Anything I should know before pulling the trigger on this Marantz NR1603?

[Stridulent]

http://www.amazon.com/Marantz-NR1603...eywords=NR1403

$500


It doesn't look like their is much difference between it and the new 1604 version. I don't need the extra HDMI port. 4K passthrough would be nice, but I don't see myself going 4K in the next couple of years. I will be using it with an HTPC.


Previously owned a Denon AVR-1712.

[bluskinsfan21]

low power and no pre-outs. Might be concerning in the long run, noting the price tag. The extra hdmi out may not seem relevant right now, but it most definitely will when you consider just how easy a projector set up can be...

[onyxbfly]

Seems like it doesn't offer much for the price. Depending on your location you can score a better deal from best buy by buying a floor model.

[Stridulent]

Originally Posted by bluskinsfan21

low power and no pre-outs. Might be concerning in the long run, noting the price tag. The extra hdmi out may not seem relevant right now, but it most definitely will when you consider just how easy a projector set up can be...

Thanks for the input. I currently run a projector setup and with the HTPC, it can handle a lot of the responsibilities (gaming, blu-ray, online streaming, etc) through that 1 HDMI port.

The NR1603 does have FL and FR pre-outs.

The low power is a concern. Audio quality is my biggest concern as I am not huge on the extra features. I watch blu-rays a lot, and I want the best sound quality I can get for the money. Suggestions for other receivers are welcome as well!

Originally Posted by onyxbfly

Seems like it doesn't offer much for the price. Depending on your location you can score a better deal from best buy by buying a floor model.

Any particular model that you would recommend?

[onyxbfly]

My friend has HK 3600. It sounds amazing. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Harman-Kardo...item5ae6b8778f

The Above mentioned HK is from their factory outlet store via eBay. They are factory re-certified units that come complete with original manufactures warranty.

The 1700 has some newer bells and whistles and is a lil cheaper but its on 5.1 http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-AVR-1700-Network-Connected/dp/B009HB2USI

This Marantz is very nice for the price. It does everything you need and willlast you for a while. http://www.accessories4less.com/make...specifications

For $50 more you ca get this Marantz with Preouts..... http://www.accessories4less.com/make...y-3D-4K/1.html

If you like what you heard in your Denon then you may like this model. http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html

Denon and Marantz have or rather used to have a distinct sound as IIRC Marantz makes Denon or the other way around. I forget who makes who and who owns who etc.

Onky is reviewed favorably as well. (I have one )

Basically I briefly went through the a few models in your price range that I thought offered the best bang for your buck. They also have Onkyos available. Many people from here have purchased from Accessories4less and the HK factory refurb outlet with very little to no complaints.

Hope that helps!!!!!!

[Stridulent]

Thank you for the great recommendations. I kind of like the idea of the HK 3600 being refurb, but still with full warranty. My one concern with it is the calibration microphone (as opposed to Audyssey). Did your friend use it? His thoughts? Did he have to do some manual tweaking after?


Thanks!

[Jim Hawkins]

Originally Posted by Stridulent

Thank you for the great recommendations. I kind of like the idea of the HK 3600 being refurb, but still with full warranty. My one concern with it is the calibration microphone (as opposed to Audyssey). Did your friend use it? His thoughts? Did he have to do some manual tweaking after?


Thanks!

+1 on the HK. Great deal based on the specs. This is coming from a proud Marantz owner.

[onyxbfly]

Originally Posted by Stridulent

Thank you for the great recommendations. I kind of like the idea of the HK 3600 being refurb, but still with full warranty. My one concern with it is the calibration microphone (as opposed to Audyssey). Did your friend use it? His thoughts? Did he have to do some manual tweaking after?


Thanks!

You are most welcome. That's what we are here for! I wasn't there when he set it up. But I'll drop him a text and inquire. I do know that we did some manual tweaking. But it was nothing extreme. I think he did not care for the way some movies sounded. I told him that not all movies are mixed the same and if 8 out of 10 movies sound good......

Well you know how that goes lol. But he's truly truly happy with it. Keep in mind that HK tend to be under rated. That 100W/ channel rating would prob measure like 125W -135W on a test bench.

[Stridulent]

The only thing keeping me from buying that HK is the lack of ARC and not having Audyssey, and that the system is a little dated :-/

[quickdraw]

I have the HK AVR-1700 which I picked up for $200 bucks, and have been totally satisfied with it. It has a lot of HMDI inputs (more than most in this class receiver) and it plays nicely with all of my components and PS3. Granted it doesn't have Audyssey, it does have it's own calibration system called EzEq, which works fine for what it is. Although it's a 5.1 system, I can't complain about it's performance at all and in fact have been pleasantly surprised at how good it sounds compared to my old Yamaha.

[onyxbfly]

Spoke with my friend and he said that HK has their own method of equalization which is called EZSetEQ (SP). Yes you are correct it is a bit older. I don't blame ya I don't like to spend money twice. I try to get the most bang for my buck as possible.

One of the downside of HK is that they tend to be late with implementing new tech into their receivers.

You would have to step up to a newer model to get some features that may be considered standard with other receivers within the same class/price.

Check accessories4less and the HK refurb ebay outlet and see what catches your eye.

Pioneer also has some good offerings in their Elite line up that fit your budget. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=pioneer+elite+vsx+43

I know, I know, choices, choices, choices lol its always fun spending other peoples money!!

[Stridulent]

Originally Posted by onyxbfly

Spoke with my friend and he said that HK has their own method of equalization which is called EZSetEQ (SP). Yes you are correct it is a bit older. I don't blame ya I don't like to spend money twice. I try to get the most bang for my buck as possible.

One of the downside of HK is that they tend to be late with implementing new tech into their receivers.

You would have to step up to a newer model to get some features that may be considered standard with other receivers within the same class/price.

Check accessories4less and the HK refurb ebay outlet and see what catches your eye.

Pioneer also has some good offerings in their Elite line up that fit your budget. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=pioneer+elite+vsx+43

I know, I know, choices, choices, choices lol its always fun spending other peoples money!!

Indeed. Choices. Thanks for checking up on your friend's thoughts.

[Stridulent]

I ended up buying the Marantz SR5007. It's sounding amazing. Still tweaking some settings. Thank you all for taking the time and providing some great input.

[onyxbfly]

Congratulations!!!!! You are welcome. You made a great choice. I know that you will enjoy it!!!