Help Please. Sony TA-F770ES or Marantz PM-7200

[s.thomas]

Okay. Connecting this to my thread about looking for a new amp about £400. I have narrowed it down to these two -

1/ Sony TA-F770ES

2/ Marantz PM-7200

Im looking for a lack of hardness/brightness.

I choose Marantz as I already have a CDP by them and I was thinking of synergy. On the negative side, Im worried the amp may suck dynamism and life out of my system. I do have Klipsch speakers which my balance that issue out.

I choose Sony because Im looking for that extra dynamics and soundstage. But it won't be too harsh or edgy with my speakers ?

What do you guys think ? Its an 'bay auction for the two, so a quickie opinion or two is all I need really.

Cheers !

 

[mikedefacto]

The Marantz PM-7200 was about £300 new, ten years ago, so I wouldn't pay 400 spokes for one. For Marantz at £400 I would be waiting for a PM-17. They're not uncommon.

 

[HoopsOnToast]

Had both, the PM7200 stayed a week, I have owned two 770ES's and love them. :^

FWIW, I have found the 770ES super smooth and bags of power. ;-)

 

[s.thomas]

Well the Marantz is on sale for £300. I know what you mean though. Leaning toward Sony right now !

 

[HoopsOnToast]

Go on, you know you want to....



Sony ES System by RSdesignUK, on Flickr

 

[MJ.]

Had both, the PM7200 stayed a week, I have owned two 770ES's and love them. :^ FWIW, I have found the 770ES super smooth and bags of power. ;-)

Exactly this. My PM7200 stayed a week; my Sony 670ES stayed many months, which is good for me.

Heard Gromit's 770ES and it was a step up again from my 670.

IMHO, no contest.

 

[James Evans]

I see the 770ES on eBay has just sold...

 

[s.thomas]

Woop ! I did it ! The Sony is all mine. Ive read a lot online about the 770ES and that combined with this forum helped my decision. Thanks guys !

- - - Updated - - -

I see the 770ES on eBay has just sold...

Its me !!

 

[HoopsOnToast]

:^

 

[SMEagol]

Gibraltar chassis. Kewl.

 

[Tarzan]

Woop ! I did it ! The Sony is all mine. Ive read a lot online about the 770ES and that combined with this forum helped my decision. Thanks guys ! - - - Updated - - -

Its me !!

Well done that man full report required.

 

[themadlatvian]

Congratulations - you will not regret it.

I only parted with my 770ES after getting the NuVista M3 - that gives some idea how good it was!

 

[s.thomas]

A full report will be posted here for sure ! Keep your eyes peeled.

 

[MJ.]

That is a result; you'll love it.

Good phono stage too with on-board SUT :^

 

[s.thomas]

Good phono stage too with on-board SUT :^

I have a Graham Slee Gram Amp 2SE, will it be better than this ? Excited ! I need a cup of tea.

 

[MJ.]

I don't know the Gram Amp2SE Stephen but it bettered my Dino+

 

[Chumpy]

May you suitably-installing-not overpaying-maintaining enjoy your choices.

One of my 2 main int. amps is super 9-yr-old £219 Marantz PM-7200. With fine recordings, from budget Naim CDP or Marantz CD-7300 or Linn LP12 or FM or cable-sound or DVD or BD or HDD or tape ... it is brill. With shite ones, such as very recent Steeleye Span 'Wintersmith' CD, it reveals poor recording-mastering-production.

And the said CD is fine through cheaper alternative less good hardware.

 

[s.thomas]

Yeh it was a close thing between the Sony and Marantz, but I think the Sony will add more to my system as it stands. Next up is a tuner so I may revisit vintage Marantz for that !

 

[craigmclellan]

Nice find mate - pics when it arrives and is installed please!

Will probably end up getting one of these for my bedroom system following the immense fun I've had with my N80ES.