Marantz AV8003 - looks like a winner...

[polkatese]

it has been out for a year, has all the HD processing, and DIRECT mode for 2-channels.

Anyone has one?

Thoughts?

[MikeC78]

I've heard of them having HDMI issues over at AVS, and a cheap plastic front facia? However, I do hear that the sound quality is great.

[NJPOLKER]

Any idea on the cost of that big boy?

[Face]

They go for about $2k.

I've seen it in person, it doesn't look that bad.

As for sound, I heard one earlier today. Something was wrong somewhere in the chain because it didn't sound that great at all.

[polkatese]

Face, what's the rest of the setup?

[Face]

Large Klipsch towers, surrounds, and sub, and Anthem amps. The source was a Blu Ray player outputting one of the new HD audio formats. The room appeared to be set up properly, but who knows how everything was cabled, how the pre/pro was configured, etc...

All I know is that I wasn't impressed. Mids and lower treble were muffled and upper highs were a little hot.

[polkatese]

Thanks for the update...

[bigred7078]

All I know is that I wasn't impressed. Mids and lower treble were muffled and upper highs were a little hot.

lol thats called Klipsch... That in itself is a trait of those speakers...not the processor. Its called Horn tweeters with no dedicated midrange lol

[mantis]

I tried to listen to it today. I went to Hi Fi house which is a Marantz dealer but they didn't have one on the floor or in the store. Needless to say I was not happy.

I want this to be the one but as usual I had to find a sort coming. It's a bad trait I have developed. It only has 4 total video inputs. It has 4 HDMI, S and composite assigned to 4 inputs. There is no one except a cd and tape. Then your out.
As a preamp coming from a receiver family, I expected alittle more. Maybe I'm going way to far with this perfection I'm searching for but I want 5 to 6 inputs.Take a good look at the rear panel in that pic. It's light on inputs.

I did however discover another. It's called Arcam V600. It's a receiver but from what I learned about it is that it can compete with up to 10k separates at 5 k asking price and it's loaded to the gill with 5 HDMI and full on board processing. No Auto cal so my cake isn't getting eatin. I'm getting beat.

Anyway I'm looking forward to find this Marantz and demoing it in person. Not with Klipsch. Thats not fair. Klipsch are a Niche type speaker that you can't judge other things connected to them unless you know them inside and out. I worked with Klipsch for years and I still have a hard time judging connected gear with them.

Dan

[mantis]

it has been out for a year, has all the HD processing, and DIRECT mode for 2-channels.

Anyone has one?

Thoughts?

So what do you think brother, should I roll the dice and get one? , test drive it for awhile and see/hear if it can have a home here in my rack?

[mantis]

Ok ok Ok I know but this is killing me....

currently I have 5 video sources and want to add another. So that would be 6 video sources. So here is how I see it right now.

1) cablebox HD HDMI 1
2) PS3 I run it to HDMI 2
3) Xbox 360 run it to HDMI 3
4) I get a new Pioneer Elite dv59 for SACD/DVD AUDIO over HDMI which is what I want to do and the soul reason I sold my Pioneer Elite dv47a to get rid of the 6 channel outs.
So already I'm shit out of inputs but not out of Ideas or solutions. I got tricks up my sleeve.
But the other kicker is I have a WII which I will break down and get the component upgrade for better video transfer. The kids love it so It's a keeper.
I want to add a Apple tv. I'm way into it and currently stream Itunes over Airport which would use up the tape in.
I want to pick up a dedicated cd player. My new job is stacked with killer cd players and I want to use the balanced in's.

So right out of the box I will max this preamp completely out. I could however not use the SACD over HDMI but thats a huge part of my upgrade.

So solution for my input problem.

HDMI 1 cable
HDMI 2 PS3 and soon stand alone BDP05 or 09 from Pioneer Elite
HDMI run a Key digial 4 in and one out Switch with IR and rs232 control for input changing. Now I can share HDMI 3 with up to 4 additional sources. This adds a few hundred buck to the overall cost of this preamp.
This setup allows me to use the WII as the 4th technically as far as the Marantz is concerned.

I'm just about willing to make the move and move into fully todays technology. I have had HD DVD and Blu for awhile now and never heard Full HD audio in my system.

So what do you guys think? Not to mention it has multiroom so If I decided to share a few sources, run some analog's in and run line level to my multiroom system, I can share a few things as I want. I'm also adding a MSC400 and a Universal mx6000 as soon as it hits the market. It has IR RF and IP control which I love not to mention they make a badass IP Ipod dock which you can use over IP and update, make playlists Sync with Itunes right from the base. And you can control everything with the mx6000. I'm so in on that Idea.
Currently I control my lights with Lutron and Spacer system all around the house. I have been considering Radio Ra or trying out the Universal's new Lighting control for the sheer hell of it. RF control instead of IR control. Again I'm in and love it. Radio Ra is still on the back wing as I want to do a welcome home and a full house control. I only do certian rooms of my house now with lighting control and want to do a full house system.
Control 4 was going to be my lighting control system along with upgrading my house audio system to control 4 but that didn't work out and I'm considering going full Automation with someone. Crestron , Elan , Homeworks , AMX I'm not sure but a lot is going to go on this year.

O and yeah the preamp.

Dan

[bigred7078]

mantis,

you can use all the HDMI inputs on the processor and also use a component input or two. The components can be scaled and output over HDMI. Problem solved :)

[WilliamM2]

Can't answer your questions, but a couple of points.

The DV59 does not do SACD over HDMI, are you refering to the DV-58AV? It does do SACD over HDMI. If doing SACD over HDMI, why would you go to the expense of the 58, which is known for it's great analog outputs? If using HDMI, the DV-48AV would have equal performance for a mere $99.

[polkatese]

So what do you think brother, should I roll the dice and get one? , test drive it for awhile and see/hear if it can have a home here in my rack?

Dan, is your co. carry Marantz? if yes, then the answer is HELL YES!!

if no, you still roll the dice and get it, so that you can update us, mere mortals, on what it can do.. :)

[mark g. nelson]

This baby is hard to demo my local dealer will order only if I buy(DAMN ECONOMY). $2100
I have been wanting to demo before I get a Integra DHC-9.9. Have you guys looked at the Integra and how do think it compares. I wish PE built a PRE/PRO I have always had their equipment, so this is weird looking at other brands.
I just feel its time to move up.
Thanks

[bigred7078]

This baby is hard to demo my local dealer will order only if I buy(DAMN ECONOMY). $2100
I have been wanting to demo before I get a Integra DHC-9.9. Have you guys looked at the Integra and how do think it compares. I wish PE built a PRE/PRO I have always had their equipment, so this is weird looking at other brands.
I just feel its time to move up.
Thanks

i have read back and forth things about the Marantz and the Integra 9.8/9.9

I know one member of another forum im apart bought the Marantz when it came out and loved it. But then he began to miss his 9.8 so he sold the Marantz and went back to the integra. I have also heard vice-versa like stories so YMMV depending on your system.

[ESavinon]

I upgraded from a onkyo pro prsc-885 which is a integra 9.8 to the marantz av8003.
The marantz sound better. Anyone want an onkyo pro 885?

[mark g. nelson]

thanks for the info.
Mantis,
I will be intrested in your thoughts when you find one. I will keep bugging my dealer to order one without strings attached. That Arcam stuff you mentioned is great my brother is running seperates from 2 years ago and he will be hard pressed to get rid of them. Sound is awesome.

[bigred7078]

I upgraded from a onkyo pro prsc-885 which is a integra 9.8 to the marantz av8003.
The marantz sound better. Anyone want an onkyo pro 885?

great to hear, thanks ESAVINON.

[mantis]

Can't answer your questions, but a couple of points.

The DV59 does not do SACD over HDMI, are you refering to the DV-58AV? It does do SACD over HDMI. If doing SACD over HDMI, why would you go to the expense of the 58, which is known for it's great analog outputs? If using HDMI, the DV-48AV would have equal performance for a mere $99.
You are correct , I posted the incorrect model number. I must be slipping.

[mantis]

Dan, is your co. carry Marantz? if yes, then the answer is HELL YES!!

if no, you still roll the dice and get it, so that you can update us, mere mortals, on what it can do.. :)
No thats what's frustrating. We carry B&K, Anthem , NAD , Krell and Cambridge for separates. We are getting Integra but I already know I don't want it. It's on paper exactly what I want but I don't like the sound quality of Integra. The whole try to do 2 channel and theater with the same system is my Achilles heal. If I focused on just theater, I think I could already have this done but as usual I want both.

Dan

[mantis]

mantis,

you can use all the HDMI inputs on the processor and also use a component input or two. The components can be scaled and output over HDMI. Problem solved :)
Yea I thought of that route and it would work but a side goal in my quest is to get rid of all analog connections and build a fully digital system. Goofy??? Yeah probably but it's something I wanna do or create. Not to mention the HDMI and Components on this preamp , there is only 4 total inputs for video unless all HDMI inputs can be separate inputs like Pioneer elite does, then I'm golden and all my problems are solved except the lack of more HDMI inputs which I can cover with a Key Digital Controllable switch.

Dan

[mantis]

thanks for the info.
Mantis,
I will be intrested in your thoughts when you find one. I will keep bugging my dealer to order one without strings attached. That Arcam stuff you mentioned is great my brother is running seperates from 2 years ago and he will be hard pressed to get rid of them. Sound is awesome.
My new goal today is find out if any of our reps also rep Marantz. If they do , I wanna ask for a loaner so I can demo it at home. Run the shit out of it and make sure this is the correct preamp for me.
I'm sure it's a pretty dam good preamp but my 2 channel goal is to at least maintain my Rotel sound quality or better it and I'm not sure if the marantz has that ability. Thats really the bottom line there. If I can separate my needs I would be so better off. But SACD or multichannel music is important to me. Concert Blu ray and dvd disc's are important to me. 50 50 for me music and theater.

[Face]

The whole try to do 2 channel and theater with the same system is my Achilles heal. If I focused on just theater, I think I could already have this done but as usual I want both.Get a separate 2 channel pre with HT bypass, problem solved.

[polkatese]

Go Dan Go! ;)

[engtaz]

The thing has a pure copper chassis. I saw but did not get to hear it. It sweet looking.

engtaz

[mantis]

The thing has a pure copper chassis. I saw but did not get to hear it. It sweet looking.

engtaz
Yeah man I'm feeling that 2.

[ESavinon]

My new goal today is find out if any of our reps also rep Marantz. If they do , I wanna ask for a loaner so I can demo it at home. Run the shit out of it and make sure this is the correct preamp for me.
I'm sure it's a pretty dam good preamp but my 2 channel goal is to at least maintain my Rotel sound quality or better it and I'm not sure if the marantz has that ability. Thats really the bottom line there. If I can separate my needs I would be so better off. But SACD or multichannel music is important to me. Concert Blu ray and dvd disc's are important to me. 50 50 for me music and theater.

You wont have an issue running the marantz for music or movies.
I LOVE IT FOR SACD/DVD-A.

[bigred7078]

The thing has a pure copper chassis. I saw but did not get to hear it. It sweet looking.

engtaz

i think this new Marantz design is downright effin sexy...

[mantis]

I didn't post this so hell here it goes....
I went down to World Wide Stereo and Video where I have always had the ability to check out what's hot and what's going. I went to the front counter and asked for my Fellow Soundex Buddy and he has moved on to another Store... I didn't know this , I'm a bit down but hey I'm here to see the new Marantz Preamp. So I ask about them still carrying Marantz and he said sure do. But no preamp....WHAT!!!!! They don't carry it in the store, they are being selective now with there products and had a scale a few things back. Damn... but hey You carry Rotel, lets go check out the new 1570... NO CAN DO, they didn't bring in any new Rotels in... DAMN DAMN!!!! Now I'm not to cool, so I said, ok lets go check out the new Excite series from Dynaudio... NOPE , they got dropped with Totem. So now I almost have no reason to be there....

I walked around the store and looked how cool and nice there store is. Pioneer Elite is everywhere, the SC09tx is sitting in the Pioneer Elite room so I was cool with that but I'm not in the market for a receiver.

Dan

[mark g. nelson]

Damn, Damn, Damn
Dan I was hoping that you would be able to find one.
My dealer is the same way.He can order it but I have to by it. All the local dealers are ordering only what they can sell fast. No specialty stuff at all. The economy is hurting bad with these guys. I told a guy the other day its not like a one size fits all approach with some of us, we need to see, touch, feel and listen..Then buy !!!
Keep looking I am.. Mark

[bigred7078]

Why dont you guys just buy them, that way you can hear them in YOUR enviroment on YOUR speakers.

Well unless your dealer charges for re-stocking fee... lol than that spoils all plans

[engtaz]

That stinks mantis. I guess now your going to have to go and the amp or pre makers site and fine somebody that actually has it. Sorry to here.

engtaz

[mantis]

That stinks mantis. I guess now your going to have to go and the amp or pre makers site and fine somebody that actually has it. Sorry to here.

engtaz
Don't worry, mantis always has back up plans..... Just hang in there.