Marantz Model 30 vs Model 50 with Focal Aria 926: preamp or integrated?
Hi,
I’m trying to choose between 3 possible directions for my Focal Aria 926, and that’s why I’m still stuck.
Current setup:
\-Raspberry Pi 5 + LMS into a Cambridge DacMagic 200M
\-Technics SL-100C
\-Marantz Cinema 60
\-Audiophonics MPA-S250NC
\-Focal Aria 926
My issue is listening fatigue.
With the Aria 926, I can find the sound too aggressive in the highs when using the DacMagic directly into the MPA250, or when using the Cinema 60 in direct / pure direct into the MPA250.
On the other hand, I used to own a Marantz SC80 preamp and it was very pleasant to listen to, the only downside was background noise.
I listen at moderate volume, not loud, and I care more about long-term comfort than maximum SPL.
The 3 options I’m really considering are:
\-Marantz Model 50 mostly as a preamp into the Audiophonics MPA-S250NC
\-Marantz Model 30 as a full integrated amp, removing the MPA250 entirely
\-Marantz Model 30 mostly as a preamp into the Audiophonics MPA-S250NC
So this is not really a simple “Model 30 vs Model 50 integrated” question.
What I’m trying to understand is:
\-Is the Model 50 preamp section smooth enough to make the MPA250 work better with Aria 926?
\-If I keep the MPA250, is the Model 30 preamp section noticeably better than the Model 50 preamp section in real listening?
Or is the best move actually to remove the external power amp completely and use the Model 30 as an integrated?
For anyone who has heard both, does the Model 30 still sound like “Marantz” in practice, or does it retain too much of a typical Ncore / Hypex character?
Which of these 3 options would you expect to be less fatiguing long-term?
Would especially appreciate replies from people who used them with Focal or similarly lively / revealing speakers.
Budget: flexible — both the Model 50 and Model 30 are within budget, so I’m mainly trying to avoid the wrong choice.
Thanks.