Marantz SR6001

[rallyshark]

This a follow up to "poor man needs receiver help" with some questions and initial impressions of the Marantz SR6001. I just got it all hooked up tonight. First of all a little history: I went from a HTIB sony receiver for surround and a mid 90s technics receiver for two channel music which was played through a pair of 11ts. I had these two receivers both hooked up to all the toys in the living room so I could use one or both at any given time. I did alot of research to find a receiver that would take the place of my two. Given limited funds, I didn't have alot of choices. Long story short, I went with the SR6001 and just finished hooking it all up(to where everything works anyway). I don't know how Marantz stacks up in the big scheme of things, but I would like some input on that. My initial impressions are much cleaner sound with alot more "bawls". Keep in mind I'm certainly no expert here. There are so many settings on this thing that I'm not sure I know where to start, but that won't stop me from trying! I'm very impressed with this receiver. It's really heavy and seems to have solid, clean power and nice looks to IMO. The shallow chassis is a definite plus as well. There is no doubt that this is indeed an upgrade for me. My biggest problem is in the details. Does anyone on here have one of these that can give me some pointers? What are the basic best settings for it? What HT settings do you find you like the best(PLIIx is my favorite thus far). I haven't tried running it in two channel without the sub for the 11ts yet, what's the best way to do that? I don't have the Audyssey mic for it yet(I did good to get the receiver), but I do plan on getting it next pay check. I haven't even attempted the 9 band EQ for the individual speakers yet. Anyway, these are my initial impressions. I would love to get some input from others that have a SR6001 or similar marantz receiver. I just need someone to guide me in the right direction here. It's like I have all these new options and capabilities here and don't know the best adjustments to make. Obviously, I need to spend more time playing with it and figuring things out though. Any and all input on this is greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[SEH]

I have one.

What are the basic best settings for it? What HT settings do you find you like the best(PLIIx is my favorite thus far).

I tried the different modes, and some of them are interesting, but I just leave it on Auto so it does whatever it gets from the source.

I haven't tried running it in two channel without the sub for the 11ts yet, what's the best way to do that?

Hit the p.direct button twice to put in in Pure Direct, turns off EQ and sets the speakers to Large.

I don't have the Audyssey mic for it yet(I did good to get the receiver), but I do plan on getting it next pay check. I haven't even attempted the 9 band EQ for the individual speakers yet.

You need the mic. I would let Audyssey have its way with the acoustic EQ unless you hear something that's obviously wrong.

[rallyshark]

I sure hope the Audyssey mic helps, because I'm getting a little frustrated:( I was able to get the HT settings to my likings(11ts are not used for HT), but I'm having issues with the stereo settings when I'm running the 11ts only for music. I just can't seem to get the sound "right". I really liked the sound with the Technics SA-GX790 receiver I had them running on before I got the Marantz SR6001. I assumed that the marantz would be even better, but so far thats not the case. It just seems bright, but in a way I can't explain. Maybe it's as simple as the center frequency of the bass/treble adjustments(not running in pure direct) being different from the technics:confused: I've tried adjusting the EQ, but I just can't seem to get it right:mad: I can't even sit and enjoy the music at this point, in fact, the sound is literally giving me a headache:eek: I've checked and double checked, but I can't seem to find any problems with wiring etc. Could it be that I just don't like the "sound" of the marantz:confused: Someone please tell me I just don't have the settings right:eek: Help:(

[SEH]

Marantz don't sound bright. Reset the unit. Maybe since it was refurb it has some weird settings.

[rallyshark]

I tried the reset. I don't think it is an actual problem with the unit. Maybe bright wasn't quite the right term to describe the sound. How about empty, hollow, something is missing. Maybe my ears need to adjust to the new sound:confused: I appreciate your input SEH. I wish someone else would comment on this also, you know, the more knowledge on a subject the better:D For some reason, I'm just getting no love on this thread:(

[VXR8]

I tried the reset. I don't think it is an actual problem with the unit. Maybe bright wasn't quite the right term to describe the sound. How about empty, hollow, something is missing. Maybe my ears need to adjust to the new sound:confused: I appreciate your input SEH. I wish someone else would comment on this also, you know, the more knowledge on a subject the better:D For some reason, I'm just getting no love on this thread:(

As SEH says, you need the mic. I had an SR8001 and it sounded "full" in 2 channel. I now have a Denon 3808 and it too sounded tinny on 2 channel, until I ran Audyssey - a night and day difference. Good luck with it, Marantz is good stuff.

[SEH]

How about empty, hollow, something is missing.

Check for speakers out of phase? Other than that, I don't know. Try avsforum.com for more Marantz owner comments.

[rallyshark]

Thanks guys! I'm getting little more used to the sound now that I've played with it more. I plan on ordering the Audyssey mic friday:D