Marantz SR4300 problem/upgrade

[jdsony]

I bought a Marantz SR4300 almost 2 years ago and I am mostly happy with it. I currently have Athena speakers in a 5.1 configuration.

Front - Athena ASF2
Center - Athena ASC1
Rear - Athena ASB2
Sub - Athena ASP400

Overall the system is great, especially for movies. The issue is I can't get any low end out of any of the speakers other than the sub. This was more of an issue before I had a sub but it would still be nice to have the extra low-end and it's pointless to have Athena ASF2's if I can't take advantage of the available bass. I have all the speakers set to large but I don't hear a difference between large and small it's almost like the 100hz crossover is always on no matter what. The other less annoyance is the hissing I get when nothing is playing and the receiver is on. My PC sound card/speakers are dead quiet even at full volume.

Anyway if that's a known issue it would be nice to know so I can stop worrying about it. My second question is what would make a good upgrade path. I like Marantz and would stick with them (though I don't think there are any retailers left in town now) but am open to anything that would sound good with my speakers. I've heard that brands such as Yamaha would be too bright for Athena Speakers as would Denon. I've also heard many people say that Harmon Kardon is over priced junk. Any ideas? I would be willing to pay more than I paid for my current receiver but would still like to keep the cost as much under $1000 as possible. I'm intrigued by Outlaw Audio and NAD. I haven't heard any Outlaw Audio stuff and any of the NAD I have heard was years ago with their stereo gear.

 

[Spiffyfast]

If you'd like to stay with Marantz and there aren't any dealers in town check out www.accessories4less.com they are an authorized Marantz dealer so you still get a waranty. The 7400 would be a great step up from your 4300 and you can stay well below your 1000 dollar budget

 

[Takeereasy]

What I'd suggest you do is get a Pioneer 1015 and a SVS PB10 for about $1000 total shipped. If the increase in bass isn't amazing I don't know what else you could do.

That is a wierd dilema you are facing there with regards to the bass from the Marantz. I have to admit that I'm a little upset with the limited crossovers my Marantz provides, but when set to large my speakers get the full spectrum of sound. I usually just go with a crossover of 80hz (the lowest seting on my receiver) and let the sub round out the rest.

Spiffyfast has a good idea about going with the 7400 if you wish to stay with Marantz. Outlaw will be out of your price range for $1000 and you'd be stretching getting Nad gear for that price as well. I love Nad equipment but it is a bit pricey for me right now. The Denons you are worried about being too bright have great eq's that will let you tweak different settings. I have a Marantz 8400 that retailed for about $1200 US, I installed someone's Denon 1905 for them on Tuesday and it has more features than my 8400 with a retail of about $500 CDN! after taxes. Now it isn't as powerful or as well built or as sexy and it doesn't have as much "snob appeal" but it is one heck of a little receiver. The 3805 is available right now for $1000 on the nose at crutchfield and would do everything you want and more.

If I was you I'd consider the Pioneer 1015 with the sub or the Denon 3805 without it. They will both outperform what you are using now to a huge degree. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[jdsony]

Thanks for the great info. I probably won't be buying anything until at least the end of the year or early in the next so by then current models will be cheaper and new models will be available. I may think about the SR8500 when the price drops since it has DVI switching (i probably don't really need the feature but I do hook my PC up to my tv with DVI). The Outlaw 1070 (replacing the 1050) is due out soon and it's supposed to be under $1000us. NAD's T743 is also under $1000us. I guess I'll shop around when I'm ready to make a purchase and listen to them when possible. I have a starting point at least.