AV Receivers
Tue, Sep 6 2011, 3:14PM
I have recently replaced my
Marantz KI Signature Hi-fi stack of tuner, amplifier and CD player with an AV
receiver. Following a very positive review in a recent issue of Gramophone, I
acquired the Marantz CM.630 AV receiver.
The first observation was the
size of the receiver, which occupies less than a third of the original shelf
space. The unit is almost invisible surrounded by a few books and photos. This
was very deceptive as far as performance and capability.
The audio performance of the CD player
and amplifier matched and seemed subjectively to exceed the older equipment.
The 2 × 60 watts amplifier proved an excellent match for my B & W speakers.
The new tuner includes AM, FM and
DAB. The USB socket provides access to MP3 players and other memory devices. All
my favourite CDs are downloaded on an IPOD, which makes for easy album or track
selection using the simple dial and click facility. The results with Apple
Lossless are subjectively as good as the original CDs.
However, the tour the force here
is the Internet Radio access via Ethernet. The choice of stations with the
built-in search engine is almost infinite. Living in Belgium I can stream all
BBC radio stations. The memory ″favorites″ facility allows for easy selection
for some 50 entries. In addition, there is access to Napster and last.fm.
The digital optical cable
connected to the TV enhanced my enjoyment of the recent Prom concert of the
Mahler 2 with Duhamel and the Simon Bolivar orch.
The point of this rave is that
all these facilities with excellent audio are delivered via a machine no bigger
than a small portable radio. I don’t wish to promote a particular manufacturer
but, simply comment on the technical advances made at affordable prices.
I’m in fact looking back with
some nostalgia having originally burnished my interest in audio in the early
days of stereo when owning Quad electrostatics was the ultimate in
sophistication.
Thu, Sep 15 2011, 3:32PM
#2
RE: AV Receivers
Fri, Sep 16 2011, 9:25AM
#3
RE: AV Receivers
Yes, this is the Marantz CM 603.
I purchased the unit following a very positive review by A. Everard in this
magazine. I parted somewhat reluctantly from my old Marantz set-up. A local
dealer gave me an attractive discount on these, which helped in the decision.
The compactness of this unit is
deceptive: typical well thought out Marantz design. The audio performance is
excellent and well matched to my B&W floor standing speakers. However, the
main attraction is the internet radio and USB connection for memory devices. The results with Apple Lossless files are
excellent. My only regret is that the CD player does not include options for
SACD and other high resolution formats. You can’t expect everything for 500 PDS
or €650 over here.
Thanks for your interest.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Fri, Sep 16 2011, 12:02PM
#4
RE: AV Receivers
Hi bhg. You write:
"I’m in fact looking back with
some nostalgia having originally burnished my interest in audio in the early
days of stereo when owning Quad electrostatics was the ultimate in
sophistication."
I don't know about sophistication, but if the objective is the best sound, then I suggest listening via Quad electrostatics - any model - is still the ultimate.
Was that the Marantz M-CR603? If so, I am very pleased that you have not missed your old system, as I would have thought it might have been quite a come down.
They are certainly a great brand, one which I still own, though now in a second system dating from the mid-90s, but still working and has never needed repair.
The streaming is, I am sure, a great advance.