Price Paid:  $800.00 from hifi.com

Summary:
Other discussions noting build dates and model numbers here are correct. I ordered mine from hifi.com and received a unit Marantz USA identified as a factory refurb. You can spot this by a small colored dot on the outside of the box next to the serial number, purple in this case. I did not know this until hifi.com refused to accept a return (over 30 days) and I contacted Marantz USA. When I told hifi.com they said that they had no idea and accepted my return. Their VP of product purchasing contacted me and discussed the situation. The product was pulled immediately.

Strengths:
none

Weaknesses:
nothing seemed to work quite right. could not get the setup to work. The thing was that it didn't seem to do the same things every time. It sounded great! but didn't work consistently.

Similar Products Used:
Onkyo

Price Paid:  $1460.00

Summary:
I have really, really tried to like this receiver. I had previously loaned a 5300 and really liked it. The stock on this 7200 receiver were running out and they were going cheap. I liked the idea of a learning remote so decided to settle for this. I wish I hadn't.

I have a pair of 602.5's and the sound they pump through them is, quite frankly, poor. For a $AU2000 receiver I am very dissapointed. My $400 Pioneer had a better stereo image. The onboard DAC is even worse - tending towards the shrill. If you have mellow speakers like Wharfdale 8's it would sound good,but that's about it. I didn't have any popping problems like others in this group, but if you have the chance - get the 5300 instead. The literature boasts a "cutting edge" DAC - maybe they should have used one that sounded good, instead of just being brand new.
I realise I'm being picky, but that's my prerogative - I bought the dang thing!

Strengths:
Remote is awesome and easy to use

Weaknesses:
Shrill and weak sound - no matter what cables are used

Similar Products Used:
Pioneer botton of the range receiver (no longer made)
Rotel pre/power 830(?) stereo combo

Price Paid:  $1300.00 from West End Electronics

Summary:
I first purchased the SR 5200 from West End Electronics in NFLD, Canada. Having purchased in the past, a mid priced Pioneer ($799 CDN) and med priced Kenwood Receiver ($599 CDN), I wanted my next receiver to be more high end. I have always heard rave reviews for Marantz equipment, and had a dealer near by. I picked the SR5200 ($800 CDN) for it seemed to have the best bang for the buck. Had noticably better sound quality, especially at louder levels, than I was previously use to. It worked flawlessly for several months until it started to automatically shut itself off. This problem appeared to go away over time, however, use to rear its ugly head every month or so. I finally got pissed off enough to return the unit. The guys at West End Electronics took it back, and Marantz had a new one on its way. While I waited they were nice enough to loan me an SR 6200. I must say the difference in these two receivers was huge. Both sound quality and features. The extra wattage was definately worth the extra money. When the the replacement SR5200 came in I decided that I would like to have at least the SR6200 ($1000 CDN) instead of the 5200. The guys at West End again rose to the occassion, allowing me to trade in my 5200 replacement from Marantz, giving me all my money back after 10 months of use, very impressive. I put this toward the new SR7300 ($1300 CDN). Again the step up was noticable, but not to the degree the SR6200 was over the SR5200. One of the nicest features of the 7300 is the Circle Surround 6.1, and the auto source detection. Before I had to change the input selection from digital to analog when wanting to view analog TV stations v. Digital ones (for both the SR5200 & SR6200). What an annoyance having to do this every time you change between certain channels! This receiver will always auto detect the best signal to use for both video and audio for each of its inputs.

The OSD is very detailed, offering many more options than the SR5200 & SR6200, and is also controllable/viewable from the units front display, however, you must be very familiar with it before using it in this way (But you will be in no time, trust me). Subs work in Source direct, has all the SS modes you would want incl. the new DTS ES 96/24, and has more power than you will likely use. I like my music and movies very loud, but have yet to have to turn it on full volume to satisfy my need, or while showing it off to friends for that matter. I also must mention the fact it is upgradable from a computer port on the back. This feature was the final bonus feature that pushed me toward the SR7300 over the SR6200. The receiver is quoted as future proof.

I have only two gripes. First, the remote has a small LCD display that does not light up. The lack of lighting has forced me on several occasions to have to get up and turn on the light to effectively use the remote, and second, the OSD does not work when using component video out.

Overall, the most features and best performing unit available at this price point. My experience shows that a dealer can make all the difference, actually turning a bad experience, into a great one for me. Thanks again Wade.

System:
Panasonic 53" 16:9 HDTV
Marantz SR7300 Receiver
Paradigm Monitor 5 V.3 front channels
Paradigm Monitor 5 V.2 back channels
Paradigm CC270 Center channel
Paradigm CC100 Rear Center channel
2 Quest 8" Subs
Sony 5 disk DVD
Electrohome DVD player (for SVCD's)
Mitsubishi HiFi VHS
Motorola Digital Cable Box
Motorola HDTV Decoder

Strengths:
Power/Wattage (Approx. 110/Ch), Sound Quality, Surround modes incl. DD EX, DTS ES, and DTS 96/24. Auto source detection (Crucial), component switching, Very Detailed OSD, 7.1 Compatible, Multi Room/Zone, Upgradable, and last but not least, looks great too.

Weaknesses:
OSD not Available in component video, and the lack of a backlit remote is almost unforgivable at this price point!
Would have liked to see the OSD more flashy, the use of colours would have been welcome. The OSD Letters remind me of the old pong game console.

Similar Products Used:
Pioneer VSX D601, Kenwood VR 410, Marantz SR5200 & SR6200.

Price Paid:  $750.00 from Sound Central

Summary:
Unfortunately I had a 2001, 7200 and experienced some problems. Returned to dealer (Sound Central and Tony have always been good to me). Replaced with '02 model and no problems since. I use a preamp in stereo and have big, full range floor models so I listen to 2 channel in Source direct, much more detail this way and very good sound for a receiver in this price range. Much more musical than Denon, Sony, Pioneer and the rest. For movies I use the amp for surround and center speakers only; plenty of power. This receiver matches up well with my equipment and the features are all useful. Don't understand the flack around the remote, it does all I need fir my entire setup.

Strengths:
Very musical receiver with my system.
7200 receiver(used as preamp in 2 channel)
Adcom 5802 front amp
Marantz 7010 DVD
Paradigm Studio 100's front
Paradigm Studio 40 rear
Paradigm Studio Center Channel
Velodyne SPL 10
Marantz PV6111W HDTV
Sony HD 250 Tuner

Weaknesses:
None to date. Really wish the sub would run in "source direct mode".

Price Paid:  $600.00 from Audio Consultants, L

Summary:
Just as the previous reviewer did, I went for a good deal on last years model, the SR 7200. What a POS! Bad LF channel, non working On screen display, and that infamous whooomp through the sub when you power up the unit. My dealer took good care of me, and I got into the 7300 instead. Much better unit, MUCH better remote. Manual is also improved from before. Early indications are positive, but it's only been one day.

Seems to be the best unit for Multi source in it's price range, although I believe the Denon 2803 can now do this as well?

Strengths:
Sound seems very good, haven't put it to much of a test yet

Weaknesses:
On screen still a bit of a pain.

Similar Products Used:
Harman Kardon AVR 30 and AVR 55

Current system:

Marantz SR 7300

BW LM1's x 4
BW center and sub
Sony DVD and TV