Marantz A/V amp?

[polsol]

As a newbie on this thread I'd like to firstly say 'Hi' and secondly ellicit your help/suggestions.
I have an ageing Denon AVR-1404 (no composite/HDMI in/out) amp feeding Paradigm Studio 40's at the front with 590 centre and 590 surrounds plus dual definitive subs. Video is via Panasonic 42" TH-42PA50M Plasma (Component and lesser inputs).
Wishing to improve the system I'm looking at a new A/V amp an going from 5.1 to 7.1 (7.2).
As I work in the Gulf, doing demos is not an option (discrete suppliers of electronic equipment) so I'm soliciting your advice.
I'm looking at either Marantz 6003, 7003 or Yamaha 863 amps (about the same price) or the Marantz 7001 (2/3rds the cost).
Primarily I enjoy the audio side (AQ) which is more important than the video side (to a degree anyway). Thus CD and DVD are equally important.
I don't need (or want) too much audio 'post processing' (such as a 'singing in the shower' audio option). I like to listen to the audio as the audio engineers intended.
So, what I need is a good amp, that will 'stand the test of time' whilst delivering great sound and also accept the latest inputs (like HDMI) whilst still retaining an output (component) capable of driving my Panasonic Plasma.
Mostly I'm worried that 'HDMI designed' A/V amps won't have an output for component video if fed by HDMI sources. At a later stage I'll upgrade the plasma to 'full HD' via HDMI - but not now.
Not sure if HDMI input to composite out would be called 'down-scalling' and if this is a prerequisite for this amp choice?
I'm not too keen on the Marantz 6003 though because selecting a matching DVD/Bluray might become problematic in the future if the design doesn't catch on.
BTW I was told today that Marantz will become 'D&M' after a merger/buy out by Denon?

 

[jinjuku]

I would recommend the Pioneer Elite SC 05 if you can get your hands on it there. The price difference in the States is negligible. Hopefully the same holds true for where you are at.

Welcome to AH!

 

[polsol]

Thanks for the welcome Jinjuku! - not to mention the rapid response
Pioneer have always been a respected audio company for me and perhaps I can source the model you quoted (funily enough, same importer as Marantz).
I'll see if they have but Marantz has always been one of my dream components - and I really like the 'presentation'. However, if the Pioneer is sonically better I'll forego the looks aspect (p.s. my first 'audiophile' amp was a Cyrus 1 so 'looks' not always a necessity! Great amp but lacks umph @ 30W RMS).

 

[jinjuku]

What is your pricing difference in U.S. dollars between the Marantz SR 7002 (there is no 7003 Marantz receiver) and the Yamaha 863?

Given that they both look competitive on paper a lot of people like the Marantz receiver for the sonic signature it provides.

Most times you will buy receivers based on feature set because the amp sections on most will sound close to the same. With that being said a lot of people are of the opinion that the Marantz amp section sounds 'better' than a lot of like brands. It is subjective.

I would, after looking at both, pick the Marantz. One big thing in its favor: Audyssey Multi-EQ vs Yamaha's YPAO.

What I am not sure of (others may be able to answer): Modern receivers can take Component input and then output over HDMI. I don't know (and don't believe) that you can take HDMI input and output over component.

 

[lsiberian]

As a newbie on this thread I'd like to firstly say 'Hi' and secondly ellicit your help/suggestions.
I have an ageing Denon AVR-1404 (no composite/HDMI in/out) amp feeding Paradigm Studio 40's at the front with 590 centre and 590 surrounds plus dual definitive subs. Video is via Panasonic 42" TH-42PA50M Plasma (Component and lesser inputs).
Wishing to improve the system I'm looking at a new A/V amp an going from 5.1 to 7.1 (7.2).
As I work in the Gulf, doing demos is not an option (discrete suppliers of electronic equipment) so I'm soliciting your advice.
I'm looking at either Marantz 6003, 7003 or Yamaha 863 amps (about the same price) or the Marantz 7001 (2/3rds the cost).
Primarily I enjoy the audio side (AQ) which is more important than the video side (to a degree anyway). Thus CD and DVD are equally important.
I don't need (or want) too much audio 'post processing' (such as a 'singing in the shower' audio option). I like to listen to the audio as the audio engineers intended.
So, what I need is a good amp, that will 'stand the test of time' whilst delivering great sound and also accept the latest inputs (like HDMI) whilst still retaining an output (component) capable of driving my Panasonic Plasma.
Mostly I'm worried that 'HDMI designed' A/V amps won't have an output for component video if fed by HDMI sources. At a later stage I'll upgrade the plasma to 'full HD' via HDMI - but not now.
Not sure if HDMI input to composite out would be called 'down-scalling' and if this is a prerequisite for this amp choice?
I'm not too keen on the Marantz 6003 though because selecting a matching DVD/Bluray might become problematic in the future if the design doesn't catch on.
BTW I was told today that Marantz will become 'D&M' after a merger/buy out by Denon?

Either receiver will be just fine. FYI it's technically a receiver. Amps are only part of the device.

Personally I will never own a Pioneer product, but every family and person has a brand that just breaks on them. Pioneer and Ford are mine.

 

[polsol]

Thanks for the reply Isiberian,

As to the terminology, a receiver is historically a device that receives radio signals. Hence in bygone days 'Receivers' were 2 channel amplifiers with a built in radio tuner. Some A/V amps have receivers built in, some don't. Maybe 'Audio/Video processor' might be a more apt description
IRO my calling them 'Amps' it's just because this is the more important aspect to me from the sonic point of view. Video signal should be 'pass through' - as should the amps. My favourite phrase is from John Linsley Hood - 'Straight wire with gain' when talking of amplification. Suppose minimalist thoughts but any extraneous processing (other than Dolby et al for surround effects) are detrimental.

As you've made your own speakers from Madisound I'd be interested to know how you find them in comparison to 'commercial' units? I've often thought of building my own from Madisound and/or Wilmslow Audio (not sure if the later still exists?). 30 years or more ago I heard DIY speakers called 'Queens' which blew the socks off commercial designs other than door sized electrostatics (powered by the 'rats nest' Nads of that era).

 

[gs274]

I had a pioneer elite before my SR7001...I like the marantz a lot more. Especially with the plethora of HDMI connections on it for running your HT.

 

[Djizasse]

I'm looking at either Marantz 6003, 7003 or Yamaha 863 amps (about the same price) or the Marantz 7001 (2/3rds the cost).

In Europe the Yamaha RX-V863 is much cheaper than the Marantz SR 6003. The Yamaha RX-V1900 has a similar price to the 6003.
Between the 863 and the 6003 I would choose the 6003, no doubt about it.

In the same price range as the 6003 you have the Denon AVR 2809, which is another good option.

 

[jinjuku]

I had a pioneer elite before my SR7001...I like the marantz a lot more. Especially with the plethora of HDMI connections on it for running your HT.

What did you like about the Marantz? A 'whole lot more' seems to be nebulous

Just curious as to your thoughts.

 

[polsol]

Djizasse,

Thanks for the reply.

Prices here is ± USD:
Yamaha 863 - $ 926
Marantz 7001 - $ 700
Marantz 7002 - $ 1027
Marantz 6003 - $ 1061
Yamaha V1900 - $ 1267
Denon 2809 - $ 1507

Different suppliers, different 'expectancies'.

Possibly this presents a better 'picture' IRO which is the better 'value for money'.

My biggest concern still remains hooking up the amp to the Plasma via say component but still being able to play DVD/Bluray (future requirement) via the HDMI input. Seems like this would some form of 'down-scaling'?

 

[jinjuku]

Djizasse,

Thanks for the reply.

Prices here is ± USD:
Yamaha 863 - $ 926
Marantz 7001 - $ 700
Marantz 7002 - $ 1027
Marantz 6003 - $ 1061
Yamaha V1900 - $ 1267
Denon 2809 - $ 1507

Different suppliers, different 'expectancies'.

Possibly this presents a better 'picture' IRO which is the better 'value for money'.

My biggest concern still remains hooking up the amp to the Plasma via say component but still being able to play DVD/Bluray (future requirement) via the HDMI input. Seems like this would some form of 'down-scaling'?

I don't believe you will be able to push HDMI in back out through a component cable. Component is good for at least 720P. So if you get a BR player then get one with component out.

 

[polsol]

Thanks Jinjoku,

When I upgrade to a BR player then I guess I'll already have upgraded the Plasma to an HDMI version anyway.
My concern was the salesperson had said it would work (HDMI -> Composite) but I couldn't see how this could be so. Then again I know little about HDMI and the signals eminating there-from so thought it better to ask
Right now the 7002 seems the better buy but I can't find a comparison between the 7001 and 7002 to see if the extra 50% cost would be justified.

 

[jinjuku]

Thanks Jinjoku,

When I upgrade to a BR player then I guess I'll already have upgraded the Plasma to an HDMI version anyway.
My concern was the salesperson had said it would work (HDMI -> Composite) but I couldn't see how this could be so. Then again I know little about HDMI and the signals eminating there-from so thought it better to ask
Right now the 7002 seems the better buy but I can't find a comparison between the 7001 and 7002 to see if the extra 50% cost would be justified.

Then your sales person needs to show you a Blu-Ray player going HDMI in and then having component out to a TV displaying 1080i or p

I would bet him the cost of the receiver that it won't work.

The single big difference between the 7001 and 7002 is that the 7002 supports the DTS-HD and Dolby True-HD audio formats and HDMI 1.3a vs 1.2. Everything else is pretty much more or less the same.

 

[bigred7078]

As a newbie on this thread I'd like to firstly say 'Hi' and secondly ellicit your help/suggestions.
I have an ageing Denon AVR-1404 (no composite/HDMI in/out) amp feeding Paradigm Studio 40's at the front with 590 centre and 590 surrounds plus dual definitive subs. Video is via Panasonic 42" TH-42PA50M Plasma (Component and lesser inputs).
Wishing to improve the system I'm looking at a new A/V amp an going from 5.1 to 7.1 (7.2).
As I work in the Gulf, doing demos is not an option (discrete suppliers of electronic equipment) so I'm soliciting your advice.
I'm looking at either Marantz 6003, 7003 or Yamaha 863 amps (about the same price) or the Marantz 7001 (2/3rds the cost).
Primarily I enjoy the audio side (AQ) which is more important than the video side (to a degree anyway). Thus CD and DVD are equally important.
I don't need (or want) too much audio 'post processing' (such as a 'singing in the shower' audio option). I like to listen to the audio as the audio engineers intended.
So, what I need is a good amp, that will 'stand the test of time' whilst delivering great sound and also accept the latest inputs (like HDMI) whilst still retaining an output (component) capable of driving my Panasonic Plasma.
Mostly I'm worried that 'HDMI designed' A/V amps won't have an output for component video if fed by HDMI sources. At a later stage I'll upgrade the plasma to 'full HD' via HDMI - but not now.
Not sure if HDMI input to composite out would be called 'down-scalling' and if this is a prerequisite for this amp choice?
I'm not too keen on the Marantz 6003 though because selecting a matching DVD/Bluray might become problematic in the future if the design doesn't catch on.
BTW I was told today that Marantz will become 'D&M' after a merger/buy out by Denon?

Hey polsol!

I've had the 6003 for a few months now and i must say that i love it. Its an awesome unit for sure. Over the past few months i have owned several receivers and processors from a Denon 2809 to a yamaha 3900 to a emotiva dmc-1. In my time with these i believe the Marantz was the best vaue for the money and consistently better in SQ (IMO). I was also able to pick up my 6003 for $749 so if you look around there are deals to be had (Although you being in the gulf could make that irrelevant).

My advice to you is that if you believe the 6003 to be to expensive then go for the 5003. The only advantages the 6003 has are:
-usb input
-dual hdmi ouputs
-10 extra watts per channl (which will be inaudible)
-a GUI (but no hdmi overlay)
-and a cleaner look with a front plate covering all the buttons.

As you can see the 6003 has some great additons but it fails to add anything better as far as performance goes. So for the value the 5003 is a excellent choice.

Also you said you were worried about a matching blu-ray player for the Marantz is the "look" never caught on. Well honestly this is probably one of Marantz's more popular designs. But regardless, they actually do have a matching blu-ray player the BD7003. http://us.marantz.com/Products/2643.asp

Hope that helps some.

-Steve

 

[polsol]

Re the 'interoperability' between inputs and outputs

Some 'clarification' from the 7002 PDF manual:

Page 7:
Video convert system
HDMI ← Component Video ↔
S-Video ↔ Composit Video

Page 37 under 'Notes':
Each type of video jack works independently.
Signals input to the VIDEO (composite) and SVIDEO
jacks or component are output to the
corresponding VIDEO (composite) and S-VIDEO
or component jacks, respectively.

Any users who can clarify whether one can input composite (like my Sat receiver) and output via the component out?

 

[polsol]

From the spec sheet:

SR7002 is equipped with high quality video conversion. It can
convert the Composite signal up to S-Video/Component and
S-Video up to Component; as well as down conversion. But it
doesn't stop here. All analogue signals can even outputted via
HDMI. To avoid compatibility problems in this process the
SR7002 incorporates I/P conversion. This means each signal
will be converted from interlaced to progressive. All this
allows you to connect a high quality video cable between the
SR7002 and the display sending all your video signals via one
cable to your display. In order to avoid synchronization and
eroded video quality problems, the SR7002 has a high quality
video converter equipped with digital video processing
consisting of 4H line memory, time based corrector, a triple
10-bit DAC, filed locking, VCR detection and anti aliasing
filtering. The SR7002 provides you the highest analog quality
from all sources connected via a single component connection.

So it does seem that one can do what I want - output all signals via components to the TV - assuming of course that the DVD is connected via component cables

 

[jinjuku]

Re the 'interoperability' between inputs and outputs

Some 'clarification' from the 7002 PDF manual:

Page 7:
Video convert system
HDMI ← Component Video ↔
S-Video ↔ Composit Video

Page 37 under 'Notes':
Each type of video jack works independently.
Signals input to the VIDEO (composite) and SVIDEO
jacks or component are output to the
corresponding VIDEO (composite) and S-VIDEO
or component jacks, respectively.

Any users who can clarify whether one can input composite (like my Sat receiver) and output via the component out?

It's actually page 6 of the pdf and page 3 of the numbered pages of the printed

It should read on one line like this:

HDMI ← Component Video ↔ S-Video ↔ Composite Video

← means one way conversion to HDMI only, no down conversion.
↔ means either way S-Video over Component or Component over S-Video. Same with S-Video and Composite Video.

I don't know if Component ↔ Composite is possible, but I would think most likely you could assign your composite input over a component out.

 

[polsol]

Thanks Jinjukuk.

Yeh I read it the same way too. Just the confussion that later on it said that the 'streams' (composite/component etc) were seperate.

Later on I found the full explanatation down at page 58 (from memory) in the PDF. So yes, one can connect out via composite and output all inputs via that method other than HDMI. Logical.

I was rushing to get out to work at the time. Moral of the story, read the whole manual before getting exasperated

Sort of like the old Japanese instruction manuals 'If not work, first check plug in'

 

[Lordoftherings]

Hi,

With all the receivers that you mentioned and their prices, the OBVIOUS CHOICE is the Marantz SR7002.

That's the one that I will pick, without a second thought.

You'll be so happy that you pick that one, it will make your world a much more pleasurable place to live. HDMI vesion 1.3 is the way to go, and with all the new audio decoders too. Even if the 7001 is much cheaper, it is not up to date.

Bob

Note: --> The 7002 will do pretty much anything on the video side. It will transcode all analog video inputs to 480p or 480i via HDMI, but just won't upconvert them in the process. Incoming 1080i signals via component will be also transcoded to 1080i via HDMI.
The SR7002 is also THX Select2 and has Audyssey MultEQ.
It has four Hdmi (1.3) inputs and two HDMI outputs.
It retails for $1,400 USA dollars.
The SR7002 is totally up to the minute in it's support of next-gen surround.
It has a deluxe implementation with all the audio enhancements available...

 

[polsol]

Thanks Bob,

Was hoping to get an unequivocal reply like that

Hi,

With all the receivers that you mentioned and their prices, the OBVIOUS CHOICE is the Marantz SR7002.

That's the one that I will pick, without a second thought.

You'll be so happy that you pick that one, it will make your world a much more pleasurable place to live. HDMI vesion 1.3 is the way to go, and with all the new audio decoders too. Even if the 7001 is much cheaper, it is not up to date.

Bob