Flexible, Powerful, Incredible

Can't think of any

My goodness! Great amps, I just recently purchases a pair of these for myself, before that I have demoed them many a time in my local Hi-fi dealers store (unfortunately no longer carries Marantz). These babies were powering paradigm Monitor 7's the first time I heard them, the next time I saw them they were blaring out of a pair of VonSchweikert VR-4's, and the next day I saw them on a pair of Meadowlark Kestrels. They always sounded excellant, never strained, very full and forcefull sound and delicate if you need them to be. Being able to just add another one when ever you want is a huge advantage, especially considering 2 of these babies bridged will cook 450 watts into 8 ohm, and will support a 2 ohm load! Plus they can be had for about half of the list off the used/demo market making them a fantabulous deal. Just go for it...

These are great amplifiers, I like these because you could use one (or more)per speaker. It is a dedicated amplifier for that speaker.

None

I just bougt two of these amps for use on the rear channels and thinks they sound really great. I thought about buying the MA-700's which are also great amps but decided since my rears only could handle 100 watts these would do the job and yes they do the job very well.

Does everything pretty damn well

doesn't do anything PERFECT, but not much does. Imaging is poor. Don't like position of binding posts, but thats my problem, not Marantz's, and can't use spade lugs on binding posts.

I have been using these mono blocks for years, and had them bi-amping my speakers...highly recommended, a great, relatively inexpensive upgrade...and they just sound all around great. Great bass, nice highs, but I always felt something was lacking but have never put my finger on it. I would not have a problem recommending these amps for any situation. I don't think you'll do better unless you spend lots more.

My equip:

Anthem Amp2 (i upgraded recently)
Marantz MA500s for my surround and sides
MA700 for CC
Paradigm Ref Studio 100s
Lexicon DC-1
Anaysis Plus Oval 9
Transparent interconnects and digital cables
Marantz DV-18 DVD
Marantz CC-65 transport

I know I owned a lot of Marantz gear, funny it just happened that way, I didn't plan it. Marantz kept beating the competition when I auditioned

Similar Products Used:

Too many to think of

Enhance the power and performance of your exsisting amplifier in a cheaper way.

1) If you want turn it to standby mode, you need to link up with Marantz's pre-amp and used it's own remote control.
2) This product has been design for AV use, you should not hope the MA500 can ease the "power hunger" speakers.

I got a pair of MA500 over a month ago. Before hook them up to my AV receiver, I'm not sure that their performance would or would not be match with my current system. I got a few days to compare the system that with or without MA500. I found that they can provide much more power to push the speakers rather than the current AV receiver. The sound quality become rich, even in music and movie reproduction.

AV receiver: Pioneer VSX-D938TX (VSX-27TX)
Speakers: Monitor Audio Silver 3i
Speaker Cable: Audioquest CV4 single bi-wire (10ft)
Interconnect Cable: XLO ER5 (1.5m)

Similar Products Used:

Marantz's MA700, but this model may not be availabled in some countries.

Flexibility, Power, THX cert

None

I purchased six MA-500s from eBay for $900 to use with my Marantz AV-9000 pre/tuner. I have used them for HT and also for audio. I never noticed any strain from these amps at any level of volume. The sound came out crisp and rich for both applications. The D-Bus feature is working out great with the remote operated preamp, no separate power buttons to push. I like the flexibility of these amps. If you need more "umf" from the speakers, you may just bridge two amps together. If one goes bad, your system still will be functional minus one speaker. They fit very well in my current setup.

Excellent value. Flexible configuration.

For this price point, none.

I am running these amps in bridged mode, with excellent results. Clearly, there are a plethora of superior amplifiers, but none for $200/monoblock. Look on ebay, where these amps are going for $150-$200.

Similar Products Used:

h/k AVR85 receiver, various NAD receivers