So prolific are Rega and Marantz in the world of stereo amplification that there are multiple price points at which we could pit their models against one another. But no battle would be quite so closely fought as the one between their budget offerings, the Rega io and the Marantz PM6006 UK Edition.
The latter is a 2018 and 2019 What Hi-Fi? Award-winning sensation, while the former is a relative newcomer fresh from a five-star review. But despite their age difference, both of these machines deserve to occupy the top two places on ‘My First Amplifier’ wishlists.
The question is, in which order should they sit? We’re here to walk you through the pros and cons of each so you can decide which one would suit you better - the simplicity and energy of the Rega, or the inclusivity and refinement of the Marantz?
Keeping it simple