Tarheel_
04-04-2007, 07:18 AM
http://www.accessories4less.com/mas_assets/full/MARSR5600.jpg
I purchased the Marantz SR-5600 as a demo from my local audio shop for $350. The unit retailed for $650, and can be found on accessories4less.com as a refurb for $340.This unit replaces a new Pioneer VSX-1016 that I was very unhappy with.
I unpacked the receiver and was first impressed with the quality look and feel. At 30 pounds it was a chore to lift and mount in my equipment rack. It’s extremely deep and with the component cables installed does protrude out an inch or so. Next, I made all the connections to my 7.1 setup with includes 2 Revel Performa F30s (6ohm), a single Revel Performa M20 (6ohm), and 4 Infinity Primus 150, and a Def Tech PL15+ 15” subwoofer. The speaker connections were of good quality, but not as solid as the Pioneer it replaced. Because the Marantz is a 05 model, it lacks HDMI connection. Not a big deal for me at this time. After making all video and audio connections (this unit does upconvert to component) I spend most of my time watching TV and listening to Directv XM channels.
I know these speakers well and where the Pioneer failed in music quality, the Marantz took the handoff and continued on the path to better sound. The warm detailed sound returned.which as I remember is very similar in sound to my former HK reciever. The soundstage is huge, much wider and fuller than the Pioneer. The harsh highs and lack on warmth heard on the Pioneer was removed and it was obvious to my ears which receiver was made for audiophiles and which for mainstream stores like BB and CC. While only rated at 90 watts per channel the 5600 never has run out of steam in my open basement.
The remote however lacked many nice features like backlighting, large volume control and large bold lettering. It doesn’t even feel good in you hand like the Pioneer remote. Looking online for a better Marantz remote I discovered for $100 bucks you can get the much nicer backlight remote that comes with the SR-7*** series receivers. I purchased one and never looked back.
Now, some other observations I’ve made since owning this receiver 5 weeks. The display on the receiver is much more sophisticated looking than the Pioneer and the older HK. The lettering looks smoother and doesn’t have all the bling found on the Pioneer. Just the information you need and you can alternate the display…say you are watching a DVD. You can choose to display either DVD or Video3 or DTS-ES. This is a nice touch since I like to know which matrix I’m using whether its PLIIx Music, DTS:Neo6 Music or Circle Surround. Yes, Marantz includes the CS surround modes. I tried them and they sound fine in my basement HT. The onscreen menu makes setup a breeze and one of my favorite options…is the on screen display while watching TV. It displays the volume each time a change is made and if you change, say PLII to DTS:Neo, the display informs you of the change. This feature is even used when upconverting to component cable.
Overall, I’m highly impressed with the SR-5600. It’s the first Marantz in my home theater and will not be the last. By no means am I an expert. I’ve owned/own about 10 receivers and really like this gem. It lacks auto-calibration, but those haven’t worked for me in the past so again, not a deal breaker. It’s basic black exterior and smooth display looks high-end. It has the features I need and doesn’t have stuff I don't. Although, the remote lacks in many areas the sound is where it counts and this unit delivers in droves. Whether you’re into music or HT, this receiver will satisfy. At less than $400, you cannot ask for more.
I purchased the Marantz SR-5600 as a demo from my local audio shop for $350. The unit retailed for $650, and can be found on accessories4less.com as a refurb for $340.This unit replaces a new Pioneer VSX-1016 that I was very unhappy with.
I unpacked the receiver and was first impressed with the quality look and feel. At 30 pounds it was a chore to lift and mount in my equipment rack. It’s extremely deep and with the component cables installed does protrude out an inch or so. Next, I made all the connections to my 7.1 setup with includes 2 Revel Performa F30s (6ohm), a single Revel Performa M20 (6ohm), and 4 Infinity Primus 150, and a Def Tech PL15+ 15” subwoofer. The speaker connections were of good quality, but not as solid as the Pioneer it replaced. Because the Marantz is a 05 model, it lacks HDMI connection. Not a big deal for me at this time. After making all video and audio connections (this unit does upconvert to component) I spend most of my time watching TV and listening to Directv XM channels.
I know these speakers well and where the Pioneer failed in music quality, the Marantz took the handoff and continued on the path to better sound. The warm detailed sound returned.which as I remember is very similar in sound to my former HK reciever. The soundstage is huge, much wider and fuller than the Pioneer. The harsh highs and lack on warmth heard on the Pioneer was removed and it was obvious to my ears which receiver was made for audiophiles and which for mainstream stores like BB and CC. While only rated at 90 watts per channel the 5600 never has run out of steam in my open basement.
The remote however lacked many nice features like backlighting, large volume control and large bold lettering. It doesn’t even feel good in you hand like the Pioneer remote. Looking online for a better Marantz remote I discovered for $100 bucks you can get the much nicer backlight remote that comes with the SR-7*** series receivers. I purchased one and never looked back.
Now, some other observations I’ve made since owning this receiver 5 weeks. The display on the receiver is much more sophisticated looking than the Pioneer and the older HK. The lettering looks smoother and doesn’t have all the bling found on the Pioneer. Just the information you need and you can alternate the display…say you are watching a DVD. You can choose to display either DVD or Video3 or DTS-ES. This is a nice touch since I like to know which matrix I’m using whether its PLIIx Music, DTS:Neo6 Music or Circle Surround. Yes, Marantz includes the CS surround modes. I tried them and they sound fine in my basement HT. The onscreen menu makes setup a breeze and one of my favorite options…is the on screen display while watching TV. It displays the volume each time a change is made and if you change, say PLII to DTS:Neo, the display informs you of the change. This feature is even used when upconverting to component cable.
Overall, I’m highly impressed with the SR-5600. It’s the first Marantz in my home theater and will not be the last. By no means am I an expert. I’ve owned/own about 10 receivers and really like this gem. It lacks auto-calibration, but those haven’t worked for me in the past so again, not a deal breaker. It’s basic black exterior and smooth display looks high-end. It has the features I need and doesn’t have stuff I don't. Although, the remote lacks in many areas the sound is where it counts and this unit delivers in droves. Whether you’re into music or HT, this receiver will satisfy. At less than $400, you cannot ask for more.