Previously, I had the Musical Fidelity A5 integrated. I am positively surprised by the quality and appearance of Marantz. Marantz a decay in musical and run well with difficult loads. Device volume control is truly accurate. Used equipment is really a good purchase. This is the amp for me for many years. Next, I buy the same series of CD-player

I picked this little gem up on-line 2-3 years ago at half the MSRP from a high-end audio dealer that was looking to clear out their older demo units. I hate surround sound. I don't care about the sensation of Godzilla running through my living room. I like music. I listen to classical, jazz and classic rock. I listen to a lot of vinyl, CD's and yes, a tube tuner. This unit is old-school 2 channel audio. Conservatively rated at 90WPC into 8ohms. Used with a modified Sherwood S-3000 V tuner, a Dual CS5000 turntable and Marantz CD player. Driving a set of Canton Karat 920's with a Canton Plus C subwoofer. I use this in my home office. The satellites sit, 'toed-in' on top of an old c-roll desk with the subwoofer underneath the desk. I can't believe how well this little amp images. When I close my eyes, I can place instruments in front of me, even thought the speakers are only 3 feet from my ears. I usually listen at lower volume levels as I spin vinyl or listen to the radio when I work. This little integrated has such an open sound an amazing sound-staging. One of the big attractions to this line of components is the excellent phono section that you rarely see in integrated units; can accommodate a MM or MC cartridge. As I have a small house, space is an issue and I really did not want an extra component (nor the extra cost) of a separate phono section.

Again, sound-staging is awesome and the sound is smooth and warm...almost tube-like but with the convenience of solid state. Many of my jazz records are original pressings with heavy deep groove vinyl in the old mono. I cannot believe how warm the music sounds. Solid build and design with minimal bells and whistles and unnecessary filters. This piece performs flawlessly. Glad to see a seemingly mainline Japanese audio company with its heart still in audiophile land!

I hate spending the big bucks on the latest and newest so I got this one at half-price, just when the PM-15S2 was hitting the market.

While I have cranked this up on occasion, I cannot comment on how well it will fill a large room. All I can say is that if you want an integrated amp that you can listen to for hours on end without ear fatigue, this definitely foot the bill! No USB port or front panel jack for an ipod or iphone...not an issue for me as I listen to my tuner, CDs and vinyl. If being able to listen to digital sources (outside of CD player) is important to you, this may not be the right unit for you. If all you are concerned with is great sound for your original sourced recordings, then this is right up your alley!

Highly recommended to those that value really good quality sound over bells and whistles.

I have read numerous statements and a review or two about this amplifier. Some statements I agree with, some i do not. I have owned the Marantz PM15 S1 for 4 years and to my ears, it is the best amplifier I have ever owned.

Now I am a musician; intimately familiar with the sound of live, unamplified music in an acoustic space. I have been a card-carrying audiophile for 25 years. When it comes to amplifiers and preamplifiers I have owned and/or do own the following: NAD 5230, B&K ST140, Superphon Revelation Basic Dual Mono, Forte 4a, Forte preamp, MFA Magus preamp, Audio Research SP11, Classe 70, Musical Fidelity A220, Parasound Halo gear, Accuphase E205, Audible Illusions Modulus II. I don't THINK I have forgotten anything. Currently my associated gear is a modified Denon DVD-3910, Basis 1400 Signature with a Jelco 750, Monitor Audio Silver 9i and Cardas cables. Just an FYI, these speakers are HIGHLY revealing. I have also used this amp with PSB Image T65.

There are 3 things that must be done/noted before seriously evaluating this amplifier.

1) This thing has an extremely long break in period. Figure 200+ hours and during break in it may not sound that great sometimes.

2) Throw away the stock 18 gauge power cable and replace it with something that is around 12 gauge. This gets the bass going and the soundstage opens up. I have tried many and the Cardas is ideal, the Shunyata Venom is great for the money. Another one is the cord offered by Quite Zone.

3) One reviewer commented on the "apparent gutlessness" of this amplifier because he had to turn it up so high to reach adequate volumes. THIS IS WHY: This uses the Wolfson chipset which provides LINEAR volume control. Anything else that uses a conventional volume control (aka: a potentiometer) uses an AUDIO TAPER and full volume is nearly achieved by the 11:00 point on the dial. The amp is not gutless, the reviewer did not know what the differences were between different style controls.

Now to the sound. This amplifier is the smoothest, grainless and least colored amplifier I have ever owned. It does lean slightly toward warmth, but it keeps it composure during complex passages and maintains a black backdrop from which the detail emerges. It can be dynamic as hell, when the recording allows it. Timbres can be so real at times it can almost be spooky. The overall transparency is superior to my Classe 70 or Forte 4a with a passive pre.

The bass is articulate, full and tunefull. It is not going to make you throw away your Krell 250 monos in the low end, but the Marantz (after break in and a power cord) does very well. Imaging is deep and wide. Close mic'd recordings pop way forward just like they should. This amplifier simply does a very nice job. The build quality is excellent by the way.

The last thing I will mention is the phono stage. So many preamps and integrateds install phono stages almost as an afterthought. The phono stage in the Marantz was no afterthought. It is the best phono stage I have ever had. Clear, clean, quiet, musical, dynamic. It does justice to expensive cartridges without breaking a sweat.

Overall, I have not had the desire to move on to something else. It is good enough that when I want better sound, I just improve my front end and I get what I am looking for every time.

I am using my PM-15S1 with an Integra multi-disc player and a pair of CS1.6 s'., AudioQuest cables. While the setup is in my bedroom and not my primary listening area i find this combo to be more than ample for any bedroom. A solid piece of gear. smooth, effortless, reliable. I love it.