Well I’ve been wanting this amp for quite some time now and finally bit the bullet, and here it is.
I must say I was impressed by the weight of the box and already starting to form a attachment to this product.
Top opened and now reveals a glimpse of what’s to come…
First impressions, well what can I say after 35 years in this industry this Marzantz was moving quickly to the top of my list.
Time to connect some sounds via my iPhone 6. I played a whole host of music ranging from Alternative, Classical, Dance, Electronic, Jazz, Metal, Pop and even some Rock. Overall I was very impressed, sound was warm with smooth controlled Bass with the highs nicely balanced.
Note: Headphones used for this testing was the B&W P5 Series 2, or though I did also try the Beyerdynamic DT880-600’s and they also where very nice, but obviously a very different sound between the two of them.
I must say I’m not one to go into too much detail, as I do prefer people to listen for themselves rather than solely relying on opinions and reviews. In saying that, reading and feedback is good, as a guide but still remember it is just that my or someone else’s opinion, so still try and listen before you purchase any fine audio product.
Now in summing up on these two mighty fine products my Opinion as follows;
Marantz HD-DAC1
Yes this is a costly product but if you can, a worthy purchase with a stack of features and power to boot.
Would I buy this? a most definite YES. Really enjoyed using this product and sounds truly amazing.
Overall Score 9
Scores in Detail
Value 9
Sound Quality 9
Design 10
Build Quality 10
Features 9
Spec Sheet: http://abtec.co.nz/manuals/Marantz/HD-DAC1_spec%20sheet.pdf
Owners Manual: http://abtec.co.nz/manuals/Marantz/HD-DAC1%20Owner%20Manual%20-%20English.pdf
More information on this Marantz HD-DAC1: http://abtec.co.nz/product-search.php?keyword=dac1&category=&brand=&search=
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2
Now these are just amazing, clean attention to detail, vocals well balanced, bass strong and tight and by far the most comfortable. I have been playing around with headphones as far back as I can remember, and these I now have, and won’t be giving up anytime soon. I might add of all the headphones I have taken home and asked my wife’s opinion, these where the only ones that got “when do I get a SET?” Well there’s always tomorrow 😉
Overall Score 9.5
Scores in Detail
Value 9
Sound Quality 9.5
Design 10
Build Quality 10
More information on this Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2: http://abtec.co.nz/product-search.php?keyword=P5+Series+2&category=&brand=&search=
Now, another cool option is the below upgrade cable
gotor® OCC Upgrade Cable Cord For B&W Bowers & Wilkins P5 P7 Headphones (P7)
This headphone cable made the sound more stable, solid, making it even more enjoyable from what was already amazing.
More information on this gotor Cable:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01E4YHIPM/ref=pe_385721_135038131_TE_3p_dp_1
Hope you enjoyed my opinions and feedback,
Ashley Burrell – Abtec Audio Lounge Petone