@ chebby
Actually I know how you feel there I have to say. I wanted silver boxes as well, although the black 'fits in' downstairs. Nonetheless, I preferred the look of the M-CR603. The CR610 body doesn't feel as substantial in plastic. I kind of understand where Marantz have taken it, but I think they went off track with the new design. The solid build was part of the appeal I think.
You'll also find that when the dimmer is active (no display) a green led now glows brightly to let you know the unit is still on. Again, I get it, but it's OTT. It's too bright (but then I hate ruddy leds glowing) but then the CR603 had white 'eyes' when the dimmer was on so swings and roundabouts I suppose ;-)
The am radio has been done away with and the fm and DAB sockets have been combined into one. I didn't see the point of the am anyway and to be honest, the combi socket means one cable feeding the unit so probably a good move and declutters the back panel.
The rear USB is a real bonus for me (aside of gapless playback). I have a 2 1/2 inch drive permanently attached to it. It sits on top of the Marantz at the back. You can't even see it. And access to a lot of music with one press. Haven't used the front USB yet (was using it on the CR603 with the hard drive)
Media server is as it was except you can now fast forward and play gapless flacs.
Still slow connecting to USB and servers. Nothing changed there. I find that annoying actually.
There is also an audible switching noise as the CR610 switches between sources...like a hard drive disconnecting...a cick and a whine. Bit disconcerting at first. And power off isn't quick: It takes a while...as it shuts down the unit an icon spins on the display and then disappears as ti goes into standby.
Sound:
I'm trying to compare the sound of the CR610 to the CR603 from memory, but I didn't have the CR603's for a great length of time. However, it does strike me that the CR610s are a little 'brighter' than the CR603s. But that may be because it hasn't fully settled in yet....maybe. I hope so. Something has changed soundwise though. But then I'm listening through new speakers as well, so not sure yet how to fully describe what it is other than to say that the emphasis on the mid and upper frequencies seems to be greater. Doesn't seem quite so intergrated with the lower frequencies. But that may be the speakers running in as well. Again, I'll give it a good 40 to 60 hours and then I'll be certain of what is. I also have the new Concept 20s bi-amped and that can produce a slightly brighter sound IME. One thing notable about this combo is that the treble is actually amazing. Not fatiguing in any way. But then if the emphahis remains on the upper frequencies it would start to feel a bit low-fi very quickly. Probably best not saying much else until everything has run in well.