Summary: Thumbs up on the Marantz AV600. Its 2005 and I picked this pre-amp up in EXCELLENT condition for under $250, what a steal! The unit works flawlessly, took about 1-2 days to get used to it and configure it -- but it works SO well.
Being an old seperates fan, I got pulled away about 6 years ago due to "dolby digital 5.1" revolution.. and while 5.1 sure is nice, NOTHING can compete with the stability, cleanliness, and perfection of stereo and seperates. So, I ditched my Sony 5.1 reciever and picked up this Marantz AV-600. I connected it to my old vintage Kenwood L-07M monoblock amps and let me tell you, life is ALL good again! The pre-amp combined with the monoblock amps just breathed new life back into my Klipsch KG5.2 main speakers! My 15" JBL sub is rolling oh so smooth!
Strengths: Excellent build quality.
RC2000 is a good remote.
Classy appearance.
Weaknesses: Being that its now 2005, this unit is a bit dated.. but thats not to say its useless.
One thing I hate about this system, is that when you turn off the main "display" on the pre-amp, there is a small (but VERY bright) light that illuminates and says DISP.. its an idiot light to remind people that the display is not broken. Either way, I would prefer it all unlit but hey, what can you do. I just stuck a sticker of me and my wife on it and called it a day.
Similar Products Used: Who cares? This unit is awesome.
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Summary: This preamp is a steal! I got off eBay to use in my main TV room. I was quite suprised to find that an older unit produced such incredible stereo imaging. I don't know that I would have paid the $1300 it originally listed for, but it is a great performer for someone looking to get top end stereo performance for very little money. The ProLogic decoding is also very good, yet its two channel listening that was most impressive. It delivers smooth and warm sound with an excellent imaging. The RC 2000 remote is an added bonus. It will literally run everything in the cabinet. I would highly recommend!
Strengths: Bargain at $200 to $300 used. Smooth and warm two channel performance. RC2000 Remote!
Weaknesses: No Dolby Digital or DTS
Similar Products Used: None in this price range. I graduated to a Sunfire Theater Grand
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Summary: no where near the sound quality of the original marantz equipment of the 70''s. philips bought out marantz and they are making money off the name. their sound is very similar to pioneer sony and other mass market products. im using paradigm studio 20 and ma500 mono blocks.
Strengths: midrange at high volume. the name. reliable
Weaknesses: muddy bass. dry lifeless treble
Similar Products Used: pioneer, sony
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Summary: Its best value for money, especially in my case, for only 302Euro instead of 1500Euro. Im highly impressed by the Quality of this bolide. It is really audioEnthusiastic. My older NAD Surround Amp broke up, and i bought the Marantz AV600 with the Monoblocks. Theres really a great difference. Im very happy, that i decided to buy this peace of Luck, peace.
Strengths: The crystal-clear, warm sound
Weaknesses: The handling is a little difficult, it has too much features
Similar Products Used: NAD T751
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Rating Reviewed by: GR Werth(Unregistered User)
(Audiophile)
Review Date November 6, 2001
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for 1 to 3 months
Visitors rate this review 3.00 of 5,
4.00 votes
Review 5 of 22
, from No. Riverside, IL
Price Paid:
$150.00
from E-Bay
Summary: I picked up this unit to mate with my 5 existing MA-500 Marantz Monoblocks as a first move to seperates. I didn't research this unit until after I bought a used AV550. After reading postings here and visits to well a few respected audio shops, these things confirmed my suspicions that the AV550 wasn't all that great on music. For DD.1, it did an excellent job, but I'm much more into music now then when I first started.
Anyway, the AV600 lives up to being one great preamp. The DSP modes do nothing for me, but the two channel side is very smooth with excellent mid-range and sparkling highs when used with my Paradigm Monitor 7's.
Eventually I'll probably move up to an AV9000, but for now, I'm very happy with this purchase.
Strengths: 2 Channel Music - Pro-Logic for regular TV watching
Weaknesses: Lacks DD 5.1 - But you can add a DP-870
Similar Products Used: Marantz AV-550, Denon 2700
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