Been looking at upgrading my sub entry level Sony 597. Its ok for what it is, I'm looking for more UMPH. I listen to 50/50 music/HT. I am currently running in 5.1 with no plans to expand. I've been looking at the Marantz series. The Denon and Rotel are on my wish list. I'm looking at a budget of <$1000 CDN. My fronts are rated to 300w with 28-20 @ 92 db. Can anyone suggest the next step?
I think I may have found what I am looking for with the Marantz 6400, by reviewing the articles/discussions found here. If anyone has had similar success with the 6400, I'd be very interested. Thanks
workerbee: Rotel has the most grunt of the three you mentioned but with CV's you're probably looking more at volume than hifi results so I would recommend Marantz SR5500. The HK or Denon equivalents should fine as well. Anyone of those 3 receivers will give you quite and upgrade for music.
Hm, $700 CDN = $557 US. If you stick with Marantz I'd up that number to $600 US for the 5500 from hifi.com, it replaces both the 5400 and the 6400.
Better yet would be a Marantz 8400 from uBid I think their buy it now price is about $1000 Canadian. You can also find the 8400 on eBay brand new from the recent massive auction on uBid but they might not come with the original Marantz warranty.