H/K avr8000 v. Marantz 8200 - especially music (1 Viewer)

[Michael Cucka]

Need some advice since I can't demo these two units side-by-side...

My main HT uses a Marantz 9200 which I absolutely love - the sound is so clean and natural in both movies and music. I use my HT quite a bit for music - concert DVDs, DVD-A, LD's, CD's, etc - so music is really important for me.

Right now, I'm adding a second (smaller) listening area and don't want to spend as much for my receiver as I did for the 9200. I can pick up a H/K avr8000 for the same price as a Marantz 8200 - but the Marantz at that level does not do HDCD (and I have quite a few of those discs I listen to) - the avr8000 does.

Can you guys give me an opinion as to how the H/K does for music reproduction? It seems to be a real top notch unit for HT.

Or, would you recommend I take a chance on a refurbished 9200 that I can get for $200 more (from an authorized dealer, including 1 yr warranty and 30 day DOA return)?

Thanks!

 

[Michael Cucka]

^^ nobody with an opinion...?

 

[John A. Casler]

I have a feeling that if you get the 8000, it will end up in the main system it is so good with music reproduction.

Doesn't mean the Marantz is a slouch, but the 8000 is among the top in the class.

John Casler

 

[Yee-Ming]

I haven't the foggiest what the HK or the 9200 sound like, but my $0.02's worth is that, IMHO, you've answered your own question:-

My main HT uses a Marantz 9200 which I absolutely love

since you do, why take risks and try something else if you can't demo it first? get the refurb'ed 9200.