How is this a review? Apart from the technical blurb it tells you nothing at all about the amplifiers sound (sorry it's smooth). Has the reviewer actually heard this amp?
Thanks.
Paul.

I think it's a great Amp., but also I am missing a review about the sound. What I've read is only a very, very small discription how it looks.
How it sounds against for example a HEGEL H100 from Norway, or a TRIGON ENERGY fom Germany, or a UNISON RESEARCH UNICO Nuovo or Secondo from Italy?
In my opinion is only on this way a reasonable review possible.
On the other hand: since half a year Mr. Ken Ishiwata is travelling around in many, many countries of the world. Everyone have to hurry: ...only 500 pcs. worldwide .....
But, at the moment they are still trying to sell the 500 pcs. That's very strange to me.

It is Sept 2010 - and I have failed (again) to find a TRUE review of this product.
Yes, Without first reading Nicks & Pauls comments I also thought this 'REVIEW - NOT' did not provide the information needed for one to part with a lot of dollars.
I was close to deciding to purchase this Amp BUT I also noticed with 500 pieces built - why are they STILL available. My feeling, just a feeling mid you that without any information or facts is: This unit did not offer 'in the box' anything exceptional for the added dollars (compared to 'other' units and also Marantzs own products) to command such a price! By the way...who is Ken Ishiwata?

Respectfully sir - how many complaints can you post on this site? How many times can you bitch about the reviews?

If you can do better - do it. Be a blogger. Call up the companies and give your content away for free.

Otherwise - if you don't like what we write - read SOMETHING ELSE.

I am sick of you. Go away. Complain to somebody else. Read another audiophile print zine as you've CLEARLY MISSED the point of what we do here and the professional and FREE content that we create and that I pay for.

Just for the record, I bought the KI Pearls exactly one year ago. In the mean time I have also purchased a new pair of B&W speakers, Van der Hull cables & Wire World mains.I also posses an Isotek Mini Sub GII unit and other bits and pieces. I will only mention the brands and not the models, as I am not making a technical statement but rather expressing an opinion.
So, with the current set up I find the performance of the KI Pearls "fantastic". No, not the cheapest option by any means but they certainly made my day.
For comparison, a few friends (3 in all) with much more expensive rigs gave thumbs up all around, and we did spend quite a number of listening hours.
For the record I contacted Marantz Europe on three occassions (as I presently I live and work in Asia Pacific) and found the person in charge to be rather pleasent, professional and helpful (not sure if names should be mentioned).
Sure the KI Pearls do have limitations, but then again it all depends on what one wants from his units. I have tried other combinations (speakers, cables, etc) with the KI Pearls but found the present set up to be the ultimate for my listening pleasure. I do not only appreciate their immaculate appearance but most of all I love the sound. I love the reproduction especially when listening to jazz (my cup of tea).
Last but not least, I only decided to write a comment (which I seldom do) as I have read several negative comments related to the KI Pearls mainly from people who have never heard the units, which I find difficult to comprehend. Anyhow, on a positive note (as a "victim" who actually purchased the units) if anyone ever plans to purchase these units, make sure you know exactly what you want and spend ample time testing, experimenting and listening. If you hit the right notch, you will be more than pleased with the KI Pearls. Cheers.