Marantz SR6003 Review

rallyshark

I finally got the time to finish setting up my spanking new SR6003 receiver:o First things first, I love the clean look of it. All the buttons are hidden as are the usual DTS/Dolby/etc. logos(they are on top). All you see is two big knobs and a Marantz emblem on all black. All the newer goodies are there like true HD and such, and the HDMI switching is great to.

I have everything running through the receiver with only one HDMI going to the TV now! I control everything with the Harmony and have it set up to set the right inputs and settings when choosing an activity, so thats painless. The upconvert feature seems work well so far. It makes some things a little more tolerable I suppose:)

Just for **** and giggles I went through and manually set up the 9band EQ for each individual channel. Then, I ran the Audyssey set up to see how close it came to my "ear" calculations. I was amazed at how close the EQ settings were to mine:eek: NICE! It really helped out my crappy surround sound speakers and sub. Movies are on a whole new level now. I can only imagine what it would sound like with really good speakers! I'm much more picky when it comes to the music though. I use the 11Ts for music only so they are set up on front B, and I prefer to have the EQ off and simply use bass/trebel and sometimes pure direct for the 2 channel music. I sounds good and warm, but with surprising detail. It may sound a little too good though. I'm really starting to notice good and bad recordings now:o

I must admit the input set up was a little confusing at first, but it would have probably helped had I read the manual a bit more:D It took a couple "re-dos" on the harmony set up, but it's good now:cool: I does, of course, have the 7.1 out for when I actually have money to spend on good stuff and get some amps and speakers:)

M-DAX which is Marantz's solution to compressed music is a little iffy to me. On some things it helps on others it just makes it bright as hell. I still have a lot to understand in that area I guess:rolleyes:

The power on this receiver seems to be quite good so far. Keep in mind, I'm no expert here, but I try:D It's weird because it's so clean! Even at high volumes there is no hiss or anything. It's deceiving, because you don't realize how LOUD the music is until you try to talk to someone:D I can listen a great deal louder now without distortion, and the 11Ts have balls now. The people that have heard it so far(that don't know that much about polk) can't believe that there is only 6.5" speakers doing all that!

All in all, I'm very pleased with the SR6003. It seems like a good, solid little receiver with room for me to grow. I'm smiling every time I listen to it:D I know I still have alot to learn as I'm a relative newcomer to this audiophile type stuff, but I'm enjoying every minute of the process:) So there you have it, a newbie's review of the SR6003 from Marantz.

danger boy

hey I prob said this already. but congrats on your new Marantz AVR. They are and have always been good looking and sounding receivers. Not sure why they don't get much love though.

Sounds like you have yours dialed in now and it sounds really good. Like HK, I find that Marantz accurately lists their receivers power and don't over exaggerate it.

enjoy!

Terra S

I think this review would garner much more depth for us readers if you would use a lot more smiley's to express your emotion when describing the details. It's very hard for us to understand your real feelings unless you use LOTS of different smiley faces. And don't be afraid to use more than one in a single sentence. The more the better! :rolleyes:

cnh

Glad things worked out for you. I was looking forward to your review because I've been curious concerning the quality of recent Marantz receivers. They used to have the reputation of being a warmer, musical receiver but I'd read some negative takes on them a few years ago, so it's good to see that they're coming back.

Back in the day, they were one of the top lines!

Enjoy...and certainly think about some new speakers. If this sounds 'good' with that speaker set just imagine what it 'could' sound like!

cnh

LBrize

I was wondering if anyone knows if there are any differences between the 6003 and 5003 other than power output, as I've had my eye on the 5003 for a few days now.

P.S. anyone want to buy my HK AVR230? lol

engtaz

Congrats on your new receiver.

rallyshark

LBrize, The only differences I see are front USB input,dual HDMI out, it weighs slightly less, and 10 watts per channel. That's all I noticed from the quick look I just took at the SR5003. It has the same transformer etc. from what I can see. I would think it should have some good bawls. I was torn between the HK and Marantz myself. I've just always wanted a Marantz, and after a recent "situation" with an SR6001(see my other post"done with marantz/accessories4less"), they really won me over with their willingness to stand by their product and make small customer such as myself happy. I hope that helps:)

LBrize

rallyshark wrote: »

LBrize, The only differences I see are front USB input,dual HDMI out, it weighs slightly less, and 10 watts per channel. That's all I noticed from the quick look I just took at the SR5003. It has the same transformer etc. from what I can see. I would think it should have some good bawls. I was torn between the HK and Marantz myself. I've just always wanted a Marantz, and after a recent "situation" with an SR6001(see my other post"done with marantz/accessories4less"), they really won me over with their willingness to stand by their product and make small customer such as myself happy. I hope that helps:)

Funny thing, I have an HK receiver and am thinking about going with Marantz, as the 5003/6003 has Dolby True HD and DTS HD, and HDMI upconverting. Also, I have recently been wondering if the HK does make a good preamp/processor, as (if you've seen my other posts) I've had some problems with harshness and I think it may be the HK.

I'm going to look at the accessories4less post, because I was thinking about buying the Marantz from them.

bigred7078

rallyshark wrote: »

LBrize, The only differences I see are front USB input,dual HDMI out, it weighs slightly less, and 10 watts per channel. That's all I noticed from the quick look I just took at the SR5003. It has the same transformer etc. from what I can see. I would think it should have some good bawls. I was torn between the HK and Marantz myself. I've just always wanted a Marantz, and after a recent "situation" with an SR6001(see my other post"done with marantz/accessories4less"), they really won me over with their willingness to stand by their product and make small customer such as myself happy. I hope that helps:)

also the 6003 has the GUI and a front plate to hide all the controls

danz1906

Congrats,Marantz makes good stuff:D

rallyshark

danger boy wrote: »

hey I prob said this already. but congrats on your new Marantz AVR. They are and have always been good looking and sounding receivers. Not sure why they don't get much love though.

Yeah, I was thinking that myself. Most everything I hear about them is good reviews, especially their "sound", but everytime someone talks about getting a new receiver, It's usually an Onk/HK/Yami/Elite etc. etc.. I'm not saying that is always the case, but often. Maybe it's the features/price combo? I'm definitely not one to judge though, as my experience is limited. I thank everyone for your encuoragement and advice! I hope I can contribute sometime as well:)