Considering switch from Marantz to Pio Elite...need opinions

Sean_McC · 10-27-2003, 08:50 PM

I currently have a Marantz SR7300 paired with B&W 600 series speakers (see sig.). While I like the sound, for some reason, I feel like I'm missing something.

I don't listen to 2ch music very often (if at all). Usually, directv, dvd, or surround audio.

I've heard some good things about the Pio Elite 47tx and I also think I might benefit somewhat from it's additional power (extra 30w over Marantz).

Let me know what you guys think. Thanks.

James_SCEA · 10-27-2003, 09:47 PM

Sean,

I'm wondering why you're comparing the 47tx ($3000) with an SR 7300 ($900). Why such a big jump? If you don't really listen to music but prefer theater you may like the Pioneer. In my auditions I chose the Marantz SR 8200 over the Pioneer Elite VSX 53tx. I got more power for the money, and the Marantz was a lot more musical. The soundstaging with movies was noticably more accurate, and two channel audio had more warmth and depth.

The 47tx does have a lot of nice features, including THX Ultra2 certification and a lot of power. But it costs about 3 times the price of your current receiver.

Good Luck
JC

Michael Mohrmann · 10-27-2003, 10:17 PM

Sean,

I noticed your list doesn't include a subwoofer. Was that an oversight or does your system not include a subwoofer? I would get a subwoofer next if you don't have one, especially if you are mostly into HT. Setting most if not all of your speakers to "small" would relieve some of the stress on the SR-7300's amps.

Michael

Sean_McC · 10-27-2003, 10:58 PM

James,

I wouldn't say I'm comparing the two...more like considering an upgrade. Just wanted some input from owners/critics who has experience with either or both of these units.

Yes the MSRP's are somewhat askew, but the retail isn't terribly different...SR7300 is usually around $900 (as you said) but 47tx's can be had for about $15-1600...more like 1.5 times as much : )

I like the sound, but I kinda feel like the marantz should have some more features...another issue is video bandwidth...marantz does not disclose it's specs and I've noticed some signal degradation when switching through the unit. At least the pio states the specs on this.

Michael,

No, I didn't omit the sub by accident...that's a purchase to be made in the near future. Most likely will be an SVS 20-39 PCI. I suppose it will help somewhat. Again, I just feel sort of "short-changed" with the marantz...maybe it's just me. (Not buyer's remorse...I've had the unit for about a year now).

Thanks.

Any more input is welcome.

gregD · 10-28-2003, 01:56 AM

Pioneer makes a good receiver, but their power amp section is not a strength, if that's the main reason for the upgrade... for considerably less money, I'd go with a sub and an outboard 5-ch power amp, say a Rotel RMB-1075 ($1k)... the Marantz is a neat receiver with great processing at its price; I don't think you'd sense much audible improvement with the Pioneer.

The video routing may be a genuine issue, however (it was for me on an older Marantz)... but if you have just the 2 or 3 video sources, you're strongly advised to connect them directly to the TV, regardless of your receiver.

If you're really intent on getting a new receiver, also look at Rotel, NAD, Sunfire, B&K.

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John Robert · 10-28-2003, 08:59 AM

The Pioneer's MCACC is also a great feature that made a huge difference in my in-home trial of a 45tx vs. the SR7300. A great upgrade path today would be the 55txi (MCACC and ilink) to be used later on as a pre/pro with outboard amps...

John Garcia · 10-28-2003, 09:01 AM

I listened to the Pioneer 49tx, the Denon 5803, and the Marantz 9300, and I could not tell a significant difference between them. Marantz does lack a little in features compared to others, but that is because they foucs on the sound. I'd like some of the features of NAD on my 8300, but I'm very happy otherwise.

If it's features you want, I'll second NAD, Rotel and B&K.

Chu Gai · 10-28-2003, 12:44 PM

Quote:

While I like the sound, for some reason, I feel like I'm missing something.

Maybe you need to define for yourself what it is that you're missing. In that way you can direct your resources appropriately. Perhaps you need better placement for your speakers?

Don Barduca · 10-28-2003, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Pioneer makes a good receiver, but their power amp section is not a strength

GregD,
Where did you get that impression. You couldn't be farther from the truth! All the Elites have rms watts 20hz-20khz above their stated specs. In addition their soundstage is huge and inviting and their amp characteristics have been compared to tube amps. I don't see what you are basing your info on. In my opinion Pio Elite performs better than the vast majority of their competition.

Brands such as Marantz may sound as good but you get different aspects (eg. Great customer service in place of a few seldom used features, etc.)