Marantz SR-14EX: Absolute Gem
Written: Nov 21 '03
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Pros: Amazing Sound, It's Marantz
Cons: Out-Dated
The Bottom Line: A gem... Truly a magnificent gem.
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| soupcraze's Full Review: Marantz SR-14EX 5.1 Channels Receiver |
Ever since I've turned into an audiophile, I've been in search of the ideal receiver for me. To this date, I'm proud to say that I use a Marantz SR-14EX 5.1 receiver in my home theater system. Here's what I use currently:
-MY COMPONENTS-
*Paradigm Monitor 11 Main Speakers
*Paradigm CC-370 Center Speaker
*Boston Acoustic CR-9 Rear Speakers
*Marantz DV-18MkII DVD Player
*Marantz CC-4000OSE CD Player
-Some First Thoughts-
*Marantz has an incredible sound... I've always had a deep appreciation for their products. I'm looking to upgrade to more expensive components and speakers, but that's when I'm older and have an actual career. Currently, I'm very satisfied with the Marantz SR-14EX. However, times have changed, and now there are 8 channel receivers and many receivers have become cheaper. However, the Marantz SR-14EX still delivers unbelievable sound, and for many, that is what matters. Don't expect the most cutting edge receiver and channels out of this. Back in its day, this was practically the best that you could buy, and still, with 140 Watts of power going to five channels, it still sounds better than most.
-Price-
*There's one website currently selling the Marantz SR-14EX for $3,200. This is by no means a cheap receiver. But the sound quality that it delivers is definitely audiophile quality. It's very clear and powerful. There is pretty close competition from brands such as Denon, but the Marantz SR-14EX does sound better than them. But some very close competition comes from B&K which makes receivers with vacuum tubes. Vacuum tubes are considered to be the best by audiophiles, however, I still prefered the sound of the Marantz SR-14EX over any close B&K models at the time. Can I really say that the Marantz SR-14EX is worth it now? Well, if you're looking for absolutely incredible sound quality on 5.1 channels, then this baby would be good for you. But be reminded, there are more advanced receivers out on the market today, and the prices have gone down ever since the Marantz SR-14EX dominated.
-The Looks-
*The Marantz SR-14EX is a very handsome model. It definitely makes itself stand out as a beautiful center-piece on my home theater component rack. The look is very clean, and if you like a very sleek and graceful looking unit, then the Marantz SR-14EX is something that you should definitely consider.
-Sound Quality-
*The Marantz SR-14EX offers about 140x5 watts. This is a great deal of power, and it should be sufficient to power the best of speakers on the market. I'm currently waiting to borrow a pair of Magnepan MG20.1s and try them out on it :) Compared to the Denon AVR-5800 which was the best of its day, the Marantz SR-14EX offered better sound quality overall. The Marantz SR-14EX is what an audiophile would expect a receiver to be. Yes, the price is high, but you get what you pay for with this unit. However, very many people prefer more channels these days. There's 8.1 out when this review is being written, and the 6.1 configuration offers a rear center-channel which many people appreciate and find to make everything sound much better. However, if you just want to appreciate incredible sound, even on only 5.1 channels, then the Marantz SR-14EX, for its price, simply can not be surpassed.
-The Verdict-
*The Marantz SR-14EX is a gem. It once used to be the best of what Marantz had to offer... Sure, times have changed, but this is still one of the greatest sounding receivers that I've ever heard. It's not something obsolete that should be thrown away. It contains plenty of I/O's for a serious home theater enthusiast, and the sound quality is still some of the best that you can find on the audiophile market. If you want something that sounds great and still has only 5.1 channels, the Marantz SR-14EX is an excellent choice. But, to-date, you can get more channels. Do your own listening, and if you get the chance to use one of these, you won't be dissapointed.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 3200
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Epinions.com ID:
soupcraze
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Member: Soup Enthusiast
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Reviews written: 488
Trusted by: 185 members
About Me:
I enjoy many of life's passions... Music, medicine, people, and life itself.
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