SR7002 Review Conclusions and Recomendations
Marantz has a winner in the SR7002 AV receiver. This product is power, yet simple - something not easily accomplished in today's era of endless configurability. Some of the more advanced features and configurations may be pulled aside for D&M's higher-end Denon receivers, but the Marantz is clearly taking shape as the "bang for the buck" product line. With the addition of HDMI 1.3 to the mix and providing 4 of these high definition inputs, the SR7002 distances itself from much of the competition. We only wish they had made the dual HDMI outputs simultaneously parallel rather than switchable - which quite frankly renders the feature a lot less relevant. Musically, I found the SR7002 to be solid - music sounded excellent and feature films were more than enjoyable. I was unable to make the system hiccup or mess up any material and it was neither bright nor nonlinear in any way I could discern, the measurements bearing this out as well. At the price Marantz has brought this receiver to market, I'd say the SR7002 is a bargain and Marantz-lovers everywhere should rejoice that the company is more than back in the game - they are leading several innings.
Marantz SR7002
MSRP $1399 | Buy It Now
Marantz America, Inc.
100 Corporate Drive
Mahwah, N.J. 07430-2041
us.marantz.com
About Marantz America
Marantz America is committed to upholding the tradition of technological superiority initiated by founder Saul Marantz. In keeping with this emphasis on quality, Marantz audio and video components are carried only by the nation’s premier independent audio/video specialty retailers. Additional information is available at www.marantz.com. Marantz America is a wholly owned subsidiary of D&M Holdings Inc.
The Score Card
The scoring below is based on each piece of equipment doing the duty it is designed for. The numbers are weighed heavily with respect to the individual cost of each unit, thus giving a rating roughly equal to:
Performance × Price Factor/Value = Rating
Audioholics.com note: The ratings indicated below are based on subjective listening and objective testing of the product in question. The rating scale is based on performance/value ratio. If you notice better performing products in future reviews that have lower numbers in certain areas, be aware that the value factor is most likely the culprit. Other Audioholics reviewers may rate products solely based on performance, and each reviewer has his/her own system for ratings.
Audioholics Rating Scale
— Excellent
- — Very Good
- — Good
- — Fair
- — Poor
| Metric | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frequency Response Linearity | |
| SNR | |
| Output Impedance | |
| Measured Power (8-ohms) | |
| Measured Power (4-ohms) | |
| Multi-channel Audio Performance | |
| Two-channel Audio Performance | |
| Video Processing | |
| Bass Management | |
| Build Quality | |
| Fit and Finish | |
| Ergonomics & Usability | |
| Ease of Setup | |
| Features | |
| Remote Control | |
| Performance |  |
| Value | |
See also:
mpedris;408262
How might the SR-7002 drive a 4 ohm or 6 ohm load continuously?
A friend is considering buying this receiver to drive the Mirage OMD-5 (rated at 6 ohms) or Sonus Faber Concertino (rated at 4 ohms).
Might a Denon AVR-3808 do a better job at driving the said speakers?
Thanks in advance for any help.
IMO, I wouldn't even consider driving 4ohm speakers continuously on a receiver point.
6ohm might be ok... check the manual/call for tech support.
A friend is considering buying this receiver to drive the Mirage OMD-5 (rated at 6 ohms) or Sonus Faber Concertino (rated at 4 ohms).
Might a Denon AVR-3808 do a better job at driving the said speakers?
Thanks in advance for any help.
What is your experience with the latest Harman Kardon AVR 247 product?
I am putting together my HT setup and purchased this unit, still new in the box, and haven't installed it yet but reading all the current "problems" should I switch to the Onkyo 605 or 606 for better quality and sound?
Being new to HT, is there an appreciable sound/video quality difference with 1.3 vs. my Harman AVR 247's 1.1 (1.2?) setup?
I would like the best sound and picture in this price range.
Thank you for any help!
Gary
Regarding its video capabilities, if I get a Blu Ray player such as the Panasonic BDP HDK 50 (or 30) and play a regular DVD (not Blu Ray), will the Blu Ray player upscale to 1080p, and so are the "limitations" of the Marantz video upscaling irrelevant (it only upconverts 480i/p via HDMI)?
Thanks, geraldan (a newbie to all of this technical stuff!)
