Arcam A5+ vs Marantz Model 70: which stereo amplifier is best for you?

The sub-£1000 integrated stereo amplifier market is a tough nut to crack. Such amplifiers need to be forgiving enough to work well with budget sources and speakers, while having the sonic stretch to shine with higher-quality partners. Arcam’s A5 has been the dominant force in this sector since its introduction in late 2023, and the revised, current Award-winning A5+ version has simply reinforced that superiority.

The arrival of the Marantz Model 70 could be a problem for Arcam, though. Marantz is a recognised master of affordable amplifiers, as the multiple awards won by various generations of the company’s 6000 series integrateds prove.

The Model 70 is a reimagining of the excellent, long-running five-star PM6007, featuring a more stylish appearance and improved connectivity. The result is a stereo amplifier that is more useful and flexible than its predecessors ever were.

Make no mistake, Marantz has been aggressive here, pitching the Model 70 directly at the class champion. Is that the right move? We've tested both amplifiers against each other to find out.

Arcam A5+ vs Marantz Model 70: price

The Arcam A5+ costs £749 / $1199 / AU$1595, while the Model 70 retails for £749 in the UK and in Australia, AU$1600 (excluding VAT). Marantz has decided not to sell the Model 70 in the USA, feeling other products in the range cover similar ground in that market.

Given the parity of pricing in other territories, it is fair to say that Marantz firmly had Arcam in its sights when setting the price for its new amplifier. The two can’t really be split in either the UK or Australian markets.

**Winner: draw**

Arcam A5+ vs Marantz Model 70: build & design

The Arcam A5+ has been on the market around three years now but remains a fresh-looking design. We like the simplicity of its clean front-panel layout, even though the display could be a little crisper. Indeed, integrated amplifiers further up the Arcam ladder have a much better display.

The two rotary control dials on the front are decently responsive and precise in use, and the A5+ works intuitively. It is easy to set up, even if that display is a little small.

We have no complaints about general build, as the A5+'s casework feels suitably substantial. The quality of the fit and finish is as good as we would expect at this price. There is only one finish option, black. The supplied remote is a small, basic plastic affair, but it is simple enough to use.

This amplifier should have no problem driving any price-compatible speaker. It is rated at 50 watts per channel, just like the Marantz, and while that number isn’t unusually generous, it is more than enough to do the job.

Over the years we have used the Arcam amp with just about every type of speaker, and it hasn’t let us down yet.

The Model 70 is another well-made product. We like the fresh look. To our eyes, the Marantz amp is distinctive and stylish regardless of whether it is finished in black or silver.

Our positive impression is reinforced by the sturdy yet precise feel of the various front-panel controls. They have a heftier feel than those on the Arcam, and we like that, particularly as they turn with a pleasant smoothness.

The remote is good, too. It is more comprehensive than the one supplied with the Arcam, but remains intuitive in use and feels solid.

We are less happy with the Marantz’s casework. The lid feels thin and rattles when we tap it, while the back panel flexes notably when we plug and unplug the speaker leads. Nothing falls off, of course, and we suspect that the Model 70 will have as long a service life as any of its rivals. However, it does feel more like the budget PM6007 than we would like given its higher price point.

**Winner: Arcam A5+**

Arcam A5+ vs Marantz Model 70: features

These two amplifiers are hard to split when it comes to features and connectivity, and should be able to slot into even the most complex of systems with ease. Both have moving-magnet phono stages, three line-level inputs, a headphone output and digital inputs. They both offer a preamp out for those that want to add an outboard power amplifier.

There are small but significant differences, though.

The Marantz adds an HDMI ARC to its coax and optical digital inputs, and has a dedicated subwoofer out. The Arcam’s second coax input and inclusion of higher-quality aptX Lossless Bluetooth codec and Auracast may balance things out for some people. The Marantz is limited to aptX HD Bluetooth.

The Arcam's digital section is built around the well proven ESS Sabre ES9018 DAC chip, and can handle datastreams of up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM, just like the Marantz (which uses the ESS Sabre’s ES9020Q). Neither amplifier offers DSD compatibility.

Each offers a choice of digital filter options, and as is usual, the best one comes down to system matching and taste.

There used to be a time when amplifiers such as these offered the option of connecting two sets of speakers. That time has gone, with only a single set of speaker outputs available on each amplifier.

**Winner: Draw**

Arcam A5+ vs Marantz Model 70: sound

The Marantz Model 70 is a capable performer. There is no doubt in our minds that it is a clear step ahead of its PM6007 predecessor. The new model sounds clearer, more detailed and stable. The Model 70 has more grip and punch at low frequencies too, making the older Marantz amplifier sound soft and blurred in comparison, though we can still relate to its easy-going nature and fluid delivery.

Up against the Arcam A5+, we can appreciate the Model 70’s more even tonal balance and marginally tauter bass. It produces a controlled and well balanced sound that is sure to work well in a wide range of systems.

We are pleased to report that the Model 70 doesn’t drop its standards across any of its inputs. The phono stage is pleasingly capable, being a relatively low-noise design that retains the positive characteristics of the line stages.

It isn’t unusual for there to be a notable drop-off in clarity between the phono stage and the line-level inputs in amplifiers of this price, but that doesn’t happen to any great extent here.

The sound with records is clear, articulate and balanced. Much the same can be said of the digital inputs. Given the amplifier’s price, the digital module is a good one, broadly on a par with some of the better outboard units around the £150 mark.

Moving to the Arcam reveals its richer tonal balance. This isn’t overdone by any means, but it results in lows that are slightly less taut. But, it is also fair to say that the Arcam is the clearer and more expressive performer. It doesn’t matter whether you listen to Debussy’s Clair de Lune or Eminem’s Recovery set, the A5+ consistently sounds more insightful and dynamically expressive.

While the Marantz seems to prioritise balance and control, the A5+ proves better at bringing out the energy and drama present in the recording. Play Eminem’s No Love and the Arcam delivers doses of emotion and drive that the Model 70 can’t match.

The result is that, while we can admire the Marantz’s many sonic qualities, we find ourselves enjoying the music more through the Arcam, and for us, that is the most important thing.

**Winner: Arcam A5+**

Arcam A5+ vs Marantz Model 70: verdict

One of these amplifiers is good. The other is great. There is plenty to like in the Model 70. It is a well-conceived and nicely balanced product that should work well in a wide range of systems. The feature set covers all the essentials and then some. Slightly thin casework aside, it is pleasant to use and, we suspect, to own.

However, the move up in price has put it up against sterner competition than its PM6007 predecessor ever faced. Good as the Model 70 is, it doesn’t quite manage to offer the Arcam A5+’s breadth of sonic talent, and so doesn’t pull us into the music as effectively.

The A5+ is our current Award-winner at this price point and deservedly so. It is a great all-rounder that manages to tick every box we would expect from an amplifier at this level. If it were our money, this is where it would go.

**Overall winner: Arcam A5+**

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Read our full Arcam A5+ review

And our Marantz Model 70 review

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