Price Paid:  $300.00 from Media Systems, Houst

Summary:
This is s simple one, and I'll keep it so. These amps absolutely ROCK. Period. They made Stereophile's RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT list--more than once, if I remember correctly--and there is NO questioning why. Just LISTEN to some of these, and prepare to repeatedly ask "Now HOW MUCH did you say these things cost?" Seriously, these amps cause you to re-examine spending $1,000 a channel for amps like Proceed, etc. As far as the review from "M", I did a little research into the problem that he (and James Bond) were facing with the "...No "air" to sound. Voices are muddy, sounding like the vocalist has their hand cupped over their mouth...", and I found that the problem wasn't with the amp at all, but instead, I pointed out to him that at the bottom of the grille on the front of his speakers, there was a little logo that says "BOSE". Indeed, THAT turned out to be the culprit of his problem of bad sound. In any case, I've got 5 of these that I run every day, and have done so for well over 8 years. I haven't had even the SLIGHTEST hint of a problem with them, they have lovely, open, effortless sound, and there's always plenty of reserve power/headroom. I've driven everything from American (Phase Tech Premier Class), to Swedish (Audio Pro Bravo Series), to French (JM Labs Grande Utopia), and even a DUAL-18 passive sub with these, and they have never, EVER broken a sweat. I've yet to find a task they cannot handle. Sub-bass-only applications to multiple-driver, astronomically-priced-mids-and-highs duty, and ALL accomplished with ease, panache, and INCREDIBLE sound. This amplifier can do crystalline mids and highs, and just as easily do full-range or "sub duty" down at 20 Hz, and do it WELL! Marantz, along with being able to demonstrate absolute mastery of cost-no-object sonic perfection (with models like the MA-9S2), really showed what they were capable of in the arena of price/performance amplification, and the resulting product has effectively DESTROYED other paradigms of what something at such a ridiculously low price can POSSIBLY DO. This little amp can do whatever is asked of it. Period. Full stop. End of story.

Strengths:
Got a channel of audio that needs amplification? Here's the right tool for the job. It's as close to the perfect "simple answer" as anyone ever got.

Weaknesses:
NONE. Not a single one. If I had to put something, I'd say that they need to start producing it again.

Similar Products Used:
Marantz AV9000 pre-amp

Price Paid:  $300.00 from Third Party

Summary:
I have been using these amplifiers for ten years. I'm not an audiophile and I certainly can't afford extremely expensive equipment. I have never had one complaint with these amps. With a simple look, they unleash a powerful and CLEAN sound that is anything but simple. They have never given me any trouble and a flawless ten year streak is amazing for any product, let alone one that is used on average 5 hours a day. These amplifiers are worth their weight in gold. A must have for anyone looking for that extra KICK. I easily would've paid more than $600 for a pair.

Strengths:
Incredibly easy to use. Flawless long term performance. Unbelieveable sound and clarity.

Weaknesses:
None. Absolutely none.

Price Paid:  $100.00 from eBay.ca

Summary:
This monoblock amp is unreal! Powering my 3ohm/200-20hz/250watt passive subwoofer with the MA-500 has changed everything I thought I knew about bass response. For $102 bucks you would have to be an idiot not to buy one.

Strengths:
Performance without a single hiccup.

Weaknesses:
Haven't heard a weakness yet.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $250.00 from An AV specialist

Summary:
I have listened to these amplifiers extensively through several different speaker systems from Definitive, MB Quart, and Paradigm, and I have always come away impressed at the smoothness combined with solid bass. Dynamics are excellent, too. But the best thing about these amps is their incredible flexibility; as has been demonstrated by many of the reviews here, they can be used so many ways. And they built with amazing quality for the price. Typical of Marantz best products.

Strengths:
Smoothness, dynamics, flexibility

Weaknesses:
No input level control

Similar Products Used:
Marantz MA700, Parasound HCA-1000

Price Paid:  $140.00 from online

Summary:
While it's a good amp for the price, the sound from this amp isn't spectacular, certainly not something that rivals the best regardless of price. The detail is lacking, especially in the vocal ranges, leading to a voice that sounds a little muddy. I don't even think the detail holds up to mid-level receivers. It's a particular problem for me because I was looking for an amp to power my center channel (B&W HTM2) for DVDs and SACD.

The punch is pretty good. Power rating is realistic, but don't expect much for headroom. The higher frequencies are subdued, leading to a sound that is a little smooth, yet lacking in air. Matter of preference, I guess.

In the end, it's not a bad amp. There are good things about it, but every single one of those good things must be followed by the statement "for the price."

Strengths:
Good power for the price (on the used market).
Monobloc flexibility, and these are a cheap way to get into monoblocs.

Weaknesses:
No "air" to sound. Voices are muddy, sounding like the vocalist has their hand cupped over their mouth.

Similar Products Used:
No monoblocs, but other amps include Musical Fidelity A3cr, Rotel, Onkyo receiver.