Price Paid:  $220.00 from Speed O Sound

Summary:
This was my first amp, I remember it as if yesterday. Had very enjoyable times with it. It does sound a bit thin with entry level bookshelfs, but the result is such musicality at such a budget price. I loved it, very displeased with myself that I sold it many years ago, it would've been great in a small bedroom system.

Strengths:
All

Weaknesses:
Actually better with entry level floorstander than entry level bookshelf types. Loud button causes amp to muddle a bit, so don't use it unless you like the thunder.

Price Paid:  $220.00 from Audio Centar

Summary:
I'm using this amplifier for 2 years,and I'm very satisfied with that what sound he produces.My speakers are B & W 302 DM,equiped with solid bass woofer,and cd player is marantz cd4000.I think that 302 dm from bowers are superb speakers,and with pm 57 are superb combination.I try other's manufacters amplifiers like rotel and denon but the sound was heavy and really tough.for that money it's the best amplifier money can buy

Strengths:
great power up to 120 w speakers

Weaknesses:
when you're playing with 4 ohm woofer,amplifier gets hot,but is having limit,and automaticly is turning of

Similar Products Used:
denon dna 375 dr

Price Paid:  $145.00 from Super-Fi (Lincoln, UK)

Summary:
I have been using the PM-57 for a few years now, and have decided it was one of the best £100 I have ever spent. It give a nice warm, but clean sound, with a crisp treble.
I am using the unit through some Wharfdale Modus2 speakers, which I bi-wired to the amp, and found that helped bring out the bass from the sound, and give a much more neutral sound.
The only fault I can realy find with the amp is the remote, which has loads of buttons like play etc, for CD players and such like. When my Technics CD player gave up, I got a Marantz CD-player (CD4000) expecting to be able to use the amp remote for both unites, but with no luck. The amp has a remote output on the back, which I assume is for connecting to other Marantz products, but no such input on the cd player.
If you can get hold of a cheap, good condition example, it would make a brilliant first time amp.
I am thinking of selling the unit now, but only so I can get an amp with a dolby digital decoder. But because of my experience with this amp, I will be sticking with Marantz.

Strengths:
Flat sound, soft bass

Weaknesses:
Remote, too many buttons that don't do anything!

Price Paid:  $270.00

Summary:
I bought this to replace an NAD 3020, which I'd had (and loved) for about 15 years; my main reason for replacing the NAD was that I needed an amp which could accommodate two sets of speakers. But I'm liking the Marantz at least as much, and feel glad that I switched. Sounds every bit as clean and neutral as the NAD, but has greater flexibility. I'm using it with a Nakamichi MB-10 CD player, B&W DM601's, and Audioquest cables and interconnects, and it's a really solid little system.

Strengths:
Very clean sound, flexibility, 3-year warranty

Weaknesses:
Perhaps a wee-bit strained at high volumes

Similar Products Used:
NAD 3020

Price Paid:  $400.00 from Hifi- klubben

Summary:
It is a good amplifier for the money.
Specielly good for those who like to play loud music, and have rather big head speakers. If you like power this is the one 2*95W in each channel is pretty good, and for this price about $400 it is a good amplifier.

Strengths:
Everthing else.

Weaknesses:
Bass, it could have more bass.

Similar Products Used:
Nad