Marantz SR-6300 6.1 Channels Receiver

This receiver represents my first foray into "higher-end" audio, having previously relied on a Sony shelf system (utilizing Dolby Pro Logic). I've owned it since April '03 and I must say that I have been extremely happy with the quality of this unit. I have it running a 6.1 setup which includes Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) 300 series satellites and center channels along with a ASW600 Subwoofer (150W). I have found the overall sound quality to be fantastic and have really come to appreciate the various sound settings for surround modes, etc. We listen to a variety of types of music in our home and I have been quite impressed with the quality of the sound reproduction, tone, and balance that this receiver provides. Additionally, I use this receiver for home theater duties and it performs admirably. I would say a scene like the Podrace from Star Wars Episode I is an ideal demo for the 6.1 capabilities of this receiver (especially since the movie is in Dolby Digital EX).

I would agree with other reviewers elsewhere that this setup is not for those of you who only want to rattle your walls with "huge bass." This receiver provides a great deal more balance than some of the other receivers, etc. which really only appeal to the bass enthusiast. Specifically, there seems to be special attention to clear mid range sounds, while the highs are appropriate but not overly "bright" and the low-end frequencies are supportive to the listening experience but not overpowering.

In my opinion, one of the real strengths rests in the variety and quality of the available sound modes. In addition to the obligatory generic "Stadium", "Hall", "Theatre", etc. modes, which I would consider rather pedestrian for this category of receiver, the unit provides the user the option of using the following modes depending on preference and sound source (i.e. music, movie, etc.):

- Auto (which will attempt to detect the optimal mode for the source input and is fairly accurate).

- Dolby modes include Dolby Digital, Pro Logic II Movie, Pro Logic II Music, Pro Logic, and Dolby Digital EX. The Pro Logic II Modes will take a 2-Channel (like a CD), or Dolby Surround signal (like most VHS movies), and convert it to a 5.1 channel soundtrack. My opinion is that it is pretty effective at doing this. The Dolby Digital EX mode is one of your 6.1 channel output alternatives. The one drawback I have found is that not one of my 6.1 DVD's appears to have the all-important "trigger flag" discussed in the manual. Therefore, I have to switch to this mode manually for such movies. A minor inconvenience, but you would think on this level of receiver, it wouldn't be necessary.

- DTS Modes include, DTS, Neo6: Cinema, Neo6: Music, and DTS - ES. The Neo6 modes are similar to the Dolby Pro Logic II modes in that they convert 2 and four channel soundtracks into 5.1. DTS-ES is similar to Dolby Digital-EX and also has to be set manually.

- Multi-Channel Stereo mode takes 2-channel recordings (most CD's) and sends the signals through all six satellite speakers. It accomplishes this by combining the right and left channels in the center speakers and creating a full surround environment. You literally feel as if you are in the direct center of the music. I have found this to be one of the most enjoyable ways to listen to our music.

- Circle Surround Modes include CSII-Cinema, CSII-Music, and CSII-Mono. As I understand it, this is a relatively new format that you are beginning to see on more and more TV broadcasts. For example, during one of the NBA Finals games, I noticed that it said it was being broadcast in CSII mode so I switched the sound to go through my receiver and it was quite accurate at making the sound of the crowd come from all around you, while the sounds of the game play were front and center...very enjoyable.

- Virtual is most useful when you only have two speakers, plus a subwoofer, attached to the system. It basically "fools" your ears into thinking that you are hearing surround sound. I would say it works reasonably well, but once you have rear satellite speakers, you'll never go back to this.

- Stereo mode. This is your garden variety 2-channel (i.e. right and left) stereo. I don't use this much now that I have discovered multi-channel stereo mode.

The unit does use an on screen display to set-up the inputs, so you will need to hook the video output to your TV to use this. Also, I wouldn't mess with a receiver in this category unless you have a TV with multiple types of inputs. For example, this receiver does NOT have component video inputs and outputs. For the best video quality from your DVD player, you will want to send the video straight to the component video inputs on your TV (if your TV has them), and send the sound straight to the receiver. I use a digital coaxial cable for the DVD player's sound.

I found the setup to be relatively easy, but it does help if you have a little experience with setting up a home theater (unless you just pay someone to do it). The manual is okay, but could be much better. However, I would consider it pretty typical of most Japanese electronics manufacturers.

The remote control is HUGE! Just a little warning there if you were hoping for something a little more svelte. I know others have complained that it's hard to set up to run other electronic components, but I have found the remote control quite easy to use and easily programmable. No problems running my Sony TV, Sony CD player, Sony VCR, or Sony DVD player. Also, the remote is "learning" and will accept the programming of Macros, which essentially means that once you have trained it to control your various components (i.e. TV, DVD, etc.), you can program a series of commands to be issued with the touch of one button. So you could press one button and your TV, Receiver, and DVD player would turn on and be ready to go. I have not tried this feature yet, but it does not appear to be particularly difficult based on a read of the instructions.

I also researched and considered receivers by Sony, Onkyo, and Kenwood. Ultimately, I felt that the Marantz stood head and shoulders above the rest of the comparable units from these other manufacturers.

It should also be noted that this was my second unit. I initially purchased an SR5300 only to get it home and have it produce a painful, high pitched, squeal after it had warmed up for about 30 minutes while in Dolby Digital or DTS mode (the salesmen who heard it when I took it back in described it as the "Dentist's Drill from Hell"). This appeared to be a very unusual experience and my SR6300 has experienced no problems.

One final suggestion - if you're going to step up to this level of sound quality, make sure you invest in good cables. At a minimum you should be using cables for your digital hook-ups which are shielded and insulated. Any retailer whose selling this unit ought to be able to help you on this. But, be prepared to spend a couple hundred dollars to get all the right cables.