Question:
Hi folks,
I'm about to upgrade my current amp/receiver. I was looking to buy the Marantz SR5300 for £290 originally but then saw that the Denon AVR-1803 has very similar specs and is at £210.
As far as I can see from their respective specs, they are very similar and only differ in that the 5300 does 90wp/c. I've read good reviews on the Marantz but can't find any on the Denon so I'm a bit stuck. Are there any significant spec differences in both?
I'm looking to decide by this weekend so would appreciate any help from owners of both machines and any comments on their experiences.
Which is the better one and which shall I get considering the prices?
You Decide!
Thanks in advance,
Fred :)
Will you be listening to music with the amp? If so, the Marantz wins hands-down.
Originally posted by Radiohead
Will you be listening to music with the amp? If so, the Marantz wins hands-down.
Hi Radiohead, do you have the Marantz then?
Yup, I'll be listening to some music CD's fed from my Tosh 220e DVD Player. I currently have it running with my Yammy RXV620RDS and 5 channel sound mode sounds great!
Any other advantages?
The Marantz is good with music, but a bit safe with cinema sound.
Whereas the Denon is great (but a bit agressive) with cinema sound and ok with music.
Originally posted by Feroze
The Marantz is good with music, but a bit safe with cinema surround.
Whereas the Denon is great (but a bit agressive) with cinema sound and ok with music.
What do you mean by "a bit safe"? Do you mean that movie sound processing isn't as good on the Marantz?
The Denon movie sound is better than the Marantz, but can sound a bit harsh on some speaker setups. I.e. the treble can reach very high levels!
Originally posted by Feroze
The Denon movie sound is better than the Marantz, but can sound a bit harsh on some speaker setups. I.e. the treble can reach very high levels!
I have a Tannoy set of Speakers i.e. MC centre, M2.5 fronts and MR rears and a Sony Sub (not sure what model). Would this be a problem?
Another question, does both the Marantz and Denon have onscreen setups when connected to the TV?
Thanks :)
From what I remember, the Denon didn't really like the Tannoy Eyris range of speakers or speakers with the 'wide band' technology and some other one from KEF. But from what you've mentioned you should be ok :)
As for onscreen setups, I can't remember anything at all, it's been a fair while since I fiddled around with receivers/amps like these :confused:
I run the older SR7200, and it outperformed the Denon 2802 at the time.
Originally posted by Radiohead
I run the older SR7200, and it outperformed the Denon 2802 at the time.
Outperformed in what department? Music or Movies?
Both. Comprehensively with music, and with AV the effects steering was better than the Denon. With AV it was closer, but that fact that I'd be using it for both made the decision very easy.
I can confirm the Marantz does have on screen menu's...but not sure about the Denon. I must admit, the Marantz grew on me. I had mine up for sale (as you know...;) ) but withdrew it after watching Hero, which has a full bit rate dts es discrete sound track. Sounded stunning to me and still does. Music sounds pretty good to - for an av amp, but you may improve it more by buying an independent CD player. I use a Marantz CD 63 Ki and am happy with that, but music through my Panasonic S75 DVD player isn't as good. I can't quite put my finger on it, it just dosen't as good to me...
Cheers for the input Brian, I think that they may have stock now at £280 which is a bargain or if not I'll buy from Empire Direct and then do a Barclaycard Price Promise on it with the other site.
i'm leaning more towards the Marantz at this moment in time.. Unless someone else can vouch for the Denon? :)
Originally posted by BrianDay
I can confirm the Marantz does have on screen menu's...but not sure about the Denon. I must admit, the Marantz grew on me. I had mine up for sale (as you know...;) ) but withdrew it after watching Hero, which has a full bit rate dts es discrete sound track. Sounded stunning to me and still does. Music sounds pretty good to - for an av amp, but you may improve it more by buying an independent CD player. I use a Marantz CD 63 Ki and am happy with that, but music through my Panasonic S75 DVD player isn't as good. I can't quite put my finger on it, it just dosen't as good to me...
Agreed - I use a standalone Sony CDP930 CD player rather than my Panasonic DVD-RV60 player. With the Marantz it's a very good sound for the money.
And the Marantz looks better
Originally posted by jambo
And the Marantz looks better
Looks are not on top of the preferred list at the mo, most improtant is amount of features, useability(user friendliness) and most of all performance in Movie soundtrack processing and Music amplification. :)
Originally posted by BrianDay
I use a Marantz CD 63 Ki and am happy with that
Ah classy CD player, very nice :)
I have the Denon 1803 and its a great amp.
Can be had for £218 if you look hard enough.
try www.discounttv.co.uk
Originally posted by Captain_Chaos
I have the Denon 1803 and its a great amp.
Can be had for £218 if you look hard enough.
try www.discounttv.co.uk
Cheers for that mate, I think Empire Direct are also doing the 1803 gold for 199.99 + delivery which is why I'm asking if its any good. :)
What's it like with movies and the like, is the soundstage expansive and does the surround effects pan around the room as they should do? i.e. Does the sound tightly match the onscreen action.
Also, what's it like for playing music CD's through? Does it also have a 5-channel stereo mode?
Pls LMK.
Thanks :)
I've got the AVR 1801 and that has no issues with spatial effects or sychronisation.
It does have a 5-channel stereo mode, so although I don't know the 1803 specifically I doubt it will not.
If it is any help at all, I did a review of the AVR1801 a while back here (http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/index.cgi?html=y&id=reviews/hardware/denon1801a.html)
But, the bare fact is, trust your ears and get a demo if you can, don't listen to the magazine whores :D
As far as looks go, all I can say to that is wtf :confused: as they're practically identical.
Originally posted by Roy
I've got the AVR 1801 and that has no issues with spatial effects or sychronisation.
It does have a 5-channel stereo mode, so although I don't know the 1803 specifically I doubt it will not.
If it is any help at all, I did a review of the AVR1801 a while back here (http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/index.cgi?html=y&id=reviews/hardware/denon1801a.html)
But, the bare fact is, trust your ears and get a demo if you can, don't listen to the magazine whores :D
As far as looks go, all I can say to that is wtf :confused: as they're practically identical.
Cheers Roy, that's evened up the balance a bit but I'm still in a dilemma. The way I'm seeing at the mo is that both are really good machines. Just really looking at it now from an investment point of view. i.e. Which will last me longer in the long run?
Bearing in mind that the Denon is £100 cheaper! :nuts:
Help! :D
Well I can't see why you'd need to upgrade either for a long while, unless some new standard they don't support comes out.
I've had mine for nearly two years and have no intention of changing anytime soon.
The Tannoy speakers you have were one of the smoother sounding designs available, and for this reason, and bearing in mind the lower price i'd say plump for the Denon 1803.
The Marantz is very fine receiver, and overall has quite a flat response, though you might find that with your speakers the overall sound is a little bland.
If the speakers were brighter (eg Mission) i'd probably be recommending the marantz, but with the speakers you have i'd say the extra top end with the Denon would be no bad thing.
I'd disagree with that - Marantz and Tannoy traditionally partner very well, whereas the Denon has quite a warm sound. I reckon that the combination of Denon and Tannoy would be far too laid back to be exciting. The combination of Mission and Marantz would, IMO be the opposite and too bright and forward to be bearable over a long time.
The Marantz is definitely a less laid-back amp than the Denon.
I'm using the Marantz with Mission 77 series all round (774's on the front) and you'r right - it does sound a tad bright. But the Marantz has a cinema eq mode that tames the treble in the same way that THX processing does - and it does it very well to the point that I never tire of listening to it...:)
I'm about to upgrade my current amp/receiver. I was looking to buy the Marantz SR5300 for £290 originally but then saw that the Denon AVR-1803 has very similar specs and is at £210.
As far as I can see from their respective specs, they are very similar and only differ in that the 5300 does 90wp/c. I've read good reviews on the Marantz but can't find any on the Denon so I'm a bit stuck. Are there any significant spec differences in both?
I'm looking to decide by this weekend so would appreciate any help from owners of both machines and any comments on their experiences.
Which is the better one and which shall I get considering the prices?
You Decide!
Thanks in advance,
Fred :)
Answers:
Will you be listening to music with the amp? If so, the Marantz wins hands-down.
Answers:
Originally posted by Radiohead
Will you be listening to music with the amp? If so, the Marantz wins hands-down.
Hi Radiohead, do you have the Marantz then?
Yup, I'll be listening to some music CD's fed from my Tosh 220e DVD Player. I currently have it running with my Yammy RXV620RDS and 5 channel sound mode sounds great!
Any other advantages?
Answers:
The Marantz is good with music, but a bit safe with cinema sound.
Whereas the Denon is great (but a bit agressive) with cinema sound and ok with music.
Answers:
Originally posted by Feroze
The Marantz is good with music, but a bit safe with cinema surround.
Whereas the Denon is great (but a bit agressive) with cinema sound and ok with music.
What do you mean by "a bit safe"? Do you mean that movie sound processing isn't as good on the Marantz?
Answers:
The Denon movie sound is better than the Marantz, but can sound a bit harsh on some speaker setups. I.e. the treble can reach very high levels!
Answers:
Originally posted by Feroze
The Denon movie sound is better than the Marantz, but can sound a bit harsh on some speaker setups. I.e. the treble can reach very high levels!
I have a Tannoy set of Speakers i.e. MC centre, M2.5 fronts and MR rears and a Sony Sub (not sure what model). Would this be a problem?
Another question, does both the Marantz and Denon have onscreen setups when connected to the TV?
Thanks :)
Answers:
From what I remember, the Denon didn't really like the Tannoy Eyris range of speakers or speakers with the 'wide band' technology and some other one from KEF. But from what you've mentioned you should be ok :)
As for onscreen setups, I can't remember anything at all, it's been a fair while since I fiddled around with receivers/amps like these :confused:
Answers:
I run the older SR7200, and it outperformed the Denon 2802 at the time.
Answers:
Originally posted by Radiohead
I run the older SR7200, and it outperformed the Denon 2802 at the time.
Outperformed in what department? Music or Movies?
Answers:
Both. Comprehensively with music, and with AV the effects steering was better than the Denon. With AV it was closer, but that fact that I'd be using it for both made the decision very easy.
Answers:
I can confirm the Marantz does have on screen menu's...but not sure about the Denon. I must admit, the Marantz grew on me. I had mine up for sale (as you know...;) ) but withdrew it after watching Hero, which has a full bit rate dts es discrete sound track. Sounded stunning to me and still does. Music sounds pretty good to - for an av amp, but you may improve it more by buying an independent CD player. I use a Marantz CD 63 Ki and am happy with that, but music through my Panasonic S75 DVD player isn't as good. I can't quite put my finger on it, it just dosen't as good to me...
Answers:
Cheers for the input Brian, I think that they may have stock now at £280 which is a bargain or if not I'll buy from Empire Direct and then do a Barclaycard Price Promise on it with the other site.
i'm leaning more towards the Marantz at this moment in time.. Unless someone else can vouch for the Denon? :)
Answers:
Originally posted by BrianDay
I can confirm the Marantz does have on screen menu's...but not sure about the Denon. I must admit, the Marantz grew on me. I had mine up for sale (as you know...;) ) but withdrew it after watching Hero, which has a full bit rate dts es discrete sound track. Sounded stunning to me and still does. Music sounds pretty good to - for an av amp, but you may improve it more by buying an independent CD player. I use a Marantz CD 63 Ki and am happy with that, but music through my Panasonic S75 DVD player isn't as good. I can't quite put my finger on it, it just dosen't as good to me...
Agreed - I use a standalone Sony CDP930 CD player rather than my Panasonic DVD-RV60 player. With the Marantz it's a very good sound for the money.
Answers:
And the Marantz looks better
Answers:
Originally posted by jambo
And the Marantz looks better
Looks are not on top of the preferred list at the mo, most improtant is amount of features, useability(user friendliness) and most of all performance in Movie soundtrack processing and Music amplification. :)
Answers:
Originally posted by BrianDay
I use a Marantz CD 63 Ki and am happy with that
Ah classy CD player, very nice :)
Answers:
I have the Denon 1803 and its a great amp.
Can be had for £218 if you look hard enough.
try www.discounttv.co.uk
Answers:
Originally posted by Captain_Chaos
I have the Denon 1803 and its a great amp.
Can be had for £218 if you look hard enough.
try www.discounttv.co.uk
Cheers for that mate, I think Empire Direct are also doing the 1803 gold for 199.99 + delivery which is why I'm asking if its any good. :)
What's it like with movies and the like, is the soundstage expansive and does the surround effects pan around the room as they should do? i.e. Does the sound tightly match the onscreen action.
Also, what's it like for playing music CD's through? Does it also have a 5-channel stereo mode?
Pls LMK.
Thanks :)
Answers:
I've got the AVR 1801 and that has no issues with spatial effects or sychronisation.
It does have a 5-channel stereo mode, so although I don't know the 1803 specifically I doubt it will not.
If it is any help at all, I did a review of the AVR1801 a while back here (http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/index.cgi?html=y&id=reviews/hardware/denon1801a.html)
But, the bare fact is, trust your ears and get a demo if you can, don't listen to the magazine whores :D
As far as looks go, all I can say to that is wtf :confused: as they're practically identical.
Answers:
Originally posted by Roy
I've got the AVR 1801 and that has no issues with spatial effects or sychronisation.
It does have a 5-channel stereo mode, so although I don't know the 1803 specifically I doubt it will not.
If it is any help at all, I did a review of the AVR1801 a while back here (http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/index.cgi?html=y&id=reviews/hardware/denon1801a.html)
But, the bare fact is, trust your ears and get a demo if you can, don't listen to the magazine whores :D
As far as looks go, all I can say to that is wtf :confused: as they're practically identical.
Cheers Roy, that's evened up the balance a bit but I'm still in a dilemma. The way I'm seeing at the mo is that both are really good machines. Just really looking at it now from an investment point of view. i.e. Which will last me longer in the long run?
Bearing in mind that the Denon is £100 cheaper! :nuts:
Help! :D
Answers:
Well I can't see why you'd need to upgrade either for a long while, unless some new standard they don't support comes out.
I've had mine for nearly two years and have no intention of changing anytime soon.
Answers:
The Tannoy speakers you have were one of the smoother sounding designs available, and for this reason, and bearing in mind the lower price i'd say plump for the Denon 1803.
The Marantz is very fine receiver, and overall has quite a flat response, though you might find that with your speakers the overall sound is a little bland.
If the speakers were brighter (eg Mission) i'd probably be recommending the marantz, but with the speakers you have i'd say the extra top end with the Denon would be no bad thing.
Answers:
I'd disagree with that - Marantz and Tannoy traditionally partner very well, whereas the Denon has quite a warm sound. I reckon that the combination of Denon and Tannoy would be far too laid back to be exciting. The combination of Mission and Marantz would, IMO be the opposite and too bright and forward to be bearable over a long time.
The Marantz is definitely a less laid-back amp than the Denon.
Answers:
I'm using the Marantz with Mission 77 series all round (774's on the front) and you'r right - it does sound a tad bright. But the Marantz has a cinema eq mode that tames the treble in the same way that THX processing does - and it does it very well to the point that I never tire of listening to it...:)
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