5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent AVR for both music and movies, January 15, 2011
This review is from: Marantz SR5005 Audio Video Receiver (Black) (Electronics)
I recently decided to upgrade my home theater setup, and purchased a Samsung 63" Samsung PN63C8000 63-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV, Black and wanted a home theater to match. Previously, I had just used my TV speakers (granted, my old Sony XBR had far better speakers than most TVs, but still far short of a dedicated setup). I wouldn't describe myself as an audiophile, but I can appreciate good sound ... it's just that my interest lies more in music and film than in the actual audio/video equipment. My media room is 15'x20', and I wanted a system that would be as good for music as for movies. Because of my room layout, I decided I was limited to a 5.1 system. I ordered this Marantz SR5005 receiver along with a 5.1 speaker system from Aperion Audio, going their 5T Hybrid HD system. These particular Aperion speakers are fairly power hungry, and I was a bit worried about the SR5005's ability to power them w/o the help of an external amp. I had briefly considered upgrading to the slightly more powerful SR6005 Marantz SR6005 Audio Video Receiver (Black). The excellent technical support staff at Aperion Audio (where I ordered this receiver as well as the speakers) assured me the SR5005 would be more than adequate, and after using the system for a few days I fully agree.
I am extremely happy with the way this system sounds - the sound is simply excellent, for both music and movies. The SR5005 has the power to get plenty of room filling volume (window rattling volume) out of the speakers without any distortion. At the same time, I can hear everything clearly at lower volume as well so there's no need to turn it up unless I want to. As far as sound quality, I give the SR5005 5 out of 5 stars - it's excellent. This impression seems to be supported by other reviews - every review I've read about the SR5005 has nothing but positive things to say about sound quality.
As for the setup, I'm not the most tech savvy person in the world and I have to admit I was a bit intimidated about setting up the SR5005 - these newer AVRs have an incredible amount of setup and playback options, it can be a bit overwhelming at first. However, once I delved into it, the setup turned out not to be too difficult. In addition to the Marantz instruction manual, I highly suggest you google "Outlaw SR5005 Guide", which is a 60+ page setup guide put out by Outlaw Audio (you can also throw them a bone and buy the receiver from them as well, though I didn't) that walks you through the setup process in fairly straightforward "plain english" (or as close to plain english as you can get for a fairly complicated piece of electronics). The SR5005 has plenty of setup options, including the Audyssey auto setup but also plenty of manual options as well - do not pay any attention to the review here stating there are no manual setup options as that reviewer apparently didn't bother to read the manual, in addition to the speaker distance, crossover, and other parameters that can be manually set and adjusted with an SPL meter, the SR5005 offers a 9-band EQ for each of 9 speakers, which I believe breaks down to 7.1 plus either zone 2 or front height speakers.
When setting up my system, I first used the much acclaimed Audyssey automatic setup included with this receiver, along with the included microphone. While the results were pretty good, I wasn't blown away by them. Audyssey gave me a couple of incorrect speaker distances (especially for the sub, which Audyssey set up as way too loud) and some funky crossover points. Aperion recommended I set up the system manually using an SPL meter that they include free with any 5.1 speaker system. While this sounded a bit daunting, after reading the short instruction sheet that came with the SPL meter it proved to be almost as simple as Audyssey. I set all of my speakers with the exception of the sub to "small" (the instructions recommended setting the front towers to "large", but when I did this the SR5005 wouldn't let me set the crossover to my preferred 80Hz, so I changed it to "small"; I set my sub to "LFE+main"), set the crossovers to Aperion's recommended levels, measured the distance from each speaker, and manually adjusted the db level for each speaker while measuring with the SPL meter. This might sound complicated, but actually it's pretty easy, just take your time and read the instructions. After doing this manual setup, I was much happier with the result - in particular the sub was now at an acceptable level (there was too much bass using the Audyssey settings).
I'm extremely happy with this product. The audio quality is excellent and the video processing seems to be excellent as well, and it can be turned off. Note there are a couple of internet comments floating around out there about a "purple hue" caused by the video processor - as far as I can tell that was only a single one-off incident cited by a single reviewer (he mentions this in his review of the SR6005 here on Amazon, which is an excellent review I recommend reading), but it was echoed across the internet as other people on various forums cited that same incident. To be clear, I have no purple hue on my unit and if I did the video processing can be turned off (I'm quite happy with the video processing straight out of my PS3). All in, I'm glad I didn't spend the extra money to upgrade to the SR6005, which adds a bit more power (110w x 7), an upgraded video processor (video quality watching blu-rays on this SR5005 is excellent, so I see no reason to pay up for a better video processor), and some improved display functions (for example to see the volume on this SR5005 you have to look at the front of the receiver as it doesn't display it on your TV, this isn't really an issue for me). If interested, I also recommend the speaker system I referenced from Aperion Audio, as they sound excellent with this receiver and Aperion's customer support was very helpful in explaining the features of both the speakers as well as the receiver, as well as discussing what system would best suit my needs based on room size, preferences etc.
Overall, my rating for the Marantz SR5005 breaks down as follows:
Audio quality - 5 stars
Video quality - 4.5-5 stars
Setup options - 5 stars
Input options - 4 stars (some other receivers offer more HDMI inputs, but 4 was more than enough for me)
Features - 4 stars (displaying the volume on the TV would be nice)
Value - 4.5 stars (4 stars if you buy at the price listed here on Amazon, but you can find better out there if you look)
Overall I break this down to 5 stars as audio quality is by far the most important factor in an AVR, in my view.
edit: as of mid-2011 I see Amazon has lowered the price since I purchased mine. Also it looks like Outlaw Audio also lowered the price - at the new Amazon price, this is easily a 5/5 for value and probably the best AV/Home Theater Receiver you can buy at this price level.
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Money Can Buy!, February 15, 2011
This review is from: Marantz SR5005 Audio Video Receiver (Black) (Electronics)
Absolutely love it. Looks very stylish in my room, it brings out the raw quality of your speakers (I had a garbage budget Pioneer receiver and never looking back) and I noticed a night and day difference. I went to Best Buy and actually bought it there because it was on sale, but I got to listen to Michael Buble in concert using the top-of-the-line Denon, Pioneer, and this one. Even the $2000 Denon couldn't compare to this unit and that is my honest opinion. I never in my life heard of this company, but I did some major searching for the best AV Receiver brands and audiophiles turned me on to them. I am very glad I took the time to research because it was well worth the purchase. Very high quality, incredible sound, very easy setup and a good selection of settings to find the best sound for your room or the type of music/movies/games you are listening to. A couple of things that will interest you. One of them is that the setup mic that comes with it is very nice for auto setting up and worked like a charm for me and what is great about it is that Marantz makes you move the mic to 6 positions around your room so it can calibrate and calculate the BEST possible setup for your room. My cheap pioneer only did one, and did a bad job at that. Secondly, the remote control has a button on the side that illuminates the remote at night with a pleasant orange glow. It's one of those things where you probably could live without it, but you are impressed they added it and it's quite convenient when watching movies in the dark. I have my computer plugged in via the optical port and I can listen to music, movies, and games all in amazing quality coupled with my KEF 2005.3 that sound incredible too. Marantz has written on the back of the unit that it is compatible with windows media which I found very interesting and later learned that when you fire up a movie, it actually automatically enters a dedicated Dolby Digital Movie setting which really brings out the best in your movies...I love everything about this receiver. So if you are contemplating on what to buy or whether it is worth the money....just know you won't regret the money invested in this amazing unit. Go to Best Buy and listen to it for yourself :). 5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent AVR for the money. Room to grow with preouts & HDMI 1.4a., January 29, 2011
By
Stetson Kennedy "stetsonkennedy" (Chicago, IL) -
This review is from: Marantz SR5005 Audio Video Receiver (Black) (Electronics)
I've had my SR5005 for a few months now and I consider it to be the best AVR at this price point. Marantz is known for its neutral musical quality and excellent built quality. To the general public it doesn't have the name recognition as Sony and Yamaha, but Marantz has been in the business for a long time. Marantz is owned by the same people that own Denon. My two favorite features are the preouts, which allow me to use a separate power amp if i want (which I do for the front channels). And although I don't have a 3DTV, it's nice knowing that it supports HDMI 1.4a. The setup is pretty easy, and there is an on-screen display to the tv which makes things easier. It has plenty of power for my family room, which is about 21'x17'. Personally, I think people get out of hand with how much power they think they need. Many of the power rating you see on receivers are marketing voodoo; that is not the case with this unit. This is a great unit if you are looking for an versatile AVR or are looking to move towards separates without spending a lot of dough.
5.0 out of 5 stars "Because Music Matters", June 16, 2011
By
Degge T. Thomas Jr. -
This review is from: Marantz SR5005 Audio Video Receiver (Black) (Electronics)
I Purchased the SR5005 to replace a recently deceased 10 year old THX certified receiver, powering Klipsch Reference series speakers, and having several internet-connected devices feeding it content - Xbox360, Mvix Ultio Pro Media Center, and a Home Theater PC. Set up was a breeze. I had never used any of the automatic configuration and set up tools before, so i can't compare it against the competition, but it certainly cut the set up time drastically, although it did take me quite some tinkering to find out how to modify the EQ, etc. after its automatically set. The EQ is quite robust and does let you fully customize each speaker individually if you so wish, although there do not seem to be any DSP settings at all.
I tested out all sorts of music from my HTPC and was pleased with everything i heard. Everything sounded lively and exciting, and even slightly more nuanced than my old receiver, though about the same in terms of power handling. All in all, very impressed - but then, I would have been let down if a Marantz unit failed to perform in the musicality department. (This unit trashed all the others in the Best Buy display room it was in - Yamaha, Onkyo, Pioneer Elite, and Denon, I believe - wished they had their HK models in the same room.)
In terms of home theater performance, this unit seems to be able to decode pretty much anything, and can take any source and turn it into 7.1 with surround back or height speakers and make it sound impressive. The only downside here is that it has no clue how to upconvert video signals - if you use any of the composite inputs, you will essentially be getting pass-through only - i never noticed any difference of quality on any of this receivers settings. For me, this is a moot point because my only non HD signals are retro video game consoles, everything else comes from a source that does know how to upconvert and output over HDMI so the SR5005 doesn't have to do it.
All in all, I'm happy and proud of this receiver. A big reason i bought my old receiver was its THX certification - giving me peace of mind it would last long more then anything. 10 years is a good run, but my Marantz 2235 (from the 70s) is still running - If the SR5005 can live up to my expectations of the brand and follow suit, this will have been the best investment of my life!
In case you are wondering why the price on these is now so much below MSRP, its because this unit is at the end of its life (As of June 2011) - a new model will be replacing it at the same MSRP, essentially phasing this model out. Most of the specifications will remain the same, but some minor aesthetic tweaks will be applied as well as one key addition - an Ethernet port for internet audio and video services will be integrated into the rear of the device.
A final word: Yes, you can get a receiver with nearly identical specifications and features from the likes of Yamaha and Onkyo for considerably less - at the end of the day, you buy the Marantz because it just sounds better.
1.0 out of 5 stars Static hiss = no-go, May 8, 2011
This review is from: Marantz SR5005 Audio Video Receiver (Black) (Electronics)
I really, really wanted to like this receiver. It is known to produce great results with Aperion Audio speakers (which I have and highly recommend). I do get a "pop" when I turn on the system... something I could have gotten over if there weren't other issues. Unfortunately, the static hiss that emanates from my front-left channel is a show-stopper. Here's what that sounds like: With any EQ in place, whether that be Audyssey or custom 9point settings, a static hiss comes and goes from the front left speaker. It's not always present, but when it does show up I can put whatever I'm playing on pause and hear it clearly from my listening position of 12 feet away. Generally the hissing will last for at least two minutes, but often longer. Even when the hissing is absent, you can hear faint crackling/popping sounds if your right next to the speaker. My SPL meter measures the hiss ranging between -4 to +1 db. No other channel from the receiver has this issue.
I wanted to be absolutely sure that I wasn't causing this somehow - so I did the following:
1. changed out the speaker wire and banana plugs
2. tried a different speaker
3. Tried 3 sources: ipod, bluray, & ps3
4. cleared all settings & re-ran audyssey (3 times, actually)
5. turned off audyssey
6. tried various custom settings including 9point eq
7. tried running it without any EQ at all (totally flat).
The only way I could get rid of the hissing was to run the receiver totally flat. The crackling was still there, but it was so faint that you had to be right next the the speaker to hear it.
There are other reports on Amazon and AVSforums for this issue (albeit not many). I haven't seen anyone describe this defect on the sr6005, so that's what I'll swap the sr5005 out for.
When the receiver isn't making the annoying hiss, it actually sounds quite nice. However, it's disappointing that you cannot refine Audyssey equalization with the 9 point custom equalizer. It's one or the other, and setting up everything manually with the 1995 text GUI is pretty painful.
Overall, I find the hissing defect to be distracting to the point of ruining my listening experience. Because the listening experience is the one thing that a receiver should excel at, I can only give the sr5005 one star.
3.0 out of 5 stars don't go for the refurbished, April 22, 2011
By
ipadipad -
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Marantz SR5005 Audio Video Receiver (Black) (Electronics)
Unfortunately, SR 5005 still has "pop of death" issue. I bought a refurbished SR 5005 here one week ago. I use 2 polk monitor 70, one CS 20, 2 polk monitor 50, and polk monitor 40. I connect my computer to the receiver via hdmi.
This receiver goes to protection mode frequently, and sometimes when you turn it on again by pressing the power button, it goes back to protection mode again. You need "a complex combination of keys to be restarted" , as mentioned by one of the reviews of SR5004 in Amazon.
This problem is not due to
1 a short circuit,
Because after I disconnected all the speaker wire from the receiver, I still cannot turn on the receiver by pressing the power button .
2 too hot
Because it can work well when it is hot, the problem typically happens after it stays in standby mode for more than two hours when it is cooled down.
3 setting up
Because I use default setting.
4 my input
I use hdmi connect my computer to the receiver. I only listen to music, so I don't have a TV connected to the receiver. Is this the reason it goes to the protection mode? I also tried other imput like the aux1 in the front. This issue still happens.
I will update what will happen after a swap.
update 05/10/2011:
The refurbished SR 5005 is not reliable according to my experience. It looks like new, so some people think they are open box units and have reliable function. However it seem to me they are defective with a high probability.
The first one I got has pop of death problem, which is not due to my setup. I get a replacement from them, the pop of death problem disappears, but it now has problem with HDMI input, when the machine runs hot, which can be solved, if you use a fan to cool it. Therefore, I request a refund.
The problems with these receivers are hard to observed when it is not used long enough. When the defective receiver is send to factory to refurbish, the workers can not observe the problem, so they thought it functions well. They seal it again and send it for sale.
Therefore it is very likely to get a defective one if you buy a refurbished SR 5005.
I will give Five stars to Marantz's custom service. They responce within one day to my return request, and they paid the shipping back and forth. Also they said they will give me a full refund.
I have order a new SR 5005 today, if it is not defective, I will update this review to five stars based on its price $499 and its sound quality.
4.0 out of 5 stars Well, behaved, versatile, easy to set up, March 20, 2011
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Marantz SR5005 Audio Video Receiver (Black) (Electronics)
I got this receiver to replace a NAD T762. The NAD is a 6 * 100w surround sound amplifier that's delivered outstanding music performance but has been a total dud managing surround sound sources. The Marantz delivers not quite as good audio performance but weighed against this is an incredible versatility in managing different sources and speaker layouts, well polished performance (no clicks, bangs and other audio surprises) and a very simple setup using a sensor microphone that guarantees that you get close to the optimum setup for speakers, layout and room acoustics. In doing this it delivers high end audio capabilities at a moderate price -- I had looked into the cost of replacing the NAD and it was far too high to justify the expense (and risk) of such a purchase. Overall I'm extremely pleased with the unit. I've only given it four stars because its got a very primitive display (on-screen as well as on the amplifier) and the tuner's a bit primitive (no HD as well). It does know how to stream from USB hosted storage but I hope future models will integrate with home networks and provide a browser based interface... (the bar type remote control's getting a bit old...too many buttons....).
(BTW -- Buying it was the usual Amazon experience. You order. Box turns up. No mess, no fuss.)
5.0 out of 5 stars sounds great with plenty of power., April 27, 2011
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Marantz SR5005 Audio Video Receiver (Black) (Electronics)
Purchased a refurb about 3 weeks ago. Package arrived from accessories for less in a timely fashion. First off, i love the way the receiver looks. Since the volume over-lay wasnt a feature i was interested in, i pulled the triggr on the 5005. In three weeks of ownership, I have put this avr through its paces and it has passed all audio tests with flying colors. Blasted this thing at +5 db for about an hr and it was warm to the touch, but never hot. Movies sound amazing, and i never suffer from "what did they say?" Anymore. I did have pop of death issue when i first hooked it up but it was due to an error of my own in hooking up the speaker wire where it could touch the receiver housing. Once i fixed this, ive never had the problem again. Currently running this thing with bic dv64's a dv 62clrs and two crappy htib sats. After running audyssey, the sats sound like different speakers since they are hooked up to the marantz. I use audyssey for tv and movies and direct mode for music.The bics sound rediculously good considering their price point. The video processing eludes me a bit. I dont notice any change at all in my picture quality one way or another. Even say from a cable tv standard def source still looks like standard def when i have the video output set to 1080p and the "full" aspect setting doesnt change it either. Is this typical of source material? Or should i be expecting something more. All in all i dont care for the vid processing, as all my source material is hd or bluray anyway. The sound and clarity have me very satisfied and especially suprised having no issues buying a refurbed unit. Please forgive any typos as i am typing this on my smartphone. All in all very happy with my refurb purchase!5.0 out of 5 stars Great Reciever, April 11, 2011
This review is from: Marantz SR5005 Audio Video Receiver (Black) (Electronics)
I've had a couple of Denon's in a row. The last one, a 2308ci, was 3 years old and stopped working which was quite a let down but it was a refurb, so what you gonna do?. When I went to preview the latest Denon and listen to it against the Yamaha, Pioneer Elite and the Marantz I was suprised to find the Marantz won... I have a smallish living room so I don't need a lot of power. Anyway, I was very surprised when I found that the Marantz did sound better than the new Denon units. I went back a couple of times and listened before buying. It just sounds better, stereo sounds better, surround sounds better, TV sounds better and especially compressed music. Streaming music from my computer wirelessly to my PS3, through the HDMI cable to the head unit has never ever sounded this good. I mean seriously, wow. The old Denon I had was rated to have more WPC but you would think the Marantz came out on top in that area. Setup was easy, I set mine up manually, but you can use the microphone to set it up if you want. I may try that at some point to see if it sounds better, but I kind of doubt that it will. I was tempted to get their top unit in this line that's networkable, I just decided it wasn't necessary, my PS3 is networked and I can run Pandora off of it, or I can get music off my computer via a wireless Media Server so it's not necessary or get movies via Netflix on the PS3. I just couldn't justify the cost when I don't need the power. PLUS Best Buy had it on sale for $599 New in the Box... That sealed the deal, that and a 3 years parts and labor warranty. I'm sitting her now listening to some old VH1 Storytellers CD and you'd think I got new speakers too. Great purchase, glad the Denon bit the dust!
5.0 out of 5 stars My thoughts, March 24, 2011
By
WBerta (Seattle, WA USA) -
This review is from: Marantz SR5005 Audio Video Receiver (Black) (Electronics)
I have had the 5005 for about three months now and am very satisfied. It replaced a two-year old Onkyo that was nothing but trouble (won't go into it here). My basic requirements were, in this order, awesome audio sound, reliability, value and as few features as possible. Marantz is way at the top of the list when you talk audio quality. Music is much more difficult to reproduce than TV or movie sound and I am delighted with how it sounds. My 5.1 speaker set-up is a late 80s vintage Wharfedale Opus center speaker, early 80s vintage ADS L710 for surrounds and early 80s vintage ADS L1290 for front speakers. I use the remaining pair of outputs to biamp the 1290s. Awesome sound! I cannot say much about reliability yet. I'll return in ten years with that report.
You can spend much less or much more but at 800 bucks this really hits the sweet spot for value. I was sorely tempted by the Cambridge Audio Azur 650R but couldn't get past the 1600 dollar price. My comment about features may be surprising but all the theater setting and whatnot don't do much for me. Just stuff waiting to fail. Can't say I've done much more than watch sports and movies after setting it up. Speaking of ...Set up was very easy with the Audyssey Dynamic Volume.
