I currently own an Axiom pair of M60’s tower speakers, Axiom QS4 surround speakers and Axiom VP 150 center channel. I am considering ordering a Marantz MM7055 5-Channel Power Amplifier and Marantz’s AV7005 preamp/Processor ($2,700 for the combo). Is this a good choice for my Axiom home theater speakers? Is it good for audio listening? Is the Marantz MM7055 5-Channel Power Amplifier powerful enough to move the M60’s?
I also have the choice of buying a used Creston CNAMPX-7X200 amplifier ($1,500). Is this a better choice than the Marantz combo?
My budget is around $2,700 for amp and preamp in case of better suggestions. Please advice, thanks
Alfonso
Alfonzo, welcome. There's no need to post in multiple forums. The result may simply be to dilute any responses you may get and provide less useful info overall.
You don't explain why you're considering a separate pre-pro and amplifier rather than a quality receiver which in most cases will be more cost effective. The amount that you're considering spending on just amplification seems highly disproportionate to the amount spent on speakers, which are far more significant in the overall audio picture.
Especially if you're able to buy from Accessories4less(i.e., in the U.S.), I'd suggest that you consider one of the Denon, Marantz or Onkyo factory refurbished units which will give you similar performance at significantly lower cost. If you can do this, I'll make more specific suggestions.
Because you will likely read an opposing view soon, let me just focus on the middle ground and say that while there may be two camps as to the effect of a strong focus on the choice of amplification, I think we will all agree that speakers do indeed create the largest impact in your resulting sound by a significant margin. (Sorry, bit of a run on sentence there)
I absolutely cherish my M60s but I would definitely redirect some budget dollars into QS8s instead of 4s and although I also own and am very pleased with my VP150, I would currently have spent more on upgrading that to a VP160 or VP180. They were not choices available to me at the time of my investment.
If the above meant that you had to go with only a receiver instead of added, 3rd party amplification , then you are still going to be EXTREMELY pleased with that combination. If you still feel the need to add additional amplification, you can always save up and add it later.
Final note: The M60s are actually pretty efficient speakers. You do not need a lot of power at all to drive them cleanly to very,very loud levels. Louder than you should be listening to. Unless you are trying to reach the back of an exceptionally large room, or you like your music so loud you will be deaf in a year then strictly 'power' is the least of your worries.
In short, go for the biggest bang for your buck first.
Thank you very much for your response. I will highly consider your recommendations for my decision making. I am totally new in the audio world.
Thanks
Alfonso
ps, I will like your opinion on the receiver that I should get for my speakers
John, thank for your prompt response. I will definitely consider your advise. What do you recommend in terms of the receiver?
Thanks again
Alfonso
ps I apologize for the post in multiple forums. It is my first time communicating in forums.
Dear Murph,
Thank you very much for your response. I will highly consider your recommendations for my decision making. I am totally new in the audio world.
Thanks
Alfonso
ps, I will like your opinion on the receiver that I should get for my speakers
Alfonzo, you didn't indicate whether you were in the U.S., but if you are I'd strongly suggest that you consider the Onkyo 818 factory refurbished unit from
Accessories4less , which is a great bargain at about $800. This is the current model with the latest features, including the top Audyssey MultEQ XT32 version. These should be at least as reliable as brand-new units.
Hi John,
I live in Puerto Rico, so I have shipping limitations from Accessories4less. I have family in Florida that can easily order the receiver and forward it to me. Thanks again,
Alfonso