Just out of curiosity...

[CarlDW]

I have had my Marantz MCR611/Dali Zensor 3 set up for just over 5 months now. I am still very much enjoying it - but what I have noticed is that I am not using all of the functionality that it has to offer.

I mainly play CD's and use the analogue input for my phone/MP3 player... and that's it. I have yet to use the internet radio, server, DAB or bluetooth features. So I have been wondering if the extra features are wasted for my needs - and would a more 'traditional' seperates set up suit me better, particularly sound wise?

For example - as I like the Marantz/Dali sound, would the Marantz CD6006 and PM6006 combination be a step up in sound quality? How much would I have to spend to get a dramatic improvement? And what should I be looking at?

I know the best thing to do is get to a hi-fi dealer and audition - but any thoughts/comments would be welcomed.

 

[Nelis87]

The 6006 combo will be, while still a sligth upgrade, more of a sideway move, not really worth it. In my opinion your Zensor 3 dont need an amplification upgrade. The Zensor 3 work perfectly on a mcr611, it will drive the Zensor 3 to its full potential. You will have to buy a Hegel H80 ish amp to make it sound slightly better. I think you should consider a different amp when you want to upgrade your speakers.

 

[macdiddy]

and how it sounds then why worry about the fact your not using all the functions it has, my washing machine has eight different ways of cleaning my clothes but I only use the quick wash setting, the other cleaning options I don't need but they came with the machine.

*music2*

 

[chebby]

I have the M-CR611 and use FM (with a decent FM roof aerial) and - mostly - AirPlay (ethernet connection between Marantz and router) for content from my CDs, ripped to iTunes, and BBC iPlayer Radio and other online audio apps. I also have (optical) audio connections to my Apple TV3 and my television.

I don't play CDs on it nor use DAB. (DAB is frightful whatever is used to play it.)

I have never used Bluetooth on it either.

Internet radio is okay, but I get better quality and higher bitrates (on BBC radio especially) with the BBC iPlayer Radio app on my iPhone via AirPlay.

I also occasionally stream from Apple Music with it.

 

[CarlDW]

I am not looking to change anything soon, I was merely thinking out loud... I do think that the Zensor 3's would sound even better with more powerful amplification, they are very capable in my opinion.

On a side note Chebby, can you identify any difference in sound between the MCR603 and MCR611?

 

[chebby]

On a side note Chebby, can you identify any difference in sound between the MCR603 and MCR611?

I've not directly compared them. Different sized rooms, different speakers. Sorry.

 

[Leif]

Rather than connect your iPhone to the analogue input, why not use Airplay to stream from your iPhone to the hifi? If you have lossless (ALAC) music files on your iPHone, you'll get a better sound quality as you'll bypass the DAC in the iPhone. Even with MP3 files, the sound should be a bit better.

If you like your system, keep it. Do explore DAB, if you like rock music, Planet Rock is a good listen, albeit with low bit rate (sigh) but the Hairy Bikers are a fun listen IMO. There are other good stations.

I recently went from an Arcam Solo Mini (£350) to an Arcam Solo Movie 5.1 (£1,000) and yes there is a big change in sound quality, but the Solo Mini is a lovely lovely little unit, I could have stayed with it. I had the Solo Mini for a fair few years, and I'm glad I waited and jumped on the Movie as it was discontinued and the price plummetted.

 

[CarlDW]

I don't own an iPhone, but thanks for your comments.

The unit has a audio out; does this mean it's possible to connect it to an amplifier or active speakers? It would be nice to keep the functionality (even if unused) when considering future upgrades.