Overview

The Marantz PM6007 is an entry-level integrated amplifier that pairs Marantz’s proprietary HDAM-SA3 discrete analog stages with a built-in 24-bit/192kHz DAC, MM phono input, and A/B speaker switching. Official materials highlight a toroidal power transformer, Schottky barrier diodes, and selectable digital filter modes for the DAC [1][2]. The model has been available since 2020 [3][JA]. Some later production runs have been reported to switch from the AKM AK4490 to an ESS ES9010K2M DAC; this is third-party reporting rather than an official change log [4].

Scientific Validity

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Independent lab measurements for PM6007 units are limited; the following are manufacturer-published specifications. At rated power the PM6007 delivers 45W×2 into 8Ω (60W×2 into 4Ω) with 0.08% THD (20Hz–20kHz), damping factor 100, frequency response 10Hz–70kHz (+0/–1dB), line S/N 102dB and phono (MM) S/N 83dB [1]. These values are competent but fall short of “transparent-level” thresholds (e.g., THD ≤0.01%, line S/N ≥105dB, damping factor ≥100—here just met) used for reference-grade transparency [1][5]. We will incorporate independent test data when available.

Technology Level

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Key implementation details include current-feedback topology with HDAM-SA3 discrete modules, a fully shielded DAC section with 24-bit/192kHz support, selectable digital filters, a toroidal transformer, and Schottky diodes in the power supply [2]. This represents careful, traditional analog engineering beyond basic op-amp designs, though not a breakthrough relative to contemporary integrated amplifiers.

Cost-Performance

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Current market price used for evaluation: 750 USD for PM6007 (authorized US retailer) [6].
Comparator (cheapest equal-or-better alternative): Yamaha A-S301 integrated amplifier. It provides the same user-facing functions—MM phono input, built-in 24-bit/192kHz DAC (optical/coax), remote, subwoofer output—and comparable or better published metrics (60W×2 into 8Ω @ 0.019% THD, damping factor 210, line S/N 99dB) [7]. Multiple reputable US retailers list new A-S301 units at 349.95 USD [8][9].

Calculation: 349.95 USD ÷ 750 USD = 0.467 → score 0.5 (rounded to one decimal).
Why this comparator: Equal or greater rated power, lower THD, much higher damping factor, and equivalent core features at a substantially lower market price [7][8][9].

Reliability & Support

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Marantz is an established brand with broad US distribution and service. Retailers cite a 3-year warranty term for the PM6007 in the US and standard accessories (remote, etc.) [10]. No systemic reliability issues are evident from official materials and mainstream dealers.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The PM6007 pursues incremental fidelity via robust analog stages (discrete HDAM, toroidal PSU, careful shielding). These choices are scientifically reasonable, but they do not translate into objectively class-leading transparency versus cheaper modern rivals with equal functionality. The design is coherent yet not cost-disruptive.

Advice

Choose the PM6007 if you want an analog-centric integrated with built-in DAC and phono, sub out, A/B speaker switching, and Marantz’s proven hardware recipe in a single box. If maximizing price-to-performance is your priority, the Yamaha A-S301 delivers comparable functionality and at least comparable published performance for roughly half the US street price [7][8][9].

References

[1] Marantz – PM6007 Owner’s Manual: Specifications (official). https://manuals.marantz.com/PM6007/NA/EN/GFNWSYvwqplype.php (accessed 2025-08-16).
[2] Marantz – PM6007 Information Sheet (official PDF). https://www.marantz.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-marantz_europe_shared/default/dw64c62897/archive-downloads/marantz_pm6007_informaiton_sheet.pdf (accessed 2025-08-16).
[3] Yodobashi (JA) – PM6007 product page (shows 2020/09/14 availability). https://www.yodobashi.com/product/100000001005770140/ (accessed 2025-08-16).
[4] What Hi-Fi? – “Marantz replaces AKM DACs with ESS Sabre chips: here’s how to tell which your unit has.” https://www.whathifi.com/advice/marantz-replaces-akm-dacs-with-ess-sabre-chips-heres-how-to-tell-which-your-unit-has (accessed 2025-08-16).
[5] Site measurement criteria (transparency thresholds).
[6] B&H Photo – Marantz PM6007 listing (price 750 USD). https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1597307-REG/marantz_pm6007_integrated_amplifier_with_2x45w.html (accessed 2025-08-16).
[7] Yamaha USA – A-S301 Specs (official). https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/hifi_components/a-s301/specs.html (accessed 2025-08-16).
[8] HiFi Heaven – Yamaha A-S301 price (349.95 USD). https://hifiheaven.net/product-category/products/stereo-components/integrated-amplifiers/page/8/ (accessed 2025-08-16).
[9] Instrument Discount – Yamaha A-S301 price (349.95 USD). https://www.instrumentdiscount.com/product/yamaha-a-s301-integrated-amplifier/ (accessed 2025-08-16).
[10] Crutchfield – PM6007 product page (features, S/N figures, sub output, 3-year warranty). https://www.crutchfield.com/p_642PM6007/Marantz-PM6007.html (accessed 2025-08-16).

(2025.8.16)