SR 8200/8300 vs SR 9200/9300? (1 Viewer)

[Chris PC]

Is the SR 9200 the equivalent of an SR 8300 in terms of being dropout/digital delay free and sound quality wise? Just wondering. I would imagine an SR 9200 is better sounding than an SR8200/8300. I hope to upgrade to an SR 8200 (upgraded firmware) or SR 8300, however, the SR 9200 and 9300 look good too used. More power and extra rear channels. I'm more interested in the extra power for two channel.

So are the SR 9200 dropout free and equal in most respects to the SR 8300 (or an updated SR 8200)?

thanx for any info

 

[John Garcia]

I think the 9200 and 8300 use the same or similar DACs, while the 9300 used (at the time) the latest Crystal DACs that sounded slightly better to me than the 8300. The extra power may have been a help as well, but when I added my monoblocks, I'd say I spent less and got much more than the 9300 offers in terms of power.

I don't know about dropouts though.

 

[Chris PC]

Cool. thanx

 

[Chris PC]

Actually the 9200/9300 are really stretching the limits of $'s justification. Unless I found a killer deal, I think the 8200/8300 is a more likely bet. A used and software updated 8200 or 8300 and a pair of used MA700's would be pretty nice way to get max value for the money

 

[John Garcia]

Cambridge Soundworks locally has a demo 8300 for $1100 US right now, and I might be able to get it for just a little less because I know the store owner.

I checked out the 8400, and I am not so impressed with the new chassis.

 

[Nicholas R]

I agree with that Chris and I also don't think the Marantz can be beaten for musicality.

 

[John Garcia]

Whoa, there is also a 9200 listed on the website for $1499! That's the lowest I've seen one offered for. There's a 9300 on Audiogon for $1775.

 

[Chris PC]

Yeah, those are interesting sales. I think I've seen those. Also, accessories 4 Less has 8200's (software updated!) for USD $949 and 8300's for $999. Both not bad. I think I'm sticking with my SR7000 or SR8000 for now, but my upgrade path is definitely an 82/8300 perhaps with a pair of MA700's or a 92/9300 if I found some crazy deal. Still, 82/8300 is the best bet. Not many for sale anymore, in Canada or the US. Importing a receiver from the US, especially a Marantz made in Japan receiver is BRUTAL! I learned that with my SR 8000! Duties galore! Anyways...I love the musicality of the Marantz receivers. Sometimes I want more and deeper bass, but most of the time I just sit back and enjoy what I'm hearing