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Review 2 of 2 Summary:
I am glad to be the first reviewer for Marantz SR-685. This is a successor of Marantz SR-680. No one has ever reviewed this one since the release time of this product in January 1999. I purchased a second-hand, practically new one a week ago. I called an authorized Marantz dealer and ask if there are any differences between SR-685 and SR-680. He said "Not much".
The build quality for this receiver is very good. You can peek through the ven holds and find big heat sinks and a large-sized transformer, which indicate that it is a high-quality component. It has enough inputs to handle all my existing components including DVD, CD, LD, TV, Tape Deck, Hi-fi VCR. There could be more digital inputs than just an optical and a coaxial. But it is enough for me now. There are pre-outs for all channels so that I can connect it to my Interactive Labs power amplifier. But there are no 5.1 inputs for upgrading to other digital decoding other than Dolby Digital. And there is no S-Video switching either.
Listening to music on this receiver is a 'sweet' experience. The sound is clean and sweet. I use the word 'sweet' to denote some lower-highs' enhancement of the amplifier. While Denon's receiver would enhance some upper-middles, which make the sound 'warm'. The bass from Marantz is strong but not full and extended. Compare to hi-end separates or receivers, the sound is somewhat colored. But it is definitely a favorable coloring to most people. The tuner performance is very good. The sensitivity is a bit less than that of my Denon AV-800. But for local stations, the signals are clearly presented and the stereo image is wide although not very deep.
The HT performance is just like many reviewers mentioned: "superb Surround Sound
Performance." Thanks to its Lucasfilm Cinema Re-EQ technology and all-digital Dual DSP decoding device. This Re-EQ is not a full THX processing. But you can understand it as a 'Partial THX' processing. It only takes care the EQ part. There are two other major process for full THX processing. But well, it already makes big difference when switching on. It sounds much closer to the real theater sounds. The 18-bit DAC produce sound just a bit shy of that from my Denon AVD-2000. But remember that the retail price of AVD-2000 is 3/4 of that of SR-685, while decoding is just one of hundreds functions performed by SR-685.
Well, this is an entry level in Marantz line. So the treble is not as extended as Denon AVD-2000 as an preamplifier. For the power amplifier section, the base is not as full and dynamical as the powerful bass from my Interactive Labs Fatboy. It doesn't even sound as powerful as a Yamaha receiver at the same level (i.e. RXV-795). Yamaha manufactures its power amp to be a little more punchy than necessary. It feels like it is very powerful. But even though you are a Yamaha fan, you would not hate to listen to Marantz, which sounds quite satisfactory if not first-rated. And you may prefer listening to Marantz for love songs. At least I think it would be better to listen to more products and experience more sonic characteristics. Just like some people buy only Toyata Camry or Honda Accord for their life time. Some people will stick to Yamaha or Denon. But, why not make your life more to enjoy by trying out other good cars like VW Passat, Suberu Legacy and listen to other fine receivers like Marantz SR-685? It is definitely worth listen to this SR-685 before you decide to buy any receiver for a $600 budget. Almost forgot to mention, the remote control unit is very practical. It doesn't have the fancy look and fancy functions like its "King of Remote" big brother. But it effectively replaced all of my 5 remotes. I would recommend this product strongly for people looking for fine receivers with practical functions and good sound. The following rating is based on $800 range receivers.
Sonic performance: 4.5 (Much better than average)
Functions: 4.5
Convenience: 5
Value: 4 at $699 (dealers full price), 5 at $400 (Discount price if any).
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