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Marantz AV8003 Home Theatre Pre-Amplifier / Processor / Tuner:
Home Cinema Choice
October 2008
This is a stonkingly huge pre-power set-up for one-third the cost of Denon's flagship AVP & POA A1HD duo, and a cool five hundred quid less than Denon's AVC-A1HD integrated beastie. Sibling rivalry? More like all-out war.
Of course, to hit this rather attractive price for a two-box system, surely features have been kept to a minimum and the build quality gone all Citroen. Er, no actually.
... the 8003 pair creates a simply huge soundstage with gin-clear detailing.
The pre-amp is smooth and fast, with the power amp supplying an abundance of welly and grunt. Our Tech Labs measured 141W into 8 ohms across five channels, which is a very good performance; the fidelity firewall rating of 167W is equally impressive.
But far from being a die-hard bass-and-effects monster, the Marantz 8003 duo is altogether more refined and subtle. Films immerse you without drowning you in LFE chaos or artificial surround sound fireworks, and dialogue is wholly natural rather than larger than life.
In a head-to-head with the similarly-priced Denon AVC-A1HD integrated, the Marantz takes a sophisticated high ground to Denon's more shirt off and up-'n'-at-'em approach. It's a very close call.
The 8003s create a wonderfully intense movie-watching experience that sires the urge to watch another movie, and another...
Music fans are catered for, too. Put the AV8003 in Pure Direct mode and feed it a good-quality stereo analogue source and it does a frankly stunning impression of an audiophile stereo amplifier, with an equally lush, refined and detailed signature.
The 8003 combo never missed an audio beat or film effect for the duration of the test and its sophisticated presentation is wholly addictive and immersive. The unit's M-DAX compressed audio enhancer is one of the best out there, the media streaming facilities point the way ahead and the sheer presence on the rack, and material value for money, is unbeatable.
It also has plenty of useful features even if it is some way off the lunatic fringe levels of tweakery to be found in Pioneer's SC-LX90, Yamaha's Z11 or Denon's AVP & POA A1HD combo.
But even drawing comparison to the latter pre-power marquee is praise in itself for the AV8003 and MM8003; for day-to-day home cinema and music entertainment the Marantz pair gets damn close in absolute performance to the Big D's reference standard – at less than one-third of the price.
A genuine AV bargain that deserves considerable applause.
Home Theatre Magazine
October 2008
The AV8003 includes just about every feature you need and provides enough inputs and outputs to satisfy the vast majority of home theatre enthusiasts. It also includes many features that probably waste time, space, and money, such as composite video connections.
Consumers expect improved build quality and meticulous circuit layout in separates, and Marantz does not disappoint.
I was extremely pleased with what I heard after the Audyssey system configured my speakers for size, crossover frequency, and distance. It even checked individual speaker polarity and used the AV8003’s built-in nine-band equalizer to smooth out each speaker’s frequency response. If you choose, you can also manually adjust these parameters. But I didn’t, because in my opinion, the auto program was thorough, and the results sounded natural and seamless.
Marantz decided to stick to basics, and the result is an uncluttered front panel. A hinged door offers easy access to every important feature and adjustment choice. An equally uncluttered fluorescent display provides important status information and lets you see it from a good distance. The AV8003 features large knobs on either side of the display for input selection and volume adjustment. For instance, if you want to listen to an SACD, you just scroll the input-selection knob until you get to 7.1-Channel Input. Nice!
With some A/V receivers, you need to consult the manual each time to re-learn the multiple nested functions you’ll need to roll through to access the function. Unless you’re a control freak, you won’t miss the usual mess of buttons that clutter other A/V products.
The sonic differences between the Denon receiver and the Marantz separates were significant. The combo produced the “off the surface of the speaker grille” phenomenon that’s familiar to audiophiles. (This could have occurred because this is a set of separates or because of Marantz’s amplifier expertise and sonic heritage.) In the two-channel world, better amplifiers present music that seems to float free of the speaker surface, while lesser amplifiers tend to paste the images to the grilles. The Marantz performed just as well with 5.1-channel material in this regard. In fact, its spatial presentation was far superior to the Denon’s.
This also usually translates into superior microdynamics. And the Marantz separates proved far superior to the Denon receiver in this area as well. Microdynamics refers to low-level dynamic shifts as opposed to the large-scale, loud ones we usually associate with the term “dynamics.” Less than adequate microdynamic presentation reduces music’s breath, suppleness, and believability. It can make you feel the need to turn up the volume to add more punch. It also tends to reduce both dialogue believability and intelligibility. In the Denon review, I referred to “the power and punch that only a separate, more powerful bank of amplifiers can provide.” The Marantz MM8003 doesn’t produce significantly more power than the Denon, or my reference Lexicon RV-8 receiver, for that matter. But subjectively, it sounded more powerful, dynamic, and definitely more supple and nuanced than either of those receivers.
Lowering the noise floor increases the dynamic range, produces better microdynamics, and improves low-level transparency. No wonder I could listen to David Gilmour: Remember That Night—Live at the Royal Albert Hall in Dolby TrueHD at very low SPLs and achieve full sonic satisfaction. The lazy ballad “Smile” features Gilmour’s acoustic strums and bottleneck guitars, a tactile pedal steel backdrop, and delicate drum brushwork. It’s fully realized through the Marantz at very low, wife-pleasing levels. Each instrument projected delicately, spatially, harmonically, and with transient clarity. Gilmour’s voice simply sounded more fleshed out and human, with more natural and delicate sibilant structure.
When I used the Denon, I felt the need to play the Gilmour disc loud to get the sonic picture to set up and gel through the receiver. With the Marantz, this wasn’t the case. It was possible to look and feel deeply into the picture at very low SPLs. Turning it up increased the satisfaction in ways that increasing the volume usually does. But the overall presentation did not change all that much. The overall delicacy and the transient clarity remained remarkably consistent. Sometimes a volume increase can harden or flatten the sonic picture, but the Marantz combo did not do that. It maintained its sonic composure regardless of SPLs with the material I listened to.
The amps in my Lexicon receiver produced more punch than the Denon’s, and the Marantz matched the Lexicon’s punch. It also easily won in every other department, especially high-frequency transient clarity, transparency, and resolution. The Marantz produced an airy, open, and extended yet sweet top end. It was far superior to the Denon’s top end, which was more reserved, closed in, and opaque. No wonder I often felt like turning the volume up to achieve greater sonic satisfaction—and the Denon is no sonic slouch. The Marantz combo produced complete sonic satisfaction at any volume I tried. It combined delicacy, detail, transparency, and a velvety overall sheen that never got in the way of grit when the material called for it. Although my Tannoy subwoofer is powered, the signal that the AV8003 sent resulted in bass that sounded more supple, subtle, better textured, and somewhat less mechanical than what the Denon receiver produced.
The Marantz AV8003 preamp/processor doesn’t offer as many bells and whistles as the flagship Denon receiver. But when I used it with the MM8003 eight-channel amplifier, it produced significantly better-sounding bells, whistles, and everything else. The combo’s high-frequency air, transparency, delicacy, and transient clarity rival that of typical high-end two-channel amps. But that’s not surprising, given Marantz’s long-term mission statement and its use of circuitry similar to the kind the superb-sounding SM-11S1 amplifier uses.
If the feature set meets your needs, you play a great deal of music (with or without picture) through your A/V system, and you aim to get truly superior sound, you should check out the Marantz. Assuming the video performance checks out satisfactorily and you’ve got room for two boxes instead of one, the Marantz combo is an excellent, easy-to-recommend choice. I doubt any receiver at any price can match its sonic performance.
Audio Video Revolution
November 2008
The AV8003 signals Marantz’s re-emergence into the ultra-competitive AV separates market. The AV8003 is one of the less expensive surround sound processors, positioned to attract those on the verge of buying separates or considering one of today’s uber-receivers, but who prioritize sound quality over bells and whistles. Utilizing a separate processor and amplifier allows the user to improve the quality of equipment over that offered by most receivers. An added benefit is that when the processing technologies change so much that a new processor is needed, you can still keep your amplifier.
Despite the plethora of features, the intent of the AV8003 is not to be a feature showcase, but rather to provide class-beating performance. There are many other products out there with even more features – one has only to look at Marantz’s sister company Denon for such products – but features for features sake do not always mean benefits for the user. With the Marantz AV8003, the designers made many conscious decisions about what to include and what to dump. These decisions were primarily based upon performance. While I had some difficulty setting up the networking aspect of the AV8003, the rest of the set-up was straightforward. Marantz has achieved its intent with this piece. The AV8003 performed extremely well with both video and audio. One would likely have to spend multiples of the AV8003’s price in order to obtain significantly better performance.
High Points
- The AV8003’s audio/video performance rivals that of units costing several times its price.
- The ability to receive network media, HD, XM and Sirius radio all in one unit is really sweet. It seems that every receiver should be able to receive these sources, but oddly they don’t, where the Marantz does.
- The AV8003 has the ability to decode every surround sound codec (even the new advanced ones).
The Marantz AV8003 is easy to recommend to someone seeking better performance than what a receiver can offer, but who is not yet ready to invest $10,000 in a single component. The Marantz AV8003 has all the bells and whistles that today’s buyer is conditioned to look for, plus the features necessary to easily integrate it into a complex system. This, coupled with its solid performance across the board, from stereo to DTS HD Master Audio, make this piece an easy recommendation for anyone who needs today’s feature set but demands superior performance.
The AV8003 doesn’t forget its main purpose. While watching movies or listening to music, it has been able to reproduce an involving and convincing sound field.
AV Guide
September 2009
I decided to review and compare two very good but conceptually dissimilar multichannel “front end” components. I gathered up the Parasound Halo P7 multichannel preamplifier, because Parasound Halo-series components enjoy a great reputation for delivering good sound at reasonable prices. I also obtained a Marantz AV8003 multichannel A/V controller because I wanted to see whether a full-on digital processor could play in direct comparison with some serious high-end audio big boys. I chose the Marantz because it pays attention to audio matters yet doesn’t break the bank.
For comparison purposes I also brought along two very highly regarded, purist two-channel preamps that I own: the mbl 6010D (US$23,800) and the Audio Research LS26 (US$5,999). I conducted most of my listening in two-channel mode because I wanted to understand where, if anywhere, the multichannel gear gave ground to premium two-channel gear.
The real shocker came when I pitted the Marantz against the mbl 6010D. Try as I might, I really couldn’t reliably say what the difference was. With the 6010D, trying multiple discs, about all I could say was that the mbl sounded a little more stable – in the sense that subliminal noise and distortion modulated the music less on the mbl. Another way of putting this is to say that the Marantz had the sense of a miniscule low frequency grain when compared to the mbl. This is a very subtle effect.
Returning to the Marantz on the same test material, I got basically the same result with it as I did with the mbl, which is remarkable considering the price disparity between the products. Again, the differences were essentially inaudible, to me at least. My colleagues at Playback and The Absolute Sound have sometimes heard things that I didn’t notice immediately (and vice versa), so I wouldn’t take it to the bank that this $2600 A/V controller is basically the equal of a more or less handmade $24,000 preamp from Germany. But I would say for many of us that it is so darn close on the kind of material I used that the differences are meaningless (the paragraphs above should issue a further cautionary note about the importance of specific test material). And almost no one would view the value issue as debatable.
BOTTOM LINE: Viewed simply as a preamp this controller is close to state-of-the-art; considering that you also get a full multi-channel decoder and Audyssey processor it is almost ideal for a mixed music and theatre system.
Stuff.tv - 5 August 2010 - 5 Star "Hot Buy"
Marantz's rich vein of form continues with another cracking Blu-Ray player. Rich picture. Excellent edge definition. Good DVD upscaling. Detailed and dynamic sound.
What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision - April 2010
If the BD7004 was a racehorse, you'd back it to the hilt. Marantzs rich vein of form continues with another cracking Blu-ray player: Rich picture; excellent edge definition; good DVD upscaling; detailed and dynamic sound.
There was no guarantee the BD7400 would be able to continue Marantz's recent achievements, but it's done just that. It paints a rich picture that bursts with life. The BD7004 also has real sonic presence.
SA-KI Pearl Super Audio CD Player Reviews
Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity by Robert Kozel, 28 June 2010
The Marantz tradition has always been about enjoying music... Listening to the SA-KI Pearl was a simply delightful experience. The stereo imaging was excellent, and I became immediately involved with the music.
Listening to the Marantz SA-KI Pearl SACD player was a truly enjoyable experience. I think Mr. Ken Ishiwata would be very pleased with the emotional enjoyment that his player brought into my home.
Home Theater Review - September 2009
Sonically, SACD is pretty much the highest level of audio you can hope to get in a high definition audio system and this ultra-stable player offers smooth highs and beefy bottom end performance when directly compared to Compact Disc sources. The additional bits, lack of digital jitter and hash make for a much more musical sound overall.
The build quality of the SA-KI-Pearl is first class. It is built like the proverbial tank both inside and out with an industrial design that is deserving of proud display. The SA-KI-Pearl places sound quality first. The Pearl line provides the enhanced performance of a modded unit at a reasonable price and without compromising the manufacturer's warranty.
Audioholics - July 2009
Marantz is stuffing their new SA-KI Pearl SACD player full of high end components.
Audio Video Revolution December 2009
I noted in my review of the Turbines that I am not a frequent headphone listener but the awesome detail revealed via the Pearl could change my mind permanently. Several late-night sessions with headphones convinced me that this SACD/CD player is also an exciting headphone player.
The SA-KI Pearl is a testament to Marantz and Ishiwata ongoing quest for true music reproduction. The rich, opulent sound won me over and kept me feeding it disc after disc in anticipation of what hidden audio treasures might be revealed. Most important, I wanted to listen to the player and enjoyed listening to digital like never before. For SACD and CD, buy this component for the sound and revel in an audio experience that few others will. The SA-KI is a rare Pearl, indeed.
Marantz MM8003 Home Theatre Power Amplifier:
Residential Systems - Best Power Amp Resi Awards 2008
October 2008
When Marantz set about creating its MM8003 140-watt x 8 channel power amplifier, the company wanted to uphold its reputation for creating some of the best-sounding and best-looking components in the industry. The end result is an exquisitely designed, beautiful component that sounds as good as it looks, and is equally "at home" in a custom rack as it is on display in a living room.
Home Cinema Choice - 5 STAR BEST BUY
October 2008
This is a stonkingly huge pre-power set-up for one-third the cost of Denon's flagship AVP & POA A1HD duo, and a cool five hundred quid less than Denon's AVC-A1HD integrated beastie. Sibling rivalry? More like all-out war.
Of course, to hit this rather attractive price for a two-box system, surely features have been kept to a minimum and the build quality gone all Citroen. Er, no actually.
... the 8003 pair creates a simply huge soundstage with gin-clear detailing.
The pre-amp is smooth and fast, with the power amp supplying an abundance of welly and grunt. Our Tech Labs measured 141W into 8 ohms across five channels, which is a very good performance; the fidelity firewall rating of 167W is equally impressive.
But far from being a die-hard bass-and-effects monster, the Marantz 8003 duo is altogether more refined and subtle. Films immerse you without drowning you in LFE chaos or artificial surround sound fireworks, and dialogue is wholly natural rather than larger than life.
In a head-to-head with the similarly-priced Denon AVC-A1HD integrated, the Marantz takes a sophisticated high ground to Denon's more shirt off and up-'n'-at-'em approach. It's a very close call.
The 8003s create a wonderfully intense movie-watching experience that sires the urge to watch another movie, and another...
Music fans are catered for, too. Put the AV8003 in Pure Direct mode and feed it a good-quality stereo analogue source and it does a frankly stunning impression of an audiophile stereo amplifier, with an equally lush, refined and detailed signature.
The 8003 combo never missed an audio beat or film effect for the duration of the test and its sophisticated presentation is wholly addictive and immersive. The unit's M-DAX compressed audio enhancer is one of the best out there, the media streaming facilities point the way ahead and the sheer presence on the rack, and material value for money, is unbeatable.
It also has plenty of useful features even if it is some way off the lunatic fringe levels of tweakery to be found in Pioneer's SC-LX90, Yamaha's Z11 or Denon's AVP & POA A1HD combo.
But even drawing comparison to the latter pre-power marquee is praise in itself for the AV8003 and MM8003; for day-to-day home cinema and music entertainment the Marantz pair gets damn close in absolute performance to the Big D's reference standard – at less than one-third of the price.
A genuine AV bargain that deserves considerable applause.
Home Theatre Magazine
October 2008
Consumers expect improved build quality and meticulous circuit layout in separates, and Marantz does not disappoint.
It features a massive toroidal transformer, custom filter capacitors, and hand-selected components. The MM8003 also includes a copper-plated chassis, power distribution via copper buss bars, and ultra-bandwidth current feedback technology. This is the same technology Marantz used in its superb-sounding SM-11S1 two-channel amplifier that I reviewed in the May 2008 issue of Stereophile. You can access it online at www.Stereophile.com for a more detailed description of the amplifier’s superb sonics and sophisticated, wideband circuitry. Why all the fuss over power supplies? Simply put, the music, dialogue, and sound effects you hear result when the signal modulates the power supply output. The sound can only be as good as the purity and consistency of the power supply output. The MM8003 is rated at 140 watts per channel into 6 ohms (also with two channels driven), so the power supply is reasonably robust.
I was extremely pleased with what I heard after the Audyssey system configured my speakers for size, crossover frequency, and distance. It even checked individual speaker polarity and used the AV8003’s built-in nine-band equalizer to smooth out each speaker’s frequency response. If you choose, you can also manually adjust these parameters. But I didn’t, because in my opinion, the auto program was thorough, and the results sounded natural and seamless.
The sonic differences between the Denon receiver and the Marantz separates were significant. The combo produced the “off the surface of the speaker grille” phenomenon that’s familiar to audiophiles. (This could have occurred because this is a set of separates or because of Marantz’s amplifier expertise and sonic heritage.) In the two-channel world, better amplifiers present music that seems to float free of the speaker surface, while lesser amplifiers tend to paste the images to the grilles. The Marantz performed just as well with 5.1-channel material in this regard. In fact, its spatial presentation was far superior to the Denon’s.
This also usually translates into superior microdynamics. And the Marantz separates proved far superior to the Denon receiver in this area as well. Microdynamics refers to low-level dynamic shifts as opposed to the large-scale, loud ones we usually associate with the term “dynamics.” Less than adequate microdynamic presentation reduces music’s breath, suppleness, and believability. It can make you feel the need to turn up the volume to add more punch. It also tends to reduce both dialogue believability and intelligibility. In the Denon review, I referred to “the power and punch that only a separate, more powerful bank of amplifiers can provide.” The Marantz MM8003 doesn’t produce significantly more power than the Denon, or my reference Lexicon RV-8 receiver, for that matter. But subjectively, it sounded more powerful, dynamic, and definitely more supple and nuanced than either of those receivers.
Lowering the noise floor increases the dynamic range, produces better microdynamics, and improves low-level transparency. No wonder I could listen to David Gilmour: Remember That Night—Live at the Royal Albert Hall in Dolby TrueHD at very low SPLs and achieve full sonic satisfaction. The lazy ballad “Smile” features Gilmour’s acoustic strums and bottleneck guitars, a tactile pedal steel backdrop, and delicate drum brushwork. It’s fully realized through the Marantz at very low, wife-pleasing levels. Each instrument projected delicately, spatially, harmonically, and with transient clarity. Gilmour’s voice simply sounded more fleshed out and human, with more natural and delicate sibilant structure.
When I used the Denon, I felt the need to play the Gilmour disc loud to get the sonic picture to set up and gel through the receiver. With the Marantz, this wasn’t the case. It was possible to look and feel deeply into the picture at very low SPLs. Turning it up increased the satisfaction in ways that increasing the volume usually does. But the overall presentation did not change all that much. The overall delicacy and the transient clarity remained remarkably consistent. Sometimes a volume increase can harden or flatten the sonic picture, but the Marantz combo did not do that. It maintained its sonic composure regardless of SPLs with the material I listened to.
The amps in my Lexicon receiver produced more punch than the Denon’s, and the Marantz matched the Lexicon’s punch. It also easily won in every other department, especially high-frequency transient clarity, transparency, and resolution. The Marantz produced an airy, open, and extended yet sweet top end. It was far superior to the Denon’s top end, which was more reserved, closed in, and opaque. No wonder I often felt like turning the volume up to achieve greater sonic satisfaction—and the Denon is no sonic slouch. The Marantz combo produced complete sonic satisfaction at any volume I tried. It combined delicacy, detail, transparency, and a velvety overall sheen that never got in the way of grit when the material called for it. Although my Tannoy subwoofer is powered, the signal that the AV8003 sent resulted in bass that sounded more supple, subtle, better textured, and somewhat less mechanical than what the Denon receiver produced.
The Marantz AV8003 preamp/processor doesn’t offer as many bells and whistles as the flagship Denon receiver. But when I used it with the MM8003 eight-channel amplifier, it produced significantly better-sounding bells, whistles, and everything else. The combo’s high-frequency air, transparency, delicacy, and transient clarity rival that of typical high-end two-channel amps. But that’s not surprising, given Marantz’s long-term mission statement and its use of circuitry similar to the kind the superb-sounding SM-11S1 amplifier uses.
If the feature set meets your needs, you play a great deal of music (with or without picture) through your A/V system, and you aim to get truly superior sound, you should check out the Marantz. Assuming the video performance checks out satisfactorily and you’ve got room for two boxes instead of one, the Marantz combo is an excellent, easy-to-recommend choice. I doubt any receiver at any price can match its sonic performance.
Audio Video Revolution
December 2008
The dynamics and sense of rhythm were good and sounded much better than the amplifier in any of the audio/video receivers I have heard recently, another point in favour of separates.
While the eight times more expensive Halcro was better across the board, it should be. However, the Marantz was impressive as well.
The Marantz was extremely clean and detailed throughout the frequency range with only the occasional slightest hint of solid state grain or glare. No weird harmonics, unusual harshness, distortion, etc. Multi-channel music was handled with equal aplomb by the Marantz without any shift in sonic character.
The Marantz let Krall’s sultry voice shine through, the critical midrange had vocals that were warm and full with detailed and delicate backing instrumentals. The disc uses all five channels to reproduce the ambiance of the hall with good success. Listening to the album with the Marantz providing the power I had no problems closing my eyes and picturing myself there.
The notes were all reproduced with great accuracy and detail, I could close my eyes and tell who was hitting what without difficulty. However, closing my eyes was difficult as I found myself feeling as though I was there and kept opening my eyes to make sure I wasn’t going to be trampled in the mosh pit, truly an involving experience with a heightened sense of realism. It wasn’t just that that powerful onstage notes were reproduced realistically, but that the rear channels provided sufficient detailed information to place me inside the concert hall. What more could I ask for from an amplifier?
Finally, we get to movies. “I Am Legend” (Warner Home Entertainment, Blu-ray) provided many different sonic tests. There are many delicate nuances in this film, the way voices change when Will Smith’s character moves into different environments, such as inside to outside, the decay of the echo of rifle shots, etc. The MM8003 had no problem rendering any of this with ease. The mass evacuation scenes and the later interior fight scenes also provided the Marantz the opportunity to show off its resolving power in all channels yet with increased dynamics, again it was done with ease and good sense of involvement. Dynamics, the backbone of any action flick must also be reproduced well to keep the illusion real. Without giving away the plot, there are several scenes with explosions, animals and other dynamic sonic tracks, no matter how many channels were involved the Marantz had plenty of power to handle it while keeping the sounds discrete, detailed and realistic. Dogs, sounded like dogs, gunshots like gunshots, etc.
No matter what I threw at this amplifier it was quick, detailed and neutral.
Within the limits of its performance envelope, there is little to fault with the MM8003’s sonic abilities. It doesn’t have the same black background or level of nuanced detail as the world’s uber-amplifiers but it performed much better than I expected an amplifier to do at this price point.
Like the recently reviewed AV8003, the MM8003 provides great bang-for the-buck. Like the last Marantz amplifiers I had the pleasure of listening to, the MA500 mono-blocks (discontinued for several years), the MM8003 continues the tradition of musicality and value. This amplifier may not be the end all when if comes to microdynamics (although detail is extremely good) or iron fisted bass at full volume, within its limits it performs extremely well and its limits should be broad enough to encompass most systems.
What draws me most to this amplifier is its sense of involvement, it has a good sense of rhythm and pace while remaining neutral, reproducing vocals and instruments in an organic, non-mechanical way. The Marantz performed well with stereo sources and was outstanding on multi-channel material. No matter how hectic the soundtrack got, each channel was reproduced without compromise in performance. I have no reservations recommending this amplifier for theatre systems in small to moderately sized rooms (or larger rooms with 5.1 systems that have bi-ampable front speakers.
Marantz NR1501 AV Receiver Reviews
Home Theatre Review, March 31, 2010, Review by Brian Kahn
The NR1501 is priced on the lower side of the mass market, full featured A/V receiver price range. The Slimline receiver was designed to address the demand for a receiver that can fit into smaller spaces without sacrificing key features.
The Marantz NR1501 price and form factor make it an attractive choice for the casual buyer. Its capabilities make it a solid choice for those seeking a high performing product. The sound quality of this unit is refined and compares well with other similarly priced units.
I have personally purchased this unit for my mothers system. She needed a unit that would fit in a smallish cabinet, accept her HDMI and legacy sources, and be easy to use. This unit easily met her needs. I can easily recommend Marantz's NR1501 to anyone who is looking for a receiver with this feature set regardless of form factor. This receiver has been an easy to use, solid performer that is capable of playing the star role in moderate sized systems that can be found in most people's homes.Audioholics September 2009
Gotta have it!
Full featured, tons of inputs, and slim design all with the quality Marantz is known for? The NR1501 is really a no brainer for the fledgling Audioholic that is working within the constraints of an existing piece of furniture or a spouse's decor.
There are many convenience features with the NR1501. Other than the HDMI upconversion, you've got Marantz' proprietary room calibration system which will identify your speakers and set levels and distances. This is a real help for the uninitiated that don't have the skills, equipment, or desire to do this sort of basic setup manually.
Home Theatre Reviews
To better this unit you will have to leave the level entry class and step up to a much more sophisticated piece of kit, but then if you wanted to do that then you are looking in the wrong place to start with!
The Marantz NR1501 has plenty of connectors, so if you find your feet in the world of AV receivers and want to expand your home cinema experience, this little box is more than capable of taking it, plus you will get brownie points for bringing home such a natty little box that will not dominate the entertainment unit but sit quietly in an unassuming fashion and not spoil the decor of the room!
Home Cinema Choice UK January 2010
Feast your eyes on the brand-new slimline AV Receiver high-end favourite Marantz. Do not let the compact size mislead you, the NR1501 AVR still packs 7 x 50W amplification, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD N/A decoding and four HDMI inputs.
Marantz SR6004
Audioholics 11 June 2010
4 1/2 out of 5 Stars Performance / 4 out of 5 Stars Value
Excellent sound quality / Easy to setup and operate (main zone) / Compact and attractive design
If you're looking for a midpriced receiver with respectable power reserves and audio performance, the Marantz SR6004 is a top contender. It will deliver faithful audio reproduction to all but the most elaborate theater systems. Marantz didn't skimp like some of their competitors in this price class using either opamps instead of discrete power devices, or a smaller less capable power supply that wavers into low impedance loads or with more than one channel driven. Should you ever require more amplification, simply use the excellent preamp facilities of the SR6004 as they have plenty of drive and clean audio output to mate with any audio power amplifier.
We measured the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) at 1 watt power using no weighting for the worst possible measurement. It's important to know how quiet a product is at low power levels to ensure the noise floor of the product isn't masking sonic detail. A number greater than 60dB at 1 watt is acceptable while a measured response above 80dB is considered excellent or very quiet. The SR6004 yielded 82.9dB for the worst channel which is an excellent measurement. It's no wonder why the SR6004 sounds so clean and detailed at low power levels.
Good sound quality and looks are the two key selling points of this product which should appeal to any serious audiophile not able to commit to the expense and space constraints of full fledged separate components. Recommended!
Home Theatre Magazine (February 2010) - Top Pick: 4 1/2 star Performance, 4 star Features, 4 1/2 star ergonomics, 4 star Value.
Audioholics Online A/V Magazine (24 February 2010) - 2009 Consumer Excellence Award Winner. Category: Receivers & Media Systems > A/V Receiver
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