none

I have owned this receiver less than a month and to me it is the Conan of receivers. It deleivers massive power and crystal clear sound. Most would agree with me, others would not, I've read most of these reviews and some people say it doesn't deliver. I beleive in order to get everything out of this receiver you need to have a good combination of hardware and all the good cables. First off if you don't have a digital cable and are not running it in digital then your not getting half of what this thing can do. Digital makes all the difference in the world. Next you need a good dvd player I my self have a $500 Hitachi dvd player which I would recommend to anyone. Finally the pay off, Speakers with the marantz sr8000 and good speakers the power and sound is awesome. I would recommend anybody to buy some Energy speakers they are Awesome. It also helps to have a good audio store to go to. If anyone is around Des Moines Iowa I would recommend you to check out Stereo Sound Studios

Manual, remote (I *hate* the remote!)

I'm driving a very picky pair of Martin Logan Aerius i's with this thing and am loving it! It's built like a tank, delivers exceptionally clean sound, and is totally silent when no signal is present - no hiss, no hum, no nothin'

We're slowly building into a home theater system and the MLs and SR8000 were the first steps. I bought a Definitve Technology CLR 2300 for the center, but no surrounds yet. I've experimented with the 3 speakers going together in 5-channel stereo mode for music and watching movies. They're great together for movies, but all I need (or want) for music are the MLs and the Marantz.

As far as my hating the remote goes - it's big, it's clunky, and it eats batteries for breakfast. The display is also hard to read unless you have it at just the right angle and are holding the backlight button down (and eating batteries). But, hey, I'm an old fart, so my eyes are worse than some.

The manual is weak as well, with little discussion of some of the most important features. The on-screen menu generally makes up for this, but there are some annoyances. For instance, a little indicator labelled "COPY" suddenly showed up on the unit's front panel display. Not only can I not figure out why it's on - or how to turn it off - I can't find any mention of it in the manual. So, I just turn the entire display off.

However, this is a minor deal compared to the overall quality of this receiver. It's a great value and a neat piece of engineering.

Build Quality, 5 Channel Stereo, Remote, overall sound

no phono input, no B speaker output

Thanks to the reviews on this site I have finally found sonic happiness. My entry into the world of home theater started in January with an Onkyo 575x. Not a bad reciever until I tried to play my first DTS DVD (U571). The dropouts were so bad that it became unbearable to listen to. Back to the shop the next day and it turns out that same thing happened on their unit. Back it went, tried the next model up (Onkyo 676) and discovered that I had a unit with the infamous hiss mentioned in several reviews. So back it went too, it will be a cold day in July before I buy another Onkyo. Next was the Yamaha RX1000, it sounded pretty good without any of the DSP's selected but I didn't like what it did to the sound with the signal processing (this is what Yamaha seems to be famous for, I guess you either like or you don't but it sure didn't work for me). Also it wouldn't allow me to adjust the front speakers and when I lowered the center to balance it with the fronts things sounded really muffled. Fianlly, after reading the reviews on the SR8000, I went out and grabbed the last one in town. What a relief, the Marantz has played everything I've thrown at it without a problem, DTS discs sound spectacular, 5.1 Dolby isn't far behind and my CD collection is like a whole new toy box with the 5 channel stereo. The clarity of the signal really is dramatically better than any of the other units I've mentioned and this is comparing them in my home on my speakers with the same discs. BUY this receiver if you can find one, you won't be disappointed.

The remote is definitely the best one I've seen that comes standard with a receiver. Being picky, I wish they had balanced it better, batteries in the middle or at the back would have helped, and the cursor buttons should be near the middle as well since they are used so much. But hey it's still the best remote I've seen.

The manual isn't great (obviously written by someone who's first language wasn't english) but if you look the answers to most questions are in there somewhere. Of course by the time I'd connected and disconnected all the receivers I tried I didn't really need the manual for anything but the unusual things.

I am disappointed that it doesn't have a phono jack or B speaker output, the unit has multiroom capability but spending a couple hundred dollars on a second amp just to have background music in the dining room seems like overkill. All in all though this is a great unit.

Similar Products Used:

Sony, Onkyo, Yamaha

Very Musical, Build Quality, Remote

No 5 way binding posts, no phono stage (no big deal to me, but would be a selling point for others).

Took a year of research and shopping to come to this unit. Since I enjoy music as much as movies, 2 channel sound was very important. This is one smooth A/V reciever in 2 channel. Since I am using Klipsch speakers with horn loaded tweeters, most of the other A/V recievers on the market are too bright for horn tweeters. With how smooth this unit is, those horns just sing with detail. Perfect match.

I was a little worried that because of how smooth this reciever was, that home theater would suffer. That isn't the case though. The SR-8000 has plenty of clean, clear power, with punch.

As everyone has raved about the remote, I must rave right along with them. Great Remote!

I really didn't think the manual was that bad. No worse than any other I have had to deal with.

And to the posters that had trouble with running CD analog to the reciever, and the peak indicator. If your CD player has a variable output volumn control, try using this instead of the ATT switch. I found I only need to lower my CD output by -1db to make the light stop blinking. This is much less db loss than the ATT switch.

If you love your music as much if not more than movies, this is the A/V reciever for you.

I wont give 5 stars for overall rating because of the weaknesses I stated above. But it will get 5 stars for value because I honestly don't think you can do better for this price range.

Similar Products Used:

Older Marantz 2 channel, Technics, Sherwood, Pioneer.

Intelligent design. Sound Quality.

Would like to be able to set the crossover frequencies on each speaker when size set to small.

Originally bought a Denon 4800 because I thought I needed component switching and THX mode. Didn't need component because I found that it one gets better quality and it's less complicated to hook straight to the TV. The THX mode didn't sound good. Someone in a reveiw somewhere said THX sounded like a Kevlar curtain was lowered when he turned it on. It certainly sounds like something's there when it's turned on; maybe a wool curtain. Lastly the Denon remote just wasn't well designed - it was complicated and non-intuitive.

Enough about the Denon. After a month, it was returned and I got the Marantz. I probably would have bought the SR-19 but it didn't have 5-channel stereo.

I picked up an SR-8000 and couldn't be happier with it. The Denon didn't sound that bad but it had a thinner sound than the Marantz. With the Marantz, I was immediately struck by the intelligent layout, ergonomic design, ease of use, and visual layout of the Marantz. One just immediately appreciates the thought that went into it. For example, the receiver comes on automatically when the TV is turned on. This is just one small detail. Everthing is smooth with this receiver.

I hardly need to add that the remote is great. My wife likes it and she's not into figuring these things out. I was suprised that I only showed her a couple of buttons to press on the remote and then she figured out everything else with it. She's smart but the Denon remote had both me and her trying to figure it out every time we changed something.

I think that anyone who tries a Marantz, and I've seen this with friends, will become devoted to the brand. It is a little pricier but well worth it. I'm giving it 5 stars on value because you really get what you pay for. BTW, the copper enclosure is beautiful.

Similar Products Used:

Denon 4800, Yamahas.

Sound quality, connectability, killer remote, sheer dynamics and finesse are both produced with ease.

If there are any I would like to know about them.

Even though I don't own this receiver as of yet, I just wanted to mention that this receiver is the receiver of receivers. This unit is without a doubt the cleanest sounding receiver designed for home theatre use I have ever listened to. Bass is powerfull, robust and detailed, soundstaging is gigantic, mids and highs are controlled and defined. With music like Diana Krall or the Brian Setzer Orchestra, you can get a real sense of the capabilities of the amp. Distortion is non-exsistant, and there is no noise coming from the speakers at all if you spin the volume all the way around with nothing playing through it. I used Dave Grusin's Homage To Duke Ellington to initially demo this rig, and let me tell you that the duke never sounded better! After listening to that, I decided to move onto the Brian Setzer Orchestra's Dirty Boogie album, Track 12: Hollywood noctrune followed by Track 5: Sleepwalk. After listening to Sleepwalk, I noticed the hairs on my forearms and neck were standing up, an experience I first encountered with a tube amp/preamp and electrostatic speaker system I heard a few years ago. This was something I never expected to experience from a HT receiver. No other receiver I have demo'ed up until now has been able to make the Gibson Les Paul Setzer plays sound like this (except the 1978 model 2252 Marantz and Klipsch KG 2.5's I currently own). Diana Krall's "I miss you so" produced the same results. Moving on to Home theatre capabilities, I used the Matrix and Gone in 60 seconds DVD's. What the SR 8000 does with 2 channels it does with 5 channels. Sheer brute force and monster sound quality x5! The placement of effects was convincing and well defined to say the least. The timing and accuracy were also excellent with the amp never running out of steam. The remote is a little bit overkill compared to what I'm used to, but I know it wouldn't take long to fiquire out. Besides, I've been told that it is known as "the remote of the gods" compared to the competition. To summarize, Marantz has made the ultimate affordable killer with their stunning SR 8000. It combines a flawless amplifier with kick ass home theatre processing capabilities. This Receiver is the benchmark for hardware below $2000 Canadian, and is what I think to be the one all others should be judged by.

Similar Products Used:

Denon, Onkyo, Yamaha, NAD, Nakamichi

Ton of power, Remote, S-Video switching, 5 Channel Stereo, copper sheilded bottom, 3 yr warr., gold plated contacts

Price diff. from SR7000 to SR8000

This receiver absolutely blows me away. I get crystal clear sound, no matter how loud or soft I play it. Compared to the Onkyo, the high end of the SR8000 really opened up, and the bass response was a little tighter than the Onkyo. I would recommend that you hook up your CD player digitally through one of the SIX digital inputs, as to avoid peaking. The HDAMS in this receiver makes the price diff. between the 8000 and the 7000 seem insignificant. The sound from the 8000 is more accurate. Also, the OSD is real simple to navigate through an even easier to use remote. Daunting at first, the RC18-SR is real simple to use and program once you have given it about 30 min of undivided attention. All said and done, this is a killer piece, and worth spending the extra $250-300 to upgrade. If you are into music, and care how good your movies can sound, this is the piece for you.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo TXD777

great sound, styling, and excellent remote.

manual, no phono section.

Just purchased the sr-8000 this past week, and so far it sounds great. I hadauditioned several brands before purchasing: Denon av-3000,along with Onkyo and Harmon Kardon and have read many reviews and opinions. In the end I was torn between the Denon & Marantz. Both units sounded great to my ears. But it was an unfair comparision in my spopping area because I had to visit two dealers, neither one having both brands, nor hooked up to the same speakers. But the Denon offered more features, the phono section was important due to my record collection. However, the Marantz sounded so good and everywhere I inquired said the Marantz was a better made unit, very high quality parts, and is very reliable. Denon was cited as being an excellent receiver, one of the best in the industry. I have owned a Denon in the past and from experience will say it is an excellent product, sort of reminds me of Rotel. However, in reading opinions from owners and in their experience I could not find any real bad reviews on the Marantz, whereas the Denon owners have experienced overheating and fan noise.
Years ago I purchased a Marantz vcr that tore up. I had it repaired and it tore up again. The third time I took it back to the service place and complained. I wrote to Marantz and voiced my opinion. I got a personal call and an apology from Marantz. I was told that be on the lookout for a brand new model being shipped to me. I could not believe it. The company was quick to render my frustration. How many other companies would do that? So Marantz is very high on my list, and I reccomend them and the sr-8000. However, the manual definately sucks. I don't understand the need for the TV button, and I would have included a second VCR button instead of combining the DSS/VCR2.
I am in the process of checking out the various modes of surround, and I do not own any DTS discs yet, so I can't offer any opinion there. I do know that the 5-channel is really nice. I find I use this and keep coming back to it all the time. The Hall and Matrix settings sound terrible to me. I know Yamaha has a nice Jazz club setting that I am used to, which made you feel like you well in a small club. I can't find any setting on the Marantz that offers a nice sounding natural Ambience. There is also a "nite" setting for watching Dolby Digital movies late at night which will soften the dynamics, which is a thoughtful feature. And one last thing, I like how the buttons are laid out for ease of use- the bottom buttons are direct push for the source you wish to use, and the left selector knob turns to select the surround mode.
I hope I may have helped someone in their search, as other reviews have also helped me.

Similar Products Used:

yamaha dsp-a1000.

Absolute pure, clean sound. 6 digital inputs (3 coax, 3 toslink). 2 digital outputs. Multi-room function (audio and video). 5 channel stereo. The remote of the Gods.

Hard to find discounted (but I did). Not mentioned in the manuel that the little plastic caps covering the speaker terminals can be popped out very easily with a pen knife and then banana plugs can be used. Manuel could be better for a beginner. Not to bad if you've hook up receivers before.

Originally had a Denon 3300 that died on me after a week. When I couldn't get another one, I started my search again. I hadn't even checked out the Marantz 7000/8000. But reports here in audio review got me interested. I tend not to go overboard until I can check something out myself. I couldn't beieve my ears. Sonically, easily the equal of the Denon. Perfect sound in 2 channel and 5 channel stereo. Dolby Digital is unbelievable. Don't have any DTS DVD's yet. Even without a sub, the Marantz has deep stong bass without a hint of straining. I put my ear to the speaker without a DVD playing and turned up the volume. Not a hiss - nothing - dead silence!! The remote, model RC-18SR is the same one that's included in the Marantz SR-18 and SR-19. It is, in fact, a clone of the RC-2000. The only downside to this receiver is the fact that it is almost impossible to find discounted. Harvey's and a few other authorized dealers want $1200.00 (the list price) for it. They wouldn't negotiate. I finally got it at Audio-Video Center in the heart of Chinatown, New York City. After negotiating for a little while, I paid $970.00 CASH. Worth every penny!

Similar Products Used:

Denon 3300, Yamaha 995, Elite 27tx, NAD 770, Nakamichi, H/K 500. All the usual suspects.

The best stereo reproduction in this price range period. Excellent sound stage, awesome remote

more expensive than other comparable receivers, no component video switching

I auditioned this model along with the Marantz SR-7000 and have to agree that the 2 channel sound was cleaner and more natural than anything else in this price range but would like to ask people who own it, why did they go with the 8000 over the 7000 and if they thought it was worth the extra 400 dollars. From what I read and the dealer told me, they have exactly the same features with the 8000 having 5 more watts per channel and a 105 db s/n ratio vice 103 on the 7000. I'm sure with real audiophile grade speakers and sources the heavier duty internals of the 8000 would make a difference, but I personally couldn't hear one. What do you think for someone like me with mid-grade speakers ? Infinity RS-8's and Energy Exl surrounds ? Worth the money or not ? SR-7000 or SR-8000 ?

Similar Products Used:

yamaha 995, denon 3300