SR-7000 vs SR-5003

[giselle]

Okay, so I need to draw on the collective wisdom of others. If you had a choice of getting either the SR7000 or SR5003, which would you go for and why? Go for the oldie-but-goodie or the newer, shinier HDMI compatible one?


Bit of background:

This is my first AVR and I'd like to start right. I've got a small apartment and don't have speakers yet, so I'm building from the ground up. I like my movies AND music. TV is a flat Samsung 30+" thing (I don't even remember.. but does it really matter?)

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[njedpx3]

Go with the newer Marantz SR5003

Later on you will be glad you have HDMI, I would go with the newer Marantz SR5003 even though it had 90 watts per channel compared to the SR7000's 100 watts. The SR5003 does have pre-outs on 7.1 so you can easily add an external amplifier if you find 90 watts is not enough for you current or future speakers.

Good Luck!

Forest Man

 

[giselle]

Forest Man,

Thanks for the reply. Would it make any difference if I got an SR7001 compared to the SR5003? I just did a little research and realised that the 5003 is out of my budget. And is there a work-around for the HDMI thing or lack thereof? If I get a DV4003, would that help... or is it different and unrelated?

Oh, and I suspect speakers will predominantly be only two (space & money restrictions). So is the 7.1 really that relevant for me?

This is what happens when you work with a small budget yet desire quality.

*grin*

 

[njedpx3]

Forest Man,

Thanks for the reply. Would it make any difference if I got an SR7001 compared to the SR5003? I just did a little research and realised that the 5003 is out of my budget. And is there a work-around for the HDMI thing or lack thereof? If I get a DV4003, would that help... or is it different and unrelated?

Oh, and I suspect speakers will predominantly be only two (space & money restrictions). So is the 7.1 really that relevant for me?

This is what happens when you work with a small budget yet desire quality.

*grin*

Let me check and I will get back with you. All Marantz are good, component will substitute for HDMI with same quality. Look for one with pre-outs. How much do you want to spend? ( rephrase ..what is your max budget ?)

Later,

Forest Man

 

[njedpx3]

NR1501 versus SR5003

DV4003 - Is the Marantz DVD player whole differnet animal for $99.
===================================
The NR1501 would work and it retails for $599.99
info at: http://us.marantz.com/Products/2926.asp

NR1501 spec sheet:
http://us.marantz.com/NR1501_Spec_Sheet.pdf

Problem only 50 watts per channel and no pre-out except subwoofer.

Best price I found online = $478.80
http://www.audiophileliquidator.net/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=2&products_id=11400&osCsid=26568e07a210174febb445a58bb4619c
==================

Okay relook SR5003 - best price $449.90
http://www.accessories4less.com/index.php?page=item&id=MARSR5003
No-brainer -save up a little and buy this one!



Not sure what you budget is ?

Good luck!

Forest Man

 

[giselle]

Okay, so you're going to have to explain pre-outs to me.

As for my entry budget...

$200-$250 for AVR, maybe $350 for a SR7001
$50 for DVD (looks like I can have a DV4003 for about that)
$150 for a pair of speakers (PSB or Paradigm maybe?)

Something to work with, I suppose...

 

[lsiberian]

150 means Behringers IMO.

 

[giselle]

Do you mean Behringer amp or speakers? I'm not familiar with the brand so suggestions would point me in the right direction.

 

[njedpx3]

Isiberian is talking about Behringer Truth 2030p speakers at $71.95 each
http://www.studica.com/products/product_detail.cfm?productid=11674&storeid=2 Very good speakers.

Pre-outs are low level signals from you source devices before they are amplified. On the receiver you connect speakers to the line level amplified signals. The pre-outs can be connected to an external amplifier and the speakers then connect directly to the external amplifier instead of the receiver. You don't need pre-out right now; sorry if the discussion confused you.

I would rethink you system in light of your budget and not get a Marantz AVR.

One suggestion is an Onkyo TX SR507 at $280
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&source=hp&q=sr507+onkyo&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=10918281231638704465&ei=EO4BS_62OcWvngeUssWVCw&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CB4Q8wIwAw#ps-sellers

Good Luck!

Forrest Man

 

[giselle]

Okay... so just to make sure that I understand.

Why do you recommend the Onkyo over the Marantz? Is it purely budgetary? Or are there other reasons such as age of product, features or warranties? If it's the budget, then I can be patient for the right product and either 1) find a deal; or 2) save up money for a proper set up (within reason. I don't want to be waiting more than a year to get this put together). Remember, what drew me to the Marantz was the excellent reviews regarding audio quality.

Regarding the PSB Alpha minis, they seemed like a good starter set that i can get used locally for about $50 and then upgrade to the B1s if I see someone letting them go (and move up to B&Ws later still). Or do I have it all wrong.... and this is more a case of getting Brembo brakes for a Hyundai beater?

 

[njedpx3]

QUOTE=giselle;648013]Okay... so just to make sure that I understand.

Why do you recommend the Onkyo over the Marantz? Is it purely budgetary? Or are there other reasons such as age of product, features or warranties? If it's the budget, then I can be patient for the right product and either 1) find a deal; or 2) save up money for a proper set up (within reason. I don't want to be waiting more than a year to get this put together). Remember, what drew me to the Marantz was the excellent reviews regarding audio quality.

Regarding the PSB Alpha minis, they seemed like a good starter set that i can get used locally for about $50 and then upgrade to the B1s if I see someone letting them go (and move up to B&Ws later still). Or do I have it all wrong.... and this is more a case of getting Brembo brakes for a Hyundai beater?[/QUOTE]

I love Marantz; I had it a long time ago (actually still have 1060 amp that still works great) and tried Yamahas, Pioneers in-between. My current amp is a Marantz SR8002 which I have had almost 2 years. When I was looking at it my other top choice was Onkyo; I like them very much also.

My recommendation of Onkyo over Marantz is purely budgetary. Yes, If you can wait for a Marantz or look on Audiogon or Craig's list for a used one.

Concerning speakers the PSB Alphas for $50 is a pretty good deal and not a bad strategy. You could also considering bumping up an extra $100 to the Behringer's the later when you go to B & W use the either the PSBs or Behringers as surrounds. With B & W speakers you sometimes need an external amplifier and therfore pre-outs become important.

The Marantz anlaogy to Brembo is pretty good but actually either the PSBs or Behringer would equate to higher than a Hyundai but for awhile you going to have a very high performance brake system

just remember most of the audio quality comes from the speakers not the AVR.

Hope my response and previous responses have been somewhat helpful.

Good Luck!

Forest Man

 

[jostenmeat]

Regarding the PSB Alpha minis, they seemed like a good starter set that i can get used locally for about $50 and then upgrade to the B1s if I see someone letting them go (and move up to B&Ws later still). Or do I have it all wrong.... and this is more a case of getting Brembo brakes for a Hyundai beater?

For you, for right now, speakers are everything. The whole car, including the brakes.

The Behringers >>> Alphas, and I've owned a lot PSB.

If you want to go PSB, the minimum I recommend is the superceded Image line. The cost difference is minimal, but the difference will be extremely discernible.

Focus purely on the best speakers for now. Sacrifice elsewhere, even if that means a $50 garage sale receiver to power them.

 

[giselle]

For you, for right now, speakers are everything. The whole car, including the brakes.

The Behringers >>> Alphas, and I've owned a lot PSB.

If you want to go PSB, the minimum I recommend is the superceded Image line. The cost difference is minimal, but the difference will be extremely discernible.

Focus purely on the best speakers for now. Sacrifice elsewhere, even if that means a $50 garage sale receiver to power them.

Reeeally? A $50 receiver, hm? Okay. But in the end, that means I'll have to upgrade both AVR AND speakers and it seems like I can get so much more if I do it the other way, namely a strong AVR and then upgrade the speakers as I can. However, both you and Forest Man are right in that the speakers are what make the sound. Kind of like a camera... it's all in the lens. The rest is a 'light-tight box'.

This is all a good learning opportunity. Appreciate the helpfulness and generosity of spirit that I've seen here on my first day. Mahalo.

PS I live in Canada... which means that everything is sold here for a lot more and the used market is thin... and overpriced. No $50 AVRs here.

 

[jostenmeat]

Kind of like a camera... it's all in the lens. The rest is a 'light-tight box'.

No more car, eh? Ok, the speakers are the whole camera. Think of the receiver as the batteries that power them.

Do you really want to spend as much, or more, on the batteries than on the camera?

Ok, I am somewhat exaggerating. The room is the other huge thing, and over half what your hear IS the room, believe it or not.

Now, the receiver might get you a few features, but features are silly at this point. Do you really want a Yugo beater just because it can get you power windows, gps, heated seats, and power mirrors?

Get the car you want. Or that camera you want. Now gimme a mango, please.

This is all a good learning opportunity. Appreciate the helpfulness and generosity of spirit that I've seen here on my first day. Mahalo.

 

[giselle]

Great point about the room. It definitely affects the acoustics and how we perceive sound. But I'm not willing to plaster thousands of dollars of acoustic foam on my walls just yet.

As for speakers, what is your recommendation for good speakers that I can grow an AVR into? (BTW, the AVR has to have a radio tuner built-in. I's needs my radio... and I can't bear the thought of having a separate radio receiver.).

And here's your mango... though I really think it should be a banana. You strike me as a monkey.

Enjoy!

 

[giselle]

Woah.

Sorry. Posted that and then saw how big that mango was... HAHAHAHHAAA Tooo funneeee....

Okay. I've got more. Just got this from a guy who is selling his Atom speakers. He's asking $300 for this set up. What do you think?

-

Paradigm ATOM high definition speakers x4, Amplifier range: 15-80 watts (doesn't have a version#)

-Paradigm CC-50 high definition center channel x1, Amplifier range: 15-80 watts

-Paradigm PDR Series Sub-woofer x1, 200 watts

-Speaker stands x2 (polished black)

-Speaker wall mounts x2 (black with mounting kit)

All speakers are black wood grain and in excellent condition....been in storage for awhile.​

Oh, and is there an issue about having speakers sit too long in disuse?

 

[njedpx3]

Go for Behringers

For you, for right now, speakers are everything. The whole car, including the brakes.

The Behringers >>> Alphas, and I've owned a lot PSB.

If you want to go PSB, the minimum I recommend is the superceded Image line. The cost difference is minimal, but the difference will be extremely discernible.

Focus purely on the best speakers for now. Sacrifice elsewhere, even if that means a $50 garage sale receiver to power them.

I ascede to Jostenmeat's superior knowledge of the Alphas, therefore I would side with is decision of the Behringer 2030s.

 

[giselle]

As a side note...

I currently have an entry level Pioneer dvd player (DV490V). It does upscaling and such, and has worked well. Should I bother getting a Marantz DV4003 for $70 (including shipping)? Are Marantz DVD players any good?

 

[jostenmeat]

I currently have an entry level Pioneer dvd player (DV490V). It does upscaling and such, and has worked well. Should I bother getting a Marantz DV4003 for $70 (including shipping)? Are Marantz DVD players any good?

IMO, just as with the Alphas, you can do better than the Atoms.

At $150, go with the Behringers. However, there will be no grilles. Naked drivers.

If you can go up to $260, I would recommend the b-stock Ascend Acoustics 170SE. You will be very hard pressed to find better for that money. Very good off axis response, and as clear as I've ever heard at the price point.

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=BASK&Store_Code=AD&Action=ADPR&Product_Code=9CB17SBM2BS&Attributes=Yes&Quantity=1

Lastly, in all honesty, if I was looking for a DVD player only for DVD (not SACD, DVDA, or even CD), I probably would look for $20 on some progressive player, likely Panasonic.

If you're going $70 for a DVD player, I'd just spend go $60 more for a bluray player. Then again, if your tv is only 30" . . .

Just realize that bluray gets you about 6x the resolution that DVD does. And then you have the audio benefits as well. For instance, I just watched a classical music concert, and it's great to have the 5.1 mch PCM track. On a DVD, the most channels you ever get is 2.0 with PCM.

 

[giselle]

IMO, just as with the Alphas, you can do better than the Atoms.

At $150, go with the Behringers. However, there will be no grilles. Naked drivers.

If you can go up to $260, I would recommend the b-stock Ascend Acoustics 170SE. You will be very hard pressed to find better for that money. Very good off axis response, and as clear as I've ever heard at the price point.

I'll look into those two suggestions. I thought $50 for a pair of Alphas would be a reasonable deal and something that I could put my hands on right away and still have a big improvement on what I currently have. However, I will persevere and look for better ones. Are there any other brands other than those two that you would recommend? Mission? Polk? Boston Acoustics? I see these names more commonly, but unsure of their quality. Maybe some B&Ws? The Alphas and Atoms were from a stereophile.com recommendation. Everything else that they listed were way too expensive for me.

Lastly, in all honesty, if I was looking for a DVD player only for DVD (not SACD, DVDA, or even CD), I probably would look for $20 on some progressive player, likely Panasonic.

If you're going $70 for a DVD player, I'd just spend go $60 more for a bluray player. Then again, if your tv is only 30" . . .

Just realize that bluray gets you about 6x the resolution that DVD does. And then you have the audio benefits as well. For instance, I just watched a classical music concert, and it's great to have the 5.1 mch PCM track. On a DVD, the most channels you ever get is 2.0 with PCM.

I do use my DVD player for CDs. Does that make a difference using Marantz? What is "mch PCM"? I do recognise that sometimes the audio tracks have more than 2.0 on DVDs. And what is SACD or DVDA? These are horribly rookie questions, I know. Have you seen Blu-ray players that are super thin and streamlined? All the high-end ones look so bulky. Any particular brand/model to look out for?