Marantz SR 5003 7.1 channel Receiver

If you are into high-end audio you have undoubtedly heard of Marantz. They have been making solid equipment for years and the SR 5003 really shows it.

I needed a modest size receiver for my office/computer room where I have a 5.0 surround sound setup (dont have a sub hence the lack of the ".1"). After much research I settled on the 5003 mainly because of 1)its HDMI capabilities including upconversion and the new hi-def audio processing (Dolby TrueHD/dts-HD), 2)the price point - this thing is packed with features for what it costs, and 3) the Marantz reputation. This is probably the first time I have actually order a piece of audio equipment without first demoing first hand so I was a little nervous but I am happy to report I am very happy with my decision.

As an amplifier, the unit is solid. The power ratings by Marantz are accurate and not fudged like the many manfuactures will do on their cheap models to make you think it is better then it really is (they love to hide the fact that their rating are based on a higher distortion factor). I am able to really crank the thing with minimal THD (total harmonic distortion). For me, when it comes to music and movies, music is always the true test for critical listening. The marantz really sounds amazing for such a small package. My GF is one of those people who thinks that all audio/video equipment is the same and could never understand why they can get so expense, couldn't get over how much better music sounded on it. A true testament.

For video, the unit is great as an HDMI switcher. I am running a 50-foot HDMI line from another room where all of my gear is (through a 4x4 matrix HDMI switcher) and the sr5003 not only serves as a secondary switcher in the second room but also acts as a single booster since, before I installed it, I needed to use an in-line HDMI booster. With the receiver, I no longer need that booster and can use it elsewhere (they arent cheap after all). The onscreen menu is adequate, somewhat cheap looking and a little tricky to navigate but once you get use to it, it has lots of options.

The remote is decent. It has backlighting and is able to do learning but I havent really tested that since I am already running URC remotes via RF. Other nice features not usually found on a unit this inexpensive are RS-232 if you are using that to control your system as well a DC trigger out and flasher in. Some other cool features are the ability to have the receiver turn on/off automatically with the TV, store all the setting in an internal backup that can be restore any time, and the Audyssey MultEQ to have it automatically set itself up using the supplied microphone (althought I am not quite convinced that is as accurate as people make it out to be).

Overall, there is nothing really negative I can think of. I have had the unit for a few months now and it has performed like a dream. For many, it is a bit more money then they would typically want to spend when compared to the typical lower-end receivers you will find in the local big box stores (pioneer, sony, kenwood, jvc, etc.) but I guarantee if you compared them side-by-side you would quickly see (or hear rather) the difference and never look back.

Ernie