Features:
- 7 ch Discrete Analog Amplifier (50 watts x 7) in Slim Design Chassis
- HDMI 1.3 x4 Inputs / x1 Output
- Decoding of Dolby TrueHD, dts-HD Master Audio
- Video Converter for All Analog Sources to HDMI
- Independent Audio Board for Improved Sound
- Simple Set-up with MRAC Auto Calibration
- Component Video x3 Inputs / x1 Output
- Analog Audio Inputs x5, Digital Audio Inputs x3
- Marantz Remote D-Bus In/Out Jacks
- Detachable Power Cord
- On Screen Display for Setup through HDMI out
- Glow Key, Precode Remote Control
I just bought this two days ago and I am still learning the intricacy of the setup and calibration - I'll be able to give a better review once I've had time to real dig into it's nuances.
However, at first glance: I do like the look and full of the receiver - I was surprised by how short this receiver truly was. The Harman Kardon AVR154 that I previously owned was easily double the height.
The OSD is easy to configure - I did have to allow for alittle acclimation as it was slightly different than the H/K OSD - with that said, the Marantz OSD seemed dumbed down and remedial...perhaps it simply doesn't need as much configuring head-room...I'm not sure yet. I'll continue to tinker.
The audio codecs shine here - full suite of Dolby and DTS, including the TrueHD and Master Audio lossless codecs. I have set up my two other surrounds for full 7.1 and perhaps that is why Dolby Digital ES sounded much more dramatic than when I switch to TrueHD (Bourne Ultimatum) ... again, some tinkering is in store.
Let's talk about what I don't like: no pre-amp outs mean no headroom for expansion in the amplification area (which I may not need since the room I currently have setup doesn't need that much power pumped through the soundstage....unless I'm trying to peel paint off the walls!)
Secondly, no 5.1 analog inputs...however, since I am going full HDMI, this isn't really a huge issue.
Third: no zone two or zone three. Again, since I'm planning on doing 7.1, this isn't a show stopper - however, I was kinda looking forward to setting up a second area, perhaps the back patio, with some speakers.
Buying the Marantz over the H/K AVR1600 or even the more feature-rich AVR254 was truly a leap of faith. I've heard of the brand name, I like what I've heard about them, yet there were some sacrifices when I picked it out. If worse comes to worse, I still have a highly desirable brand name that will serve me well in the 2nd-hand sell-off area. Let's hope it shines, so I don't have re-wire!
I'll submit another review once I've had time to truly settle it in - till then, I remain luke warm.
