Marantz sr5003 vs onkyo 705 +/- LPA-1

[mlkmgr]

Just attempting to determine what to do as far as my receiver goes. Long story short:

my first new receiver of this century was an onkyo 605. loved it but wanted a 705 for external amplification. sold it.

bought hk-247. too buggy. sold it.

bought marantz sr5003. currently in use. good receiver and enough power without external amplification with my system--i think.

purchased lpa-1 to throw into the mix....but still sitting in box.

purchased onkyo 705 but had to wait for calibration mic to show up from onkyo. have yet to set up in system, but this was "my dream" receiver when having the 605.

so the dilemma is, what do i keep?

whatever i keep, i re-sell the extra. any suggestions?

[flamingeye]

Try it all keep what you like and of story

[oregonbill]

I have an LPA 1 and a Matantz 5003. This is the route you should go. I am happy with mine. I am thinking in the future to have the LPA 1 run my surrounds and put an XPA-3 for the fronts and center. I only use the Marantz for Processing duties.

[placebo473]

Pride of ownership and power is what gives most long term satisfaction.

[flamingeye]

That and the steady pulls of frequencies flowing throw your body at ungodly volumes

[NorthStar]

Personally I luv the Onkyo 705 with Audyssey MultEQ XT, THX Select2, and overall great performance.
Used as a pre/pro in combination with the LPA-1, is a winning two-way street solution of great synergy (great power & great preamp).

The Marantz SR5003 is simply missing too many features, ant it's Audyssey implementation is kind of flawed (cannot use Audyssey with the new high res audio codecs through the HDMI connection, which sucks big time, because of not enough processing power), and not enough resolution in the bass department.

The onkyo TX-SR705 was and still is one of the best value ever in a receiver; it has everything you need, plus all the high end features that makes it a unique and tremendous value EVER.
I used to have the 805 myself, and it was a FABULOUS receiver. The 705 is quite similar as the preamp section is concerned. I recommended the 705 to alot of people in the past, and they all Thank me for my advice with numerous comments of gratification.

That is my humble opinion.

LOTR

[Deleted]

I'm gonna go with the 705 +lpa also.

[roadrunner]

The Onkyo 705 and the Marantz SR5003 are both very good AVRs. The Onkyo has a few more bells and whistles, which may or may not be important to you. Using them strictly as a pre/pro in combination with an Emotiva power amp you would need to audition both to see which you preferred. Many people like the "Marantz" sound better than the Onkyo.

This is one of those situations that should be easy to solve. Try both in your system and sell the one that loses the head-to-head challenge. I have owned both in the past (not at the same time) and feel you would probably be happy with either of them. My personal choice would have been the Marantz -- I liked its sound quality better. ;D

[hemster]

+1 for the Marantz SQ. Although admittedly I haven't heard the Onkyo 705, I am keeping my Marantz SR-5003 for the family room. It'll replace a Pioneer HTIB receiver.

[RadTech]

In what way is the sound quality of the Marantz superior/different from the Onkyos? I've never heard a Marantz but, read good things about them.

[hemster]

Apr 1, 2010 11:14:16 GMT -5 RadTech said:

In what way is the sound quality of the Marantz superior/different from the Onkyos? I've never heard a Marantz but, read good things about them.

Marantz have a warm sound that's hard to describe. I could use terms like clarity, depth and punchy bass but it's best to take your favorite music along to a Marantz dealer and give them a listen. It's the only way to know. But I can assure you, you will not be disappointed!

[NorthStar]

Marantz receivers are usually a good match with brighter speakers like the Klipschs or B&Ws for example.
And perhaps the Onkyos are great with any kind of speakers?

[SDMonkey]

Apr 1, 2010 21:59:04 GMT -5 NorthStar said:

Marantz receivers are usually a good match with brighter speakers like the Klipschs or B&Ws for example.
And perhaps the Onkyos are great with any kind of speakers?

I don't consider my speakers bright, OLD ENERGY C100 fronts and center with EMO ERDs as surrounds. My locale dealer demoed the Marantz SR6004 with PSB speakers and it was the last thing I needed to hear to seal the deal for me and a Marantz.

I may not like Onkyo but I'm no Marantz Fan Boy either, let your own ears tell you what is right for you and yours.

[hemster]

Apr 1, 2010 21:59:04 GMT -5 NorthStar said:

Marantz receivers are usually a good match with brighter speakers like the Klipschs or B&Ws for example.
And perhaps the Onkyos are great with any kind of speakers?

I had tremendous sound from my Paradigms and the Marantz receiver. I don't think my speakers are bright. The Marantz has a lovely warm sound but I won't parlay superinflated, superfluous superlatives in this superb thread!

[mlkmgr]

running them both through their paces this weekend. daughter's bday party to contend with tonight or would be demo-ing right now instead.

however, with the umc firmware on the horizon--hopefully for real this time!--I may need to add an additional option to the poll...

[NorthStar]

Apr 2, 2010 13:18:49 GMT -5 SDMonkey said:

Apr 1, 2010 21:59:04 GMT -5 NorthStar said:

Marantz receivers are usually a good match with brighter speakers like the Klipschs or B&Ws for example.
And perhaps the Onkyos are great with any kind of speakers?

I don't consider my speakers bright, OLD ENERGY C100 fronts and center with EMO ERDs as surrounds. My locale dealer demoed the Marantz SR6004 with PSB speakers and it was the last thing I needed to hear to seal the deal for me and a Marantz.

I may not like Onkyo but I'm no Marantz Fan Boy either, let your own ears tell you what is right for you and yours.

Et voila! Simplement Bravo!

[NorthStar]

Apr 2, 2010 13:48:19 GMT -5 hemster said:

Apr 1, 2010 21:59:04 GMT -5 NorthStar said:

Marantz receivers are usually a good match with brighter speakers like the Klipschs or B&Ws for example.
And perhaps the Onkyos are great with any kind of speakers?

I had tremendous sound from my Paradigms and the Marantz receiver. I don't think my speakers are bright. The Marantz has a lovely warm sound but I won't parlay superinflated, superfluous superlatives in this superb thread!

But you just did!

[NorthStar]

Apr 2, 2010 17:50:24 GMT -5 mlkmgr said:

running them both through their paces this weekend. daughter's bday party to contend with tonight or would be demo-ing right now instead.

however, with the umc firmware on the horizon--hopefully for real this time!--I may need to add an additional option to the poll...

Way to go!

[mlkmgr]

i appreciate those who have responded.

i am going against the norm with this one and i have chosen the onkyo over the marantz. i think my ears grew accustomed to the sound dating back to my original 605. i just threw the marantz up in the emporium. i had considered keeping it for the living room, but my old pioneer 810 is working perfectly and i know someone out there will appreciate the marantz more than i. besides, it is always a little cold in the basement so i think the onkyo will help with the room temp ...

[NorthStar]

I won! I just knew it, the Onkyo TX-SR705 can't be beat. ...Audyssey MultEQ XT, THX Select2 certification. Three DSP TI Aureus chips. Cirrus Crystal Dac. Great measured lab tests ...Just these are quite amazing features. And this great sounding receiver can be found for less than $400!

Very smart choice!