Receivers up to $800. Marantz or Yamaha?

[PaulJunior]

Hey,

I've decided to buy the B&W 683 Theatre speaker set but still haven't decided on the amplifier. I primarily chose the Yamaha RX-V765 since it is inexpensive and packs a lot of technology, but lately my dealer advised me to get the Marantz SR5004 instead. He told me that it sound a lot better than the Yamaha (even the v1065). I've only heard the Marantz so far but I'm not sure If I can't get a better bang for the buck at this price range, or at least similar for less. I've also read reviews that the Marantz SR5004 is disappointing. Please help me make up my mind

Thanks, Paul

P.S. Does the Marantz come with easy mic. calibration like the Yamaha?

[callas01]

Originally Posted by PaulJunior

Hey,

I've decided to buy the B&W 683 Theatre speaker set but still haven't decided on the amplifier. I primarily chose the Yamaha RX-V765 since it is inexpensive and packs a lot of technology, but lately my dealer advised me to get the Marantz SR5004 instead. He told me that it sound a lot better than the Yamaha (even the v1065). I've only heard the Marantz so far but I'm not sure If I can't get a better bang for the buck at this price range, or at least similar for less. I've also read reviews that the Marantz SR5004 is disappointing. Please help me make up my mind

Thanks, Paul

P.S. Does the Marantz come with easy mic. calibration like the Yamaha?

You dealer is right, the Marantz will be a better receiver, it will drive your speakers better because the power ratings on it are far more accurate then the yamaha. When the specs on the marantz says, 90 watts x 7 channels, it will give you 87.8 watts to each channel. The yamaha says 95x7 but it will probably be closer to 50 watts when all 7 channels are driven.

The marantz will be more musical sounding and IMO would tame a little of the brighter sound that the B&W 600 series has, and open them up a little more. All receivers have the auto cal feature now, I think...

Sounds like your dealer is giving you sound advise.

[PaulJunior]

Originally Posted by callas01

You dealer is right, the Marantz will be a better receiver, it will drive your speakers better because the power ratings on it are far more accurate then the yamaha. When the specs on the marantz says, 90 watts x 7 channels, it will give you 87.8 watts to each channel. The yamaha says 95x7 but it will probably be closer to 50 watts when all 7 channels are driven.

The marantz will be more musical sounding and IMO would tame a little of the brighter sound that the B&W 600 series has, and open them up a little more. All receivers have the auto cal feature now, I think...

Sounds like your dealer is giving you sound advise.

Thank you Callas. So the Marantz will be the best choice in this price range? (there are many more to chose from, like Denon, H/K )

[Steve]

When I bought my receiver the only brands I ended up considering seriously were Pioneer Elite and Marantz. If your choice is between Marantz and Yamaha I would go with the Marantz in a second and never look back.

[bkbluray]

Originally Posted by fireman325

When I bought my receiver the only brands I ended up considering seriously were Pioneer Elite and Marantz. If your choice is between Marantz and Yamaha I would go with the Marantz in a second and never look back.

+1 Marantz is definitely a cut above. Just got my 5003 delivered today from Accessories4less.com. Can't wait to hook it up this weekend!

I love Marantz

BTW, if you don't mind refurbished (with 1 year warranty), you can get the 5004 from them for $579.99 plus shipping. (They are sold out of the 5003) Nothing but great reviews for this site!

[PaulJunior]

Thanks, I think I'll go with the Marantz. I just don't get why it only has HDMI 1.3a, and what's the difference between the current 1.3b and 1.3c?