It took me a while before I purchased a reciever. I'm very picky. I compared the SR-18 with the Yamaha DSP-A1, Denon AVR 5700, Marantz SR-19, Marantz SR 7000 as well as seprates such as the Marantz AV 9000 with some MA700's.
I felt the SR-18 sounded better than all of the above noted components. With the exception of the MA 700's and AV 9000, the SR-18 could play louder than all the other units without any audiable strain. In terms of sound, the SR-18 won hands down, even when compared to the Marantz seprates.
The MA 700's did not reveal all the little micro-dynamics in the music. I had to really listen to hear those little disinct sounds. The SR-18 reproduce everthing in full measure. If you thnik I'm crazy, try the same test for yourself through the same speakers and cables. You'll see what I'm talking about. The soundstage is huge and solid. The SR-19 ia an awesome reciever, but it doesn't image as well as the 18. I made the same back and forth comparisons between the two units and it was clear the sounds between the speakers was more focused with the 18. The sound stage was wider, deeper and taller. The sounds were more distinct and appeared to have space around them. While watching movies the SR-18 shinned. It really produces a 360 degree bubble. The sound is awesome in every way. Dynamics are first rate. It has no problems belting out explosions one moment and reproducing the sound of a gentle breeze the next. When you measure the performance of the SR-18 and what you pay, it's a no brainer if the price fits your budget. I've seen people spend a whole lot more on electronics that don't sound nearly as good. Have I heard better? Not in a reciever and I've listened to the NAD, Onkyo, B&K units and more. Even Adcom, Marantz, and Rotel seprates don't sound as good. Buy the unit take it home and listen for yourself. This unit works great with all types of speaker systems. Units from B&K, Onkyo and Denon don't.
I have no problems recommending this unit to anyone, so if your looking for a reciever or even seprates check out the new SR-18EX. You won't be dissapointed.

System

Panasonic 32" Television
Sony DVP-S7700 DVD Player
Sony SLV-780HF VCR
Marantz SR-18 Reciever
PSB Stratus Silver Main Speakers
PSB Stratus C6 Center Channel
PSB Ambient 2 Dipole Surrounds

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha DSP-A1, Denon AVR5700, Marantz SR-19

Big. Won't fit in standard wall units.

This unit was recommended to me by my brother. I was looking to upgrade my old pro-logic unit with a digital version. I went to stores such as The Brick, Future Shop and smaller high end stores. I listened to alot of enrty level to mid priced units. My brother told me to spend some more money on a high end unit. I couldn't justify spending an extra $1500 when listening to alot of units. Sure, they have lots of features, but I'm a simple guy and I won't use all those gimiky sound modes. I needed a simple unit. Something that doesn't take an engineering degree to use it.

I went over to my brother's house one day and we watched a couple of movies. What an experience. His system sounded better than most Theaters that I had been in. He then demonstrated his entire system. When he started to play music through the system ny jaw dropped. The vocals through the center speaker were so powerfull, so clear that I heard the artists take breathes while singing. I heard things in the songs that I never heard before. My jaw nearly hit the ground when he told me the center speaker wasn't on. I had to run up to the center speaker and put my ear to it because I didn't believe him. I thought I was listening to all five speakers. I never heard stereo sound like that. It sounded three dimensional. I don't remember hearing that kind of sound at any of the shops I went to. I figured he must of spend large dollars on his system. When he told me how much his system cost I didn't believe him. I heard systems in alot of shops costing three times. even five times the money that did not produce the same experience.

The next day we went down to Hi Fi 2000 and I bought myself the same reciever. The Marantz SR-18.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer, Sony, Yamaha, Denon, Harmon Kardon

Excellent Design,All functions can be run from RC or unit. Built like it's bullet proof. Has all the features it needs without having so many modes it's confusing. Is compatible with DPL,DD,DTS,THX and will accept future modes.

Remote doesn't remember all settings. Range & position are touchy. Speaker terminal plug difficult to remove.

This is the best receiver I've ever heard. Music sings in 2 channel mode, DD is outstanding & DTS WOW! I can't believe some of the reviews below? This unit will do everything but the dishes, as long as it's matched with other good quality components.
Although I liked the 5 channel equal stereo output on the Denon and sound quality on Onkyo Integra. Yamaha was so bright it couldn't be listened to for more that a couple of minutes. But if you are just looking for something loud and overpriced, get the Yamaha.
I feel this is the best unit on the market, as a single component receiver. If you want better, buy individual components and expect to pay a lot more money. Mine is used for HT and have matched it to 5 identical speakers and sub, for perfect timbre match. But for 2 channel I'd consider different speakers. This is not meant to be a music only receiver, but has outstanding dynamics and soundstage. This is my second review, had unit over six months now and like it more and more each day.
P.S. To the person who got SR-18 as gift and sold to pawn shop below. Give head a good shake, get your ears checked and give me the address of the pawn shop, so I can go get the deal of a lifetime!!!!($100.00 ya right!)

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo Integra, Yamaha Top of the line receiver, Denon 5700, Bryston, Rotel, Carver, etc.

Awesome receiver. I personally have the Denon 4800 which I paid 1500 for but I just read in Home Theater that there will be the Marantz SR-14EX receiver coming out shortly. It will have 140 watts per channel THX EX, and cost $4700. Gentlemen, start your drooling.

Looking and sounding good

Not having binding post speaker connectors

No I don't own the SR-18, but I feel we are not getting anywhere by bashing other products that compete with what you own. I got the 5700 and love it. I listened to the 4800 while helping my friend set it up and I like it. I listened to the SR-18 while visiting the Cambridge Soundworks store in the Great Mall my neighborhood. I think the SR-18 has some merits that make it sound good. Better than Denon? Maybe in some aspects, maybe not in others. It all depends on your personal tastes. I agree that features should go second, and sound as well as build quality should go first. That's why I'd never buy the AVR-3300 which sounds good IF there is no shutdown/fan/heat problem.

The 5700/4800/5800 are totally different story, no matter you but it online (big discount) or local (immediate delivery with tax+higher price). For less than $2,000 I can live happily with the 5700.

The point is, I'd love to see Denon, Marantz, and Yamaha making great receivers lately, and for down-to-earth prices.
Please have more of tem coming.

Similar Products Used:

AVR-5700, AVR-4800

None

Everything

One of the worst receivers I've ever heard. The Denon 5800 or 4800 are superior in every way. There's no musicality to any Marantz receivers and I'm just shocked that anyone would give them anything over a 1 star for quality. It deserves negative 2 stars for value since these are grossly over-priced. Anyone reading these reviews and wondering which to buy, DO NOT buy the Marantz. Save yourselves at least a thousand dollars and buy the Denon. You will thank me that you did. Marantz people are fanatics and close-minded and think Marantz products are at the center of the universe.

Dimensionality approaching separate components. Warmth of sound of tube amplifiers. Built like Fort Knox.

Missing amps for rear center channel for THX Surround EX.

I did a side by side comparison of the AVR 4800 and the Marantz SR 14 EX. By leaps and bounds, the SR 14EX clearly accels. The musicality of the SR 14 EX approaches the level of separate components. At full volume there is 0 floor noise and at low listening volumes the details are precise, quick, and solid. Your ears need only to listen with straining to hear the details at low volumes.

I do admit the AVR 4800 has more features, but the features really don't matter unless you have good sound to begin with. The 5 channel and 2 channel separation and sound is truly incredible. The DENON merely created a wall of sound whereas the Marantz created a "you are there" 3D sound. Your ears do not have to strain to hear the smallest detail.

Some might quibble about the whole bang for the buck argument, but if the music matters to you, the $3500 won't hurt at all after listening to the SR14EX. I'm not wealthy by any means, but in this industry you get what you pay for.

My SR14EX is matched with the M&K THX750 speakers. A marriage made in heaven. Anyone whose matched a DENON 4800 with these speakers are doing these speakers an incredible injustice as these speakers are quite sensitive to the quality and amount of power put into them.

Similar Products Used:

DENON AVR 4800

Sound quality, instrument spacing and definition, huge sound stage and sweet spot, clarity, state-of-the art features. This thing is a beast!

I am being picky, but you need a separate amp to use the THX-EX features for 6.1 or 7.1. Also need a CD player (or DVD) with a digital out to use receiver's HDCD function to process 20 bit digital sound.

This is a very early and partial review of the new SR-18 EX.
I am so excited about the product that I could not wait. I have only used it for its bare essentials as I just got it 3 days ago and I will be moving to a house in a couple of months when I plan on going fully digital video-wise. Therefore, I will only review its audio capabilities. I had previously used an old pro-logic Onkyo receiver and simply put, there is no comparison. This receiver rocks and has a BIG and fat sound with superior instrument separation and spacing. I never heard my polk RT-800 speakers sound so full. Of course, 140 watts per channel helps versus the 80 watts of the old Onkyo. I now hear things on CD's through this receiver that I barely or never heard before. My wife agrees with me. You better have a lot of shelf space to let this baby breathe. I cannot wait to hear some of the HDCD cd's (and DVD's) I have when finally get either a Toshiba or the new Sony Super-Audio/DVD player (yes I know I am in the dark ages currently with my DVD on my computer). I haven't had a chance to program the remote yet, and while it will be task, it is worth it. The receiver weighs in at about 60 pounds. It only comes in black and if you look hard enough you can get one for much better than the ridiculous retail price. I've heard the Denon 4800 and it does not compare to this fine piece of hardware. I will give an updated review in a few months when I move into my new house and out of my apartment and can tell you about its video and digital capabilities.

Similar Products Used:

None.

Awesome DTS/DD/THX Performance

Try fitting banana plugs with caps on!

I won't be dreaming about getting separates anymore,this Receiver sounds better than some of em'.Try reading HOME THEATER MAGAZINE's Review(Dec.99)Coz it's really worth it's weight in Gold!

Similar Products Used:

Denon 5700/Yamaha DSP-A1

Everything. Unbelievable construction. Sounds likes separates.

absolutely none

This machine blows the above receivers away. It kills the B&K. The sound of this receiver is beyond belief. The people that berated this unit are out of their minds.

Similar Products Used:

I also own a Denon 5700, B&K 202 and Yamaha DSPA1