Source for my vintage amplifier Marantz PM 7001

[sand64]

Hi friends,

Started my audiophilic journey in 2006 and had been an active member of this forum till 2010. Learned a lot from this forum. Purchased Yamaha V863 receiver and thereafter Marantz PM7001 amplifier. Was planning to add a CD player to Marantz, but my journey stopped due to family compulsions, job transfers, children's studies etc. and all my gears remained packed except occasional listening through headphones/laptop.

I have now retired from service and want to enjoy my music...mostly bollywood and rock/metal of 1970-2000 which I have collected in mp3 and flac files. I am also planning to rip my cds.

Have unpacked marantz. It has only RCA inputs...no optical or coaxial...no dac. Connected it through my laptop and a Ugreen Bluetooth receiver purchased from Amazon...but no, the sound was not impressive. In my opinion, Marantz 7001 should be a capable amplifier at 70 watt rms, but I am not happy. I need to improve the source..a DAC? Lot of digital transformations have taken place during this period so I need to upgrade myself on these aspects. Spent time on internet resources and ordered topping E30 II lite from Amazon on returnable basis, it has AKM dac chip. Set it to DAC mode but NO, only marginal improvement in SQ. Volume of amplifier increased and so the distortions at higher volume. So returned it.

Now here I require help of learned members of this forum. There are streamers and Bluetooth receivers with inbuilt DAC chips and there are desktop DACs. There are many options but audition is next to impossible here in Lucknow. Planning to first enjoy my library by adding a desktop DAC and then, later on, may add a streamer like Wiim mini. Or add wiim pro plus and use it as desktop DAC. Another option is Auris Blume pro as Bluetooth receiver with LDAC and APTx HD codecs & ESS chip, and it can also be used both ways as desktop DAC and bluetooth streamer.

Budget is always a constraint and I don't want to blind purchase. There is Ifi Zen V2 dac (Burr Brown chip) having good reviews and VFM, but with no other digital input except USB. Then there is SMSL SU-1 @ Rs.7k, but some say it is too bright sounding (shrilly). I prefer open soundstage with good transient/attack and tight bass. I also know that implementation of DAC chip is more important than DAC chip. My budget is 20K extendable to 30k (lower the better).

Looking forward for suggestions from learned members of this forum.

Thanks

 

[CKumar]

Hi friends,

Started my audiophilic journey in 2006 and had been an active member of this forum till 2010. Learned a lot from this forum. Purchased Yamaha V863 receiver and thereafter Marantz PM7001 amplifier. Was planning to add a CD player to Marantz, but my journey stopped due to family compulsions, job transfers, children's studies etc. and all my gears remained packed except occasional listening through headphones/laptop.

I have now retired from service and want to enjoy my music...mostly bollywood and rock/metal of 1970-2000 which I have collected in mp3 and flac files. I am also planning to rip my cds.

Have unpacked marantz. It has only RCA inputs...no optical or coaxial...no dac. Connected it through my laptop and a Ugreen Bluetooth receiver purchased from Amazon...but no, the sound was not impressive. In my opinion, Marantz 7001 should be a capable amplifier at 70 watt rms, but I am not happy. I need to improve the source..a DAC? Lot of digital transformations have taken place during this period so I need to upgrade myself on these aspects. Spent time on internet resources and ordered topping E30 II lite from Amazon on returnable basis, it has AKM dac chip. Set it to DAC mode but NO, only marginal improvement in SQ. Volume of amplifier increased and so the distortions at higher volume. So returned it.

Now here I require help of learned members of this forum. There are streamers and Bluetooth receivers with inbuilt DAC chips and there are desktop DACs. There are many options but audition is next to impossible here in Lucknow. Planning to first enjoy my library by adding a desktop DAC and then, later on, may add a streamer like Wiim mini. Or add wiim pro plus and use it as desktop DAC. Another option is Auris Blume pro as Bluetooth receiver with LDAC and APTx HD codecs & ESS chip, and it can also be used both ways as desktop DAC and bluetooth streamer.

Budget is always a constraint and I don't want to blind purchase. There is Ifi Zen V2 dac (Burr Brown chip) having good reviews and VFM, but with no other digital input except USB. Then there is SMSL SU-1 @ Rs.7k, but some say it is too bright sounding (shrilly). I prefer open soundstage with good transient/attack and tight bass. I also know that implementation of DAC chip is more important than DAC chip. My budget is 20K extendable to 30k (lower the better).

Looking forward for suggestions from learned members of this forum.

Thanks

Check If you can get hold of Chord Mojo or v2, capable DAC and can be used for Desktop too. later add Wiim mini/pro based on your budget.

 

[Sandyk]

Check If you can get hold of Chord Mojo or v2, capable DAC and can be used for Desktop too. later add Wiim mini/pro based on your budget.

Thanks Ckumar

I am confused on chord mojo as it has all digital outputs, while my marantz 7001 has only rca inputs.
Similarly ifi v2 has only usb input, so in case I wish to add wiim mini in future, it will be problem. Streamers with usb output are very costly.
Can you share views on auris blume pro? If it sound good and I am able to get cd quality, then it may work for the time being..

Thanks again
Sandeep

 

[CKumar]

I am confused on chord mojo as it has all digital outputs, while my marantz 7001 has only rca inputs

Chrod Mojo has all digital inputs(USB, optical, Coaxial) and there are 2 headphone out , which works as RCA output as well.
So connection would be
Laptop usb ->chord usb->chord 3.5mm or RCA output -> Marantz 7001 RCA Input.
Wiim mini optical -> chord optical -> chord 3.5mm or RCA output -> Marantz 7001 RCA Input.

 

[sand64]

Chrod Mojo has all digital inputs(USB, optical, Coaxial) and there are 2 headphone out , which works as RCA output as well.
So connection would be
Laptop usb ->chord usb->chord 3.5mm or RCA output -> Marantz 7001 RCA Input.
Wiim mini optical -> chord optical -> chord 3.5mm or RCA output -> Marantz 7001 RCA Input.

Thank Ckumar
Do you mean to say that I need to connect both rca leads (red & white) into two 3.5 mm headphone out and other end to amplifier? Will it fit in? I tried connecting rca pin into my mobile's 3.5 mm headphone socket, and it didn't fit, very loose. Yes, one can use 3.5mm to rca splitter.
What about ifi zen v2? It can be used as seperate desktop dac. What are the sound signature of mojo & v2, if you can elaborate...
Please suggest some more vfm options to improve the SQ.

Cheers
Sandeep

 

[Bhaskar Jyoti Talapatra]

Hi friends,

Started my audiophilic journey in 2006 and had been an active member of this forum till 2010. Learned a lot from this forum. Purchased Yamaha V863 receiver and thereafter Marantz PM7001 amplifier. Was planning to add a CD player to Marantz, but my journey stopped due to family compulsions, job transfers, children's studies etc. and all my gears remained packed except occasional listening through headphones/laptop.

I have now retired from service and want to enjoy my music...mostly bollywood and rock/metal of 1970-2000 which I have collected in mp3 and flac files. I am also planning to rip my cds.

Have unpacked marantz. It has only RCA inputs...no optical or coaxial...no dac. Connected it through my laptop and a Ugreen Bluetooth receiver purchased from Amazon...but no, the sound was not impressive. In my opinion, Marantz 7001 should be a capable amplifier at 70 watt rms, but I am not happy. I need to improve the source..a DAC? Lot of digital transformations have taken place during this period so I need to upgrade myself on these aspects. Spent time on internet resources and ordered topping E30 II lite from Amazon on returnable basis, it has AKM dac chip. Set it to DAC mode but NO, only marginal improvement in SQ. Volume of amplifier increased and so the distortions at higher volume. So returned it.

Now here I require help of learned members of this forum. There are streamers and Bluetooth receivers with inbuilt DAC chips and there are desktop DACs. There are many options but audition is next to impossible here in Lucknow. Planning to first enjoy my library by adding a desktop DAC and then, later on, may add a streamer like Wiim mini. Or add wiim pro plus and use it as desktop DAC. Another option is Auris Blume pro as Bluetooth receiver with LDAC and APTx HD codecs & ESS chip, and it can also be used both ways as desktop DAC and bluetooth streamer.

Budget is always a constraint and I don't want to blind purchase. There is Ifi Zen V2 dac (Burr Brown chip) having good reviews and VFM, but with no other digital input except USB. Then there is SMSL SU-1 @ Rs.7k, but some say it is too bright sounding (shrilly). I prefer open soundstage with good transient/attack and tight bass. I also know that implementation of DAC chip is more important than DAC chip. My budget is 20K extendable to 30k (lower the better).

Looking forward for suggestions from learned members of this forum.

Thanks

Get wiim pro , connect it to your marantz amp and use your android phone as source cum remote. You can play local files (your mp3 or other audio files) , spotify (provided that you have subscribed spotify) else you can play spotify , youtube using bluetooth option in wiim home app. I have been using it and I am happy. Wiim pro will come in your budget. Later if you so like , you can add a decent DAC .

 

[sand64]

Get wiim pro , connect it to your marantz amp and use your android phone as source cum remote. You can play local files (your mp3 or other audio files) , spotify (provided that you have subscribed spotify) else you can play spotify , youtube using bluetooth option in wiim home app. I have been using it and I am happy. Wiim pro will come in your budget. Later if you so like , you can add a decent DAC .

Thanks Bhaskar, I had this thought earlier, to add either of wiim pro or pro plus. Then thought of adding a dac first, a plug n play for my library and then add streamer. But I am still open to all the possibilities..as long as I get the desired sound.

Since audition of DACs is not possible, I am looking to you guys on this forum. Want to know vfm DAC suitable for my marantz amp, and give open soundstage with good transient/attack and tight bass.
It may be a stand alone DAC or inbuilt in a streamer or bluetooth receiver, which will be a added advantage.

Wiim pro has got good reviews and so the pro plus. I can extend my budget to pro plus if it sounds better..

Cheers
Sandeep

 

[RohanBhatia]

Hi friends,

Started my audiophilic journey in 2006 and had been an active member of this forum till 2010. Learned a lot from this forum. Purchased Yamaha V863 receiver and thereafter Marantz PM7001 amplifier. Was planning to add a CD player to Marantz, but my journey stopped due to family compulsions, job transfers, children's studies etc. and all my gears remained packed except occasional listening through headphones/laptop.

I have now retired from service and want to enjoy my music...mostly bollywood and rock/metal of 1970-2000 which I have collected in mp3 and flac files. I am also planning to rip my cds.

Have unpacked marantz. It has only RCA inputs...no optical or coaxial...no dac. Connected it through my laptop and a Ugreen Bluetooth receiver purchased from Amazon...but no, the sound was not impressive. In my opinion, Marantz 7001 should be a capable amplifier at 70 watt rms, but I am not happy. I need to improve the source..a DAC? Lot of digital transformations have taken place during this period so I need to upgrade myself on these aspects. Spent time on internet resources and ordered topping E30 II lite from Amazon on returnable basis, it has AKM dac chip. Set it to DAC mode but NO, only marginal improvement in SQ. Volume of amplifier increased and so the distortions at higher volume. So returned it.

Now here I require help of learned members of this forum. There are streamers and Bluetooth receivers with inbuilt DAC chips and there are desktop DACs. There are many options but audition is next to impossible here in Lucknow. Planning to first enjoy my library by adding a desktop DAC and then, later on, may add a streamer like Wiim mini. Or add wiim pro plus and use it as desktop DAC. Another option is Auris Blume pro as Bluetooth receiver with LDAC and APTx HD codecs & ESS chip, and it can also be used both ways as desktop DAC and bluetooth streamer.

Budget is always a constraint and I don't want to blind purchase. There is Ifi Zen V2 dac (Burr Brown chip) having good reviews and VFM, but with no other digital input except USB. Then there is SMSL SU-1 @ Rs.7k, but some say it is too bright sounding (shrilly). I prefer open soundstage with good transient/attack and tight bass. I also know that implementation of DAC chip is more important than DAC chip. My budget is 20K extendable to 30k (lower the better).

Looking forward for suggestions from learned members of this forum.

Thanks

Hi Friend
First of all irrespective of anything please just strike off the Bluetooth from your audio chain if you want a good audio output and don't want to compromise with the Sound staging and the dynamic range. Having said that, As a owner of WiiM Pro Plus, Ill suggest to dont rely on the inbuilt DAC of the WiiM pro Plus. Yes its one amazingly good as a streamer buy the inbuilt DAC is questionable to my ears. Its a wise idea to buy a good stand alone DAC before and then look for a streamer. Just don't consider any Bluetooth DACs, they are just money down the drain.

I kind of lean more toward AKM chips for the audio signature I Like. Since you want a desktop DAC which can be used in your HIFI setup FiiO - K7 is a good choice according to your audio signature needs. ( I Myself is using FiiO K9 AKM and I am really impressed by the performance).

In the end I would just like to add one thing that I am not very sure of the amount improvement you are looking in your setup. NO DAC or streamer no matter how much expensive can make a difference of night and day in the system as you know that. Additionally Keep your Source clean and high quality, MP3 won't make the cut As you Know the famous saying in HiFi- Garbage In, Garbage Out

 

[souravin]

Hi,

My opinion would be add a Topping E50 (around 18K) or E70 (around 32K) to Marantz. Its should suit your genre- bollywood. I have used Topping E30 earlier and was happy with that- now upgraded to Denafrips. If you have any old laptop, use that a source to play media files / ripped FLAC or mp3. Use Audio quest USB cable (around 5K) to add the DAC with laptop- optional to add Audioquest Jitterbug (around 7K) at laptop end. If you have an old laptop, remove all software and keep antivirus and Foobar 2000 (open source freeware) - use at WASAPI shared mode. Connect HDD, Life would be simpler with good quality sound output.

There will always be way to upgrade later.

 

[sand64]

First of all irrespective of anything please just strike off the Bluetooth from your audio chain if you want a good audio output and don't want to compromise with the Sound staging and the dynamic range. Having said that, As a owner of WiiM Pro Plus, Ill suggest to dont rely on the inbuilt DAC of the WiiM pro Plus. Yes its one amazingly good as a streamer buy the inbuilt DAC is questionable to my ears. Its a wise idea to buy a good stand alone DAC before and then look for a streamer. Just don't consider any Bluetooth DACs, they are just money down the drain.

Thanks Rohan,
Yes. I am also thinking in same lines, to add one good DAC with options of further additions. Sometimes I do tends to drift like after seeing some rave reviews of auris blume pro.

kind of lean more toward AKM chips for the audio signature I Like. Since you want a desktop DAC which can be used in your HIFI setup FiiO - K7 is a good choice according to your audio signature needs. ( I Myself is using FiiO K9 AKM and I am really impressed by the performance).

I heard some good appreciation of AKM chip and that's why I ordered Topping E30 II lite for Amazon on returnable basis. Its having AKM chip, but perhaps its implimentation in E30 is not good. It increased the volume with very minor improvement in soundstage in comparison to my laptop dac, but gets muddy at higher volumes. My yamha AVR of 2008 is have Burr Brown dac and it has good dynamics. But thanks, I will surely look into k7 & k9.

In the end I would just like to add one thing that I am not very sure of the amount improvement you are looking in your setup. NO DAC or streamer no matter how much expensive can make a difference of night and day in the system as you know that. Additionally Keep your Source clean and high quality, MP3 won't make the cut As you Know the famous saying in HiFi- Garbage In, Garbage Out

Fully agree..thanks.

 

[sand64]

Hi,

My opinion would be add a Topping E50 (around 18K) or E70 (around 32K) to Marantz. Its should suit your genre- bollywood. I have used Topping E30 earlier and was happy with that- now upgraded to Denafrips. If you have any old laptop, use that a source to play media files / ripped FLAC or mp3. Use Audio quest USB cable (around 5K) to add the DAC with laptop- optional to add Audioquest Jitterbug (around 7K) at laptop end. If you have an old laptop, remove all software and keep antivirus and Foobar 2000 (open source freeware) - use at WASAPI shared mode. Connect HDD, Life would be simpler with good quality sound output.

There will always be way to upgrade later.

Thanks souravin,

I agree with your views and will surely look into E30 and E70. But topping E30 ii disappointed me despite some rave reviews. Btw my genre is not limited to bollywood only, it includes rock/metal of 1970-2000, including Pink Floyd, Genesis, dire straits, eagles, jethro tull etc. How is your Denafrip?
I am sort a bit sceptical towards chinese DACs. Till 2010, available dac were all western and now the market is flooded with chinese DACs. I am not saying these DACs are bad, they have come a long way...but digging out one you like will be lot more difficult. Some say, chinese use cheap capacitor/resister and product implimentation is not that good. Every dac chip has its own characteristics and its your skill to make them sing. I like the clean sound of my yamaha AVR with burr brown dac. It has good dynamics and its not clinical. I am ready to spend some more if i can make my marantz to sing. And thats why I am looking at you guys having vast exposure in this area..

Surly I will be using one dedicated laptop for the purpose. My son has discarded one laptop, its asus rog series and its headphone jack is not working..usb & hdmi is all right. I am yet to use foobar2000..what is WASAPI share mode?
Thanks again..

 

[mbhangui]

it includes rock/metal of 1970-2000, including Pink Floyd, Genesis, dire straits, eagles, jethro tull etc.

That pretty much sounds like me . There are others too Rainbows, Deep Purple, Scorpions, Doors, Status Quo, Men at Work, (and one in a while AC/DC).

I like the clean sound of my yamaha AVR with burr brown dac. It has good dynamics and its not clinical.

Again pretty much my experience with Yamaha AVR from 2009. I tend to listen to it often. I get pretty good result with Toppings D10b, Toppings E50, Allo Revolution DAC. I started getting really good sound from the AVR after calibrating using the Yamaha's YPAO automated guided setup using a YPAO microphone. IME the most important things are the room acoustics, the source material and speaker placement. Even MP3 if they come from good masters sounds pretty good.

 

[sand64]

That pretty much sounds like me . There are others too Rainbows, Deep Purple, Scorpions, Doors, Status Quo, Men at Work, (and one in a while AC/DC).

Again pretty much my experience with Yamaha AVR from 2009. I tend to listen to it often. I get pretty good result with Toppings D10b, Toppings E50, Allo Revolution DAC. I started getting really good sound from the AVR after calibrating using the Yamaha's YPAO automated guided setup using a YPAO microphone. IME the most important things are the room acoustics, the source material and speaker placement. Even MP3 if they come from good masters sounds pretty good.

Ha ha! Nice to know you mbhangui, that we share few similarities. Yes I forgot to mention Deep Purple, Scorpions, Doors, Status Quo, Eric Clapton & Santana.

Our AVR may sound good to us, but they are basically meant for cinema experience. For music, they say, dedicated amplifier is a must. Considering this, I took a plunge and bought marantz in 2010. But it remain packed and now I am yet to tweak my marantz to its level.

Now problem is that there are many DACs available and it is very difficult to choose one when audition is not available. For me, once bought is bought for long time.

Room acoustic is important, but I am yet to try YPAO. I will do this time, when I install my avr.

Cheers

 

[sand64]

Hi friends,

I am looking for a desktop DAC to pair with my marantz pm7001 amp. Later on may add a streamer like wiim mini. Amp has got only rca input. Looking for clean sound, but not clinical. It should have good dynamics, seperation and tight bass. Primary consideration is DAC only, for adding to my laptop and listening to my library.
Budget is 30k extendable to 50k, provided I get above sound.

With the help of fellow members and net search, I have shortlisted the following.

1. Fiio K7: suggested by rohanbhatia. AKM chip and bluetooth streamer.
2. Topping E50 & E70 : suggested by souravin & mbhanguai. Sold out in headphone zone.
3. Ifi zen v2: good reviews, burr brown dac, but only input is usb.
4. Auris blume pro: good reviews, ESS chip, desktop DAC and bluetooth streamer.

Request fellow members to share their views and suggestions. Any other DAC which is vfm and good quality in low/mid price sigment?

Thanks
Sandeep

 

[sand64]

C'mon friends, so many esteemed members but no reply?

Please guide on dac purchase. All above selected DACs are below 20k range. Will any one out of these will do or I need to increase my budget? Are midrange DACs perform differently or they are all same with very minor/inaudible differences?

Please help, guide and enhance my knowledge.

Thanks & cheers
Sandeep

 

[rwnano]

C'mon friends, so many esteemed members but no reply?

Please guide on dac purchase. All above selected DACs are below 20k range. Will any one out of these will do or I need to increase my budget? Are midrange DACs perform differently or they are all same with very minor/inaudible differences?

Please help, guide and enhance my knowledge.

Thanks & cheers
Sandeep

Minor differences. Buy a low cost DAC. I have a topping d10s

 

[RohanBhatia]

Will any one out of these will do or I need to increase my budget? Are midrange DACs perform differently or they are all same with very minor/inaudible differences?

To the best of my Knowledge and experience with DACs, the DACs Around 50-70 K sound nearly the same with minor changes to the sound profile due to colouring of the audio signal by the dedicated chips. Furthermore, these DACs sound more or less same as the DACs around 30kish price bracket only difference which differentiate them is the build quality. After 30kish INR the more you spend the more better build quality and internals you get till 70 to 80kish. Personally, for me build quality is a very big deciding factor for my gear hence I bought K9 AKM, that thing is made like a tank.
Since you are testing the waters and want a good sound without overspending, I feel you can go with any of the DACs you have shortlisted. I am not sure about the auris bloom pro and also IFI Zen DAC 3 is Better than V2. FiiO K& is a very good starting point IMO.
Also I would like to suggest not to look for Bluetooth integration in your DACs and make it a deciding factor. IMHO Bluetooth is not made for HIFI audio streaming, and I am a strong opposer of using it LOL. WIRED is always the way to go.

 

[Passive_audio_enthusiast]

Since you unpacked your stuff after a long while, there are certain things that you need to realize. 1. Capacitors inside the amps can drift creating distortion, unintended frequency response etc. especially with treble this is noticeable.
2. Your room might have changed over time that the acoustics is now different and you are not able to hear the same sound as you heard long back.
3. Your speakers can have dried ferrofluid in their tweeters altering the sound causing a mid range boost and lose of airiness.
4. Your hearing ability dimishes mostly in high frequency and you need brighter speakers, or a treble boost to hear how you use to hear it back then. I am almost 40 years old now, and I clearly cannot hear as good as how I used to hear in my mid 20s.

 

[RohanBhatia]

Any other DAC which is vfm and good quality in low/mid price sigment?

One more option that I can think of Is FiiO - K11 R2R
The reviews are good and its onsale too.

 

[sand64]

Since you unpacked your stuff after a long while, there are certain things that you need to realize. 1. Capacitors inside the amps can drift creating distortion, unintended frequency response etc. especially with treble this is noticeable.
2. Your room might have changed over time that the acoustics is now different and you are not able to hear the same sound as you heard long back.
3. Your speakers can have dried ferrofluid in their tweeters altering the sound causing a mid range boost and lose of airiness.
4. Your hearing ability dimishes mostly in high frequency and you need brighter speakers, or a treble boost to hear how you use to hear it back then. I am almost 40 years old now, and I clearly cannot hear as good as how I used to hear in my mid 20s.

Thanks,

This I also had at the back of my mind too...not in the discrete way, you explained..but just that that my get spoiled due to long unused condition.
However right now amp & speakers are working ok..and I will be using them for sometime. Hope timbre gets further improved along with listening sessions/warm ups.

Cheers