is well above average, an absolute nod to vinyl lovers - not just an afterthought. Marantz Brand Ambassador Ken Ishiwata contributed the unique quality of Marantz sound to the love for music that goes into their product design. I think that comment is right on target.
System reference:
Amplifier: Marantz PM5004
Turntable: Denon DP-500M
Cartridge: Audio Technica AT 120E
Speakers: 1 pair Sansui SP30, 1 pair Sansui SP-X7700

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Current feedback amplifier circuit, Discrete-component amplifier, Input buffer circuit for High S/N & Ch. Separation, Source Direct mode, MM phono input, Active Filter type Tone Control, Loudness, 5 line-level inputs, 2 Record outputs, Transparent screw-type A/B speaker terminals, Triple command code sets, IR flasher input . Detachable Power cord, Standby Mode, System remote controller

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Onkyo A-9555 Integrated Digital Stereo Amplifier (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I ordered this amp on a whim as a companion for an Onkyo DX-7555 (single disc "audiophile" CD player) since they share a sophistocated remote system. I owned, and still own, a somewhat esoteric AudioLab 8000S which I consider to be sonically flawless and offering great flexibility even though it's almost 15 years old and really didn't expect the Onkyo to be much other than a typical import amp with a lot of bells and whistles but not outstanding performance.....big surprise. This amp is easily the sonic equal of my "British hand crafted" AudioLab, is robustly built and very, very musical. A great bargain at less than $500.
Particularly rewarding is a better than decent MM phono section allowing me to retire a separate head amp for those rare occasions when only vinyl will do. Additionally, while the unit includes bass/treble/and a subtle "loudness contour", the additional circuitry can be bypassed for a "direct" mode which essentially provides a straight wire of gain to your speakers...very clean and powerful. With the companion CD player it's a knockout combination and I recommend it highly.

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Onkyo Digital 85 Watt Stereo Receiver

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