Marantz PM 66 SE

Author's product rating:   

Sound Quality	Excellent
Ease of Use	Very Easy
Look & Design	Excellent
Range of Features	Excellent
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	A1 sound for the money, good price, great build, good looks
Disadvantages:	Very little  -  perhaps underpowered a tad

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Introduction.................................

I owned a Marantz PM66se until fairly recently, upgrading to a much more powerful NAD c370. Whilst the NAD is obviously more powerful, it lacks some of the subtly and musicality of the Marantz amp. The Marantz has all the features most people will ever need, and you can now pick one up for a bargain price. IT even looks good (in my opinion - although I am a fan of the 'Marantz look').

Features.......................................

The following features are of note:

- It has a phono input for a record player
- There are 3 line sources and a further 2 tape loops (you can use these as line inputs anyway)
- The amp puts out a claimed 50 watts per channel RMS
- There is a 'source direct' button to bypass the balance and tape monitor controls
- The amp comes with a comprehensive remote which can control other Marantz components and even a compatible TV (Although only our nasty Matsui was found to be compatible)

Sound...............................................

This is, of course, the most important section of the review. The Marantz puts in a comprehensive performance here, sounding tight, controlled and lean. It exhibits the sparkle and spaciousness typical of Marantz SE products. Most significantly, having listened to the newer generation of Marantz amps, the sound quality of the 66SE is not significantly bettered. Indeed, it makes a better buy than the lower end of the current range.

It is always difficult to describe the sound of a particular hifi component, but the 66SE can be summed up as 'sounding right'. In other words, it seems to matter little what materiel one throws at it; it simply makers the music sound enjoyable and entertaining. This is the quality that you want in an amplifier. It is not the weightiest of performers, but this amp is faithfully reproducing the music supplied to it without adding unwanted distortions. Overall, the sound of this amp is recommended highly; indeed I'm looking for another one myself.

Where to get it and what to pay.................

The 66SE was originally sold for £230 in 1996. I purchased mine for £120 (what a bargain!) brand new from Richer sounds. There seem to be a lot about, but because of the quality and reputation of this amp, they hold their value pretty well. Expect to pay between £50 and £100 depending on condition. They pop up regularly on auction sites. Remember that should you wish to sell it again in a couple of years, you will probably get what you paid for it. Remember that the amp is not that powerful (50wpc), so it is probably a good idea to avoid those that have led a hard life.

Overall then...........

I would recommend the 66SE to anyone looking for an amp on a budget, of for a starter system. It has all the features you need, looks great, but most importantly really does sound stunning for the money. This will get you enjoying your music, whatever genre that may be!