smooth airy sound

lacking in bass drive and dynamics

With simple music this unit is fairly musical providing good transparency and neutral midband. The sound is unforced and natural and does a excellent job at reproducing vocals and also has a fairly wide soundstage. On the downside, this receiver does not handle rock or fast-paced music with much aplomb, sounding weak in bass quantity, bass definition, and overall dynamics which resulted in a very uninvolving performance. In this regard it was light years behind the Nakamichi which excels in this area.
As far as movies go, I did not spend alot of time here, so I really can't make a judgement on this yet, except that the phantom center mode has a slight echo effect. So if you don't have a center, be cautious.

Similar Products Used:

HK avr65 NAK av-10 Yamaha 995 etc.

Nice look and feel, Easy to use, DD/DTS sounds great

Not crazy about remote (still better then denon remote), no composite video, no built in RF demodulator

After auditioning both the Marantz 7000 and the Denon 3300 in my home for 2 weeks I finally decided on the Marantz. Let me show you how I decided.

Pros for the Denon: Thought it sounded a little better then the Marantz at times, seemed to have a bit more punch in the middle ranges that I liked. Had plenty of power. I also really liked the 8-channel input for future expansion and the composite video switching.

Pros for Marantz: I love the design of the Marantz, it is very easy to use. The little red lights on the front to show Dolby 5.1 (5 lights representing the 5 channels) vs 2.0 (lights show left,right,and 1 light for rear) are very helpful when watching movies that put the DD audio on track 2 (with the Denon it wasn't obvious if what if it is 5.1 or not). On screen volume / mute display is helpful. Sleep feature is nice as well, I tend to use this a lot (and was surprised the Denon was lacking this).

Cons for the Denon: Too many dials to switch between settings (I like to push VCR or DVD rather then toggle between them on a dial). Nothing that makes it obvious what the sound format is (see Marantz lights above). No inputs on front for easy camcorder hookup. Remote is clunky. No sleep feature. Thought the Pro Logic decoding was a bit weak.

Cons for Marantz: No composite video switching. Seems to lack a little punch during movies. No 8 channel input.

As you can see a feature that I liked on one was usually missing from the other and vice versa. I decided on the Marantz for a couple reasons. I thought the sound was closer enough to not be the deciding factor, instead I thought the Dolby Pro Logic was better which is still too common to dismiss. The little things like the on screen display, sleep timer, obvious DD vs DPL input from the display lights, plus the look and usability was much better then the Denon. The Marantz was also $250 less and the place I purchased from has a trade up policy so within the next 3 years I can trade up when I need the composite video switching and a Surround-ex receiver. Either way I don't think you can make a wrong decision.

Similar Products Used:

denon 3300

Very Good solution for both music (via digital ins) and DD/DTS

Analog section: no phono inputs; hyper sensitive CD inputs

I am completely satisfied with this receiver's digital section. Stereo music reproduction reminds me of my nearly 20 year old NAD integrated amp. Music is open and detailed at the top, rich in the middle and full and powerful at the low end. Dolby Digital and DTS music and movies are exceptional. As long as you have made other arangements for your vinyl, and you have a digital out on your CD source, you too should be happy with this receiver.



Be aware, however, that this receiver is not compatible with even Marantz CD analog outs. I should say that I'm certain it is not compatible with the CC-4000 or CC-4000 OSE. Virtually all CDs will trigger the Peak indicator (meaning the input level is too "hot") when using the analog connection (not a problem with the digital connection). Your choices are to turn the receiver's attenuator on, which measurably reduces the volume and requires the amplifier section to work harder in order to achieve the unattenuated volume level, or to turn the CC-4000s output level down (via the remote). The problem with the first option is obvious, the problem with the second option is that the CD changer defaults to its' highest output level each time the unit is powered on. This means that you must keep this CD source's remote handy and remember to turn its' output down every time you use it. What if your CD player doesn't have an adjustable analog output or digital out? Then your stuck with the attenuator. The analog section "issues" won't affect you if you're all "digital." They do affect anyone using the Multi-Room function as I am. The source for multi-room material must be connected via analogs. Since I'm using my NAD both to connect my turntable and as a distribution amp, I am forced to deal with the "workarounds."



I still give high marks to the SR7000 for overall sound quality. Some of the problems I've encountered so far may be "acceptable" in an $800 receiver. I will say however, none of these problems existed in the Denon.

Similar Products Used:

Denon AVR 3300

Sound Dynamics, Remote, Features, PRICE (Oh Yeah!) Etc.

No Illuminated LCD screen on Remote

I have found the receiver to end all receivers that costs so cheap, I am going to cry. This is an awe inspiring unit. And in this corner weighing 32 lbs. the heavyweight champion of the world the Marantz SR-7000. The sound this thing produces is nothing short of mind boggling. I tested it with the Def Tech Pro Cinema 80 system and was completely filled with disbelief on how good my music sounded. I hear such tiny details and nuances I never knew were on my CD's. The voices are extremely articulate and instruments are dead on.
I never heard a receiver that can even match this performance, the closest competitor would have to be the Marantz SR-8000 or even higher end models that are priced out of this world. If you have money to spend get the 8000. I would suggest however to save your money and add extras to your home entertainment system. This thing ONLY costs $800 bucks and if your lucky you can get it discounted,(IF YOU CAN FIND IT.) I live here in California and the receiver was sold out in all of Northern California for nearly a month and there were back orders. Luckily I was able to reserve one and paid full price, but I believe it is the wisest purchase I have ever made. Don't spend your hard earned money until you give this a listen. Remember to fool around with the controls so you can find the optimum sound that this gem is capable of. This receiver will give you many years of quality sound.
Like Kurt Angle says,"It's True,It's True"

Similar Products Used:

Marantz SR 8000, Denon AVR-3300, Nakamichi AV10

Flexibility, Build Quailty,

Backlit Remote and Manual

I am a Marantz advocate after my couple of months experience with the 7000. I was most impressed with the ease of setup once I threw away the manual and just connected my components through logic. I connected my Panasonic CT32SF36, Scientific Atlantic Digital Cable box, and Sony 5 disk changer to the 7000. Its flexibilty of use, quality build, (especially the ability to disipate heat), and warm reproduction of sound through video and cd, price ($750 at local Sound Advice in Columbia) should accomodate anyone's need for an affordable digital receiver. Thumbs up to Marantz. I also use Paradigm CC170, Titans, Atoms, and PS1000. This setup is very satisfying, but the addition of the Marantz was the missing piece to advance to audio/video happiness.

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Sony and Pioneer Receivers

Clean,Big,Loud,2 channel quality,for the money everything

backlight remote would of been handy

This is just great to listen to, in all modes, but is real good in 2 channel, well beyond my expectations.
I had a Nad 7600 monitor series that I thought was great for the money, but like all things technolgy has made improvements, so I now use this baby for all my listening.
The power and pure clean signal is fantastic and is the reason I purchased over the others, I took so long to buy this thing and tried everthing out, (a retailers worse dream I am) But I got have to say without doubt the best decision/purchase I have ever made, no regrets here.

Simple system
SR 7000
monitor audio silver 5s
mirage centre and rears
no sub (dont really need it I think)
BIG DIFFERENCE WITH INTERCONNECTS,COULD NOT BELIEVE IT.
Kimber cable 4 vs speaker
Van den Hul D102 111 HB
Van den Hul Digital Coaxial

Similar Products Used:

nad 760/denon 3300/harmon avr 500

Clean,Big,Loud,2 channel quality,for the money everything

backlight remote would of been handy

This is just great to listen to, in all modes, but is real good in 2 channel, well beyond my expectations.
I had a Nad 7600 monitor series that I thought was great for the money, but like all things technolgy has made improvements, so I now use this baby for all my listening.
The power and pure clean signal is fantastic and is the reason I purchased over the others, I took so long to buy this thing and tried everthing out, (a retailers worse dream I am) But I got have to say without doubt the best decision/purchase I have ever made, no regrets here.

Simple system
SR 7000
monitor audio silver 5s
mirage centre and rears
no sub (dont really need it I think)
BIG DIFFERENCE WITH INTERCONNECTS,COULD NOT BELIEVE IT.
Kimber cable 4 vs speaker
Van den Hul D102 111 HB
Van den Hul Digital Coaxial

Similar Products Used:

nad 760/denon 3300/harmon avr 500

Soundstage, Detail, Source-direct mode

None.

I am absolutely ecstatic! This receiver is incredible in both stereo and home theater applications. I am currently using Paradigm Reference Studio 60 front channels, Paradigm Reference CC-450 Center channel, Infinity surrounds, and Energy sub. I have tried both the DACs in my Yamaha CDC-765 and the internal Marantz DACs and prefer the Yamaha connected via MIT Terminator 2 interconnects running in Source Direct mode. This provides an extremely deep and wide soundstage with a warmth that allows for hours of listening pleasure with no hint of fatigue. Compared to my old Yamaha receiver which was harsh and thin sounding, this receiver is a godsend. I even used both Marantz MA700 monoblock amps and Parasound amps with my Yamaha receiver and compared to that setup the Marantz SR7000 alone blows it away. I have sold my external amps and am now using only the SR7000....it's that good. I have had no problems with the manual or the remote, and I have succeeded with ease in replacing four other remotes with the Marantz remote. Home theater performance is excellent, providing a very enveloping surround experience and incredible detail.
Do yourself a favor and check out this receiver if you care at all about purity in two channel music and great home theater performance to boot. I was very skeptical that I would hear any difference between receivers at this price range, but I was wrong. I could not be happier.

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Yamaha r-v1103 with Marantz MA700 monoblocks and Parasound amps

Very very clear sound. Perfect in both DD/DTS en stereo. Lot's of digital ins and outs and other connections. Way more features, to much to name them all.

I thinked hard about this one, but i can't really find a weakpoint.

First i want to thank the salesman for advicing me on this one! It's absolutely the BEST receiver at it's price.

I first went out to buy a DENON AVR2800 with B&W DM 602 S2(FRONT) and B&W DM 601 S2(REAR) with a cc6 s2 centerspeaker and B&W PSW 1000 subwoofer. I'm gald i didn't buy this set!

The salesman didn't recommend the speakers and i said : "Why?, the reviews were very good!". He said: "Come over here i'll let you hear the difference."

He first showed me the matrix(in the SR7000) using a CHARIO synthar 200 speaker set. I was like WOW, this sound great!

Then he showed me the same movie using the B&W DM 602 s2 set, I didn't believe my ears because the sound was so empty. It was crips and clear but i was missing the warm full sound.

At this point a was confinced!

By the way: "Never every go blind on reviews! the salesman let me hear a new speaker set from mission and it sounded CRAP, but it was gaven 5 bloody stars by a popular hifi review magazine."

GO BUY THIS RECEIVER!

Similar Products Used:

DENON AVR2800, DENON AVR3000, ONKYO

Power, channel separation, clean sound, learning remote, large display, and the way 6 red LED's light up when in Dolby digital.

Language in the manual, no backlight on the remote

Awesome piece of equipment....looked at the Denon 3300, but the Marantz was just as good, and cheaper. Plus the marantz has a 3 year warranty, as opposed to 2. Check out the bullet scene on top of the building in the Matrix, and i'm sure you won't be disappointed. Pro logic separation is excellent also. I'd recommend to anyone looking for a great reciever under $1000, but they should still check out the Denon, since music/sound is a personal preference. The six red LED's that light up when in Dolby digital rules. in a dark room, can see if it's in DD or Stereo (as is the DVD's that come set in stereo).

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha