Overview

The Marantz PM5005 is a 2014 entry-level integrated amplifier rated at 40 W/8 Ω and 55 W/4 Ω. Original U.S. price was 499 USD; Japan MSRP was 35,750円 (tax-in)[3][4][11][12]. It employs Marantz HDAM (SA3/SA2) with current-feedback topology and provides six analog inputs including an MM phono stage, tone controls, Source Direct, A/B speaker switching, and a headphone out[1][2].

Scientific Validity

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Manufacturer specs: THD 0.01%, line S/N 103 dB, MM S/N 83 dB, 10 Hz–50 kHz FR, DF 100[1][2]. These meet transparent reproduction targets, albeit borderline given the line S/N versus a 105 dB ideal. No comprehensive third-party bench was found; assessment is based on official data.

Technology Level

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Conventional Class-AB with HDAM (SA3/SA2) and current-feedback. Solid for its class, but not notably innovative today[1][2].

Cost-Performance

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Cheapest equal-or-better setup identified (new, widely available):

• SMSL AO300 DAC/amp/headamp (remote, tone EQ, multiple digital inputs; 85 W×2/8 Ω, THD+N 0.003%, S/N 107 dB): 289 USD[6][7]
• ART DJPRE II MM phono preamp (S/N >90 dB): 74.99 USD[8][9]
• 4-in/1-out RCA selector (MT-VIKI 431AV): 15.00 USD[10]

Total 378.99 USD, undercutting the PM5005’s 499 USD, while matching/surpassing required functions and measured performance. AO300 exceeds PM5005 in output and noise/distortion and adds digital conveniences; DJPRE II restores MM phono; the RCA selector approximates the richer analog I/O[6][7][8][10].

Reliability & Support

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Being discontinued, warranty/parts availability are uncertain and service tends to prioritize current models; no robust failure-rate statistics found[2].

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Measurement-sane with no pseudoscientific claims, but present-day value is limited given modern gear delivering equal-or-better fidelity at lower prices.

Advice

If you want new gear with equal-or-better fidelity and functions, the AO300 + DJPRE II (+ simple RCA selector) bundle offers superior value. If you specifically want a one-box integrated with built-in phono from a current lineup, consider models with published low THD and high S/N—many undercut 499 USD while adding digital inputs.

References (all links verified)

[1] Marantz, “PM5005 Spec Sheet (PDF)” — core specs
https://www.marantz.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-marantz_europe_shared/default/dwdac82349/archive-downloads/pm5005_spec_sheet.pdf

[2] Marantz, “PM5005 | Archive Page” — spec recap
https://www.marantz.com/en/product/archive-amplifiers/pm5005/PM5005.html

[3] Audioholics, “Marantz PM5005 Integrated Amp & CD5005 Preview” — MSRP 499 USD
https://www.audioholics.com/amplifier-reviews/marantz-5005-series-integrated-amp-cd-player

[4] ecoustics, “Marantz PM5005 Integrated Amplifier” — 500 USD mention; available July 2014 for 499 USD https://www.ecoustics.com/products/marantz-pm5005-integrated-amplifier/

[6] AOSHIDA AUDIO, “SMSL AO300 – 289 USD” — price
https://aoshida-audio.com/products/smsl-ao300

[7] SMSL, “AO300 User Manual (PDF)” — THD+N 0.003%, SNR 107 dB, 85 W/8 Ω
https://www.smsl-audio.com/upload/portal/download/AO300Manual.pdf

[8] Sweetwater, “ART DJ PRE II – 74.99 USD” — price
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DeeJayPre–art-dj-pre-ii-phono-preamplifier

[9] SoundPro, “ART DJPRE II – specs/price” — Hum & Noise >90 dB below clipping
https://soundpro.com/collections/art?srsltid=AfmBOorunLBTiIlG7xnkYXhgwvfpT5AFIoj11Nl2zdPAkMsiwGh35D2r

[10] MT-VIKI Official, “4 Way AV RCA Switch (431AV)” — from 15.00 USD
https://shop.mt-viki.com/collections/switcher-rca

[11] BicCamera (JP), “PM5005/FN — MSRP 35,750円”
https://www.biccamera.com/bc/item/2015259/

[12] Yodobashi (JP), “PM5005/FN — MSRP 35,750円; discontinued”
https://www.yodobashi.com/product/100000001002330438/

(2025.8.16)