This is a fabulous pre/proc unit. Like many others here, I compared it against similarly priced competitors, but was sold on this unit because of the sound quality it provided for home theater - and in stereo mode, where I spend most of my time. The remote is pretty fearsome. My guests often pick it up and make comments like "set to stun." That's when I turn on the music, and, well, they are stunned. You can get a demo or used model - don't go refurb - for under 450$ - and that is a fantastic price for a preamp that offers this level of sonic performance. I have only praise for this pre-amp. Crisp, clean sound, easy on the eyes, and a great remote. Five stars.

Here is my system for reference:

Marantz AV 600
Rotel 985BX amp (left, right)
Rotel 956AX amp (surround, center)
Rotel 855 CD
Various Audio Alchemy jitter & DAC boxes
Platinum Audio Solos L-R-C, and a pair of bipolar rear speakers.

2 Channel Music - Pro-Logic for regular TV watching

Lacks DD 5.1 - But you can add a DP-870

I picked up this unit to mate with my 5 existing MA-500 Marantz Monoblocks as a first move to seperates. I didn't research this unit until after I bought a used AV550. After reading postings here and visits to well a few respected audio shops, these things confirmed my suspicions that the AV550 wasn't all that great on music. For DD.1, it did an excellent job, but I'm much more into music now then when I first started.

Anyway, the AV600 lives up to being one great preamp. The DSP modes do nothing for me, but the two channel side is very smooth with excellent mid-range and sparkling highs when used with my Paradigm Monitor 7's.

Eventually I'll probably move up to an AV9000, but for now, I'm very happy with this purchase.

Similar Products Used:

Marantz AV-550, Denon 2700

Increadible analog sound, greath THX prologic processing, lots of inputs

lack of Dolby Digital

Increadible unit. If you're interested in one, I have mine up on Ebay with a mated Dolby Digital Processor.

Similar Products Used:

n/a

This is the best demonstration of a THX piece I have seen yet. Sonics are truly impacting compared to many other processors anywhere near this price of $1200. Combined with a good amp, this processor detailes every nuance of the mid to the high end. The low end does tend to blend a little at high volumes , but virtually never distorted. There are plenty of inputs and outputs but I wish that there was one specifically labeled DVD. The RC-2000 remote has a button for it but when pushed, the AV-600 calls up the AUX input. This is bacause the RC-2000 (though included with the 550 and 600) was designed after the 600 and before the 550. The 550 has a direct inout for DVD but the 600 does not. The 600 clearly stages more accurately and has a refined warmth. The unit is a little more stealth and sleek.

Good product especialy with mono amplifier MARANTZThis preamp is good for AV usage and very good for THX
This product is not digital (in/out)
It have a pre out but with db15 format

without other Marantz product, not a so good quality/price
because not enought versatility for such AV product

AV cinch are doubled with S-VHS

Far superior to the 550. This unit really details the upper range without bein harsh. DTS and DD sounds very clear and fully represented where as the 550 has a slight dryness when used in DD.

Tls: I thought the AV600 doesn't have 5.1 inputs How did you listen
to DTS, on this?

Otherwise I've heard the AV600 sonically is very superior.

thanks,
Zach

1/8/99Auditioned Yamaha Recievers,Rotel pre-amp, Marantz AV-550 and the new Newcastle $1299 pre-amp. None came near the stereo sound of the AV-600. I am concerned with sound only(and money). The Newcastle came close but at twice the price? I am going to wait for Marantz's new digital processor to come out then I will be ready for DD and DTS. Can't wait. Mated with my Monoblocks with M&K sats and sub, the sound is BETTER than my fathers Acurus/Adcom setup. He agrees with shame.

Four stars for sound. Five for value. After hearing my rich buddies all Krell(Legacy speakers) theater I don't think I can give anything else 5 stars but I don't have 18 grand.....yet.

I listened to a few preamp/processors before selecting the Marantz AV-600. I compared this with a Rotel RTC-970, H/K PT2500, Marantz AV-500, Carver CT25.1, and a Rotel 980. My two most important criteria were stereo sound and price while having at least Dolby Prologic for movies. For me, movies were secondary as I only occasionally rent, and DVD rental has not come to my area yet. The AV-600 had the best pure stereo sound for the money. The Rotel's also sounded nice, but the remote's operation and button-style volume control on the 970 was not to my liking. The 980 is a really nice piece but considerably more money than the AV-600 at the dealers I visited.
The difference in sound between the two Marantz preamps (550 vs. 600) that seems to be subject of all the AV-550 reviews was definately there, moreso in some music types than others. As it was very noticeable in the classical music I listen to most, I chose the AV-600. The dealer was kind enough to allow me to take both home to compare for a week or so.
My only gripe is the slow rate of change on the volume control via the remote. My rating is based on value for the money (under $500, plus $150 for the RC2000 mkII) and sound quality.

I narrowed my choices down to the AV600, Adcom GTP600, and the Rotel RTC970. I ended up with the marantz because I won it on ebay. At $356 and no shippng costs (seller was 2 cities away) I thought it was a steal. I totally love the sound. The flexibility of the unit it awesome. It's met all lmy expcations and more. I highly recommend it to anyone. I know it doesn't have DD/DTS but thats why I have the technics AC500. They work flawlessly together. If your int the market for a preamp, take a look at one. You won't be disappointed!!!