Micro System or dirt cheap separates.

[shep1968]

 

[shep1968]

I have a micro system in my spare room which I use for listening to CD’s and radio, both DAB and medium wave. It is attached to Kef IQ5 speakers. The CD unit has packed up. Would I be better spending £200 on a replacement Denon unit, albeit without medium wave, or buying the cheapest amp, cd player and tuner from Richer sounds for around £300. I know it is subjective and I would prefer the smaller unit but will the sound be that much better to warrant the extra space and £100? Internet radio is no use for my needs, I need a DAB based radio.

 

[mr malarky]

You could be better of going for a micro unit on that budget if you can find one that has the spec you need, some of the current ones are very good and you'll get a good price on end of line models - if you go for separates you're paying for a lot of duplication in components/casing/materials etc

 

[Fuzzy Bear]

The Marantz MCR-603 is around the 300 mark. Some very happy people on this forum with one.

 

[shep1968]

The Marantz MCR-603 is around the 300 mark. Some very happy people on this forum with one.

Noticed the Denon DM39 at around £200 but without medium wave which i guess i could live without. Streaming into or from it isnt an issue, will the sound output be worth the extra £100 do you think?

 

[shep1968]

The Marantz MCR-603 is around the 300 mark. Some very happy people on this forum with one.

Noticed the Denon DM39 at around £200 but without medium wave which i guess i could live without. Streaming into or from it isnt an issue, will the sound output be worth the extra £100 do you think?

 

[plutus]

what about the denon n8?

 

[mr malarky]

The Marantz MCR-603 is around the 300 mark. Some very happy people on this forum with one.

Noticed the Denon DM39 at around £200 but without medium wave which i guess i could live without. Streaming into or from it isnt an issue, will the sound output be worth the extra £100 do you think?

Phone around some local dealers and see if any have both models in stock, then take your own speakers along for a quick demo. Marantz and Denon are both good and are fairly similar (they're part of the same company, like Audi and VW, so share many components), but do have a slightly different sound, and no-one will know better than you do which one sounds better through your existing speakers.

 

[Sizzers]

I have owned both and unquestionably I would go for the Marantz, and at the price the 603 is now going for it is an absolute steal.

 

[plutus]

is there a marantz "mcr604" on route?

 

[Native_bon]

is there a marantz "mcr604" on route?

Trust me a newer model does not always mean better.. Get this one while you can.

 

[magnus78]

Hi Sizzers,

price a side. You have choosen Marantz over the Denon because of better sound quality or more features?

I have owned both and unquestionably I would go for the Marantz, and at the price the 603 is now going for it is an absolute steal.

 

[Fuzzy Bear]

Hi shep1968,

On the price alert camelcamelcamel.com, the Marantz 603 price has been dropping quite steadily over the past few months and I imagine will be very close to the magic 300 number soon ( I can't gurantee it tho, haha) ,

As above, take you speakers along for a demo, while yes it maybe pricier for the extra features, it packs a little more punch and the sound has been very well recieved too.

A detailed review from our trusty mod AE here, with some top end speakers.

http://www.gramophone.co.uk/editorial/marantz-m-cr603-a-compact-solution-packed-with-performance

It's up to you if its worth the extra £100, but it does give a bit of future proofing if you ever decide to use network features. You seem keen for the radio tuner, there are some wonderful internet stations around too, if you ever were tempted.

 

[Sizzers]

Hi Sizzers,

price a side. You have choosen Marantz over the Denon because of better sound quality or more features?

SQ.

I had to sell my 603 due to financial brown stuff and ended up with the 39 when funds re-allowed (I couldn’t afford the then asking price of £400 for the 603, otherwise a no brainer).

The Denon is a pretty decent bit of kit but the Marantz delivers greater detail and clarity, more punch, a wider sound stage, and overall musical enjoyment than the 39. I can’t even quantify that by saying “to my ears”, it just is. I’m not saying the 603 is for you – or anybody else – until they’ve heard it, but the 603 is a definite step above the 39 (just to note that I’m basing this on CD as source as I have no interest in streaming etc.)

 

[shep1968]

Hi shep1968,

On the price alert camelcamelcamel.com, the Marantz 603 price has been dropping quite steadily over the past few months and I imagine will be very close to the magic 300 number soon ( I can't gurantee it tho, haha) ,

As above, take you speakers along for a demo, while yes it maybe pricier for the extra features, it packs a little more punch and the sound has been very well recieved too.

A detailed review from our trusty mod AE here, with some top end speakers.

http://www.gramophone.co.uk/editorial/marantz-m-cr603-a-compact-solution-packed-with-performance

It's up to you if its worth the extra £100, but it does give a bit of future proofing if you ever decide to use network features. You seem keen for the radio tuner, there are some wonderful internet stations around too, if you ever were tempted.

Internet radio is useful but as stated i need DAB and medium wave as i listen to sports commentary and the stations cant broadcast them over theinternet, they dont havethe rights. Will be difficult to take my speakers as i have floor standers but can use something similar in the demo room. The extra £100 isnt a deal breaker. As you say, streaming would be useful.

 

[shep1968]

Hi shep1968,

On the price alert camelcamelcamel.com, the Marantz 603 price has been dropping quite steadily over the past few months and I imagine will be very close to the magic 300 number soon ( I can't gurantee it tho, haha) ,

As above, take you speakers along for a demo, while yes it maybe pricier for the extra features, it packs a little more punch and the sound has been very well recieved too.

A detailed review from our trusty mod AE here, with some top end speakers.

http://www.gramophone.co.uk/editorial/marantz-m-cr603-a-compact-solution-packed-with-performance

It's up to you if its worth the extra £100, but it does give a bit of future proofing if you ever decide to use network features. You seem keen for the radio tuner, there are some wonderful internet stations around too, if you ever were tempted.

Internet radio is useful but as stated i need DAB and medium wave as i listen to sports commentary and the stations cant broadcast them over theinternet, they dont havethe rights. Will be difficult to take my speakers as i have floor standers but can use something similar in the demo room. The extra £100 isnt a deal breaker. As you say, streaming would be useful.

 

[chebby]

Internet radio is useful but as stated i need DAB and medium wave as i listen to sports commentary and the stations cant broadcast them over theinternet, they dont havethe rights. Will be difficult to take my speakers as i have floor standers but can use something similar in the demo room. The extra £100 isnt a deal breaker. As you say, streaming would be useful.

My M-CR603 has AM radio but I have never tried it so I can't vouch for it's quality. However, AM broadcast quality itself - as you know - is pretty ropey anyway. So I expect the M-CR603 is as good as any other FM/AM tuner in this respect.

Personally i'd probably get an old Hacker Sovereign in good nick.. The old portables make the best job of LW/MW in my experience.

 

[gasolin]

Mabye the denon DRA-F109DAB it cost where i live (Denmark) 45% less the the denon ceol and the power is the same. Theres also the Denon DRA-107 slightly more expensive then the 109 model, but with more connections, you can use banaplugs for speaker cable and theres a phono input, it has the same powerfull amplifer as the 109 and ceol model.

 

[plutus]

is there a marantz "mcr604" on route?

Trust me a newer model does not always mean better.. Get this one while you can.

maybe, but how can one explain this price drop?

moreover, would you go for dali zensor 1, tannoy v1 or spend an extra 80£ and get the bx2?

 

[chebby]

Mabye the denon DRA-F109DAB

No AM radio.

The OP says he needs AM for sports coverage

 

[Fuzzy Bear]

The 603 has Dab also. In case the OP is not aware.

 

[gasolin]

Mabye the denon DRA-F109DAB

No AM radio.

The OP says he needs AM for sports coverage

Then this one if it still has to be denon and not the cheap Denon D-M39DAB

http://www.denon.co.uk/uk/product/Pages/Product-Detail.aspx?CatId=systems&SubId=minimicro&ProductId=DF109DAB

 

[utomo]

marantz announced
Marantz officially unveils Melody wireless systems
http://www.whathifi.com/news/marantz-officially-unveils-melody-wireless-systems

Melody Media M-CR610 and the Melody Stream M-CR510.

Both model have 2x60W

I think you can consider CR 610

 

[Madmax111]

Marantz vs Denon M39 vs Onkyo N755
Dear Chebby

I plan to purchase either of three (Marantz 603/denon M39/Onkyo N755) and pair them with Wharfdale Diomond 220 speakers. I mostly listen to rock (Dire starits, Guns & Roses kind and country music ). I am looking for deep detailed sound at low/mid volumes with tight and respectable bass. Demo of all may not be possible as the systems have to be pre ordered as they are not readily available in my country.

Please suggest the best fit. You may recommend another speakers in the similar price bracket.

Thanks

 

[Thompsonuxb]

Why not try a Yamaha rx377 @ £179 from richers with a budget cdplayer (preferably one with digital out).

Or if you can a rx677 or equivalent. It'll outperform the midie's you're considering.