Arcam A5+ vs Marantz Model 70: Which Stereo Amplifier Wins for Audiophiles?

Arcam A5+ vs Marantz Model 70: The Short Answer

This stereo amplifier comparison pits the Arcam A5+ and Marantz Model 70 against each other, assessing sound quality, build, connectivity and pricing so that discerning listeners can decide which premium integrated amplifier better suits their listening habits and existing hi-fi system. The Arcam A5+ is the more insightful, dynamically expressive amp with a class‑leading performance at its price, while the Marantz Model 70 counters with a clear, balanced sound, HDMI ARC support and a more flexible feature set. If your priority is musical engagement and all‑round sound quality, the Arcam A5+ is the safer bet; if you need modern TV integration and a slightly more neutral tonal balance, the Marantz Model 70 might fit your room and preferences better, provided you accept its minor build and sonic compromises.

Design, Build and Everyday Use

Both amplifiers sit in the same premium integrated bracket and aim to balance solid build with home‑friendly usability. The Arcam A5+ has a clean, minimalist front panel with two responsive rotary dials and a small but straightforward display; its casework feels substantial and reassuring in everyday use. In practice, it is intuitive to set up and has enough drive to handle any sensibly matched speaker pair. The Marantz Model 70 introduces a fresh design language compared with the long‑running PM6007 it replaces, and its layout is easy to live with day‑to‑day, earning praise for user‑friendliness. However, its build "still lacks the solidity of the Arcam", so if tactile quality and physical confidence matter as much as sound, the A5+ feels like the more serious piece of hardware despite both amplifiers occupying a similar market position.

Features and Connectivity: Modern vs Minimal

When you compare features, the two amplifiers aim squarely at audiophiles who want high‑fidelity stereo plus modern connectivity that still works with budget and higher‑quality sources. The Arcam A5+ focuses on well‑judged essentials: three line‑level inputs, moving‑magnet phono, two coaxial and one optical input, Bluetooth with aptX Lossless and Auracast, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Its feature set is praised as accommodating without being cluttered, though the lack of USB and HDMI inputs is a clear limitation. The Marantz Model 70 takes a more home‑cinema‑friendly tack, adding HDMI ARC and a dedicated subwoofer output, plus optical and coaxial digital inputs and aptX HD Bluetooth. It still omits USB digital, a shared weakness with the Arcam’s lack of USB, but for users who want the amp to sit under a TV and handle film sound as well as music, the HDMI ARC input is a meaningful advantage.

Sound Quality, Price and Overall Value

Sonically, the Arcam A5+ remains the class leader in this price band, with an easy‑going yet entertaining balance, strong insight and impressive dynamic expression. Reviewers highlight that this improved version delivers a small but useful performance jump over the previous A5 while keeping its accommodating nature intact. In contrast, the Marantz Model 70 offers a clear, balanced and detailed presentation, with taut, tuneful bass and a more even tonal balance that some listeners may prefer. It is a step forward in muscle, clarity and modernisation compared with the PM6007 it replaces, but against the Arcam, it is described as a good amplifier facing a great one. Both sit at the same headline price of £749, with the Arcam A5+ at USD 1199 (approx. RM5540) and AU$1595 and the Model 70 around AU$1600. Given that parity, the Arcam’s superior sonic insight and build tip the value equation in its favour.

Buy if / Skip if

• Buy the Arcam A5+ if you care most about musical insight, dynamic expression and class‑leading stereo performance at this price.
• Skip the Arcam A5+ if HDMI or USB connectivity is essential for integrating your TV, computer or streamer into the system.
• Buy the Marantz Model 70 if you want a clear, balanced sound with taut bass and need HDMI ARC plus subwoofer output for TV use.
• Skip the Marantz Model 70 if you prioritise the most engaging, expressive sound and more substantial casework over extra connectivity.
• Buy the Arcam A5+ if you are building a music‑first system with price‑compatible speakers and want an award‑winning all‑rounder.
• Skip the Marantz Model 70 if you expect the same solidity and sonic insight as the Arcam and will not use its added home‑cinema features.