Is it a good time to buy a Marantz ARV?

[drinke]

I think last year the 5003 (which is what I am looking at) came out around Sept (though please correct me if I am wrong). Are there any discussions/word on the street about releases/features on their new line?

I've only owned Yammies, but I am so intrigued by what others call the "Marantz sound" that I just have to try this for myself. And if the release date is 4 months out, I might just as well buy now - I can get the 5003 for under 600 delivered.

FYI - It will be driving Paradigm 40s v4 and 20s v4.

 

[rnatalli]

Welcome!

Firstly, there is no "Marantz" sound. In the older days, it's true that receivers had a sound, but these days not so much. Speakers and room acoustics will impact your sound more than anything. That said, it's likely that Marantz will sound different from a Yamaha if Audyssey is engaged as Audyssey and YPAO work differently. Also, Yamaha has been skimping on their amps with each passing year so it will probably only get to about 40-50% of its stated specs whereas Marantz will probably meet their stated specs. I would go for the Marantz for under $600 as it has a solid amp section and Audyssey.

 

[lsiberian]

I think last year the 5003 (which is what I am looking at) came out around Sept (though please correct me if I am wrong). Are there any discussions/word on the street about releases/features on their new line?

I've only owned Yammies, but I am so intrigued by what others call the "Marantz sound" that I just have to try this for myself. And if the release date is 4 months out, I might just as well buy now - I can get the 5003 for under 600 delivered.

FYI - It will be driving Paradigm 40s v4 and 20s v4.

Marantz sound is a placebo perception. Double blind tests have shown no difference in sound between amps from 200 dollars to 3000.

Chose an Amp based on reliability, features, looks, weight, brand preferences and price.

 

[CraigV]

Certified & warranted refurbished Marantz at a good savings

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/brand/marantz/results/2.html

 

[Lordoftherings]

The SR5003 is a nice receiver, but you can get it for $50 less ($550).
Here for both the SR5003 and SR6003: http://accessories4less.com/index.php?page=search&search_query=Marantz+SR5003

And if you can stretch your budget, the SR6003 ($700 at accessories4less) is even nicer with more true power. Just check the review at Sound & Vision Mag. And also at Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity.
Here: http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/receivers/3143/marantz-sr6003-av-receiver.html
And here: http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/component/content/article/529.html

For a review of the SC5003, check at Home Theater Mag.
Here: http://www.hometheatermag.com/receivers/marantz_sr5003_av_receiver/

Bob

 

[Lordoftherings]

The dawn of things to come...

It is a good time indeed to buy a Marantz receiver, or any other brands for that matter.

But next year will also be a good time, and next year after too...

And the SR6003 that you buy today will be a better deal next year when it will be on clearance.
But the SR6004 will add Dolby Pro Logic IIz and who knows what else, maybe a better video processor too...

Audio is not anymore like it used to be, it is always evolving from one year to the next. Heck, it even changes every 4 months now with always newer features...

20 to 30 years ago, you can keep your receiver for several years (10 or more) without being concern about the next model.
But now you buy less expensive ones, so you can upgrade every year or two max.

What is going to look like in let's say 100 years from now?

Well we won't be around anymore to find out, will we now? But at least we will be at Peace.

Bob

 

[drinke]

Thanks for the responses -

I found an open-box 5003 for just a touch over 500 delivered from an authorized dealer. Marantz assured me that as an "open-box" item, the full 3-year warrany would still apply.

I considered some of the other models mentioned, but the truth is the 5003 amp section will blow away the current yammie I have (and the room is not large and I don't really push the volume that much at present). If I change homes or add larger speakers, I may add an external amp (which the current yammie would not allow). But the main reason I wanted to upgrade was for dual-source/room functionality.

I take the points about "marantz sound" - I agree, perhaps its all psychological (though I am still intrigued). But likely the worse thing that will happen is that I bought a qualify AVR with a solid amp section and a 3 year warranty for a very reasonable price -

Thanks again all -

 

[lsiberian]

I take the points about "marantz sound" - I agree, perhaps its all psychological (though I am still intrigued).

It is no doubt perceived. Still they make very good receivers. So you can't go wrong with one.