Marantz AV9000 pre/pro....initial thoughts (long post)
04-03-00 | 02:10 AM
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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
If anybody cares of course...
I had the pleasure of test driving this unit, along with an Anthem MCA 5 (200x5) power amp at home for a day.
Pros:
1. extremely easy to use- I am familiar with Marantz receivers so maybe that's why.
2. extremely easy to setup- OSD makes it a "no-brainer"
3. very flexible- all the usual + component video switching
4. DD sounds awesome- don't have a DTS disc but I am sure it'll be even better
5. The remote of the Gods
Cons:
1. Most importantly, on-board DAC for stereo does not live up to my expectations for a $2500cdn pre/pro. It was just shy of my Arcam Alpha 7 cd player ($800). I connected both analog and coax dig out to the AV9000 and was able to quickly switch between the two, so the comparision was easy. Although, the Marantz clearly smoked the DAC in my Tosh 2108 DVD player, so anyone who uses their DVD player for cd playback would probably find the sound very satisfying.
2. feels kinda lightweight, but it is handsome.
The combo was compared to a Marantz SR770 receiver + Yamaha DDP2 DD decoder. Audioquest cables all around. Paradigm Ref Studio 60 v.1, Paradigm Ref LCR450 for center, Paradigm Titans in the back, Mirage BPS150i sub.
Movies soundtracks was far more enveloping. Fronts and rears, for the first time to my ears, blended seamlessly, an effect I've never fully realized with receivers. And I have spent countless hours fidgeting with surround placement! The opening meteor since in Armageddon was more dynamic, less muddy, and the choas was more "real". It was my first time comparing receivers and separates and I didn't know what to expect. I have always found evaluating components with movies difficult because there's too much going on, unlike stereo. Honestly, I wasn't sure if I could tell. Until I tried it of course! I am convinced that separates is just a whole new beast! BUT......... I'm not going to buy this piece because I've found something better (esp. w/ regards to the on-board DAC) for the same price. I'll post a review for it later, but in the meantime, take a guess at what it might be!
Oh yeah, the amp is great by the way. I also used it with my receiver as a preamp and I loved the improvements. I ended buying its 3 channel sibling. Thanks so much for reading this long post.
I had the pleasure of test driving this unit, along with an Anthem MCA 5 (200x5) power amp at home for a day.
Pros:
1. extremely easy to use- I am familiar with Marantz receivers so maybe that's why.
2. extremely easy to setup- OSD makes it a "no-brainer"
3. very flexible- all the usual + component video switching
4. DD sounds awesome- don't have a DTS disc but I am sure it'll be even better
5. The remote of the Gods
Cons:
1. Most importantly, on-board DAC for stereo does not live up to my expectations for a $2500cdn pre/pro. It was just shy of my Arcam Alpha 7 cd player ($800). I connected both analog and coax dig out to the AV9000 and was able to quickly switch between the two, so the comparision was easy. Although, the Marantz clearly smoked the DAC in my Tosh 2108 DVD player, so anyone who uses their DVD player for cd playback would probably find the sound very satisfying.
2. feels kinda lightweight, but it is handsome.
The combo was compared to a Marantz SR770 receiver + Yamaha DDP2 DD decoder. Audioquest cables all around. Paradigm Ref Studio 60 v.1, Paradigm Ref LCR450 for center, Paradigm Titans in the back, Mirage BPS150i sub.
Movies soundtracks was far more enveloping. Fronts and rears, for the first time to my ears, blended seamlessly, an effect I've never fully realized with receivers. And I have spent countless hours fidgeting with surround placement! The opening meteor since in Armageddon was more dynamic, less muddy, and the choas was more "real". It was my first time comparing receivers and separates and I didn't know what to expect. I have always found evaluating components with movies difficult because there's too much going on, unlike stereo. Honestly, I wasn't sure if I could tell. Until I tried it of course! I am convinced that separates is just a whole new beast! BUT......... I'm not going to buy this piece because I've found something better (esp. w/ regards to the on-board DAC) for the same price. I'll post a review for it later, but in the meantime, take a guess at what it might be!
Oh yeah, the amp is great by the way. I also used it with my receiver as a preamp and I loved the improvements. I ended buying its 3 channel sibling. Thanks so much for reading this long post.
