Marantz excels in making top-of-the-line entry-level integrated amplifiers but how about the mid-range ones? Well, if we look at their Marantz PM8006, it does show that they are more than capable of making excellent mid-range amplifiers. The PM8006 has garnered plenty of praise over the years and found a place as one of the best integrated amplifiers in their price range.
Now all you need are some matching speakers to pair with this fine amp and if you are currently on the search for one then please continue to read on. After we have gathered enough information about the Marantz PM8006, such as its merits and sonic characteristics, we will proceed to introduce to you a list of the best speakers that you can go for. These are matching speakers which you can partner with your Marantz PM8006 amplifier.
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Sonic Characteristics and Important Specifications of Marantz PM8006
It is an integrated amplifier with a decent power output of 70 Watts into 8 Ohms and 100 Watts into 4 Ohms (RMS). Based on this spec alone, the Marantz PM8006 is capable of driving most bookshelf speakers with ease and also floor-standing speakers but those which are power-hungry and/or low-efficiency loudspeakers may have an issue. The frequency response of this amp is really impressive, it has a range of 5Hz-100kHz and could accommodate almost all speakers. These two specs do affect the range of speaker choices that we can go for but it is still quite wide at the moment.
For the vinyl enthusiasts, you will be pleased to know that the Marantz PM8006 uses high-quality phono stages/Marantz Musical Phono EQ stage to provide you with ultra-low distortion and exceptional analog sound quality. But there isn’t a built-in DAC and digital inputs are also lacking. There is a headphone output though which will come in handy especially when you want to listen to music late at night. The total harmonic distortion is really low as it is only at 0.02%. It is a stylish and sleek-looking amplifier that will look great with any modern speakers, heck, it should even look good with vintage speakers too.
More Information at Amazon – Marantz PM8006 Integrated Amplifier
The Marantz PM8006 has the signature house sound, probably because of their proprietary HDAM-SA3 circuits and how their sound engineers have tuned the amplifier. It is smooth and mellow, not a hint of harshness, you can play as loud as you want without worrying about cringe sound reproduction. There is also that warmth which you would expect from a Marantz amplifier and the PM8006 has it without compromising the accuracy. This is indeed an integrated amplifier that favors turntable users and listeners who have fallen in love with the Marantz house sound.
The sound delivery is very clean, and there is barely any noise from the amp, the quiet background makes the music more immersive. The highs are sweet and expansive, and the midrange frequency is smooth with very detailed accuracy. The vocals and musical instruments all sounded natural with a touch of warmth to make them sound fuller. The bass control helps to provide full-bodied overall sound and is very well-controlled, ensuring the low ends don’t overstep its boundaries. The bass is rich and tight, working seamlessly together with the rest of the frequencies.
It is an integrated amplifier meant for music, the Marantz PM8006 is soft but can punch when it needs to. Even with the warm house sound, the overall music presentation is still balanced. The sound quality and sonic performance you are getting at this price point, does make it hard for us to complain. Still, if your main audio sources are via music streaming platforms and/or from your PC/Mac/Laptops then the PM8006 will not be an ideal amplifier for you. We shouldn’t match too dark-sounding speakers as the overall sound reproduction may sound too dull. With all this data, we can finally start showing you the best speakers to match with your Marantz PM8006 integrated amplifier.
Marantz PM8006 Specifications
- Power Outputs: 70 Watts into 8 Ohms (RMS), 100 Watts into 4 Ohms (RMS)
- Frequency Response: 5Hz-100kHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.02%
- Inputs: 5 line inputs, 1 Phono (MM) input, Power Amp Direct IN
- Outputs: Headphone output, 1 Recorder output, 1 Pre-Out
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 440mm x 379mm x 128mm (17.3″ x 14.9″ x 5″)
- Weight: 12kg (26.5lbs)
Best Speakers to pair with Marantz PM8006
Q Acoustics Concept 20 is one of the best speakers to go with your Marantz PM8006, they have won multiple awards over the years and are highly praised bookshelf speakers. The Marantz PM8006 has the muscles to power these speakers and unleash their fullest potential. The Q Acoustics Concept 20 has amazing clarity which provides plenty of details in crystal clear sound quality. The PM8006 helps to ease the edges a little allowing you to listen to your favorite tunes for hours on end at various volume levels, not fearing any sonic harshness. The speakers have immaculate pacing as well, punches hard when it needs to.
More Details at Amazon – Q Acoustics Concept 20 Compact Bookshelf Speakers
If sound quality is all that matters, then the Omega Super Alnico High Output Monitor is an ideal choice. It is a very efficient loudspeaker and your Marantz PM8006 has more than enough power to really make them sing. The Omega loudspeakers are very revealing, leaving no stones unturned which complements the PM8006 amplifier really well. The greatest strength is their midrange sound reproduction and will work nicely with the integrated amplifier. The Marantz PM8006 also complements the Super Alnico High Output monitor with fuller and warm bass quality. It is recommended to have a listen even if you are not planning to get them.
The Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 bookshelf speakers have similar sonic characteristics where both the Marantz PM8006 and the loudspeaker have smooth mellow sound quality. Not to mention, the midrange is one of their greatest strengths as well. Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 delivers a lifelike performance with sweet-sounding quality and there is also clarity, which reveals a lot of details in your music. The stereo imaging of the Diamond 12.1 is impeccable too and able to produce highly-defined sonic imagery. The highs are never strained nor harsh even when the Marantz PM8006 drives them up to loud volumes.
More Details at Amazon – Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 Bookshelf Speaker (Pair)
Prefer more clarity and lesser warmth? Then check out Klipsch RP-8000F, a powerful floor-standing speaker with very high speaker sensitivity where your Marantz PM8006 can drive them with ease. They have astonishing clarity and loudness, providing you with a very lively music presentation. The sonic characteristics of the PM8006 integrated amp help to create more musical presence and the RP-8000F is able to produce them in spades. Never a dull moment with this speaker and amplifier partnership, as both of them complement each other really well and deliver an engaging lifelike musical performance.
More Information at Amazon – Klipsch RP-8000F Floorstanding Speaker Pair
Monitor Audio Silver 100 is another best-matching speaker to partner with the Marantz PM8006 amplifier. The rhythmic drive and energetic pacing of the Silver 100 speakers deliver a lively music presentation with plenty of attacks and impactful crescendos. The level of details is immaculate, it is an insightful bookshelf speaker with crystal clear sound quality, The Marantz PM8006 provides warmth and smoothens the edges a little, ensuring the overall music delivery doesn’t sound clinical. The bass performance of the speakers is impressive too, providing an exciting music listening experience. This is definitely worth a listen, you should audition them when you have the opportunity.
More Details at Amazon – Monitor Audio Silver 100 Bookshelf Speakers Pair
Other brands of speakers you might want to check out will be KEF, Mission, and JBL. We will recommend taking a look at KEF speakers first especially their KEF LS50 Meta which has made headlines and has very impressive sonic performances. LS50 Meta is able to produce the subtlest of details with crystal clear quality and delivers faithful music presentations close to what the artists have intended. Get more power by connecting to an external power amp via the Pre-out. You can also connect an active subwoofer via the same connection, this will help enhance the overall bass performance.
More Details at Amazon – KEF LS50 Meta Pair Titanium Grey
To Sum It Up
These are some of the best speakers that are well-matched with the Marantz PM8006 and complements the amplifier by their own unique sonic characteristics. It is recommended to shortlist the speakers you are interested in and give them an audition. Listen to them with your favorite tunes or music which you are very familiar with, see if you like what you hear. You can also use this list as a reference when searching for other speakers.
