On the Marantz 7300 is an RS 232 connection worth $150? (1 Viewer)

[EdNichols]

I have been looking at refurb. Marantz's and I can get the SR7200 for $499. The 7300 is $649, the biggest difference I see is the 7300 has an RS 232 port. I know this port is for upgrading, so, does that mean in the future if someone comes out with something like a 8.1 EX II DX THX etc. etc. all I would have to do is download and I could run to the new format? Also, I can get the 7300 OSE which is supposed to have a better power supply but it is $849. Is that worth another $250? Would there by any differnce in sound between the three?

 

[John Garcia]

RS232 is not the biggest thing you are gaining. The DACs are different in the 7300 vs the 7200, and they are an improvement to my ears. The 7300 also has a selectable x-over for bass management, some additional or upgraded sound formants such as CS6.1 vs 5.1, and a cleaner rear panel layout. The OSE has a lot more that just a bigger power supply. Read the specs.

Where are you getting these prices? Is this for refurb/used? The 7300 is $899, and the OSE is $1199 MSRP.

 

[EdNichols]

Yes, these are refurbs. Yeh, I saw that the OSE has more than just a larger power supply, but I thought that would be the biggest difference as far as sound goes. I guess I am not as concerned about the features as I am the sound difference. Am I right about what the RS232 port is for? Meaning upgrades in formats? If that is the case, could I expect not to have to upgrade ever again as long as I am satisfied with the sound?

 

[Chris A H]

Certain models RS232 ports can be used to upgrade the features of the receiver, mainly seen on higher-end models. Most are just used to control remote devices.

I would check the users manual to be sure.

 

[Yee-Ming]

I would imagine the RS232 is for upgrades, in the same way it's there on the older SR8200/9200.

Today, there's a software upgrade for the 8200/9200 to implement Circle Surround II, and THX Ultra 2 on the 9200 (8200 is only Select certified whilst 9200 is Ultra) and other goodies. And there's a hardware upgrade to implement DTS 96/24. AFAIK, if these upgrades are included, the 8200/9200 match the newer 8300/9300.

On that reasoning, the RS232 will allow the 7300 to match a future 7400. Although I can't see how a 6.1 receiver could ever handle 8.1