morerajendra5678
Active Member
Audiolab 6000A will lack power.
Need guidance on next upgrade – WiiM Amp Ultra vs Speaker upgrade (Budget 78K)
- Thread starter Dhiraj
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Never heard of any hiss from my M1 in 11 months of experience. Besides me, @Amarendra also runs an M1 and I don't think he's ever faced any such issue either - i'll let him chime in.
The Auidlab 6000A is a fine option. It's a rung lower than the M1 in pure SQ terms but has various other redeeming features over and above the Marantz which include a multitude of inputs.
It goes without saying that with all else being equal, including DIRAC, a higher end speaker will sound better than a cheaper one because of your aforementioned reasons. However, there can be, and have been well documented instances where in a good well treated room with good placement, a cheap and cheerful speaker can sound better than a much higher end speaker. Calibration of the speaker with the room is key. And guess what DIRAC does?
morerajendra5678
Active Member
i am yet to see any setup where users have invested $250 in DIRAC for speakers costing 30k to 40K. If you know of any such user please let me know. This is similar to installing 6Lacs+ sound system in Maruti Alto. But do let me know of any user you know.However, there can be, and have been well documented instances where in a good well treated room with good placement, a cheap and cheerful speaker can sound better than a much higher end speaker. Calibration of the speaker with the room is key. And guess what DIRAC does?
It is not wise to make someone who is hard pressed for funds invest $250 for DIRAC for a 40k speaker.
What's wrong with installing a 6L system in a Maruti Alto?
Me, for starters. You'll find plenty of other users who use DIRAC live on their AVRs with budget speaker lines like the Polk S series, Wharfedale 12 series, Kef Q series, Elac Debut etc which are all in this price range.
First of all, I'm not making anyone do anything. Please tell me in which post did i suggest he get the M1 with DIRAC for his next upgrade as opposed to speakers.
But in any case, don't knock it till you've tried it. In fact, i'd rather do it with a cheaper speaker than use it with a high end speaker which i'd like to play as pure and unadulterated with the room built around it rather than use room EQ to correct it but you do you.
P.S. - if you find yourself in delhi, drop by. i'll knock your socks off with a 15k speaker and without room correction engaged.
I use Dirac on Wharfedale Diamond 220 in my HT via Denon 3800. I also use Dirac on Marantz M1 with Kef LS50 Metas. Now I am using Dirac on active speakers. It’s more about the room and freq correction than the cost of speakers. It’s not about the cost of speakers (Alto) but about you wanting good / calibrated sound.
One last thing I want to confirm. My current setup delivers excellent sound with a rock-solid center image—vocals and centrally placed instruments lock perfectly in the middle. The left and right channels float beautifully, creating the illusion of additional speakers between them. It even feels like the speakers and subwoofer disappear, and the music is just suspended in the air. So I believe my system is very well integrated with my room, even though it’s an entry-level setup.
After upgrading to the Marantz Model M1, I expect an even more elevated experience overall—more air, a wider and more open soundstage, an even more precise center image, and tighter, more controlled bass. With that, I don’t think I’ll need DIRAC, at least for now.
Is there anything more I should expect?
After upgrading to the Marantz Model M1, I expect an even more elevated experience overall—more air, a wider and more open soundstage, an even more precise center image, and tighter, more controlled bass. With that, I don’t think I’ll need DIRAC, at least for now.
Is there anything more I should expect?
morerajendra5678
Active Member
If someone finds it reasonable to install a 6Lacs sound system in Maruti Alto there is absolutely nothing wrong in it. But when someone does a deep and reasonable analysis, then only one will realise that the amount spent on purchasing sound system for maruti alto could have been used to buy a car with higher safety features than what maruti alto offers.
That's good to hear.
DIRAC isn't simply restricted to imaging. Besides distance, DIRAC also corrects the frequency and impulse response which results in a fuller sound with better detail retrieval and bass response, which in turn lends to a wider and deeper soundstage.
a wider soundstage is more down to speakers, speaker placement and room (including room calibration software). Having experience with both the PM6006 and the Marantz M1, you probably won't experience a wider soundstage but I can't say for sure.
The presentation (tonality) of both amps is quite different but what you will experience with the M1 over the PM5005 is more treble refinement and sparkle which will lend to imaging being more vivid with better detail retrieval and of course, much more grip and control over the bass. The Pm5005/6006 bass sounds meaty but lacks definition and grip and its treble is pleasant but a bit rolled off.
In all earnest and with all due respect, if someone does a deep and reasonable analysis, they'll realise that your premise/analogy was flawed to begin with so there's no amount of reasoning that can salvage it.
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In continuing with earnest, no doubt the Marantz is going to provide an upgrade in SQ but if you've already managed to calibrate/integrate your speakers to your room and are no slouch on that front going forward, you really ought to upgrade your speakers if you want the most significant upgrade. Something like the QA 3050i or the Polk R200, Elac DBR62, Dynaudio Emit 20, Monitor Audio Broze 100, Wharfedale Evo 5.2, KEF Q3 Meta and stuff of that ilk will get you there.
However, there's also no denying the huge upgrade in convenience that the M1 is going to provide with the simplicity of connecting and waking up/powering off through HDMI, built in streamer and DAC, App control, ability to learn any remote including working with the TV remote when an HDMI cable is connected to your TV, subwoofer out and ability to dictate high/low pass filters, DIRAC etc. and I would attribute equal importance to that aspect,
Yes, I feel my current setup delivers very solid bass. In fact, after extensive R&D on the settings, I finally like the sound with a crossover point that slightly overlaps with the speakers’ lowest frequencies, giving me stronger bass and a seamless listening experience—without overpowering the mids and highs. I really enjoy this meaty, full-bodied presentation, and now I’m curious to see what the M1 has to offer in terms of sound presentation.
I am now more inclined toward upgrading to the M1. After your suggestion, I went through many user reviews, and it seems to be a small powerhouse capable of driving several high-end floorstanders—speakers I can’t consider right now due to budget constraints. But being optimistic, I may eventually buy the speakers I’m currently unable to consider (and you’re unable to suggest because of my budget) and pair them with the M1—hopefully creating a “match made in heaven.”
I also agree to this that if I rush into buying speakers and amp now and later decide to upgrade to higher-end models, I’ll eventually need to sell the current ones—resulting in wasted money. However, I still feel that I can confidently buy the M1 at this point, as it’s a solid long-term investment. It’s something I won’t need to sell in the future and can drive, if not all, then most higher-end floorstanders.
Thank you both—and all the other members—for taking the time to respond to my queries. I can clearly see how this thread started and how it helped me arrive at a well-informed decision.
morerajendra5678
Active Member
Someone who has power of deep and reasonable analysis would always put forth that whatever DIRAC does can also be achieved with free softwares that are available. There are free measurement softwares and digit filters that are there through which the same thing can be achieved. Only the scale of achievement will differ while using the software and DIRAC.
My analogy of not spending $250 on DIRAC for speakers costing 30K to 40K was not flawed. It might have looked flawed to you as I guess you are not aware of what DIRAC does can be achieved through other free software.
To achieve well calibrated system DIRAC is not a must have tool. Please educate yourself. You lack knowledge.
morerajendra5678
Active Member
After purchase of amplifier, give it some time before purchase of speaker so that you can accumulate sufficient funds to have a good set of speakers. In the meantime you can also explore pre-owned market for speakers.
I started my journey with pre-owned stuff only. I managed to have my hands on pre-owned Harbeth 40.3, Denafrips Terminator 2 dac and Audionote amplifier. Have been using them for last 2 years and will stick with them for next 7 years.
morerajendra5678
Active Member
If you know source of such speakers my sincere advice to you will be to start internet direct marketing of such speakers with world-wide distribution after keeping a good profit for yourself. You will always have handful of orders.
COOLDUDE7808
Well-Known Member
Marantz PM5005 has loudness button which others will not have ...so you will miss that if you get something else and that does elevate sound at low volumes . Anyway check out M1 ...read reviews and if possible audition
Over the past 8 years with the PM5005, I’ve rarely used the bass/treble controls or the loudness button. I’m not a fan of boosted frequencies, and always listened in pure Source Direct mode. But thanks for pointing it out anyway.
gurujee
Active Member
If Marantz m1 had the HT bypass feature I would have purchased it with a blink of eyes after going through this thread…
There is a Marantz M1 in the classifieds at a discounted rate. Could be a good bet.
Not to make you change your decision though - as you can't go wrong upgrading in any sequence.
- If you are looking for a different sound. A speaker might be a better bet to invest in. Your amp though will change the character of the sound, but it won't really be a huge jump. A good pair of bookshelves with the rest of the gear will make a more substantial change in sound I believe.
Also personally I am a big fan of DSP/room correction - it allows you to tune in your sound to perfection. You can't change your room, but you can use the tech to suit your gear to your room. You can have a new sound every day if you like. So in your future plans - do keep some budget for DSP. If nothing else you will learn how sound works in your room
Not to make you change your decision though - as you can't go wrong upgrading in any sequence.
- If you are looking for a different sound. A speaker might be a better bet to invest in. Your amp though will change the character of the sound, but it won't really be a huge jump. A good pair of bookshelves with the rest of the gear will make a more substantial change in sound I believe.
Also personally I am a big fan of DSP/room correction - it allows you to tune in your sound to perfection. You can't change your room, but you can use the tech to suit your gear to your room. You can have a new sound every day if you like. So in your future plans - do keep some budget for DSP. If nothing else you will learn how sound works in your room
Thank you so much for your inputs. Initially, I was considering the LX6, then shifted to the Q Acoustics 3050i. But later I realised after experts suggestions here that even if I push my budget a little, I still won’t reach truly high-end speakers, please correct me if my assumption is wrong. Instead, with the same overall budget, I could get a higher-end amplifier now, and then, a few years later when funds allow, I can invest in a genuinely high-end pair of floorstanders that will pair beautifully with the M1. As for DSP, i will definitely try that in future.There is a Marantz M1 in the classifieds at a discounted rate. Could be a good bet.
Not to make you change your decision though - as you can't go wrong upgrading in any sequence.
- If you are looking for a different sound. A speaker might be a better bet to invest in. Your amp though will change the character of the sound, but it won't really be a huge jump. A good pair of bookshelves with the rest of the gear will make a more substantial change in sound I believe.
Also personally I am a big fan of DSP/room correction - it allows you to tune in your sound to perfection. You can't change your room, but you can use the tech to suit your gear to your room. You can have a new sound every day if you like. So in your future plans - do keep some budget for DSP. If nothing else you will learn how sound works in your room
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