Showing posts with label marantz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marantz. Show all posts

4/30/2012

Marantz SR4023 Stereo Receiver Review

Marantz SR4023 Stereo Receiver
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I owned a 2252B in late 70's early 80's. loved the sound but sold it when I got tired of neighbors, police, landlords, and having to move so many times! I just could not resist cranking it. Over the years I have bought at least ten receivers trying to find THE SOUND I LOVED SO MUCH. Clean, clear bass, mids and treble that were lifelike and not too bright or shrill. WOW DO I LOVE THIS RECEIVER! More than enough power. SOUNDS FANTASTIC! I wanted old school stereo, as if the band is in front of me. I have it hooked to two yamaha YST-SW315 subs and Polk LSi9's. If you want to be the envy of all who hear this setup don't waste a ton of money, This is all you need, Just add DVR and OPPO Blu-ray Player. I also had my Marantz 6300 turntable restored and added a Grado platinum cart. I'm set for life. Oh ya, don't forget room treatments.

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12/28/2011

Marantz SR7002 Surround Receiver Review

Marantz SR7002 Surround Receiver
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This is a bit long but I hope reviewers will benefit by my experiences.
Marantz is a name not found at most popular chain type stores, but it is one worth seeking out. I've had Marantz receivers and amplifiers since the 1970s, and that's not because I didn't consider other brands over that time. After research and demoing other brands, I kept coming back to Marantz. I have a Marantz SR7200 surround receiver that has worked flawless since I got it in 2002. But since I recently upgraded to an HD TV, an HD satellite receiver, and a Blu Ray player, I got the itch to upgrade to an HD surround receiver. The SR7200 was working fine, but doesn't have the latest PLIIx, HDMI inputs and outputs, and some of the other high definition sound and video capabilities. So my research began (and I really planned to try another brand this time). I scoured the internet obsessively (as I always do, and did for my TV and Blu Ray player), reading user reviews and professional reviews, and lab tests. I discovered the SR7002 which got very good marks, but another popular brand kept popping up as the recommended choice. It was just under a grand, so I bit the bullet and purchased the receiver. It had all of the latest bells and whistles and was a very good receiver. But for me, the warmth of the Marantz sound and the user friendly set up and menus was just not there. After a few days of use and adjusting, I returned the receiver, spent an extra $130, and walked out with the Marantz SR7002. Very wise choice for me. The SR7002 has a few less bells and whistles of the previous brand I tried, but it certainly has all of what most folks will need. It has plenty of power for my mid to large living room. The set up and menus are straight forward and very user friendly. Just as a test, I compared the quality of video I get when I run the HDMI video signal from my satellite receiver and Blu Ray player direct to the TV, and when I run the HDMI video signal through the SR7002 first, then to the TV. I cannot tell the difference. There is no loss of video quality running through the receiver first. The beauty of that is less cables to use and easier use of switching between functions. And the sound - excellent. For me, there is a warmth and fullness to the Marantz sound that I don't hear with other receivers. I've read the manual a bit more thoroughly now and have tweaked the system slightly the last few weeks and am even more satisfied. The automatic speaker "calibration" system is very simple to use and balances the speakers wonderfully. It calculates the distances each speaker is away from various sitting positions, adjusts volumes, etc. After that I did go in and made some very minor volume adjustments to suit my taste, particularly the sub and the crossover setting to the sub - everyone's speakers and tastes are different. But it's a great way to establish a solid balanced base to make personal adjustments from. The remote is fine too. It is a learning remote, and I've been able to program it to control my satellite receiver, my Blu Ray player, a DVD recorder, a VHS machine, and my TV. Very nice. I will say that I have since gotten a Harmony One universal remote that, after some experience and program tweaking with it, is excellent, and that is what I use. But I still keep the Marantz remote nearby just in case. I really could have gotten by with the Marantz remote just fine and would have been happy, but the Harmony One has other advanced qualities that are quite nice (but that's another review). So after a ton of research and a try out of a recommended brand, Marantz came through again. I'm totally satisfied. The receiver is the heart of any system; so you need to review, research, and try out for yourself; but in my experiences over the years, Marantz has always been a high quality product, and the SR7002 doesn't disappoint. If you want power and high quality sound, in a user friendly system, for just over a grand, this is it.

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Performance addicted? Just call this Marantz your enabler. With THX Select2 certification and 110 watts of continuous power per channel, the SR7002 receiver opens up the home entertainment horizon for the most demanding yet cost-conscious customers out there.Let's look at video capabilities first. You can connect up to four HDMI equipped sources to the SR7002. Direct the one you want to your display and to the SR7002’s built-in surround sound processor. Unlike earlier HDMI connections, these handle multi-channel sound with ease. Still enjoying non-HDMI sources? Rest easy. The SR7002 comes complete with format conversion lets you watch older videos through the super-convenient HDMI format. And there’s a Second Zone audio/video output, too, so you can enjoy your entertainment throughout your entire home.You’ll also find Dolby Virtual Speaker so you can enjoy an immersive surround experience with the dialog clarity inherent in a discrete center channel configuration with just two speakers.And, speaking of clarity, the SR7002 features Audyssey's remarkable Auto Calibration that examines your entire room to make those other seats just as rewarding as the ones directly in front of your display device's screen. Of course, there’s an infrared input and two DC trigger outputs so you can coordinate your entire system for convenient remote operation.You won’t have any problem fitting all this capability into your home either, thanks to a new, compact chassis that will fit more easily into even the tightest spaces. All this plus a three-year warranty.

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12/27/2011

Marantz SR4002 - AV receiver - 7.1 channel - black Review

Marantz SR4002 - AV receiver - 7.1 channel - black
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I purchased this as a replacement for a NAD T742 that was plagued by quality issues. I will base me review as compared to the NAD.
The Marantz is much more feature rich. HDMI and Component video switching is something the NAD lacked. It has multiple surround modes that I will never use, but I'm sure someone might like them. The auto-setup feature took a few tries, but when it completed successfully everything looked, and sounded great.
For movies, I prefer the Marantz over the NAD. DTS tracks were awesome. Dialog was much more clear and stood out from the rest of the track well.
For music, I prefer the NAD. Like I mentioned earlier, I don't use the surround modes. So music was tested in stereo only. The Marantz was more clear, especially at low volume. However, the NAD gave a more live feel to the music and seemed to fill not only the room, but the whole house much better.
Overall, for the price, the Marantz is a supurb, feature rich, AV receiver. What it lacks in stereo reproduction it more than makes up for in it's surround sound performance.

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11/29/2011

Marantz SR7005 Audio Video Receiver (Black) Review

Marantz SR7005 Audio Video Receiver (Black)
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I'm a fan of vintage Marantz stereo equipment, their 60s/70s amps, receivers, and tuners were always well made, elegant, and had a signature warmth sound to them. This was during their Saul Marantz and Superscope days. But in the 80s and 90s they were owned under the Phillips brand, and their gear was never quite the same since; be it quality, tonality, and certainly esthetics.
Now a days the company is under D&M Holdings ("D"enon and "M"arantz), and Marantz is bouncing back to it's former self; there's an emphasis being paid again to style (in this case the classic "porthole" design), simplicity (two-knob unit with a concealed interface, logos of features are on the top of the unit as to keep the front face clean-looking), and construction (the sr7005 packs a lot of sound but can fit just about anywhere).
Above all, my fellow vinyl purist will be happy to hear, the Marantz SR7005 brings back the MM PHONO STAGE with a ground! For a long time this was taken out of their receivers (and not just with the Marantz brand) which was puzzling when the company's logo is: MUSIC MATTERS.
Look, not to get too long winded here, so I'll just say this I'm an avid vintage audiophile, an FLAC and AIFF nut, and a HT semi-guru, and this SR7005 does the trick. No buyer's remorse here! A huge step up from the Sony DA5ES unit I was using for home theater stuff, which was just about the same price in 2002.
I'm running the SR7005 with Aperion Intimus 5B Harmony HD surround speakers, mostly use it for 2 CH music and the thing is incredibly warm and above all tweak-able (direct pure analog mode, 2CH w sub, PLII/DTS Neo:6: Music, Movie, and Game mode, even a mode to compensate for lossy mp3 files which sounds pretty good).
With movies, the Audessy XT set up worked beautifully and accurately. It may not, however, be the latest version from Audessy and "only" a 7.1 receiver, but I can live with that. Blu-ray/DVD movies sound and look amazing.
Another thing to note, this amp, when cranked up has never distorted on me, with any speaker (I also ran it with a pair of vintage Henry Kloss Advent Loudspeakers), which is a testament to the hardware. If your receiver is distorting or overdriving, it's crap.
My few complaints are: no S-Video input which is a let down for things like my N64 and SNES that I may want to pull out one day. And, while it seems all companies are doing it these days, I can't stand the digital volume knob; you'll have to keep spinning and spinning to lower or increase the volume. Granted you can program the volume to start at a certain -db but I'd preferred it to have been analog, with a finite 0 and max volume on the barrel.
Other happy surprises:
you can set the blue ring and "porthole" to "off" if you find it distracting to the eye.
Airplay is rad! Spend the $50 and you can turn on the SR7005 and control it via your iTunes. You can also control the Marantz on your iPhone via their free app.
You can also shut down shown INPUT modes so that when you're toggling through the inputs with the left knob, you don't have to pass by inputs that you aren't in use.
Please rate if this review was or wasn't helpful!
Thanks

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11/17/2011

Yamaha RX-V863BL 735 Watt 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

Yamaha RX-V863BL 735 Watt 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver
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I've had this receiver & its ipod dock for about 45 days. Picked this one over the 663 for its video upscaling. I use it mainly for watching dvds and ipod videos, streaming netflix, and listening to ipod and HD radio music.
Pros: Quality of sound and video output met my high expectations. (I'm biased toward Yamaha already FWIW). Surround fields are versatile & distinct. The enhancer modes are fantastic for low volume listening. Headphone listening is stellar. Config menus are straightforward. YPAO was easy to set up, though I wound up tweaking rear speaker adjustments up a bit as personal preference. The remote runs all our gear. I dusted off old concert and movie DVDs and this receiver makes them seem new again.
Cons: No macro mode on the remote to power everything on & off with one button. HD radio control is not intuitive. So far I haven't figured out if I can navigate a docked ipod's menus with my TV osd which would be nice.
Bottom line: I saved up and looked at a LOT of receivers before choosing this one, and I'm not disappointed at all. The RX-V863 is everything advertised and lives up to Yammy's top shelf reputation.

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The Yamaha RX-V863BL 7.2-channel digital home theater receiver delivers 735W powerful surround sound over 7 speakers (105W x 7).Full support for HD audio formats ensures maximum enjoyment of all high definition sources. Other advantages include full HD 1080p video upscaling with 3 HDMI inputs, an HD Radio tuner, as well as exclusive Yamaha features such as Pure Direct for the highest possible signal purity, YPAO sound optimization and 4 SCENE buttons for quick and easy browsing, selection, and automated setup of audio sources.

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10/11/2011

Denon AVR590 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver with 1080p HDMI Connectivity Review

Denon AVR590 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver with 1080p HDMI Connectivity
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After spending weeks of researching A/V receivers, I chose the AVR-590 to replace my old, non-HDMI Sony receiver. I had a 5.1 setup and didn't need anything fancy, but I didn't want something mediocre either. On paper, this model had all the features I needed (HDMI switching and automatic speaker setup) for a very reasonable price.
This is my first Denon receiver, and I have been using for over a month.
Setup - I consider myself technically inclined, so when I read the manual for the first time, it wasn't too complicated. However it's layout is not very intuitive, so I can see where people who are technically challenged may have issues with the Denon manual. I went to the BatPig Web site to download instructions, just in case I had a brain fart reading the manual...I found that both the BatPig instructions and the Denon manual complimented each other well, so setup ended up being pretty easy. You have the option of setting up the receiver with the speakers either manually or automatically. Being naturally lazy, I opted for automatic (Audyssey) setup using the included microphone. When doing automatic setup, be sure to use the on-screen menu and definitely test all 6 sound locations to get an accurate audio "sweet spot".
Sound - Wow. This is where going through the setup pays off. Whether you're watching something with Dolby Digital/DTS encoding or just listening to music, the sound is very full and crisp. You have several sound field settings to chose from, as well as manual volume adjustment to suit your listening tastes. I use HDMI for the HD and Blu-Ray sources and Digital Optical for DVD sources. Although the speaker system I have in place is modest, it handles all audio sources beautifully. Listening to music or sounds from TV/movies is an absolute treat to the ears with this receiver.
Video - Excellent. With the AVR-590, I used its HDMI out for video from DirecTV and Blu-Ray sources. I hooked up Component video for my DVD changer, because it is a pre-HDMI device. The receiver uses the most current HDMI standard (1.3a), and picture on my 120Hz LCD from both outputs is vivid and sharp, with no ghost images or signal loss at all. Watching from any video source is pure (pardon the pun) eye-candy.
Performance - Excellent. One evening, I did my best couch potato imitation and watched a bit of DirecTV HD & a couple of Blu-Ray movies for nearly 8 hours straight. Afterward, I checked the receiver to see if it was getting hot, and surprisingly there was hardly any heat coming from it. Dynamic EQ seems to work, as I have not noticed any of those annoying commercials that scare the bejeezus out of me when watching TV programming. I definitely feel like I'm in a theater when watching anything on this system.
Overall - Excellent. Even with decent speakers and a good LCD, plugging in a new receiver really makes a difference...I now find myself losing track of time while listening to vibrant sound and watching brilliant video! If you have under $400 to spend on a quality 5.1 receiver, this is it. Don't mind what others have said about setup issues, because it really isn't that difficult to set up. For the features that it offers at its price range and the performance you get in return, I do feel you get the best "bang for your buck".


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The Denon AVR-590 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver - The Perfect Balance of Performance, Technology and Affordability. Performance, technology and affordability are the hallmarks of the AVR-590. A powerful 5 channel x 75W amplifier section delivers detail and dynamics to music and movie soundtracks. It's equipped with 1080p compatible HDMI 1.3a Repeating technology, delivering both audio and video to your HDTV with single HDMI cable. This HDMI connectivity supports the latest generation surround sound formats available on Blu-ray disc, including Dolby TrueHD and DD+, dts-HD and dts-HR. Also included is Dolby Laboratories new Pro Logic IIz Matrix decoding featuring front height effects channels that expands front soundstage. The AVR590 boast a number of Audyssey technologies. Advanced Audyssey MultEQ analyzes a speaker systems interaction with room acoustics, and then delivers custom tailored correction processing to optimize clarity and tonal balance throughout the listening space. Audyssey Dynamic Volume is an automatic volume-leveling system that tracks audio dynamics to eliminate the irritating volume swings between TV shows and commercials. Audyssey Dynamic EQ is also on board to ensure rich bass and smooth tonal balance at low volume listening levels. In addition to enhanced HDMI 1.3 repeating (3 in, 1 out), the AVR590 features component video switching (2 in, 1 out), analog to HDMI conversion (480i to 480p) and seven analog inputs. A front-panel audio/video input allows quick and easy connection of camcorders and game systems. System setup is simplified by a new, enhanced icon-based on-screen display that is delivered over HDMI. System expansion is available with optional accessories. For media networking, use the optional ASD-3N and ASD-3W. For iPod connectivity, use the ASD-3N/3W, as well as the ASD-11. When connecting iPod and other MP3 players, the AVR-590 features Denon's exclusive Compressed Audio Restorer to improve sound quality and dynamics.

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9/12/2011

Marantz NR1601 Audio Video Receiver (Black) Review

Marantz NR1601 Audio Video Receiver (Black)
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Okay, I'm going to be totally subjective. This 4" Tall Marantz AV Receiver is the perfect Solution for use in my Den/ Bedroom (see pics above). It doesn't have every single feature of a $1500+ Receiver but still, for $500 bucks it has everything you need at the size you want (3D resolution, up to DTS-Master Audio, 4 HDMI inputs, etc.). I actually waited close to a year after the NR1501 was released for it's replacement and am glad I did.
Right off the bat - this is a standalone solution meaning NO Pre-Outs! You cannot connect it to another Amplifier... it's simply not built for that purpose, especially at its price point. Also there is no 2nd Zone output and No internet connection. I'm okay with that because this is for viewing TV and using my PC in the privacy of my own room. It also means that there are less things that can go wrong! The focus of this receiver is clearly on its Audio capabilities and it's 7x50 Watt amplificatiion is plenty powerful and sounds stellar! The audio is super clean, and is nothing short of luxurious. I can obtain internet services through a separate device connected to one of its HDMI inputs so it's all good. (Look for the upcoming Amimon HD WHDI stick - fingers crossed! : )
Instead of rehashing the Specs, I'll try and list some Useful Info:
- If you're using HDMI Out to TV and you call up the OSD Menu (On Screen Display - visibile on your TV) to change some settings, the screen reverts to a Black Backround and settings appear in a text based format. However it is quick and you can still hear the sound.
- If you're using Component or Composite Out to TV, OSD overlays right over the Video source and is Text based. Nothing fancy and straight to the point! I like that.
- If you TOSLINK Audio only from an HDTV to the receiver or are just using the FM Tuner, you can connect a single composite video cable from the receiver to the TV and use the input source you connected it to on the TV to call up the receiver's OSD Menu on Screen
OR:
- You can just cycle through your options without OSD using only the receiver's LCD panel
- You can completely shut off the LCD panel lights on the receiver while it's in use, very cool!
- there's a Sleep Timer
- Going through the Manual is a Must!
- Remote has backlight, is learning capable and has a separate on/ off/ input toggle to control most TV's, thus eliminating an extra remote (Codes provided at the back of the Manual)
- 6 position Audyssey MultiEQ settings can be stored. Play around with your speaker settings then default back to Audyssey if you don't like any adjustments you make (You first have to perform the Audyssey calibration to get access to and store the settings)
- Tone/ Bass Control is an option if you turn off the Dynamic EQ, I prefer Dynamic EQ on though
- Receiver can handle 2.0 to 7.1 speaker configurations
- you can also connect a 9.1 speaker configuration and then choose between 5.1 + 2.0 Front heights or 5.1 + 2.0 surround back channels according to your preference
- HDMI Control - turns on/ off other HDMI CEC compliant devices when you turn the Receiver on/ off (uses more standby power though)
- All channel levels can be adjusted on the fly without resorting to OSD black screen if using HDMI, You just press then on remote and cycle through them on the LCD display of the receiver
Things I *wished* it had:
- Internet Radio
- Video Processing/ Upscaling
Don't confuse Processing/ Upscaling with the NR1601's Upconversion feature! Processing/ UpScaling adds to the cost! UpConversion just means that you can connect all kinds of Analog Video Sources (from 480i - to 1080i) and they can be output to your HDTV "As Is" through a single HDMI cable instead of changing the source inputs all of the time on your TV that has separate connections (i.e. VCR, Cable Box, Wii, etc.). Nevertheless, it's a very convenient feature to have for Non-HDMI equipment.
Processing/ Upscaling takes it a step further by not only Upscaling it to 1080p but then "refines" that upscaled signal. However, this process can never take a regular DVD or Standard Definiton signal and convert it to Native Resolution Full HD anyway and is generally used to produce a cleaner look on HDTV's that are greater than 50" inches. A 1080p HDTV will scale a signal to 1080p but probably won't "refine" it like a good processor would such as Anchor Bay or Qdeo. I use a 37" LCD so this feature isn't a necessity. Also a full BluRay signal does not need any processing and you can get a good BluRay player that processes standard DVD's using Anchor Bay or Qdeo technology such as the Oppo BDP-83 (and the upcoming BDP-93).
I love Internet Radio and not having to hook up the computer in order to get it. But I plan on getting it either in the BluRay player I need to purchase to go with this receiver or as a separate streamer connected to the NR1601 such as the Xtreamer.
All in all, it's a Great receiver & Hope this was useful.


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8/28/2011

Marantz SR6005 Audio Video Receiver (Black) Review

Marantz SR6005 Audio Video Receiver (Black)
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I received a Marantz 6005 a few days ago and have been auditioning it since then. I've also auditioned, over the last four weeks, the Yamaha RX-V667, Marantz SR5005, Denon 3310, Pioneer 1120, and Onkyo 808. So how does the 6005 compare to the others? Here are my thoughts:
Sound Quality: No surprises here. Having loved the sound quality of the 5005, the 6005 performed equally as well. As noted in a prior post, I had never listened to anything powered by a Marantz prior to auditioning the 5005, having previously used either Denon or Yamaha receivers. There's just something special about the Marantz sound that sets it apart from the others. It has a full-bodied, life-like sound that gives it a pleasing depth and range. Perhaps this is what others refer to as "warm." Whatever it is, it's absolutely wonderful. I'd rank (subjectively) the Onkyo and Yamaha second and third, respectively, in the sound quality department, with Denon and Pioneer bringing up the rear.
Video Quality: As noted in a prior post, the 5005 seemed to add a slight purple tinge to video images. The 6005's higher quality ABT chip appeared to fix that shortcoming, with no noticeable degradation in video quality (whether it improved the quality, I couldn't discern). By comparison, the Onkyo 808 appeared to give images a slightly greener hue.
GUI: The 6005 also overcame the 5005's GUI shortcomings. While the 5005 had a black & white on screen display that didn't overlay on images, the 6005 has a much easier to use color GUI that overlays. While the 6005's GUI isn't quite on par with Yamaha's (which has the best GUI I've encountered), I really have no complaints.
Remote: The 6005's remote is essentially the same as the 5005's, with a small LCD window at the top that indicates the source being controlled. It won't win any awards, but certain third party remotes are clearly much better than any stock remote provided with a receiver.
Other Features: I encountered no issues when plugging in my iPhone to the USB connection. Worked just fine. And if looks are important, the Marantz's understated, brushed aluminum facade is nothing short of classy.
Overall, I rank the Marantz 6005 as the best receiver I've auditioned. And after enduring a range of comments from my wife regarding why I have been purchasing so many receivers, the 6005 will also be the last receiver I'll audition for at least the next few years. This one's a keeper. Granted, the 6005 doesn't win any awards in the value department and it was the only receiver where I paid full price. But I confidently believe it is worth it.

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7/20/2011

Marantz AV7005 Audio Video Pre-Processor (Black) Review

Marantz AV7005 Audio Video Pre-Processor (Black)
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Update May 6, 2011
I lost the two front speakers again and restored them using the technique on page 115 of the User Guide. The speakers are now working but I'm curious why that is happening; I'm going to contact Marantz technical support and see if they can shed any light on it. If anything interesting emerges I'll post another update. I suppose the most important information I can share at this time is to please use the memory saving instructions on page 115; they're simple and can save a lot of re-setup in the future if you experience a problem.
Update March 14, 2011
A few days ago I experienced a complete loss of my two front main speakers, both left and right. That was a first so I started checking wiring etc. to try and isolate the problem but everything looked good. I then checked the settings on the Marantz and could find nothing suspicious there either. I tried using the tone generation feature but it too skipped over the front left and front right speakers.
In researching the mystery I got to page 115 of the User Guide and read the section on "Resetting the microprocessor." I decided to try that procedure and it worked and restored all of the speakers to normal operation. I had spent several hours on the initial setup and found that work could be saved to memory by following the "Memory Saving" procedure on that page.
I would recommend that you save your settings to memory by following the instructions on page 115 when you have completed setting up your AV7005. If you should experience a similar loss of speakers the resetting procedure described on that page worked well for me and may work for you as well.
I continue to be very pleased with the musicality of the Marantz; I have discovered the "Neural" setting amoung the surround options and have started playing back my two-channel CD's using that setting and am getting fabulous results. It's almost like hearing my older CD collection for the first time.Original review
I have owned a Krell Home Theater Standard preamp processor for many years now; the experience has been both rewarding and disappointing. Rewarding in the sense that the Krell has very good audio qualities, but disappointing in the sense that it was not future proof as represented. This Marantz AV7005 is replacing a Krell HTS 7.1 which has absolutely no HDMI capability and cannot be updated to offer it. This happens to be my second Krell, neither of which could be updated to utilize later developments although both were initially represented as being future proof.
It has been a delight to set up a piece of equipment which has all of the latest bells and whistles and can accommodate the latest cables. Of all of the things important to me, the only things lacking is the ability to decode SACD and DVD-Audio; this, however, is being supplied by the OPPO BD-83SE player which I've attached to the system. With those two correctable exceptions, the Marantz has done everything asked of it and done it very well.
The set up on the Marantz took some time but was not too complicated. If one uses only new equipment with HDMI capability the set up with the Marantz is virtually automatic. If you're trying to integrate some older equipment it takes a little longer but the flexibility is there to integrate most legacy equipment successfully.
I tried using the Audyssey auto setup but found the results were not really to my liking; I wound up using my trusty Radio Shack sound pressure level meter and adjusted the speaker balance and crossover frequency between the subwoofer and the other speakers to the THX recommended standards.
As one of the other reviewers mentioned, the primary use for my system is the reproduction of music; I happen to be a serious pipe organ fan and had the pipe organ in mind when I originally set up my system. As I've mentioned elsewhere, a system designed to reproduce pipe organ has an easy time with the crashes and explosions found in most action films.
With regard to musicality, the Marantz has provided very satisfactory results to date; I cannot clearly detect any major differences between the Marantz and the Krell which cost many thousands of dollars more. A direct A/B comparison might reveal differences but that sort of comparison is not possible.
As of this point I am very pleased with the Marantz which accommodates 3D as well as a first rate 1080P video image and reproduces first rate audio. For the price I have found it to be an outstanding piece of equipment.


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