Need feedback/opinions regarding the Marantz 7002 - Please help!

[admin_exported]

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to decide which receiver to purchase and for various reason I'm looking at the Marantz 7002. I plan to pair it with KEF 3005 speakers. I would really like some feedback as to how this receiver performs on movies and music, especially comparison to the Pioneer LX-60 and the Denon 3808. The Onkyo 8875 isnt an option becuase they're ricidulously epensive here in Greece (about 700 euros more than the Marantz)

No store has floor models of these products here where I live (Crete, Greece) so listening to them myself isnt an option. Thats why I'm relying on your opinions!

Cheers,

Michael

 

[Anonymous]

Anyone? Please?

 

[Anonymous]

I should also say that What HiFi isnt sold where I live, so I'm not able to get the Feb edition which has a test of the Marantz 7002. If this isnt against forum rules, could someone be so kind as to run down the main pros and cons for me?

Thanks kindly in advance,

Michael

 

[Anonymous]

Aw c'mon... nobody???

 

[professorhat]

I can't see anything wrong in this, after all, it's a past issue now. Basically, from the review I've read in WHF, it's a great amp and is only held off a 5 star product due to the Onkyos. Therefore, it demands an audition along with the equivalently priced Onkyo (decide that from whatever price you can get both products at!).

At the end of the day, technically, it does everything you would want a mulitchannel receiver of this day and age to do (including 2x HDMI outputs, one for TV, one for projector - which is a must when I eventually get enough money to upgrade). Sonically, you need to get a shortlist, audition and then find your best partner - all I can say from what I've read is, the Marantz should be on that list.

*Edit - just re-read your original post and saw your statement about not being able to listen to them yourself. I understand this if it's true, but I still would never tell you to buy something on my recommendation. There's no way I can guarantee what I like and what you like is the same, therefore, how can I? I understand your position though - surely you can arrange some sort of home audition whereby if you don't like the sound, you can take it back and get a refund?

 

[Anonymous]

[quote user="professorhat"]
I can't see anything wrong in this, after all, it's a past issue now. Basically, from the review I've read in WHF, it's a great amp and is only held off a 5 star product due to the Onkyos. Therefore, it demands an audition along with the equivalently priced Onkyo (decide that from whatever price you can get both products at!).

At the end of the day, technically, it does everything you would want a mulitchannel receiver of this day and age to do (including 2x HDMI outputs, one for TV, one for projector - which is a must when I eventually get enough money to upgrade). Sonically, you need to get a shortlist, audition and then find your best partner - all I can say from what I've read is, the Marantz should be on that list.

*Edit - just re-read your original post and saw your statement about not being able to listen to them yourself. I understand this if it's true, but I still would never tell you to buy something on my recommendation. There's no way I can guarantee what I like and what you like is the same, therefore, how can I? I understand your position though - surely you can arrange some sort of home audition whereby if you don't like the sound, you can take it back and get a refund?

[/quote]

Thanks a lot for your post! This sort of information really helps. I just want to point out that here in Greece there is no such thing as a money back return policy. I read on a lot of forums how people but both amps they're interested in, listen to them in their home environment, and simply return the one they dont what but that just doesnt happen here

Regarding the Onkyos, the 705 and 805 are around the Marantz's price.

One more quick question regarding the Marantz. I've read that its sound on movies is considered 'safe' or 'restrained'. Did the WHF review have a similar position?

Thanks again!

 

[professorhat]

Blimey - you should open a hi-fi shop and start offering this service - sounds like a niche in the market!

Anyway, they don't use the words "safe" or "restrained", but they do use the words "lacks cast iron authority and scale" and "inhibited" when compared to the Onkyo. Bear in mind, they are comparing it with the TX-SR875 which is the same price RRP here, so it may compare better to the 705 or 805 - not sure I haven't heard any of them yet as I still have to save up for my new amp!

They also say "you'd be wrong to write the SR7002 off"...

 

[markymiles]

I have the 7002 and prior to that the Onkyo 705. I think the Onkyo was slightly more exciting with movies but the Marantz definitely has much more detail. For music no contest the Marantz was excellent.

Other points the Onkyo's take an age to actually figure out what audio they are receiving and then decode appropriately. This became annoying when pausing, or ffwd/rwding you would miss a few seconds. The Marantz locks on straight away.

Just for info I cant put my finger on it exactly but there does seem to be something missing with movies. People like different things and I loved my Yamaha 2400 and I guess I just wanted something like that but with the new codecs. My 7002 is going back and I am going to try the Yamaha 1800.

 

[Anonymous]

Let me know how you like the Yamaha V1800. I'm very interested in the unit myself. Thanks!