Component video, 27MHz filtering, 24-bit DACs

No optical digital out, No random exchange between CDs, Limited DVD features

Perhaps we expect too much from DVD/CD changer units? But, I figured Marantz would never put out a 5-Disc CD changer that DOES NOT let you exchange between discs in random mode. Boy, was I wrong there. Isn't that the sole point of having a 5 disc CD changer? Programming is limited to 20 tracks. There is a coax digital out ONLY, no optical. DVD quality is good, but the player seems to lack features(like zoom) that many other very basic DVD players have.
I initially was looking at the Onkyo 5-disc changer, as it has great DVD qualities. But, the knock against that changer is the inability to exchange between CDs in a random mode. The only 5-disc DVD/CD player that I've found that does this is the Denon 3700. It incorporates HDCD as well, but I have no idea what the DVD quality/features are like. Now, I'm going to revert back to my first idea of keeping the DVD and CD units separate. The DVD/CD combination doesn't seem to be quite there yet. I'm sending the Marantz back. Nothing against the brand, as I love their receivers. But, this unit just isn't what I(and I believe most people) am looking for in a 5-disc changer.

Audio/Video reproduction

lack of explanations in and weak English translation of manual

I believe that this player has gotten a bad rap.

I cannot confirm the complaints about poor production quality: my unit worked beautifully straight out of the box.

About 90% of my use of the device is as a CD changer. I have tested it with a number of demanding CDs in a variety of genres (e.g. classical, electronica, jazz, guitar solo, vocal solo, rock, new age, and world music) -- including one with mushed cookie crumb on it. (So okay! I don't keep my CDs in a cleanroom ... or even a clean room.) Sonically and mechanically, it is flawless. It even passed the cookie crumb test, skipping twice before going on to the next track.

The unit is very quiet, with only slight mechanical noise when changing discs. No whirr during quiet passages.

The video is as good or better than the two-year-old Sony 550 that I replaced.

My only difficulty was in figuring out how to make the unit automatically switch to the next CD when one was finished. Sony calls this feature "continuous play mode", and it is the default on the Sony CD changer that I replaced. It is not the default with the Marantz.

I eventually discovered that bad English grammar had obscured this feature. When the manual says "Repeat the ALL disc" in its presentation of the function of the "repeat" button on the remote control, it means that one press of the "repeat" button will put the changer into continuous play mode.

I did not expect (though perhaps I should have) the "repeat" button to be associated with continuous play. I did not expect this mode not to be the default. And, unfortunately, the changer does not remember this setting when the power is turned off and back on. Oh well. I will have to remember, then.

With this sole exception, I am very pleased with the unit. I have it paired with the Marantz 8000 A/V receiver and a pair of custom-built tower speakers. The combination is excellent.

Similar Products Used:

Sony CD changer and DVD player

Audio Video Quality On screen display

freezes periodically during DVD

I have had the product for two months and am almost fully satisfied. The only issue would be a couple of freezes during DVD playback.
DTS an DD work very well and sound reproduction is excellent.
No optical output on a unit like this seems an oversight.
Remote is easy to use.
I do like the onscreen display as it is easier to read than having to squint at the unit several feet away.

My system:
Marantz SR 5000
Marantz VC 5000
Energy Encore Speaker Package
Energy V 8 second sub

super color, detail, clarity, superior sound, amazing detail in both sound and video

none that are worth mentioning

bought this player as a bedroom unit and it was well worth it. i use this player more than my $1600 sony unit. love to play sacd on the sony, but dvd audio on the marantz is absolutely wonderful. right now sacd only comes in two channel stereo, but dvd audio has 5.1 channels of audio and i tell you it's a stunning presentation with incredible detail. this player will enwrap you with clear, crisp, detailed, and warm dvd audio music. mozart never sounded this good ever.

Similar Products Used:

sony dvp-s9000es reference series dvdcdsacd

great component

none

update from my last review. still haven't had any problems with this machine and i have used it for a while now. you guys have to realize that this is an expensive player and you should buy a line conditioner to get the most out of your audio and video equipment. not only will it give you the maximum performance but it will also protect your equipment from everyday power surges. i definetely recommend this player if you are looking for the best dvd changer on the market.

everything

none really

i'm still amazed by how much better everything looks and sounds on this player. i've watched several dts movies and am amazed by how detailed this dvd player is. gladiator, u-571, bone collector, pitch black, dante's peak, and titan ae all were amazing to see all over again.
matrix on dd was also great and the picture wasn't too dark like on most other players but crisp and colorful. what a great player. i'm using it with a hk avr 300, celestion speakers, and a panasonic tv and i'm loving it.

Similar Products Used:

hk dvd5

Great picture

Manufacturing quality, response speed, remote

Loved my SR18 surround receiver from Marantz. Expected the same quality from their DVD player. Wrong! This unit worked for about 4 hours and then video signal went out. 30 minutes later the mechanism jammed with 3 DVDs stuck inside. Also, not happy with remote and the speed with which the unit responds commands from the remote. Will be trading this in for something else