Marantz SR8002 Surround Receiver

AV Surround Receiver read more..

Hot Features

• 125 watts x 7 into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.08% THD
• THX Surround EX, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, Dolby Digital EX
• Audyssey Laboratories' MultEQ six-point auto setup and room calibration system (microphone included)
• built-in HD Radio tuner with multi-casting reception
• XM Satellite Radio Ready with decoding for XM's HD Surround channels (requires XM subscription and optional XM Mini-Tuner package)

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Best value out there by Jason T Ingram
I wasn't unhappy with my Pioneer 1019, but when the Marantz 8002 dove to $799, I leapt. It seemed a no-brainer, but how much of a difference would it make? Fortunately it drives an Ascend 7.1 HT system; Sierras up front with 370's all around, and a Rythmik 12" sub. They are quality enough to allow me to distinguish the difference in quality between the two receivers. The Marantz makes them sing. The difference from the Pioneer is ridiculous. HT and Stereo are gorgeous. The sound is fantastic. There is plenty of power for those who like high SPL's, yet lots of detail when playing it low. I don't know that I would call it warm, maybe neutral - what it is not is artificially bright. I've heard some receivers that seem to want to go MMA in an effort to sound powerful. But the Marantz 8002 is more like Jet Li, just effortless and artistic power. It's not the easiest to use, but it's worth the effort to get familiar with Audessy and to understand the different capabilities vis a vis the surround modes. I've found the pure direct to be the best for two channel sound, but play around a bit with the HT. Look, the short answer if you are wondering whether or not to buy - there is nothing out there at the current price point of under $700 (!!) that can compare with the 8002. It won't serve you if you go to 3D, but I can't think of another receiver out there with this kind of sound (video is good too, but then if you mostly do HD it doesn't matter that much, you aren't worried about upscaling), at the price that Amazon is selling it. I'm thinking of getting another for the second room system and selling the Pioneer 1019. Good luck with your decision-making.