Price Paid:  $650.00 from singapore

Summary:
Bought this unit to replace my Marantz SR4000 which I sold after repairing faulty surround channel. Liked the SR4000, so the SR5500 purchase was almost automatic. Sounds great with HT or music.

BUT, a year & a half later now, the right chanel has got the similar problem as the surround chanel on the previous set. Lots of distortion & can barely hear anything. not back from the dealer yet, so don't know extent of damage & out of warranty cost.

Overall, I'd say its real value for money set for someone who is looking for reasonable receiver that plays music well also.

Strengths:
reasonable sound quality for movies and music. low price paid

Weaknesses:
surround modes best not used. seems to break down fast. my denon AVR3200G has outlasted my SR4000 & SR5500. suspect build quality not fantastic.

Similar Products Used:
Marantz SR4000
Denon AVR3200G

Price Paid:  $699.00 from Audioshop

Summary:
I purchased this receiver to finally make the move to home theatre. After carefully selecting my speaker system, comprised of a mix of Polk and Dahlquist products, I hooked everything up and am so far quite happy with the results. As mentioned in other reviews, the remote is about the ugliest, most revolting thing I've seen since the advent of electronics. It is, however, quite user-friendly, aside from the fact that it's not backlit (black controls on black remote? come on guys). the higher-end SR series models have much, much better remotes. Oh well.

Size is also an issue, depth most especially. I had to cut out the back of the wall unit this big boy was going to sit in, and that was a surprise. Kinda makes you all warm and fuzzy all over though, big is good.

Other than that, sound quality is fantastic, and the different surround settings are fun to play with, although the Pure Direct setting is a pleasant option, bypassing all tone controls and filters for your unmarred listening pleasure.

Sarah McLaughlin never sounded so sweet, I'm picking up on thisngs I never heard before, even on my higher-end listening system, Arcam amp and Energy C2's.

This receiver also, surprisingly does not run as hot as others I've used, is it more efficient or just better ventilation, i don't know, but a curiosity indeed.

It has plenty of features, and inputs are sufficient for the average user. A useful monitor-out hookup allows you to connect the unit to your monitor using an S-Video or Composite connection to access the extensive, comprehensive setup menus, a great feature for those with a hatred for small display window menus.

All in all this is a hefty, handsome piece of equipment and for the price (don't buy it in Mexico! :P) is a awesome entry-level piece that can hold it's own against some more expensive products. Highly recommended, for $699 Canadian.

Strengths:
Excellent sound, tons of features, plenty of inputs, good looks.

Weaknesses:
Remote, remote, remote. At this price level, gimme something that glows in the dark, at least!

Similar Products Used:
Onkyo, Harman Kardon.

Price Paid:  $11749.00 from Liverpool Queretaro

Summary:
The above price shown is in Mexican pesos. The equivalent in USD will be around $1,000 USD.

This receiver is replacing my 2yr-old Marantz SR4200. I'm simply amazed by the sound of this machine, for music reproduction I doubt any other receiver can come close to it at this price point.

It is only rated at 90Wx7, but this power is sufficient to fulfill all but the largest rooms. Its back panel has plenty of connection options. It has all the features the newer receivers offer these days: Multi-room capability, video up-conversion, Lip-Sync delay adjust, on-screen display, 7.1 analog inputs (for DVD-A/SACD), etc. and of course it has all the surround sound processing available.

What it does not have is the auto-calibration function, but for me it is not a problem since I like to do all the speaker calibration setting myself. [with the help of AVIA/Digital Video Essentials DVD and RadioShack sound meter level of course :)] However, for those who are in a hurry it has a one-step quick calibration based on your room size and speaker configuration.

Eventough it is not THX certified, its performance with movies is more than satisfying. The surround experience is real and convincing.

The drawbacks I've found are the following:
-Very limited bass management: It only allow you to set the crossover setting at 80Hz, 100Hz and 120Hz. This is somewhat limiting for us who have full-range speakers all the way.
- Remote Control. It is unbelievable that after three years Marantz is still suplying the same ugly not-back-lit remote. It is the same remote my old 4200 had.

Despite these two minor concerns, its build quality, connectivity and most important: Nice smooth and clean sound for music and movies makes it a great product.

I highly recommend this receiver to anyone.

Strengths:
- SOUND. Nice, clean and powerful Marantz sound for music and movies.
- Build quality. (This machine is heavy and I suggest you double-check your rack shelf measures. It is quite deep! ()

Weaknesses:
- Remote control: It works well, but it lacks back-lit for use in the dark and the design looks pretty old for today's standards in my opinion.
- Limited bass management settings
- The price for Marantz products is very high in Mexico. With the same amount I invested on this receiver here, I could have afforded the SR-7500 if I were in the US.

Similar Products Used:
Marantz SR-4200, Harman Kardon AVR20 II.