jimmygard2

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Price Paid:  $750.00 from Ebay

Summary:
I picked up this unit for a steal because it seems that this particular model which is very similar to the SR-8400 was sold mainly in the UK. I had to search around for quite a while to get reveiws and information on this unit before going for it. Boy am I pleased. I'm using Klispch RF-3 with matching center and rears and all I can say is this thing cranks. I put the setting on all channels stereo and tunred up Carlo Santana E' Como Va and slowly pushed the volume up until it could go no more. What did I hear? It felt like Carlo was 5 rows in front of me center stage. Every instrument was clear loud without a hint of cracking or distortion. It handled maximum output like a champ. Regarding HT set up it is a THX certified 7.1 channel receiver and with it's flexibility and multi room ability it is definetly on of the best receivers in it's class (along with the SR8400. The SR-8300 comes with a programmable universal remote that learns anything form any remote. You can even open you garage door with this baby. Way cool. The remote actually gets a signal from the receiver so at a glance you can see what you set up is. I've always liked Marantz receivers and once again thet have outperformed themselves. You'll love one if you can get one.

Strengths:
Raw Clean Power. Clean Sound stage. Flexability. Remote.

Weaknesses:
None so far. Oh, It's big and heavy but that's usually a plus.

Similar Products Used:
Klispch, Advent, Nakamichi

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Price Paid:  $500.00 from Ebay

Summary:
I was able to get this unit for a steal. Evidently the SR-8300 was sold mainly over seas. I checked the specs and they're very similar to the SR-8400 which is sold in the U.S.A. I'm running it with Klipsch RF-3's mains, RC-3 Center, KSF-S5's and a Polk 200 sub. I had Carlos Santana e' como va maxed on the volume and nothing blew. The sound was just the way a Marantz should sound, like you had a front row seat at the show. I stood about 15' back and was blown away (smiling) by the clarity and lack of any audible distortion. Most receivers never let you get close to the maximum volume before shutting down but this unit handled it like a true champion. The flexibility is over whelming but I do kinda miss the simple Bass Treble and Midrange controls on the vintage models cause with this unit you will be reading the manual to get the most out of it for home theater and music. Different settings will most likely be wanted. Once set up though you won't have many things to complain about except the dirty looks from your neighbors for rocking their house walls. So in short if you were wondering about the not so well known SR-8300 just look at the 8400 and you'll be looking at a very similar product. Marantz receivers are one of the higher end receivers available and the SR-8300 is no exception.

Strengths:
Power management, Flexibility, Sound, Raw Power, for me the price was a strength as well.

Weaknesses:
It's a large unit and needs some breathing space. That's all though.

Similar Products Used:
Nakamichi AV2 which also can be maxed without blowing and is a great reciever. P.S. I actually have the Sansui AV 9500 which is the same exact unit as the Nakamichi AV2 except for the name plate. This is when I found that not all manufacturers manufacture what they sell. They buy the technology and put their name on it. The Sansui cost aound $750.00, when Nakamichi took over the technology the cost went to $1,200.00. I love my Sansui as well.
Klipsch RF-3s, RC-3, Polk 200Watt Sub, Avent Heritage and Pinnicle 5+ for the Nakamichi/Sansui and and Onkyo for the de.n