Marantz SR 8400; Any users that can attest to its strengths?

[corysmith01]

So, the upgrade bug bit me and the only way to get rid of him was to make a purchase, albeit a rushed one. Today, I stopped by ubid and found the Marantz sr 8400, new, for a song. I was able to snatch one up for $590. This seemed almost too good to be true, but I got my e-mail confirming the purchase. At any rate, the auction was ending and it was sort of a "pull the trigger now or you'll lose it deal" so I clicked away. Now, I'm wondering was it worth it. Marantz doesn't have a detailed pdf of the manual online to explore (in depth, beyond the basic specs) nor do they have any reviews. Can anyone attest to this receiver, or to Marantz in general. I'm new to this and really new to Marantz. I know my local shop sells them and that was the only place I could find them, so I assumed they're of good quality. I'm coming from an Onkyo TX-SR602...upgradeitis. This isn't really a huge jump, but at that price, it seemed like a steal.

Anyone know much about Marantz and they're rep, or, more importantly, any pertinant information about this specific receiver. It seems like a solid choice, but I guess I'm looking to have my trigger finger legitimized.

Thanks all!

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

www.homecinemachoice.com/cgi-bin/displayreview.php?reviewid=4463

 

[corysmith01]

Thanks for the link! That acutally pulled down the 7400, but I'm wondering if that's the European version of the 8400...seemed really similar, except for the watts...105wpc for the 7400, 110 for the 8400. They appear to be the same in every other aspect though.

 

[outsider]

the 7400 is the step down from the 8400. There are a few minor differences besides the RMS power output, but I can't recall what they are....must not be too important.

$590 is a great deal on that receiver....Marantz had always made very nice products.

 

[mafman]

I just bought my Marantz SR5500 for $499 new (the 500 series is Marantz's new 7.1 lineup) and would say thats a great price. The 5500 is an awesome piece, I could only dream of what a bigger amp could do.

 

[scarecrow]

You wont be dissapointed is what I'd say based on a lot of lot of people really like them and the unit you bought is a top of the line. I'd say you're going to be smiling.

 

[anamorphic96]

From what I remeber you get a toroidal transformer and a copper bottom plate as well as the increased output. I think you get larger capacitors as well and a better remote.

The Marantz was a great choice. Should bring you many years of enjoyment especially with the ability to upgrade the amps and firmware.

Enjoy

 

[corysmith01]

Yes Anamorphic, you do get those things...you know your receivers. Call me a dummy, but they listed that toroidal transformer as one of the benefits on their website, yet I have absolutely no idea what that means, or what its benefits are. Can anyone explain what this part is and why its considered a benefit?

Also, I'm not completely sure why a copper chassis is a benefit?? Anyone?

Yes, I am fairly new to this.

 

[anamorphic96]

Im no expert as well. But Toroidal transformers from what I gather are built better and more efficient. The copper bottom plate from what I understand helps with grounding internal componets better and keeping noise out of the system. The copper chasis baffles me though. All componets I have owned never had this and seem to be fine. If its this important why dont more manufactures use this technique. Seems a bit gimmicky. Maybe someone else can shed more light.

 

[cpsound]

copper shielding and toroidial transformers oh my

Here is a link (http://www.nuvotem.com/en/11reasons.shtmlthat) that has some explanation as to the benefits of toroidial transformers. All though it is from a company trying to sell there product it does touch on the key benefits wich are universal. Mainly they provide more current and less electromagnetic leakage in a smaller lighter package. This means less noise both from the power suply its self do to being more structuraly sound and out of the speakers do to less electromagnetic noise bouncing around inside the case and being induced into the signal. As for the copper chassis, it is better. Copper is a far better conducter than steel or aluminum so it is a better elctromagnetic sheild since it provides a lower impedence path to ground . Also the reason not every one uses these things is expense. Hope this helps you. Charlie

 

[Takeereasy]

Here's a quick link for ya, the only thing I could find from marantz. 2004 product list , and

 

[johnwharper]

Marantz SR8400

I also just purchased from Ubid a SR8400. Did you ever have any luck in finding an owners manual. If so, from where? If not, are there similar Marantz models that would have a similar manual. I am enough of a newbie that this concerns me quite a bit as well as surprises me. One woulda thunk for over $450, it would come with everything!

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Users guide

I also just purchased from Ubid a SR8400. Did you ever have any luck in finding an owners manual. If so, from where? If not, are there similar Marantz models that would have a similar manual. I am enough of a newbie that this concerns me quite a bit as well as surprises me. One woulda thunk for over $450, it would come with everything!

So did you receive the unit from Ubid today? No manual or warranty card, but new in box? Very odd. How was it packed?

The new 7500 and 8500 share the same manual, so I would think the 7400 would work for you. That is an impressive remote. Here it is:

http://us.marantz.com/downloads/SR7400/DFU_SR7400_Final_Eng.pdf

 

[claudermilk]

I was sorely tempted by that auction. If you aren't happy with it, feel free to send it my way

Marantz is a solid receiver, the 8400 is the top of the line from last year. I have a 5400 and love it.

 

[taaldridge]

manual

I just received my Marantz 8400 from U-Bid yesterday, 2 day turnaroung, and it came complete in the box with the manual and warranty card. If you go to Marantz's website and join the owner's circle (you'll need your serial #) you will be able to download the entire manual, just like the one that came with mine.

Good Luck

TA

 

[cgk]

Manual Now Available Online

Marantz has updated their website and now has the manual for the SR8400 available for download.

Important for me because mine was delivered home but I won't be home until mid-June

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Parametric eq?

I was going through the manual, and was surprised not to find a parametric eq on either the 8400 or 8500 models. I did see bass and treble controls, along with plenty of control for speaker distance, db levels, and bass management. Do any of the owners miss this feature, or is the sound such that the eq is not necessary? I know there was some type of HT EQ, but it looked as if it's either on or off. Would the room calibration set the different frequencies for each channel during setup? Maybe I just missed it in the manual and it does have one. Let us know.

 

[Catdaddy]

What kinds of adjustments/tweaks did you guys do to it to get it to sound nice? I bought an SR8500 on Friday, and have been looking at my speakers as a possible source of audible inefficiencies with it .. but have since rewired my old Yamaha HTR-5590 and have come to the conclusion that the 5590 sounds much much better.

The SR8500 sounds very unimpressive. Im not well versed in conversing as an avid audiophile but the SR8500 "hisses" in areas that the Yamaha rolls through and the sound I get from the SR8500 is nowhere near as full.