Marantz SR5600 vs SR7400/SR8400 -- which one has better audio quality?

[nellie7799]

I'm looking for a receiver for my system, which is based around Klipsch RB-81 fronts.

I already bought a Marantz DV7600 for my universal player, and now I would like to buy a Marantz receiver as well.

My question is this:

The SR5600 is two generations newer than the SR7400/SR8400 receivers. But it is also in a lower class than those two receivers. I can get tgese receivers either used or refurbed in the $500 range.

So the question is: Would you rather have a refurbed SR5600 or a used SR8400? What about the SR5600 vs the SR7400?

I would consider buying a SR8500, but I can't find it anywhere online.

Thanks in advance.

 

[outsider]

personally, I avoid anything refurb, but I've never been happy with refurbs....

That being said, I'd probably go with the SR8400.
Very good receiver with a nicer sound than Marantz's less costly receivers.

As for finding the 8500 online, Marantz has a list of authorized online dealers:
http://us.marantz.com/1614.asp

 

[captain_tinker]

nellie7799,
Let me start by saying I have no experience with either the SR7400 or SR8400 receivers, but I do own an SR5600. I have had it now for about 4 months. I have to say that I have really enjoyed it. It has a lot of very useful features. I have found the upconversion features of the 5600 very useful, but I do believe that the two others you mentioned do it too. From what I can see, the two others you mentioned can do everything that the 5600 can do, but have a few more features, some of which are just more input jacks, better remotes, and the 8400 seems to have a toroidal transformer, where the others don't seem to. None of them are THX certified, I think you would have to go to the next model up to get that, meaning the SR7500, and SR8500.

You can do some comparisons with the following links:

SR7400:
http://www.marantz.com/p_product.cfm?id=2544&cont=u&line=rcv&cat=hf

SR7500:
http://www.marantz.com/p_product.cfm?id=3273&cont=u&line=rcv&cat=hf

SR8400:
http://www.marantz.com/p_product.cfm?id=2662&cont=u&line=rcv&cat=hf

Or just go to the main receivers page:
http://us.marantz.com/Products/172.asp

In any case I will recommend the SR5600 without any hesitation, because it has been absolutely wonderful for me. I am using a pair of Paradigm Titan's for my mains, with a CC-270 for a center channel. It has just been incredible! I am sure that the AVR models above it would be just as good and you would be happy with any of the models you chose, however as a personal preference, I try not to bother with refurbs. That doesn't mean that they are bad by any means, I just like them brand new. I am sure others out there would say go ahead with the refurb, whatever fits your budget. You may want to make absolutely sure though that you can get the 3 year warranty if you decide on the refurb, if not, stick with the new model. With the way these Marantz's are built, I doubt you will ever need the warranty, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Let us know what you finally decide on.

-capT

 

[Takeereasy]

I would suggest the 8400 out of the receivers you suggested. I have one myself and really do enjoy it. The build quality, options, power, remote, and IMO even the looks are better on the 8400. You can get a 7500 from accessories4less.com for $650 right noe. That gets you THX and MRAC, both are features not on the 8400. I think you will be happy wiith whatever receiver you choose though.

 

[groov']

wait for the upcoming SR7001

This fall (probably at the IFA show in Berlin and at CEDIA) Marantz will launch its new SR7001 AV-receiver which seems to be based on the new totally overhauled PM7001 amp. The PM7001 and also the SA7001 SACD-player get very high marks in different tests in Europe. They all say that the sound of the PM7001 is much better than Marantz' amps of the last 8 years, especially the mids are mentioned and the bass is much improved... The PM7001 is said to be as good as the Marantz' amps of the old golden days. If this is true and the SR7001 has amplike the same design for its 7 channels as the PM7001, then this would mean it is a 2- and 7-channel stereobeast as well. And what's more, the SR7001 seems to be an upconverting and upscaling HDMI wonder with 4 HDMI in and even 2 HDMI out. It'll cost a fortune in Europe (1500 Euros = 1700 dollars), but it should be available for about 1299 dollars in the US.

 

[patnshan]

I have the SR-8400. It is really nice, great sound. I often run it 5.1 and 2.0 at some pretty significant levels and it never even sweats. It has power to spare. I replaced a midgrade Yamaha and notice a HUGE difference in sound quality. I did get it for $500 new from Ubid
I am not sure I'd spend full price to get it

Pat