Marantz SR6003...How good is this one?

stangjason

I've made the jump and bought the Pioneer VSX-1120-k and I have 30 days to return it or just keep it. I can get a Marantz SR6003 for about what I paid for the Pioneer $560 but is the Marantz really any better? Is there another receiver better than what I paid for the Pioneer though I can return it and order it online for about $500 if I choose.

Apologies for opening a lot of threads but I find replacing my H/K 635 quite a bit confusing. I have to admit my first impressions of the Pioneer in comparison to my H/K is quite mixed right now so I'm going to set it up a bit more and get back to you on that.

Topper

I'm currently using the SR6003 in my home theater and its been great !! no complaints and music has also been top notch

engtaz

I like mine also.

mantis

It's a fine receiver no doubts there , better then the Pioneer ? Not in my opinion.

Sound quality wise between the 2 is very close so look at features and see which one is more suited for your personal needs.

BtrSound

Sound and Vision Mag has lab results for the Maratz SR6004, and they came out pretty good.

Factory Rating: 110w / channel

Lab Results:

1 channel: 141W
2 Channels: 128W
5 Channles: 98W
7 Channels 90W

I do like the feature set on the Pioneer 1120, but the lab tests came out less than steller on the only test I could find and that was on the Pioneer VSX-1019AH.

HT Labs Measures
Five channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:
0.1% distortion at 28.7 watts
1% distortion at 34.3 watts

Not good. I assume that the 1120 has similar results.

the lab tests were from Sound and Vision Magazine and Home Theater Magazine.

i know in HT it is rare to use all 7 channels, but I do like Multi channel for listening to music.

Has anyone run the onk 1007 0r 1008 or the Denon 3311 with the Rti a7's? If so, what do you think?

stangjason

BtrSound wrote: »

Sound and Vision Mag has lab results for the Maratz SR6004, and they came out pretty good.

Factory Rating: 110w / channel

Lab Results:

1 channel: 141W
2 Channels: 128W
5 Channles: 98W
7 Channels 90W

I do like the feature set on the Pioneer 1120, but the lab tests came out less than steller on the only test I could find and that was on the Pioneer VSX-1019AH.

HT Labs Measures
Five channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:
0.1% distortion at 28.7 watts
1% distortion at 34.3 watts

Not good. I assume that the 1120 has similar results.

the lab tests were from Sound and Vision Magazine and Home Theater Magazine.

i know in HT it is rare to use all 7 channels, but I do like Multi channel for listening to music.

Has anyone run the onk 1007 0r 1008 or the Denon 3311 with the Rti a7's? If so, what do you think?

Can you link this comparison? I currently have the Pioneer in my living room and I have to admit the surround sound is quite nice but at times I do find myself concerned about the fullness of the sound. I am replacing my H/K 635 which has little issue full sound.

polkfarmboy

Another avr thread ?? This must be thread 5 ...... you should start another 5 on the brands you have missed out

stangjason

polkfarmboy wrote: »

Another avr thread ?? This must be thread 5 ...... you should start another 5 on the brands you have missed out

Thanks for the count

BtrSound

stangjason wrote: »

Can you link this comparison? I currently have the Pioneer in my living room and I have to admit the surround sound is quite nice but at times I do find myself concerned about the fullness of the sound. I am replacing my H/K 635 which has little issue full sound.

I am currently trying to decide between the Onkyo 1008 or 1007 / Denon 3311, or possibly even the Marantz SR6004. I like the Pioneer VSX-1120, but the lab results scared me away.

Here are the lab results for the pioneer VSX-1019:

http://www.hometheater.com/content/pioneer-vsx-1019ah-av-receiver-ht-labs-measures

Denon AVR-3310 Lab Results:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/receivers/725-denon-avr-3310ci-71-av-receiver.html?start=3

Onkyo TX-NR1008 lab Results:

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/content/onkyo-tx-nr1008-av-receiver

Denon AVR-989 Lab Results (Precurser to the 991/3311):

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/content/denon-avr-989-av-receiver

Marantz SR6004 Lab Results:

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/content/marantz-sr6004-av-receiver-test-bench

stangjason

BtrSound wrote: »

I am currently trying to decide between the Onkyo 1008 or 1007 / Denon 3311, or possibly even the Marantz SR6004. I like the Pioneer VSX-1120, but the lab results scared me away.

Here are the lab results for the pioneer VSX-1019:

http://www.hometheater.com/content/pioneer-vsx-1019ah-av-receiver-ht-labs-measures

Denon AVR-3310 Lab Results:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/receivers/725-denon-avr-3310ci-71-av-receiver.html?start=3

Onkyo TX-NR1008 lab Results:

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/content/onkyo-tx-nr1008-av-receiver

Denon AVR-989 Lab Results (Precurser to the 991/3311):

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/content/denon-avr-989-av-receiver

Marantz SR6004 Lab Results:

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/content/marantz-sr6004-av-receiver-test-bench

I've read this but I have to admit after putting in a few movies like 'Up' and 'Iron Man' I was totally blown away by the surround sound. I was also watching 300 through my DirecTV HD box with just Dolby Digital and I was still impressed by the quality of surround sound it produced as it just blew my H/K 635 away. As far as music goes I'm still yearning for a good test drive because when it comes to music I think my H/K 635 has the edge thus far.

Oh yeah I my speaker set goes as follows RTi8 (front), CSi5 (center), FXi3 (rear) and HSU VTF-1 sub so I am still a bit concerned about receiver power being an issue.

BtrSound

my Denon 1911 sounds pretty good with the Rti a7's, but the volume goes from like -55 to 18. at about -10 the speakers start to really come alive and I never go past +10 to avoid clipping. While this is likely plenty loud for most, I am considering upping the receiver and adding an external amp. It seems like I am only using the rtia7's to about 50% capacity or so. I listened to many many speakers and I am really impressed with the A7's, but I want them to shine.

stangjason

BtrSound wrote: »

my Denon 1911 sounds pretty good with the Rti a7's, but the volume goes from like -55 to 18. at about -10 the speakers start to really come alive and I never go past +10 to avoid clipping. While this is likely plenty loud for most, I am considering upping the receiver and adding an external amp. It seems like I am only using the rtia7's to about 50% capacity or so. I listened to many many speakers and I am really impressed with the A7's, but I want them to shine.

I did notice that the VSX-1019AH only weighs in at 23lbs versus the 1120k which weighs in at 28.7lbs (feels like more to me) which leads me to think that maybe the 1120k has a bit more real power under the hood than just its rating. Maybe some of the experts on here will be willing to jump in here and give their insight.

rdb2001

I think which receiver is best for you depends on what sound you like. I currently own a Marantz SR7002. Before it, I owened the Pioneer Elite VSX-21. The elite is more dynamic and mor efoward to me than the Marantz. Marantz has more laidback/warm sound IMO. That works for me because I enjoy a lot of music. During movies, the Pioneer did have a little more dynamics than Marantz. YMMV

Glowrdr

BtrSound wrote: »

I like the Pioneer VSX-1120, but the lab results scared me away.

The one thing that I did notice in one of the bench tests that was mentioned, was this - "I note as always that such multichannel, in-phase signals essentially never occur "in nature" from music or movie soundtracks - only artificial test signals."

This was for the Denon I believe, and that bench had the same issue, in which it put out great numbers for 2 channel, but 7 channel it put out like 50 watts.

So does this mean that it puts out 50 watts of the most grueling sound it could muster? The statement I posted almost makes it seam like the degrading output is not as harsh as it sounds, since it was in a bench enviroment.

Unfortunately, I'm at work and it thinks the 1019 bench is an advertisement and will not let me view it. All of the others I can get to though. I wonder what the bench results are for the AVR635? I've got the 635 as well, and if getting the pioneer would be better all around, then I'm fine with it. If there is in fact going to be real-world power loss, then I think it would be in my best interest to either go into the SC line, or get the VSX-32 for the 12v remotes for future amping. Just thinking out loud I guess. I really can't afford any SC right now, but I don't want to regret not spending the extra couple hundred down the road if that's the best solution.

BtrSound

http://www.hometheater.com/content/pioneer-vsx-1019ah-av-receiver-ht-labs-measures

Here is a reposting of the link for the pioneer lab test. You can also go to www.hometheater.com and search for it. It also shows THD and clipping if you look at the charts. So it is not really "puttig out 50 watts of the most grueling sound it could muster?"

Also, I like to listen to my music in Multi channel. That does play all speakers and is why I care. I realize that for home theater purposes 7 channels driven all at once is fairly irrelevant.

stangjason

Glowrdr wrote: »

The one thing that I did notice in one of the bench tests that was mentioned, was this - "I note as always that such multichannel, in-phase signals essentially never occur "in nature" from music or movie soundtracks - only artificial test signals."

This was for the Denon I believe, and that bench had the same issue, in which it put out great numbers for 2 channel, but 7 channel it put out like 50 watts.

So does this mean that it puts out 50 watts of the most grueling sound it could muster? The statement I posted almost makes it seam like the degrading output is not as harsh as it sounds, since it was in a bench enviroment.

Unfortunately, I'm at work and it thinks the 1019 bench is an advertisement and will not let me view it. All of the others I can get to though. I wonder what the bench results are for the AVR635? I've got the 635 as well, and if getting the pioneer would be better all around, then I'm fine with it. If there is in fact going to be real-world power loss, then I think it would be in my best interest to either go into the SC line, or get the VSX-32 for the 12v remotes for future amping. Just thinking out loud I guess. I really can't afford any SC right now, but I don't want to regret not spending the extra couple hundred down the road if that's the best solution.

This mentions a little bit about the power output of the 635.
http://www.homecinemachoice.com/node/6012

Glowrdr

Thanks for the link. Interesting that the HK is rated for 75w/channel, yet it puts out 90 when driving all channels (5.1 at least)

That may (unfortunately) make an arguement for me to step up to the SC class. Maybe I'll be waiting for my tax returns rather than biting the bullet in the next week or so.

Just out of curiousity, it seems you are somewhat unhappy with the 1120. Is it the power that seems to be lacking? Or just a different experience than what you were expecting all together?

stangjason

Glowrdr wrote: »

Thanks for the link. Interesting that the HK is rated for 75w/channel, yet it puts out 90 when driving all channels (5.1 at least)

That may (unfortunately) make an arguement for me to step up to the SC class. Maybe I'll be waiting for my tax returns rather than biting the bullet in the next week or so.

Just out of curiousity, it seems you are somewhat unhappy with the 1120. Is it the power that seems to be lacking? Or just a different experience than what you were expecting all together?

No actually I love the 1120 so far but that's what scares me because I haven't had a chance to really turn the volume up on it because of my wife and children (3 month old and 2 year old). The one thing I've noticed about the Pioneer is that I feel more like I'm in the theater, actually better, vs the H/K which played music beautifully and loudly but left me wondering if I had it setup improperly as far as movies went. I can't help but wonder if I can't find something with more punch and the same kind of Home Theater feel my Pioneer gives me if I went with something else. Overall the Pioneer gives a very good sound during movies and I'm actually hearing sounds coming from the rear I've never heard before.

rdb2001

Stop wondering about how you had it setup. It was the HK period. I owned an HK before I owned the pioneer elite. The HK had a beautiful sound during music, but it was not as dynamic during movies. On comes the pioneer and it was a little more foward during the music but man the movies were so much more dynamic and had a better surround sound presence. Its not you at all, I just think the HK's are a little too laid back for movies but some like them. I definitely liked it for music. I feel like my marantz is in btw the hk and the pioneeer. Warm during music and dynamic in movies. It was the combo I was looking for. YMMV

stangjason

rdb2001 wrote: »

Stop wondering about how you had it setup. It was the HK period. I owned an HK before I owned the pioneer elite. The HK had a beautiful sound during music, but it was not as dynamic during movies. On comes the pioneer and it was a little more foward during the music but man the movies were so much more dynamic and had a better surround sound presence. Its not you at all, I just think the HK's are a little too laid back for movies but some like them. I definitely liked it for music. I feel like my marantz is in btw the hk and the pioneeer. Warm during music and dynamic in movies. It was the combo I was looking for. YMMV

Yikes I was listening to some music with my Pioneer and I'll go ahead say that music leaves a lot to be desired. I may have to reconsider keeping this thing despite the fact I'm thrilled with its features and theater like sound but completely disappointed when playing music :frown: . Maybe I'll give it another shot tomorrow when I can turn it up a little bit louder since everyone is/was asleep. I have my RTi 8s biamped with this thing and I realize that a lot of people say it's a gimmick and I must concur unless I'm doing something wrong maybe...120watts my ****#!

polkfarmboy

stangjason wrote: »

Yikes I was listening to some music with my Pioneer and I'll go ahead say that music leaves a lot to be desired. I may have to reconsider keeping this thing despite the fact I'm thrilled with its features and theater like sound but completely disappointed when playing music :frown: . Maybe I'll give it another shot tomorrow when I can turn it up a little bit louder since everyone is/was asleep. I have my RTi 8s biamped with this thing and I realize that a lot of people say it's a gimmick and I must concur unless I'm doing something wrong maybe...120watts my ****#!

Dude its an avr??? Who buys an avr for music and expects the kinda quality from a dedicated 2 ch rig?

Buy an avr for HT and buy a pre amp/amp combo for music

If you want decent music out of a HT rig then your gona have to buy an anthem D2 for %7500

Think of what your expecting from a cheap avr?

nguyendot

I told you it wasn't 120w for all channels driven. Why are you acting surprised? They sky is blue and the ocean is salty. Did I ruin any more surprises for you?

The options have been laid out for you. Choose to follow them or do your own thing. Don't complain.

tonyb

What mode are you using to play music ?
What source are you using ?
What cables are you using ?
...and please take it out of bi-amp mode, your feeding 30 watts to the top and 30 watts to the bottom like that, but in 2 channel straight up you'd get 110 watts.

blueboxer

tonyb wrote: »

What mode are you using to play music ?
What source are you using ?
What cables are you using ?
...and please take it out of bi-amp mode, your feeding 30 watts to the top and 30 watts to the bottom like that, but in 2 channel straight up you'd get 110 watts.

Man, I remember going through all those questions after hoping my Denon and Mythos system would be sufficient for all uses. However, I found out, as many have stated on this board, music takes so much more to really make it shine.

tonyb

blueboxer wrote: »

Man, I remember going through all those questions after hoping my Denon and Mythos system would be sufficient for all uses. However, I found out, as many have stated on this board, music takes so much more to really make it shine.

Well, everything matters. My pioneer sounded like arse for music too untill I changed out some IC's. Maybe the pioneer is not right for the OP,who knows, but you have to explore the situation, it's not just hooking up lampcord and away we go. The receiver has a vast array of modes and settings to get accustomed to.

polkfarmboy

blueboxer wrote: »

Man, I remember going through all those questions after hoping my Denon and Mythos system would be sufficient for all uses. However, I found out, as many have stated on this board, music takes so much more to really make it shine.

I agree

You could buy a cheap 2ch pre and amp and get better sound for music than you would buying a $3000 avr

tonyb

polkfarmboy wrote: »

I agree

You could buy a cheap 2ch pre and amp and get better sound for music than you would buying a $3000 avr

Yes and no. I can get a used B&k AVR507 for around 4-500. Be pretty hard to find a pre and a seven channel amp for that price to stomp it.
If all you wanted it was for music,you wouldn't buy an avr to begin with. Alot of people use one system for both HT and music. You can definately get good sound out of an avr, throw in an amp and even better. For music alone though,I'll agree on the pre and amp statement, though cheap doesn't really come to mind. I've heard plenty pre and amp combo's that sounded like arse too, but I blame system synergy and not the individual componants. Tubes is a whole nutha story too. In the end we all work within the confines of our wallets and needs, good sound can be had at any budget level.

mdaudioguy

BtrSound wrote: »

my Denon 1911 sounds pretty good with the Rti a7's, but the volume goes from like -55 to 18. at about -10 the speakers start to really come alive and I never go past +10 to avoid clipping. While this is likely plenty loud for most, I am considering upping the receiver and adding an external amp. It seems like I am only using the rtia7's to about 50% capacity or so. I listened to many many speakers and I am really impressed with the A7's, but I want them to shine.

+10 is too freaking loud.

Glowrdr

I know it's a little late, but the bench for the 1120-k is available now on HTM (unfortunately I cannot link to it due to my firewall not allowing me access from here)

But... testing is showing with 5 channels its about 47 wpc, and with 7 its about 39 wpc

gsxr141

from what i'm reading here, it looks like the 1120 is junk. is this true? everything else i've read on it, said it was a very good receiver.

stangjason

tonyb wrote: »

Well, everything matters. My pioneer sounded like arse for music too untill I changed out some IC's. Maybe the pioneer is not right for the OP,who knows, but you have to explore the situation, it's not just hooking up lampcord and away we go. The receiver has a vast array of modes and settings to get accustomed to.

Though my reaction was knee jerk last night as I was taken back by the tin can sound and lack of volume coming from my speakers my search for good sound from music is not over with this receiver. Oh and no I wasn't completely surprised by this because as mentioned by others the power rating by Pioneer for this receiver is surprising higher than it should be.

Do remember I'm coming from an H/K 635 that produced beautiful music with loads of power but a very mediocre home theater experience.