MARANTZ REVIEWS

Marantz PM6003 Review

2010-11-04T02:49:00.001-07:00

It all happened in a bit of a rush for the Marantz PM6003: First Test in October 2009 and a Best Buy Award less than a month later. After that meteoric rise, though, the Marantz has had an untroubled incumbency – until now it hasn’t had to formally face down a single rival.

It remains a good looker – streets ahead of most of the competition by the simple expedient of having some curved edges.

Specification is more than adequate, too, with 5 line-level inputs (incorporating two recording loops), a moving magnet phono stage, switching for two sets of speakers and defeatable tone controls. The remote control is as classy and comprehensive as the rest of the package.

Playing Nina Simone’s hair-raising version of Weill’s Pirate Jenny, the ’6003 is immediately and reassuringly impressive. The traditional Marantz two-channel virtues of detail, fluency and comfortable listenability are to the fore, but in the PM6003 they’re joined by a welcome injection of purposeful drive, dismissive dynamic agility and unshakeable solidity and focus.

Low frequency extension is considerable, the soundstage cohesive and the malevolence and glee in Simone’s vocal is delivered in spades.

Smooth yet authoritative
The Marantz integrates and separates each individual thread of a recording with cashmere smoothness, and has the iron-fisted authority to deal with the most awkward tempo changes and the steepest dynamic peaks and troughs with ease.

Undoubtedly the best way to listen to the Marantz is with ‘source direct’ selected; bypassing the tone, balance and (frivolous) loudness controls brings greater benefits here than with any other amp in this class.

Configured this way, the Marantz displays powers of insight and resolution that make its position as our current sub-£500 integrated stereo amplifier of choice completely justifiable.

So capable is the PM6003, in fact, that it’s forced a couple of very well regarded rivals down to four-star status and (just about) fended off an extremely spirited challenge from Rotel in the shape of the RA-04SE.

It’s not a huge leap of the imagination to see the Marantz in the box seat to achieve back-to-back Awards, and recommendations don’t come any less equivocal than that.

Marantz PM6003 Review

2010-11-04T02:48:00.002-07:00

I picked my PM6003 up yesterday and am very impressed indeed.

I currently have it hooked up to my Arcam Alpha 7se CD and MS 902 (not the i model) speakers.

The sound is very clear and involving; however when I play a CD (only tried one so far) the bass is quite heavy through the 902s (however I'm sure this is more to do with the speakers and there placement in my room).

I've also tried playing some LPs (using my Project Debut) and with this as the source the sound is fantastic and the bass much more controlled.

I'll get more time to have a listen over the next few days and provide a further update.

Marantz PM6003 Review

2010-11-04T02:48:00.001-07:00

I have been using Yamaha RX-V650 receiver along with Definitive Technology Pro Cinema 80 for more than three years. They worked great for movies and I was really satisfied with the performance but not when listening to music, you can notice that there is something missing and you are not thrilled and comfortable while you play music.

So I upgraded my front to Bipolars 8B and Marantz CD 6003 after I auditioned them on Denon PMA-1500AE at the HI Fi shop, but the performance was really disappointing when I hooked them on my Yamaha ??? Sonially the sound was improved but I didn't get even 25% of the deep bass, details and imaging as when the BP8 were hooked to this Denon, even when I connected my Subwoofer-as per the salesman advice who said that connecting the subwoofer will give better results rather than using an integrated amp-but I guess he was pretty much mistaken.

So I went again and I bought PM6003 after seeing the 5 stars on What HI-FI. The performance of the PM6003 is superb and more than satisfying; I haven't even expected to receive such a clean and deep bass from those speakers. The sound was very detailed, dynamic and lifelike. This amp pumps so much power that could really impress everybody in the room, even some say that it doesn't achieve good-level on high volume, but I have to disagree!!! I found this amp to perform so much better than the Denon PMA-1500AE which is price-wise more expensive than the PM6003. After all, it is a matter of taste, try to audition this amp and discover its capabilities before buying it. thanks

Marantz PM6003 Review

2010-11-04T02:45:00.000-07:00

The Marantz PM6003 stereo amplifier is exceptional value at under £300. It is an impressive feat that Marantz have managed to create such a well-rounded, good sounding and well-built stereo amplifier at this price. The PM6003 stereo amplifier is a classic in the making, offering exceptional performance and styling with superb build quality that is rarely rivalled.
The Marantz PM6003 stereo integrated amplifier will shine when used with a good quality source such as the Marantz CD6003 CD player, creating a convincing and realistic sound with plenty of punch. The PM6003 is one of the best looking stereo amplifiers in around and in our opinion one of the best built. The strong high quality chassis matches the PM6003’s high quality sound.

What HiFi? Magazine were impressed by the Marantz PM6003 stereo amplifier and even awarded it 5 stars in their review (October 2009 issue) and praised it for its “cohesive, inviting and easy-going sound, impressive insight and smart built”. They concluded that the Marantz PM6003 stereo amplifier is “up with the elite at this price level”. Feel free to call us on 01282 864048 for any further info on the Marantz PM6003 stereo amplifier.

Marantz PM7200 Review

2010-11-03T06:56:00.003-07:00

This is a really interesting amplifier. It's quite large and imposing, but handsome. It's well featured with inputs for phono (MM only), CD, tuner, aux (x2) and two tape loops. It can run two sets of speakers with independent switching of each. The remote offers power, volume/mute, input switching and system control. There is a 'source direct' button (the tape loops are bypassed), a headphone socket and a 'Class A' button. There are also inputs and outputs for a 'processor' loop on the back panel.

The amp in Class AB (normal mode) is pretty good, with decent power and a well balanced sound across the frequency range. The bass is a strong point, being bold and propulsive, although I found myself wishing for a bit more extension from my small Dynaudio speakers. The imaging is wide, but quite flat, as if all the performers are standing in the same plane. There is also a touch of thinness in vocals. I felt that maybe, in Class AB mode, this amp didn't really have the grunt to take control of my Dynaudios.

What makes this amplifier really interesting, though, is it's Class A circuitry. I don't know of any other amp which offered Class A amplification in this price range (except for this amp's predecessor, the PM-78). You need to switch-off the amp, press the Class A button, and turn it back on again to change to Class A (it's explained in the amp's manual). Power output drops from 95W down to 25W, but don't let that put you off.

When I started using this amp in Class A I was initially disappointed by the way the bass lost its propulsive quality, the soundstage also appeared smaller and timing seemed poorer. But after extended listening I realised that the sound was richer and unforced, bass now seemed to go unfeasibly deep and any harshness from my CD player was gone. Treble sparkled and cymbals sounded genuinely metallic. The soundstage, although narrower, now had depth and height as well as width. Vocals were more full-bodied, too.

I found that when listening to vinyl the amp's timing is fine, although through my CD player it's a bit 'slow' (that could be a fault of my CD player - Cambridge Audio CD4SE). While listening to this amp in Class A I was reminded of how music sounded to me when I was in a band. It really sounds natural, unforced and 'live' - you can get immersed in the performance and, thankfully, forget about its 'hi-fi' attributes.

As you can tell, I'm a big fan of this amp in Class A mode, but it does run hot and it's inefficient, so for the sake of the environment and your power bill remember to turn it off when you're not listening! Another drawback of the amp is a little bit of transformer hum (not enough to be heard over even the quietest music, however). The phono stage is also so-so (I use an inexpensive Pro-ject Phono Box which betters it), the speaker posts could be better-made and the headphone amp is just OK.

I've been lucky enough to own a couple of 'budget classic' amps over the years. The NAD 3120 had great control over speakers and the Pioneer A400 was a wonderful communicator, but I think the Marantz PM7200 in Class A mode adds another dimension over what these amps could do and is a rung or two higher up the hi-fi ladder. Well worth considering if you happen to be looking for this sort of amp.

Marantz PM7200 Review

2010-11-03T06:56:00.001-07:00

I have had this amp for just about 5 years now and I have never regretted buying it for one minute of that time. I have a modest system so I could never describe myself as an audiophile - Pink triangle PT1, Mission 774SM arm, Denon DL160 cart; Cambridge Audio 640P preamp, Marantz CD5400; Wharefdale Diamond 9.1 speakers. I listen to music every given minute that I can from when I wake to when I sleep and mainly vinyl though I do have as many CD`s as LP`s.
When buying his I had planned with several dealers to audition a few amp & cd player combinations - Cambridge Audio, NAD, Rotel and a couple of others.
This was the 1st and only one I listened to because I was just blown away initially by it`s looks and build quality but obviously overwhelmingly by it`s sound.
It is detailed, warm and musical.
It gives a lovely sense of soundstaging to any music with a clear and precise ability to give each instrument / voice / sample / rythm etc their own postion / space and at the same time tie them all together in a very balanced and coherent way.
It is almost delicate in the way it picks out detail and nuances in the music and draws these into the room but it is never bright, fragile or muddied and I have never yet found a track or style of music that the Marantz makes me weary of listening to.
A gent with a £10,000 NAIM / Linn system came round for a listen a few days ago and loved the sound and virtually every person no matter what they have at home has always loved the music it plays for them. Having heard all sorts of combinations of amps, preamps, power amps, speakers, TT`s etc this is the one amp that I would always want as the centre of my system.

In answer to the criticisms I have read of this amp:

1. No `attack`and becomes muddied at volumes at over 2 O`clock.
Maybe, and if I was running a bar or having numerous parties or wanting to blast my neighbours into submission then that woul be an issue. But I`m not. Like most people I live in an ordinary neighbourhood and turning the volume up to 12 or even 1 is enough. The sound is still quality.

2. No difference between Class 'A' and Class 'A/B'.
Rubbish. there is a clear difference and if anything it is more musical, delicate, detailed and at the same time stronger and refined than Class 'AB'.

3. The sound is 'coloured' / altered by the amp and it therefore has a reduced neutrality.
ALL hifi components influence the final sound that comes out the speakers. The pursuit of 'tonal neutrality`that replicates the original master tapes is folly, a fools errand and as big a waste of time as trying to use the Davinci Code to locate the Holy Grail. The PM7200 has a very refined, lovely, involving sound.

4. It runs too hot / hums.
It runs warm. Leave 2 inches clearnce over the top vents and its fine. There is a hum. If you turn the sound off, close all the doors and windows, and sit silently about 8 inches away from the amp you`ll hear it. However back in the real world where we use amps to listen to music you won`t hear the hum.

So if you are looking for an excellent quality amp for a home system then get a marantz PM7200 second hand becase you won`t regret it one bit. Wonderful. Can`t be faulted in the real world.

Marantz PM7200 Review

2010-11-03T06:55:00.000-07:00

The PM7200 is one of the best kept secrets in audio of the last decade. This well-made integrated amp has never ceased to amaze me since I purchased it new five years ago. In Class A, the music takes on a watery, tube-like sound and still provides plenty of solid state bass slam. The PM7200 puts out 25 watts of power in Class A mode and 95 watts in Class AB. It has a source direct option, as well as a highly resolving moving magnet phono stage. One would have to spend more than $4,000 dollars to find anything comparable to the Marantz PM7200 on today's market. It is a true budget beater and an audiophile's delight.

Marantz SR5500 Review Editor Notes

2010-11-03T06:54:00.001-07:00

Marantz America will not honor the warranty on Marantz components purchased from unauthorized dealers or on units whose original factory serial number has been removed, defaced, or replaced. When in doubt about a particular online or brick-and-mortar retailer, call Marantz at 630/741-0300. The Marantz SR5500 is one handsome devil--at least as far as A/V receivers are concerned--and its controls have the sort of look and feel we normally associate with higher-priced models. The 28.7-pound, all-black receiver occupies 18.25 inches of shelf depth.

Setup logistics were above average, thanks in large part to the SR5500's informative onscreen displays and intuitive navigation. The receiver's front-panel cursor controls were especially useful for scanning through AM and FM radio stations; however, we were a little less enthralled with the large, black remote, which isn't backlit and has lots of tiny buttons, making it somewhat difficult to use in our dimly lit home theater. The Marantz SR5500's "current feedback" amplifiers produce 90 watts on each of the seven channels, and its onboard 32-bit processor decodes all Dolby and DTS surround-sound signals as well as those encoded in Marantz's proprietary SRS Circle Surround II format. The SR5500 is one of the few receivers we've seen that allows you to set individual levels for each channel on its SACD/DVD-Audio inputs, including the subwoofer; as a result, properly calibrating your receiver will allow you to experience your high-resolution discs' surround balances as the producers intended them.

You also get Dolby Headphone processing, which is a big plus for headphone users because it creates satisfying surround effects over conventional stereo headphones. Unfortunately, accessing the Dolby Headphone setting isn't automatic; you'll first have to pull up the menu. In contrast, Harman Kardon's Dolby Headphone-equipped receivers (such as the AVR 635) are a bit more user-friendly.

Connectivity options are fairly complete: two of the five A/V inputs accept component-video sources, but Marantz didn't include any provisions for switching HDMI-equipped components. (One of the five A/V inputs is found on the front panel.) Audio connections include three stereo inputs, a set of 7.1-channel SACD/DVD-Audio inputs, 7.1-channel preamp outputs, four digital inputs (two optical, two coaxial digital), and two digital outputs (one optical and one coaxial). One conspicuously absent feature was onboard A/B speaker switching. To get sound in another room, you'll have to buy a stereo amplifier and incorporate it into a multiroom system using the SR5500's RS-232C port. The Marantz SR5500 will upconvert composite and S-Video sources (such as VCRs, game consoles, and non-HD cable or satellite boxes) to component video; furthermore, an adjustable delay maintains lip sync for all sources and video displays.

The SR5500's price tag is modest by Marantz's lavish standards, but the company offers an even more affordable entry-level model, the SR4500, for $429 (list). It's also worth mentioning that the Marantz SR5500's three-year warranty outdoes the more common one-year or two-year policies found among the competition. The depth and the clarity of the sound on the Flight of the Phoenix DVD was a special treat. The scenes inside the doomed plane put us in the middle of the action, and the roar of the engines added to the excitement of the crash scene. Watching the movie's cast suffer through the desert heat put us in the mood to chill out with the DVD of The Day After Tomorrow. The surround mix was unusually coherent--the tornado whipping through L.A.'s streets sounded frighteningly realistic as it sent cars and debris flying around our home theater.

The old-timey music accompanying the O Brother, Where Art Thou? DVD brought the Marantz SR5500's more subtle talents to the forefront. The Soggy Bottom Boys singing "I am a Man of Constant Sorrow" in the recording studio had a wonderfully natural sound.

We were eager to see if the Marantz SR5500's extensive SACD/DVD-A-tweaking skills would translate into audible sonic gains. Telarc's rousing Stravinsky The Rite of Spring SACD displayed a rich tonality and a big-as-life soundstage. The music's visceral dynamics took on power and majesty, especially on those feel-them-in-your-chest bass-drum flourishes. We don't expect that kind of performance from midpriced receivers; those 90 watts per channel made their presence felt. String tone was smooth, without any irritating harshness or glare.

To put the SR5500's talents in perspective, we arranged a head-to-head competition with Sony's $499 STR-DE998 receiver, but it was no contest. On paper, the Sony has a 20-watt-per-channel advantage over the Marantz, but the DE998 couldn't keep with the SR5500 when we blasted through Metallica's St. Anger CD. The Sony blunted the band's hard edge; its bass was looser, and dynamic oomph was lacking. The Marantz even trounced the Sony on that Stravinsky SACD; the Sony flattened the music's dimensionality, rendering it less enveloping and satisfying. The Marantz just sounded better on every count.

Marantz SR5500 Review

2010-11-03T06:53:00.000-07:00

It's been a little over two years, since I acquired this unit.

The sound is fantastic. This receiver can not be beat. I have not needed to â¬Stwiddleâ¬ý with the settings too much. I use a digital coax cable from the DVD output and set the receiver Surround Mode to Auto - which then defaults to whatever surround mode is selected from the DVD source.

I almost did not buy this unit, because, I had read that it does not have A/B speaker selection -- it DOES. You can use it for A/B if you do not have it set up in 7.1 surround. If you use 5.1 surround, then it will support A/B. I have set mine up like this, and have had no trouble. You can have both A/B running at the same time, and playing different sources (play the radio in the kitchen, while a movie is playing in the living room). You do not need an additional amplifier for this configuration.

I was also concerned because it was rated for ~only~ 90 watts per channel. Well - that ought to have been my least concern. I have yet to be able to listen to anything at full power (0dB) for more than 5 minutes, as it is extremely loud - even in a large room. This receiver is much louder than the 100 watt per channel JVC receiver it replaced, and a 100 watt per channel Yamaha I use in another room. Heat dissipation is not much of an issue. Even if run for long times, and loud volumes, it does not get unusually hot.

The downsides to this unit have nothing to do with its acoustic abilities. They are a) the physical size of it; b) input selector knob; c) FM reception.

Marantz SR6004 Review

2010-11-03T06:51:00.000-07:00

For the last 55 years, Marantz has made quality its number one priority. While other receiver manufacturers have often scrambled to be first to market with the latest, greatest features, Marantz has remained quietly patient, waiting out the inevitable bugs and limitations of brand-new technologies. The result of the company’s patience is a legacy of remarkably well-made, solid products that, to the delight of their owners, have a way of performing flawlessly for years and years. Today, Marantz offers a suite of state-of-the-art receivers that, true to its tradition, have been thoughtfully designed to offer today’s latest audio decoders and video processing in combination with their legendary high-end sound. Positioned toward the upper end of Marantz’s A/V receiver offerings, the $1249.99 SR6004 represents a tremendous value by offering uncompromised sound, incredible connectivity and an intuitive user interface in a very attractive package that is consistent with Marantz’s history of high style/high performance products.
A well powered and well constructed amplifier is, generally speaking, going to be heavy. Big power supplies, copper chassis’ and capacitors are weighty components, so it is difficult not to begin judging a receiver the moment you pick it up. The SR6004’s 28lb heft is admirable, but it is the fact that it is clearly concentrated in the power supply section of the receiver that is exciting.
The jet-black SR6004 is very attractive, as electronic components go. Marantz has always made elegant looking products and this receiver carries on that tradition. The remarkably clean face of the unit is suavely curved on the left and right hand sides, softening the appearance of this gentle giant.

Packaged with the receiver is one back-lit, multi-function remote control; a microphone for Audyssey’s calibration software; a Bluetooth wireless receiver; an antenna (or aerial, if you prefer); some batteries; and a user manual that is thicker than most state-history textbooks.

The Marantz SR6004 is very competitively featured. We immediately noticed four HDMI 1.3 inputs and two HDMI outputs. Component video and composite inputs are plentiful, but there is just one S-Video connection available and it is on the front panel. Marantz omitted the S-Video connection from the bay on the back of the receiver in order to reduce clutter increase ease of setup. We are extremely pleased to see that Marantz’s on-screen interface is output via HDMI (along with component and composite options), a convenience feature often overlooked by other receiver manufacturers. The SR6004 will upscale all video sources to 1080p and output it through one of its two HDMI connections using on-board video processing from i-chips. Another notable video feature is the SR6004’s ability to output a component video signal that is synched with the second zone audio output. This essentially enables the user to offer full A/V capability to two rooms with different sources simultaneously, so now you can enjoy DVD screenings of District 9 in one room while the kids watch SpongeBob in the other. Perfect!

The SR6004 offers all the latest audio decoders, including Pro-Logic IIz for “height speakers” that add to the vertical surround field for more realistic effects. You can enjoy uncompressed audio from Blu-Ray discs, hi-resolution multichannel SACDs, DVD-Audio… you name it, and the SR6004 has you covered. Marantz has even included their proprietary M-DAX processor to restore high frequencies to compressed music for significantly better sound from your iPod or iPhone.

Marantz UD9004 Universal Disc Player Review

2010-11-03T06:47:00.000-07:00

Marantz's newly released flagship UD9004 Universal Disc Player promises to be the answer for enthusiasts looking for a one box solution for nearly any type of five inch audio-video disc. The UD9004 is designed to do more than just play nearly every disc format available (other than the discontinued HD DVD format); it is designed to play each type of disc with reference grade quality and without the large compromises that have traditionally plagued other "universal" players. This type of performance doesn't come without a substantial price tag; in the case of the UD9004 the price of admission is $6,000. What makes the UD9004 worth $6,000 when you can buy another universal disc player for $500 or separate, high-end players for the formats you are using for the same or less money? Read on.

The UD9004 is designed to help those with a stack of components for each type of disc to simplify their system without compromising video or audio performance of signals from nearly any audio or video disc. One of the first things to catch your eye when you look at the brushed metal front panel is a pair of silver logos, the first one being SACD and the second Blu-ray. Marantz's Kevin Zarow states that this placement decision indicates Marantz's priority on placing audio performance first. By no means does this mean that video is neglected but it does give a hint as to the special care that was given to extract high quality audio from any source disc. I found this comforting, especially if this unit is supposed to replace several audio sources in a high-end system.

The UD9004 will play the following formats: SACD (Stereo/Multi), BD-Video (Profile 2.0) /-ROM/-RE/BD-R, DVD-Audio/-Video/-R/-R DL/-RW/+R/+R DL/+RW, CD, HDCD, CD-R/RW and MP3 / WMA / DivX (ver.6) / AVCHD / JPEG / Kodak Picture CD. If that is not enough, the UD9004 also has a SD card slot on the front panel and can read SD data cards with MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, JPEG, DivX, and HD/AVCHD files. The discs are handled by a transport that was custom designed by D&M for its premier players. This proprietary mechanism is exceptionally rigid, anti-magnetic, and vibration dampening and provides both noise and dust isolation from outside sources with its die-cast metal enclosure. This heavy enclosure also minimizes resonances with a double-layer top cover. All of these features help to ensure that data recovery can proceed with any disc in a stable manner with minimal interference. The better the data is to start with, the better the sound and picture can be. Even though this transport is shared with Marantz's sister companies, Denon and McIntosh, the Marantz UD9004 implements it in a different manner which sets this player apart.

Even before you touch the unit, its large seven inch wide, six and a half inches high and 16 inches deep chassis screams something special. When you pick up its 42-pound weight, the image of solidity is only further reinforced. There is much about the construction of the UD9004 that sets it apart from other disc players. Start with something as simple as the feet: the lacquered machine-milled solid copper feet were designed not only to provide a stable, non-resonant platform but also to lower the unit's center of gravity to further reduce vibration that could degrade data recovery or performance. A copper plated thick steel bottom plate forms the foundation of the Tri-box design chassis. Looking from the front, the chassis is made of three boxes: the left being the power supply box, the center for the mechanism and digital circuits and the right for analog. Each box is made of copper plated thick steel. Heavy reinforcing bars add rigidity and reduce resonances. A copper shielded power supply derived from the $7,000 SA-7S1 SACD player feeds the audio section with a separate power supply being used for video; both feed from a heavy, custom built transformer.

On the audio side of things, inside the isolated chassis compartment you will find four separate circuit boards: the first board handles the single-ended left and right front channels with signals from DAC 1. This board also has the power supply components. The second board handles the center, surround left and right channels with signals from DACs 2 and 3. The third board handles the subwoofer and surround back left and right channels and is fed by DACs 4 and 5. The last board handles the front left and right balanced outputs and is fed from DAC 6. The DACs themselves are 192 kHz/32 bit AKM model 4399s. Signal processing is performed by Analog Devices SHARC 32-bit processor which can either output the new high bit rate audio signals in their native bitstream format or can decode them internally and output them as a PCM signal. The stage-to-stage transfer of audio signals is handled by Marantz's proprietary HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) and HDAM-SA2 modules, which are said to combine the benefits of integrated and discrete circuits into one module. The UD9004 truly benefits from "trickle down" technology as designers of the UD9004 looked to Marantz's reference line of products and utilized some of the components and designs from the reference line. The care taken in the selection of parts and their implementation leads to an audio signal that boasts a reported 125dB signal to noise ratio, dynamic range of 112dB and total harmonic distortion of less than .0008 percent at 1 kHz.

The UD9004's video credentials are equally impressive. The UD9004 can output 1080p, 24 frames per second, 36-bit Deep Color signals. Silicon Optix "Realta HQV" processor provides all scaling for the HDMI output. This well respected processor can upscale any HD or SD source to 1080p. Video and audio signals can be routed through separate HDMI cables to minimize any potential interference. Analog video outputs have their own processors: Anchor Bay Technologies 2010 for component signals and Anchor Bay Technologies 1012 for composite and S-video. Video DACs are Analog Devices 297 MHz units, 14 bit for component video and 12 bit for composite and S-video. A plethora of adjustments allows the picture to be tweaked to your heart's content.

The UD9004's large back panel is well equipped with 7.1 single-ended outputs that are made out of solid machined brass terminals that are then gold plated; stereo XLR outputs; digital coaxial (also a milled, gold plated brass terminal) and Toslink outputs on the audio side. Video outputs include S-video, component and composite video; the latter two are also milled, gold plated brass terminals. The last signal connections are a pair of HDMI 1.3a outputs. Other connections include a two-prong IEC power plug, RS-232 port, IR flasher input and output, and Ethernet. Of note, all outputs are concurrently active, which allows the UD9004 to feed multiple signal paths at the same time, which can make system integration easier.

The industrial design of the UD9004 will be familiar to anyone who has seen any of Marantz's newer products. While the general aesthetics are shared across the standard and reference lines, the construction materials most closely resemble the materials from Marantz's standard line. The thick, curved aluminum panels of the reference line would have resulted in a disproportionate increase of price over performance. A brushed black aluminum front panel is framed with curved resin side panels. The slim disc drawer in the middle of the front panel is flanked by two small transport buttons on each side and below the drawer. Below the disc drawer is a display under which is a drop down door, which makes for a very clean look. Under the drop down door are some lesser-used controls and the SD card slot. The included remote is a slim wand style remote with an aluminum top panel and no backlighting.

Low Points
From using the Marantz UD9004 it is clear that the designers placed a premium on audio performance. A discussion with Kevin Zarow confirmed this priority. However there is one design choice that leaned a little too far towards the audio balance, the design of the remote. The remote is not backlit. I think this is inexcusable for a home theater source where, unlike audio sources, movie players are almost exclusively used in dark.

While we are discussing design choices, I would have liked to have seen a dedicated pair of single-ended stereo analog outputs in addition to the XLR outputs. One can use the 7.1 single-ended outputs if these aren't hooked up to a separate multi-channel system, which would be acceptable, but if they are connected to a multichannel system, having to use XLR to single ended adaptors is not very elegant for such a high-end player.

As the UD9004 is intended to replace many sources with one single reference grade unit, I would have liked to see the ability to accept digital signals such as those from a music server as well as the ability to stream video from services such as Netflix. I understand Marantz's decision not to include streaming, as they didn't feel such a low quality source was worthy of this unit (and it's really not) but in addition to quality this unit promises convenience, which streaming would have enhanced. The decision not to include a digital input so other sources can benefit from the UD9004's extremely good DACs and analog section is a bit more upsetting.

Lastly, the performance of SACDs via the HDMI output is crippled. While it's true that the UD9004's DACs does a wonderful job, part of what makes audio fun is the ability to experiment and try new combinations. Without the ability to output full resolution digital signals from SACDs this ability is absent.

Conclusion
The Marantz UD9004 can excel at all it does. I am not aware of another universal disc player that can match its performance on all formats at any price. Is it twelve times better than the Oppo BDP-83 for twelve times the price? Not for most consumers but then again this piece wasn't built for the mass market. Does the player sound noticeably better than the lesser priced universal disc players on the market? I think so. Is it worth the extra money? That answer depends on a few things. First, is the rest of your system capable of benefiting from a higher quality source? I would suspect that anyone seriously considering this product will answer affirmatively. Second, is audio performance critical to you? The Marantz's video performance is excellent. It's audio via HDMI is equal to any other player I have heard. Where it really excels and earns its place in a system is its analog audio performance.

As a CD/SACD player, the UD9004 isn't going to compete with five figure DCS and Wadia systems but it holds its own with players up to the mid four-figure range. In addition to getting an excellent CD/SACD player for about the same price as a player that plays only CDs and SACDs, the Marantz UD-9004 adds competitive DVD-Audio audio performance as well as video. In addition to all of the audio formats, the Marantz UD9004's video quality is the equal to the best-dedicated Blu-ray players I have seen with both DVD and Blu-ray discs. When you consider all of the sources the Marantz excels at and consider what it would cost to purchase those players separately, it is a bargain and that doesn't even include all of the cables you would save on and the rack space.

I don't know if I could recommend this player to someone who would only use it for movies via the HDMI output, as using the machine in this way does not let it show its true potential and you might as well save the money. However, if audio quality is important to you and your system (or even better systems (stereo and theater) can handle analog audio inputs, I think this player earns its keep in the finest of multi-use environments.

Marantz PM7001 Review

2010-11-03T06:45:00.000-07:00

Background with Amplifiers
My experience with receivers and integrated amplifiers has been decidedly low-end. My first receiver was a JVC RX-309 - far from the high-end audio of Marantz circa 1970, but not far from Marantz of 1993 when I bought it. My next receiver was a HUGE step up - a NAD 7100 from 1990. The build quality was head and shoulders above the JVC and it was able to handle my modest Polk r30s with aplomb. In fact, its modest 60 watts took those Polks by the horns. Unfortunately, the output stage went out on that amp twice in one year forcing me to 'upgrade'.
That is when I purchased the Marantz PM7001 from accessories4less.com for $400 plus shipping. A price I found reasonable at the time - maybe I still do. I was going to buy the NAD 720BEE from a web retailer for $500, but the lack of an internal phono preamp made it a cost-prohibitive move.

Let me tell you what is most different between the two - the build quality of the 720BEE was about ten-percent better and the power seemed to have a bit more oomph. But the Marantz was a bit more natural sounding. And that settled it.

Things I really like about the Marantz:
* If you like the gold trim, it really looks attractive and more expensive than its $400 price tag.
* Its 70 watts per channel is adequate in most instances - possible louder than the NAD 7100, but a bit less controlled in sound.
* Good price point when compared to the Pioneers, Denons, etc. on the market. $400 with a more-than-adequate phono stage is a steal!
* Marantz has a very good pedigree. From Saul to D&M Holdings, Marantz has consistently contended with the best on the market - even in the 1990s when everything was garbage, Marantz was considerably better garbage.

Things I really don't like about the Marantz
* The silver version is not available in the US.
* The blue light on the front is distracting.
* The bass can get a bit 'wild', uncontrolled.
* Feels a bit flimsy when compared to the NAD 720BEE.

Conclusions
If you are buying new, it is hard to beat at its price point. If you are willing to take a gamble on vintage, a Marantz 2270 would be a better receiver all around. One of these days I will do a review on that too. But, understand what you are getting. You are getting a 70 watt per channel integrated amp that does its job and will (most likely) do its job for years to come with little or no trouble.

Marantz ST7001 Review

2008-02-03T11:58:00.000-08:00

Now that Marantz is run under the same umbrella company as Denon (D&M Holdings, which also owns McIntosh, Boston Acoustics and Snell loudspeakers), one might perhaps expect some commonality of components and design between this and a similarly-specified Denon tuner.
Indeed, the specifications list of this model looks very similar to that of the Denon TU-1800DAB. And under the hood? Well, the same DAB tuner module resides in each, the same DAC, the same FM tuner module, the same mains transformer... and very nearly the same circuit board.
It's not quite identical - the odd component here and there seeming unique to one model or the other - but the similarities are marked to say the least.
Basic specs are exactly the same too - DAB, FM, MW, electrical and optical digital output from DAB, RDI, RDS on FM and squillions of presets. Build quality is respectable and the unit occupies a considerably larger case than the Denon, with slightly more fresh air inside. It's nice to use too, with manual tuning aided by the swift-responding rotary knob.

So should we expect the same performance? We don't want to jump the gun on our conclusions, but in the course of conducting the lab tests, we did find some component changes in the FM module that have some marked effects. By the way, almost all our listening was carried out before we realised quite how similar the two units were.
In the event, comments on the ST7001's sound tallied broadly with those on the TU-1800DAB but varied in enough specifics to suggest that the technical differences between the pair may not be so very trivial after all. That's on FM, anyway: DAB seems frankly indistinguishable in every way. But analogue radio, while it comes in loud and clear with considerable gusto and insight, has its own particular characteristics.
Most noticeable is the bass, which seems a touch more present through the ST7001. It's not any deeper, nor is its level obviously higher, but it seems a little more palpable and if anything, a shade more tuneful too. The extent to which this is obvious depends quite strongly on musical material and it's not that marked on most commercial pop radio. Subtler classical and jazz tones show it up much more, however.
In the midband, we thought the present contender behind the TU-1800DAB on detail and imaging, but no less lively. In some situations it can come across as more energetic, which we assume is due to the difference in the bass. Meanwhile, the treble is basically clean, but once again lacks some of the clarity and openness that the very best FM tuners can achieve.
As a result of those differences, admittedly not vast in the great scheme of things, we found this tuner to be more immediately appealing than the Denon, but not necessarily more involving to listen to in the long run.
With most pop music styles it scored about the same, but for classical, all things considered, it seemed a touch less convincing. All the same, it's clearly a perfectly decent budget tuner and a safe purchase for most lovers of the airwaves.

Marantz PM7001 Review

2008-01-27T02:40:00.000-08:00

Good ratings are relative. When i first got into hifi 35 years ago, I saw a lot of decent low end stuff getting a good rating, only to end up being very disapointed. That is because they are often comparing it to something else in the same price range; hence your experience with the Pioneer. The is always relative value and absolute value, and the audio press tends to speak in terms of relative value. It is only the occasional low priced unit that can seriously compete on the basis of absolute value (i.e., the NAD C320bee). Clearly, you are in Europe, for one reason is that we cannot get the PM7001 here in the US. We do get the PM7200, which as I have said sounds dull and lifeless. Yet, the PM7200 gets very good reviews in the European audio press, which makes me think that there is a significant difference in the sound produced by the European version as opposed the the North American version I have heard. Given the fact that the biggest difference is that the european model runs off 220v vs our 110v, and given that Eurpoeans are far more likely to buy an integrated amp (not a big market here in the US) which is to say the integrated market in Europe is more competitive,, I think the European version is simply a better unit because of a higher quality power supply. Thus, the PM7001 should probably be a pretty good unit, too. If you get it, please come back and post your impressions.

Marantz PM7001 Review By Customer (audioreview.com)

2008-01-27T02:39:00.000-08:00

Summary:For the money this is one of the best sounding integrated amps you can buy. It is very solidly built and well designed for a $650 integrated amp. Some interesting features are the input buffer circuit on the gold plated CD input which essentially allows for higher signal to noise ratio and channel separation on the CD input. I really think this integrated was made to be paired with the great sounding Marantz SA8001 SACD player which has a frequency response of 2hz - 50kz and dynamic range of 112db when playing SACD's. The special CD input on the integrated can handle the extra bandwidth. Also the chassis are exactly the same size and style. Fit and finish is very good and the only ergonomic grip I have is with the volume control. First, and this is nit picking, there is no light on the volume knob to let you know where the volume is set at. Second, using the remote, when you give the volume up or down a quick single press the volume ramps up or down several steps. I would have preferred a volume adjustment with smaller increments of change.
Strengths:Very well built Thoughtful design and features for truly good sound. Warm sounding yet very detailed and clean. Produces very low defined bass. At 70wpc it will drive most speakers efficiently. Special CD input buffer allows for use with high performance CD players. Tone controls work very well providing smooth increases in bass/treble. There is also a source direct mode bypassing tone and balance controls.
Weaknesses:No lighted indicator on the volume knob

Marantz ES7001 Features

2008-01-27T02:15:00.000-08:00

Sure, you want a custom built home theater, but either the layout of your house, your decorator, your budget, or your significant other won’t allow it. Maybe you just can’t run speaker wires to the back of your room. You’ve seen (and heard) “sound bars” before, but unless they were in the perfectly squared room, the surround effect just wasn’t that engaging, or it just plain didn’t sound good at all.Let me introduce you to the ES7001 system by Marantz. Designed to compliment nearly any display device, and to provide that “big home theater” sound in any room. The ES7001 (or SSX system) packs left, center, and right speakers, digital amplifiers, surround image processing with listening position optimzation, all in one very stylish aluminum enclosre. Did I also mention laden with features such as HDMI and optical digital inputs? System wide programmable remote? Wall mountingcapabilities? You can even get yours with the optional SW7001 subwoofer.Just set up your system by placing the SSX directly above or below your display device, connect your DVD player and DSS or cable box, and you are set to watchmovies complete with amazing surround experience. Maybe you prefer the sports channel and want that feel of the game with stadium like ambiance. Wherever your viewing preferences take you, the ES7001 by Marantz will take you there in style..... and in surround

Marantz ES7001 Review

2008-01-27T02:14:00.001-08:00

Jumping on the sound bar bandwagon, Marantz has unveiled its own one-box surround sound speaker solution at CES 2008. Having spent three years developing the ES7001, Marantz claims to have "ironed out" the bumps that have been an inherent flaw in many existing sound bar designs. Nicknamed the "Cinemarium", it sports three 32-bit processors, one used for Dolby/DTS decoding and the other two to implement the complex algorithms that produce "room-filling surround sound with ultimate accuracy and speed". Connectivity is taken care of by dual HDMI inputs and one out, along with three optical digital and two analogue phono inputs ensuring tremendous hi-def sound quality and eliminating signal loss. There’s also a subwoofer out that’s compatible with every brand of active sub. The Cinemarium does not tread the path of some rivals such as the Yamaha YSP range by creating a surround effect using walls to bounce the sound around. Instead it has developed a proprietary technology called OPSODIS (Optimal Source DIStribution) in conjunction with the institute of Sound and Vibration Research in Japan. Marantz is so confident of the Cinemarium’s sound quality in fact, that it says it can happily be used as a hi-fi system with hook up to a CD player or iPod incorporated.

Marantz ES7001 Review By Walker Clarke, Jr

2008-01-27T02:12:00.000-08:00

Marantz introduced their S.S.X. (Simple Surround Xperience) Soundbar at CEDIA 2007. The S.S.X. system (Model ES7001) features six built-in speakers in a simple and sleek surround sound package that’s ideal for use with flat-panel TVs in smaller living spaces or secondary viewing areas.
All loudspeaker drivers, amplifiers and digital processing technologies are housed and strategically arrayed in the ES7001’s single “soundbar.”
Most notable is the ES7001’s total ease of set-up, thanks in large part to its built-in HDMI repeating, which allows simple single-wire connectivity to source components. As soon as a DVD player, game system, cable box or satellite receiver is connected via HDMI, the system is fully functional and ready to perform. Additionally, very few adjustments are needed, as the ES7001 doesn’t rely on sonic reflection technology. Users simply turn it on and begin enjoying incredibly rich and lifelike surround sound from their favorite source component. The S.S.X. system Model ES7001 will be available in September 2007 for a suggested retail price of $1,299.
To achieve its unique and powerful audio dispersion and clearly focused surround sound image, the ES7001 employs 6 built-in speakers (2 tweeters, 2 drivers and 2 woofers) as well as 6 separate Hi-Fi grade digital amplifiers, each driving an individual speaker. Total power output is 60 watts (30W x 2). Another key to the unprecedented surround sound performance of the one-piece ES7001 is the sophisticated audio processing made possible by the inclusion of three built-in 32-bit Digital Sound Processors (DSPs), one for the system’s built-in DSP decoding, one for built-in Dolby/DTS decoding and two specifically designed to enhance the OPSODIS processing system.
Developed by the Institution of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) and Kajima Corporation, OPSODIS uses sophisticated digital audio processing technology to achieve a realistic surround sound effect by a variety of means. These include creating slight differences in the volume levels to a listener’s right and left ear, as well as subtle differences in audio arrival time for each ear and more. To further enhance performance, the ES7001 features HDMI Repeating (2-in / 1-out) facilitating a simple one-cable connection to a display device as well as ultimate purity in digital processing, eliminating signal loss. To provide yet another customizable audio option, the ES7001 features a special “binaural” listening mode, which recreates an intimate headphone-like experience without headphones.
For consumers who want to add an even more powerful layer of deep bass response to complete their S.S.X. surround sound experience, Marantz offers the optional SW7001 active 50-watt subwoofer (SRP: $349), an advanced and stylish subwoofer system that is perfectly tuned for audio symmetry with the ES7001. It features a DC-Trigger input for power synchronization, and front volume controls for total ease-of-use. AC Outlets for the ES7001 and source components add to the subwoofers flexibility.
For maximum flexibility and use with multiple types of flat-panel display devices and sources, the system features 3 digital audio outputs and two analog inputs as well as a subwoofer output and trigger output for the optional subwoofer. Featuring a sleek extruded aluminum enclosure, the ES7001 is designed for simple and quick installation in virtually any room or listening environment. Consumers who choose not to mount their flat-panel display on a wall may purchase Marantz’ optional system rack, the Model RM7001 (SRP:$699). Boasting a stylish piano black finish and space-saving elegant cosmetic, the RM7001 is designed to hold the ES7001 system on its top shelf and the optional SW7001 powered subwoofer on the bottom shelf and has room for several components such as a cable box, DVD player or a game console. The rack also is designed to hold a flat-panel TV of up to 50-inches for a complete home theater system. In addition, an easy wall-mounting option is available separately.

Marantz CD5001 Review

2008-01-27T02:09:00.000-08:00

In my search to find a relatively inexpensive two channel audiophile quality CD player, I had discovered that there were very few models available. It seems that the audiophile CD player market has narrowed down to either multi-channeled Super Audio CD players or VERY expensive two channel high-end players. For numerous reasons, I didn't want to spend that kind of money. The problem with audio equipment is that one can't blindly buy over the Internet without first hearing and comparing it to other models. Part of the equation that most buyers forget when reading reviews on a product is that everyone hears differently. What may sound good to one individual may not be acceptable to another. I finally chose three models and price points to review. They were: the Marantz CD5001 at $250, NAD C542 at $500 and Music Hall CD25 at $600. For the purpose of this review, I'll focus on the Marantz and point out the differences that I heard between the other models. The Marantz CD5001 is a good looking unit with a black brushed aluminum front with its name raised in gold color. It fits neatly with the other rack components with its dimensions at 17.8" wide and 12.5" deep and weighing in at 8.8 lbs. Its platform uses the latest CD transport mechanism and rigid chassis construction. The heart and soul of this machine is its Super Audio CD grade 192 kHz/24-bit Cirrus Logic CS4392 D/A converter. This is the least expensive CD player that I could find with a 24-bit digital-to-analog converter, but its linear format remains at 16-bit. The frequency response is quoted at 20Hz-20kHz, dynamic range at 100db, signal-to-noise ratio at 110db and THD at 0.0025%. The CD5001 features include CD-R/RW playback, CD text capability, pitch control, random/repeat play, record edit mode, auto music scan, remote control and a headphone jack which I'll review later. Its rear connections are analog L&R out and digital optical/coaxial out. The remote control is small but well designed and logical to use. My first listening experience was a head-to-head in-store comparison with the NAD C542 on the same audio equipment. I needed to know if the C542 was worth twice the CD5001's price. After a considerable listening period, there were noticeable differences. The Marantz had a substantially wider soundstage with a slightly better defined and sweeter high-end detail. Overall, the music had a more lively presence to it. On the other hand, the NAD C542 had a bolder bass presence verses the CD5001's taut response. While the soundstage was smaller on the NAD, its music seemed slightly richer. The reason for this could have come from the C542's separate power supply which does add to its cost. But after hearing a number of CDs, the CD5001's wide soundstage and sweeter detail had won me over. Further testing the Marantz CD5001 at home hooked-up to an Adcom 200 watt amp, Adcom preamp with monster cables and Martin Logan Ascent electrostatic speakers reaffirmed its smooth, sweet high-end response. The wide soundstage seemed to engulf me into the music and at times it created a near holographic experience. A great test CD came from Madonna's "Confessions on a Dance Floor." The electronic sounds were soundstaged on a huge level, like a tsunami wave, by moving from the far left over to the far right and occasionally remaining at dead center in a three dimensional manner. The thunderous bass rattled the house so much, I had to scramble to turn it down. The voice of Rod Stewart in "It Had to be You" literally swallowed the listener. The song has a well rounded bass pattern which the CD player executed perfectly and the horns were smoothly played. The soft songs from Norah Jones felt intimately in the room, while the new age sounds by Enya were larger than life. The Marantz CD5001 gave a sensational musical experience for its price. The biggest surprise was the CD5001's newly designed headphone amp with buffer circuit. In my home, I enjoy listening to music at late hours when the family is sleeping. I've had to use a Sony portable CD player with a pair of Bose QuietComfort2 headphones. These cans are the best! As good as they sounded on a portable CD player, I had no clue of what I was missing until the headphones were jacked into the CD5001. Not only did the sound quality rival the big speaker experience, but it also became addicting to hear the musical nuances that were missed by the main system. Finally, I came across the Music Hall CD25 player and was able to compare it directly with the NAD C542. The bottom line--it was no contest! The Music Hall outperformed the NAD in every imaginable way. Its soundstaging and instrumental detail was far superior. The musical nuances heard only in my headphones on the Marantz could be clearly heard on large speakers with the CD25. For me, if I was willing to spend $500 for the C542, I'd take the extra leap toward the Music Hall. However, for only $250, the Marantz CD5001 does not disappoint; plus, there is a sound processor that I use to bring the CD5001 into a similar realm as the Music Hall. It's called the BBE Sonic Maximizer. When added to your system, it removes the gray veil heard within the CD format. It reveals detail like you've never heard before and you'll feel like you're hearing deep into the music's soundstage. It took the Marantz CD5001 into an even higher level of music listening experience.

Marantz CD5001 Review By Customer

2008-01-27T02:08:00.000-08:00

I love listening to music, so when my Hifi stopped working I went ballistic. For some reason the music wouldn’t play, the power would come but the sound wouldn’t come through. I had to buy a new Hifi. I didn’t know much about buying Hifi, so I asked my brother to buy me one. My brother bought me the Marantz CD5001 from for around £230. When I found about the price I was shocked at how expensive it was.
The Marantz CD5001hifi is so value for money because; the quality of the sound that it projects is just so superb. The special features it has are:* Solid metal front and rigid chassis construction with a silver finish, which I just love.
* Quick Replay – So you can listen to your songs again with a fast replay.* Remote Control- RC5400CD – The remote control is just great, lots of features on the remote control.
* The Weight is 3.7 kg, which is quite light.* The Dimensions is (WxHxD): 440 x 89 x 317 mm .
The other special features this Hifi has are: * Cd Memory- Track programming feature
* Cd Text - Will show text on display with suitable discs * Cd Number Of Discs – one Number of discs the player holds
* Cdrw Playback Compatible - Will playback re-writable copied CDs * Optical Outputs- Optical digital output for digital recording onto MP3, MiniDisc or CDR
* Coaxial Outputs- Coaxial digital output for digital recording onto MP3, MiniDisc or CDR * The Hifi doesn’t have a mp3 playback but does have a MP3 music files that you can play.
In the past, a Marantz budget CD player would have been an automatic class-leader. The company churned out a continuous stream of top-quality machines and dominated the sub-£ 500 arena. In the last few years, it hasn't been so successful, but the arrival of the CD5001 suggests the good times are set for a return for Marantz.This is a player that has plenty of bite; don’t dismiss this player out of hand, though: it costs less money than its major rivals, yet can still deliver a hugely talented, even-handed sonic performance.
A lively and fun player; works with all types of music. The Build and finish are good, but some of the panels and buttons have sharp edges Verdict: This is a very fine CD player for the money.The CD5001 benefits from a solid metal front panel and rigid chassis construction. Not only do these enhance the style of the player, but improve its sound quality too.
Although an audiophile player, it doesn't skimp on features. Both coaxial and optical digital outputs are provided and there's also pitch control, a switch able display, CD-Text and a volume controlled headphone socket all as standard..Overall the CD5001 CD player employs the well known high quality sounds and digital-to-analogue converter and a reliable CD transport mechanism, delivering the highest musicality as well as convenient features. That is Why I highly recommend it to you all.xxx. If you love musice then you will love this product.X

Marantz CD5001 Review By Customer (audioreview.com)

2008-01-27T02:05:00.000-08:00

Summary:I used to wonder how much more a good CD player could do over a good DVD player. On advice from a techie at Marantz I bought their entry level spinner to go with my SR7500 amp and B&W 603 S3's. I had been using a Yamaha DVD-C750 for music prior to that. I thought because it plays SACD and DVD-A it would do the job. And it was. I just wanted a bit more. Well im stoked at the clarity from this player. Well worth the investment. I now spend more time than I used to in that room. Ive always been a music nut and now I have a great combination of goodies im becoming obsessed. My tastes are hard rock, dance and techno. Probably not what most audiophiles go for, so I can advise that this combination works extreemly well for it. Oh and by the way, try listening with a good set of headphones. That will scare the pants off you. Both my daughter and I heard stuff that we had no idea were on disks. As well as faint music on introductions some bands have a bit of talking etc and this CD player picks it up perfectly and deliveres it perfectly through headphones. Admitidly my headphones are Sonys designed for SACD frequencies.
Strengths:Performance in all areas. Sound, build quality, looks and value for money.
Weaknesses:Are you joking? Its not often that a peice of hi fi equiptment at this price totally floors you. This one did!

Marantz CC4001 Review By Customer (audioreview.com)

2008-01-27T02:03:00.000-08:00

Summary:I’m impressed with Marantz CC-4001. I was looking for a great-sounding CD changer with the capability of playing MP3s down the road (when my kids are older). I like Yamaha but the Yammy changer didn’t support MP3s and had only an optical output. I auditioned the Denon DCM-290 but didn’t like the controls (or the 1yr warranty). I realize that Marantz and Denon fall under the same corporate parent, but the Marantz and Denon use difference DACs. I also liked the Marantz front-console controls (easier to do random than the Denon) as well as the small remote.Finally, a 3-yr warranty was icing on the cake. It’s being played through a Yamaha tuner using the Marantz internal DAC. Speakers are Paradigm Mini Monitors. At first the music sounded a smidge thin, though precise and musical, to my ears. Then again, we were playing mostly Christmas music at the time (my Christmas present to myself). Now that I’ve listened critically I like what I hear. It’s hard to tell whether it’s break-in or just better source material being played. The sound is mellow and precise and musical, and there’s a nice soundstage. Bass is about right. The changer itself is a bit noisy, but it’s quiet once the track is selected. This unit is worth auditioning. At worse, it’s above average. At best, you might think (as I do) that this can hold its own with some units costing much more.
Strengths:Relaxed, musical, precise. I like the controls. And it's easy on the eyes with the aluminum face.
Weaknesses:None at this price.

Marantz SA8001 Review By Stereophile

2008-01-27T01:59:00.000-08:00

Most people are familiar, at least in outline, with the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale "The Princess and the Pea." In the story, the Queen decides that it's time for her son to marry, and the Prince—apparently a very fussy young man—decides that he can marry only a true princess, as measured by her sensitivity to small discomforts. It's like being an audiophile, but with peas.

One night, a young woman comes to the door claiming to be just such a princess. The skeptical Queen devises a test: She puts a tiny pea in the girl's bed frame, covers it with 20 of her finest eiderdown mattresses, and sends the girl to bed. The next morning, the young lady reports how poorly she slept because of that infernal object in her bed—by which she means, the Queen surmises, the pea and not something the Prince might have wielded in the night. The Queen is convinced that she has found her son the properly hypersensitive little bride. A wedding is arranged.
For those expecting a review of Marantz's SA8001 SACD player ($999.99), please be patient—I'm getting there. I've just spent several weeks doing my best to detect differences among three digital front-ends: the unit under review; Marantz's own, twice-as-expensive SA-15S1; and my Benchmark DAC-1 D/A converter (a more or less current version, with the recent Texas Instruments op-amps that some people say make the DAC-1 sound better than earlier incarnations). But weeks of comparative, level-matched listening through a decent system revealed only very subtle differences—so subtle that it took me weeks to gain any confidence that they were real. This is, of course, as it should be: all three are excellent players based on similar technologies (though the DAC-1's approach is distinctive) and playing the same discs. One would hope that they would converge on the same sound. Still, I can't help worrying that my conclusion—that they all sound very, very similar—won't sit well with some readers.
All this effort with so little return got me wondering: Are we audiophiles princesses? For many, it's a matter of pride to detect the tiny effects of, say, absolute polarity, or of a certain interconnect. Some brag about how intolerable they find, eg, "Red Book" CD playback, or the characteristic sound of upsampling.
But the Princess of the fairy tale doesn't make for a flattering self-image, which suggests a question: How can I be an audiophile without acting like a spoiled little princess? How does one demand quality while remaining the sort of person who, say, my grandfather—a gentle farmer who nevertheless could drown entire litters of puppies if he thought he had to, and meet whatever other challenges life doled out to him, save stomach cancer—would have respected?
You can probably tell that I'm in a reflective mood, brought on not only by my reviewing struggles but with changes in my life I won't go into here, and all of which have led me to reassess my audiophile values. My conclusion: Audiophile values should mirror real-life values.
I've concluded that the key to doing both—to discerning quality without acting like a spoiled little princess—is to take a certain approach. You mustn't force things or try too hard, and you must retain the capacity to tolerate, perhaps even savor, a certain amount of hardship and imperfection. It's great to be able to enjoy the latest SACD recording on your slick $50,000 stereo system, but unless you aspire to princesshood, you shouldn't lose the ability to enjoy an old hillbilly song on an AM radio. You don't have to give up your aspirations to be satisfied with more humble things.
Let's move on now to the component under review. But not to worry—I'll return to my digression shortly.
Marantz and SACD... Marantz has consistently supported the SACD format, a fact for which we audiophiles have reason to be grateful. That they've consistently priced their players fairly is another cause for gratitude.
Marantz's emphasis on value is part of the reason I've bought two Marantz players in recent years. I bought a multichannel SA8260 after John Marks gave it a glowing recommendation in November 2002 and John Atkinson put it in Class A of Stereophile's "Recommended Components." JM wasn't wrong—it was a fine-sounding player—but my SA8260 was fussy about what it was fed. Some discs wouldn't play at all; others seemed to require a rest and a reset before they would play. A search of Internet audio forums quickly demonstrated that I wasn't the only SA8260 owner to experience "ToC reading errors." I don't care how good it sounds—$1000 for a player that won't play a good many of my discs is not a good deal. I want a player I can respect and depend on. See? Real-world values applied to audio.
My next Marantz player, which I still own and enjoy, was an SA-15S1. It's a beautiful thing, silver with a blue glow, and very well put together. It sounds very good—smooth and lovely—and not once has it failed to read a disc. Yet its display window is very reflective, which makes the display hard to read except in low light, and it has the same kind of flimsy plastic drawer found in all but desktop computers and all but a very few expensive players. These two things together suggest a certain slickness; my SA-15S1 is a very substantial player, but for me, the designer's ratio of prettiness to utility is a little high. Still, it remains my current standard.
...and the SA8001 Which brings me, finally, to the player under review. The SA8001 is a two-channel-only SACD and CD player. It's less pretentious than the SA-15S1, decked out in basic black with a few pieces of faux-gold costume jewelry (name plates, buttons, SACD emblems). Technically, it looks pretty similar to the SA-15S1, and despite its lower price, the SA8001's specs are slightly better than the more expensive player's. The SA8001 has a toroidal transformer, whereas my SA-15S1 has a shielded, laminated (IE) type; toroidal should be better. They use identical DVD-ROM drives as transports. The SA-15S1's DAC board looks more elaborate, but both use 24-bit/192kHz upsampling designs (for "Red Book" playback) based on Cirrus Logic's 4397 chip.

My recent introspection and the trouble I had detecting sonic differences among the digital front-ends I had on hand motivated me to put together a set of criteria for the evaluation of digital players—one that's consistent with my outlook on life. The list is in no particular order; all of these criteria (except for the last, which I don't mention until the end of the review) should be met by any respectable digital player. Here's the list, with my verdict on the SA8001 for each point.

1. A player should play every disc put in it, assuming it supports the format.
Remember, we're reviewing this component like men, not princesses—and for men, utility matters. The SA8001 acquitted itself well by this standard. In contrast to its predecessor, the SA8260, the review unit never failed to play a disc I fed it. Discs that failed in the SA8260 worked perfectly here, including some live Grateful Dead performances recorded on cheap, transparent CD-Rs that other players choke on. So check item 1 off the list. A+.
2. A player ought to make its owner proud.
Aesthetically, the SA8001 is nothing special—about what you'd expect in a $1000 player from a company like Marantz. I regret their use of chintzy fake-gold metal glue-ons, buttons, and letters, which seem the sorts of things Hyundai would do to make a cheap car look like a Cadillac. And, as I've said already, I wish a transport with a better drawer were feasible. Otherwise, the SA8001 is solid, with a rugged power supply and good shielding. The bright copper screws and washers holding the cover in place are an especially nice touch—except that some of the screws had washers while others didn't. Not a big deal, but when you open the box for the first time you want your new toy to have all its parts, and attention to detail is important. I'll let the SA8001 pass on criterion 2, but give it a low pass: B–.
3. A player should provide most of the technical performance the format is capable of delivering, commensurate with its price.
This is largely a measurement question; we'll see what JA discovers on his test bench. But my ears tell me that the SA8001 is well engineered, with distortion and jitter below audible limits. The way it sounded, together with my past experience of Marantz electronics, leads me to predict that it will measure better than some much more expensive models. I'll give it a check and—tentatively—an A, as I await the measurements.
4. A player's ergonomics should be good.
A player should be easy to operate and do what its designer intends it to do. The remote control that comes with the SA8001 is well above average, with well-spaced buttons and a logical layout, and offers some nice control features that aren't found on a lot of other players. The layout of the player itself is sensible: simple and intuitive. The display, the brightness of which is adjustable, is much easier to read than the one on my SA-15S1. Because it's a two-channel player, the SA8001 has no complicated mode switching; and changing to the "Red Book" layer of SACDs was easy and quick. Give it an A for ergonomics.
I'll discuss items 5 and 6 presently. Time to return to the digression.
Zen and the Art of Audio Reviewing There are people in this world, apparently, who claim that "Red Book" CD playback sends them to the hospital. The hospital part may be urban legend, but it's common to hear analog-preferring audiophiles say that "Red Book" gives them headaches. That part is real.
I mean no disrespect—okay, maybe I mean a little disrespect—when I say that I think these people should have a neurological exam, or something, because clearly they have issues, medical or otherwise. Or perhaps they should bury their too-bright speakers, princess-style, under 20 or so eiderdown mattresses. I am no great fan of "Red Book," but it's been years, maybe decades, since I found the format less tolerable than much of the scratchy, abused vinyl on offer in most record stores. I'd rather listen to a 1950s opera performance with Maria Callas on a CD reissue than to one of those burlap-clad original LPs—talk about headaches.
Yet there's no denying that "Red Book" has a sonic character that sets it apart—and not in a good way—from the best of hi-rez, analog, and live performance. At its best, music, whether live or recorded, just floats there in space, a palpable sonic object you can observe at your pleasure. Take me or leave me, it seems to say, as it somehow washes over you and immerses you in the experience. But "Red Book" shouts at you; it forces itself on you in a way that's neither flattering nor pleasant. Stress ensues.
In trying to make our meanings clear, reviewers often overstate the case, and I'm doing that here. Fact is, I get a lot of pleasure from good music recorded on CDs. "Red Book" is a compromised format, but I can live with it. There's a pea under the mattress, but I sleep just fine, thank you very much.

Marantz SA8001 Review By Customer (audioreview.com)

2008-01-27T01:58:00.001-08:00

Summary:This review covers the new SA8001. Rrosev is absolutely correct - I also have an LP12 and the two sound remarkably alike. In the SA8001 Marantz has made significant refinements. Having had both 8260 and 8001 in my system, I can say the latter outperforms the former in all categories except transparency. Though quite good within their price class, neither machine is really all that transparent when compared to the best. But the 8001 at least has decent bass, timbre and dynamics, and reads TOC properly. The transport also runs quieter. The 8260 is a respectable $1K player, but the new 8001 tromps the competition. It outperforms the Rotel, comparably priced Vincent, and virtually all of the British competition, and is on par with most $1.5K-$2K machines. If weight is any indication of quality, this player weighs 17 lb and sports a toroidal power transformer much bigger than the measly e-core in the 8260; in fact it is almost as big as the one in the SA14 and SA11. The only under $1K player I prefer to the 8001 is the Jolida JD100A, but 8001 sounds flatter and has better bass. This has got to be the last word in solid state CD players under $1K.
Strengths:Good bass, dynamics; good soundstaging; absolutely neutral timbre; handsome cosmetics
Weaknesses:Confusing, cheap looking remote

Marantz SA8001 Review By Customer (audioreview.com)

2008-01-27T01:55:00.000-08:00