Marantz PM6004

Marantz PM6004 Review

The Marantz PM6004 stereo integrated amplifier sizzles with more power and capability than its low power rating or price let on, making it an absolute bargain in its class.When word came around that Marantz had given its already well-reputed PM6003 integrated amp a design refresh in the form of the new PM6004, we found ourselves scratching our heads a little. The PM6003 was very well received; so, if it ain’t broke, why fix it? Perhaps because integrated amps seem to be catching on again, and Marantz is looking to get the jump on its competition in this recently reinvigorated market. Indeed, the woo of surround sound is still strong, but the rampant popularity of digitally stored and delivered media (i.e. iPods, iPhones, iPads and NAS players) has music lovers looking for more streamlined and high-quality sound solutions. We think that is straight up awesome. Bring on the high-performance stereo amps, people! We recently raved about the Anthem Integrated 225, a $1,500, 225-watt-per-channel (WPC) beast of a stereo amp that has earned its place in our reference system. It might seem unfair, then, that we would plan to compare the 45 WPC Marantz PM6004 directly to the Anthem 225.