Marantz SR5200 vs H/K AVR 320 (1 Viewer)

[mike_doyle]

I have narrowed it down to these two(three) receivers...
Marantz SR 5200 ( 6.1, 85W x 6 ) Harman Kardon AVR 320 (7.1 capable 55W x5 ) or the newer AVR 225 ( 55W x5)

I can get all for around $450 US. ( I know they can be found for less in the states but up North that is the best I could find) I am trying decide which to get. I am going to hook up an expressvu 4700 (via fiber optic(toslink) or coax not sure yet). DVD player (again via toslink or coax) a VCR and an XBox (Toslink only).

I listen to music/movies(television) about 50/50.

My speakers are all paradigm. 3SE's up front, CC350 for center and ADP 170 dipoles for rear.

Questions:
1) I am leaning toward the Marantz but I am a little skeptical about the build quality. (Read reviews about popping noises etc.)

2) I am having a hard time to decide between the AVR 225 and 320 from H/K. I know the 320 has component switching(Not an issue for me right now)and 7.1 channel capability with separate amp.

Also all 3 only have two fibre optic and two coax (on back panel) so I will have to switch either my DVD or satellite to COAX. which should I switch? I listen to the sat more but mainly in prologic and stereo. Very rarely DD 5.1 (some PPV's). I use the DVD for DTS, DTS ES(not yet) and DD 5.1 exclusively? Which component do you guys recommend I switch to COAX.


Thanks,

Mike

 

[mike_doyle]

Any help???

 

[Guy Usher]

At these price points and even much higher it really doesn't matter. IMO

 

[Doug Smith]

Get the Marantz 5300 - its out now in Canada and at a reasonable price.