Musical Processor Upgrade from Marantz SR5300.

[pwiles1968]

My System as it currently Stands Marantz CD6000ki Signature > Marantz SR5300 Surround Processor in Source Direct For Stereo Feeding > a Pair of Marantz MA6100 Monoblock Amplifiers Driving > B&W 805s. I also have a B&W ASW675 Sub, this is crossed over at around 40Hz to just fill in a little at the bottom end. Surround speakers are B&W and are driven direct from the AV amp, CC6 in Centre, 603'S2 on rear (old fronts) and centre rears are Solid Centralias (Made by B&W).

I had initially considered adding a dedicated pre-amp for CD duties but after trying an older unit my system I came away preferring my processor. http://whathifi.com/forums/227737/ShowThread.aspx#227737 so am considering upgrading the AV instead, My receiver is probably around 5 years old now so I am guessing I am going to get fairly substantial gains in the AV aspect, I need an amp that will be at least as good with 2 channel (in source direct), my obvious choice is Marantz and have seen the 6003, I have also seen the 7002 for similar prices (Under £600), 8000 series are out of my price range at the moment, If I am looking Under £750 is there anything else I should keep my eye open for that might pip these two for audio.

 

[kaledi]

I've just upgraded my SR6300 and Wharfedale speaker set to a SR6003 and Quad Lite2 speaker system.

In short, I'm very happy indeed with both. The amp has a similar sound to the SR6300, but surround is more expansive and low volume listening is very good. Music sounds great to me. I did consider another manufacturer for the receiver (Onkyo, Sony), but ultimately, I played it safe, and stayed with what I know.

BTW, I did consider the SR7002, but the tech guy at Marantz (and a dealer actually) claimed that the SR6003 was a better sounding amp

 

[pwiles1968]

Did you change both at the same time or did you listen to the 6300 with the new speakers? Just wandering how much of your gains are speakers and how much amp, I was very pleased with the difference between the 603s and 805s fortunately the law of diminishing gains did not get me here.

Interesting about the 6003 claimed as better than the 7002, has anyone listened to both, wonder if/when a 7003 will be released, I am guessing with me using the separate mono-blocks there may be less difference between them

 

[kaledi]

I very briefly (a week) had the SR6300 connected to the Quads.

To my ears, the SR6003, produces a more open sound, effects feel more transparent and the sounds just 'hold together' at lower volume - I felt that the SR6300 became a little one-dimensional at low volumes. I wouldn't say that the SR6003 is louder, and the difference in 2-channel mode is a little less obvious, but then SR6300 was already a good sounding amp in this regard.

I've been tempted by those mono-blocks in the past. You can't seem to get them anymore? What do they add (to your ears)?

 

[pwiles1968]

kaledi:

I've been tempted by those mono-blocks in the past. You can't seem to get them anymore? What do they add (to your ears)?

Yea cant get them any more, it is a shame for the money they are an excellent amp, had them a while now so I'm going from memory but they added more of everything to be honest, The biggest differences were tighter lower Bass, and better staging, stereo separation was noticeably better, they just made the sound seem more effortless if that makes sense?

I used to Bi amp them with the 5300 driving tweeters and mono-blocks driving mid/bass, when I moved round I ran them direct and I did not notice any difference to be honest, now I have the 805's it may be worth trying again, but I am not sure if the gain of the newer AV amps will be the same so I will need to test that out. will need to invest in new speaker cable though :-(.