Ok, I still cant believe how my new marantz 8003 hands down, blows away my mcintosh processor.

It is almost like I am in a new room. Not only am I really hearing center dialog with out raising the lvls on the center, but everything, is so much more clear and detailed. I am watching movies that I know real well, and I am hearing thigns that I never new were in the back round before. My jaw is really dropped. This has to be one of the best units for the money that is really under the radar, You see all these reviews for Den, and ONky, but this Marantz blows not only both of them away, but blows my 8g mcintosh away.

I am very impressed, I have never been a real fan of marantz before, but I bow down to them now. This unit saved me thousands that i was going to spend on other units.

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Mcintosh 501(x2) ~ c2300 ~ Mc 303 ~ Marantz 8003 and 7004BD ~ Esoteric DV-60 ~ JL Audio F110 (x 2) ~ Music Hall MMF (Benz silver cart) ~ Audience AU24 E Interconnects/Audio cables/ Power cords ~ Ricard Gray 400 Pro (x3) w/ kubala Power Cords ~Speakers Totem Wind Design-Model one signature Center-Dali Helicon W200 rears

ltleo.......Congratulations on your new Marantz 8003 Pre/Pro. It is a well engineer processor with a ton of top shelf features, and many of the latest circuit designs and advanced chips, including the new Anchor Bay Technologies latest processing and scaling chip.

A word about blowing away McIntosh. If you are speaking of the MHT200 that I noticed in your signature, you are not comparing apples to apples. The MHT200 is old technology by current standards. Compared to the pace of DAC advances and video processing advances that have been made in the past five years, comparing the MHT200 to the 8003 is unrealistic at best. Put the MHT200 up against what Marantz had available at the time the MHT200 was the hot ticket, and the story would be entirely different. Let's put the Marantz 8003 up against the MHT150 once it is released, and the playing field will be leveled.

The Marantz 8003 is an excellent preamp/processor, getting great reviews, and of course it has received its anointment with the Lucas blessing of THX Ultra 2, so performance standards are at the current leading edge of the movie industry's advancements in sight and sound, and Lucus Films gets another big royalty check from Marantz for the front panel THX Ultra 2 logo that you helped fund.

Have a blast with your new Marantz. You have every right to be proud. The Marantz 8003 is a very fine piece of home entertainment gear.

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Dan


Living Room System: McIntosh C2300, MC601 (2), MCD1100, MS750, MR85, Sony DAT 60ES, Nakamichi BX-300, Micro Seiki DD-40, Ortofon 2M Black, Sonos ZP90, Oppo BDP-83SE Blu-ray, PMC EB1i, Fathom f113 w/ Sound Anchor stand, Power Plant Premier (2), PS Audio Soloist Premier SE (3), Rollerblock Jr.'s, Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's & PC's, Kimber 8TC with WBT Solid Silver Angled Locking Banana Connectors.
Studio System: McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MCD1100, MR88, Michell Gyro SE w/SME 309/Ortofon Cadenza Black, Sonos ZP90, PS Audio Power Plant Premier, PS Audio Soloist Premier SE, Sonus Faber Amati Anniversario, Rollerblock Jr.'s, Wireword Silver Eclipse IC's & PC's, Wireworld Silver Eclipse speaker cable.
Studio Home Theater System: McIntosh MX120, MC452, Oppo BDP-95 Blu-ray, PS Audio Soloist Premier SE, JBL LSR-6332 (2), JBL LSR-6328P (3), McIntosh XLS112 (2), Sony 52XBR9, Tributaries Silver IC's, Wireworld PC's.
Vintage: McIntosh MA5100, MR74 tuner, JVC XL-Z1050 K2 CD player, Wyred 4 Sound DAC2, Tandberg 3008A and 3026A, JBL4312A , McIntosh 4300V for deck speakers.

The MHT200 is a receiver right?

__________________
Mike
~Your pet is your best investment~

Preamps/tuners:McIntosh C50, C46, MR88, MR73, C2200, C22ce, Cary SPL-98L
Integrate amps:McIntosh MA6100, Denon PMA2000ivr
Amps: McIntosh Mc602, Mc2000, Mc275 MK-V, Cary 805ae mono blocks.
Speakers: JMLab Mezzo Utopia, Focal Twin6 BE, Tannoy Mini Autograph
Headphones: Sennheiser HD800, Beyer T1, Denon D7000, Grado RS1i, Sony MDR-SA5000, MDR-Z1000, AKG K701, and many many more
Digital Sources:Sony SCD-1 & SCD777es, CDP-XA7es, 2010 Mac Mini Music Server, Amarra Mini player, Musical Fidelity V-Link & M1 DAC, Apogee Mini-DAC & Duet 2

DJ.......Yes, it is. Age not withstanding, that's another reason why the overall performance may not rise to the level of a dedicated preamp/processor. Design compromises have to be made to include everything in a one box chassis. I am not saying the MHT200 is not a quality surround receiver, but like all receivers with that much circuitry on a single chassis, limited space requires a different design philosophy, and overall performance is often not the equal of seperate components.

__________________
Dan


Living Room System: McIntosh C2300, MC601 (2), MCD1100, MS750, MR85, Sony DAT 60ES, Nakamichi BX-300, Micro Seiki DD-40, Ortofon 2M Black, Sonos ZP90, Oppo BDP-83SE Blu-ray, PMC EB1i, Fathom f113 w/ Sound Anchor stand, Power Plant Premier (2), PS Audio Soloist Premier SE (3), Rollerblock Jr.'s, Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's & PC's, Kimber 8TC with WBT Solid Silver Angled Locking Banana Connectors.
Studio System: McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MCD1100, MR88, Michell Gyro SE w/SME 309/Ortofon Cadenza Black, Sonos ZP90, PS Audio Power Plant Premier, PS Audio Soloist Premier SE, Sonus Faber Amati Anniversario, Rollerblock Jr.'s, Wireword Silver Eclipse IC's & PC's, Wireworld Silver Eclipse speaker cable.
Studio Home Theater System: McIntosh MX120, MC452, Oppo BDP-95 Blu-ray, PS Audio Soloist Premier SE, JBL LSR-6332 (2), JBL LSR-6328P (3), McIntosh XLS112 (2), Sony 52XBR9, Tributaries Silver IC's, Wireworld PC's.
Vintage: McIntosh MA5100, MR74 tuner, JVC XL-Z1050 K2 CD player, Wyred 4 Sound DAC2, Tandberg 3008A and 3026A, JBL4312A , McIntosh 4300V for deck speakers.

I know, I hate the Lucas format. for one I never use it, and I really cant stand all the names all over our equipment. One of the reasons I went with the 8003 was because you do not have all the (yes it dose it symbles) all over the front of this unit. Marantz was very smart, by putting them on top of the unit where you dont see, so you have a very clean front face plate.
I really didnt want to spend alot of money on a procs because I am only using this for movies, and not a pre amp, since I use my c2300. So that is why I didnt wait for the 150 or even go with IMO the best pre pro out there, the new Arcam. It would be just a waste for me because I am not using all the features. I have to say, and its not because I own it, the Marantz dose a nice job for alot less then the others, and it really blends in well with the look of mcintosh.

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Mcintosh 501(x2) ~ c2300 ~ Mc 303 ~ Marantz 8003 and 7004BD ~ Esoteric DV-60 ~ JL Audio F110 (x 2) ~ Music Hall MMF (Benz silver cart) ~ Audience AU24 E Interconnects/Audio cables/ Power cords ~ Ricard Gray 400 Pro (x3) w/ kubala Power Cords ~Speakers Totem Wind Design-Model one signature Center-Dali Helicon W200 rears

ltleo.......Sound to me like you made the right choice. Good to know you are still pleased with the 8003.

__________________
Dan


Living Room System: McIntosh C2300, MC601 (2), MCD1100, MS750, MR85, Sony DAT 60ES, Nakamichi BX-300, Micro Seiki DD-40, Ortofon 2M Black, Sonos ZP90, Oppo BDP-83SE Blu-ray, PMC EB1i, Fathom f113 w/ Sound Anchor stand, Power Plant Premier (2), PS Audio Soloist Premier SE (3), Rollerblock Jr.'s, Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's & PC's, Kimber 8TC with WBT Solid Silver Angled Locking Banana Connectors.
Studio System: McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MCD1100, MR88, Michell Gyro SE w/SME 309/Ortofon Cadenza Black, Sonos ZP90, PS Audio Power Plant Premier, PS Audio Soloist Premier SE, Sonus Faber Amati Anniversario, Rollerblock Jr.'s, Wireword Silver Eclipse IC's & PC's, Wireworld Silver Eclipse speaker cable.
Studio Home Theater System: McIntosh MX120, MC452, Oppo BDP-95 Blu-ray, PS Audio Soloist Premier SE, JBL LSR-6332 (2), JBL LSR-6328P (3), McIntosh XLS112 (2), Sony 52XBR9, Tributaries Silver IC's, Wireworld PC's.
Vintage: McIntosh MA5100, MR74 tuner, JVC XL-Z1050 K2 CD player, Wyred 4 Sound DAC2, Tandberg 3008A and 3026A, JBL4312A , McIntosh 4300V for deck speakers.

Uhmm, we mean MX150 right?

Pete

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Main System: Harmon Kardon T60 TT/Ortofon MC10, McIntosh: MR80, MCD7009 (as transport), MVP841, C40, MC501's (3), Soundcraftsmen: RP2215-R Eq/AS1000 Real time analyzer, DBX 3BX II, Carver C9, SAE 5000, Nakamichi Dragon, Crown SX724, JVC HM-DH40000U, Toshiba SD-394 Combo Player, Sony Bravia KDL-55EX720 3D LED TV, JBL L220A's, JBL B460/BX63A, AudioQuest Diamondback IC's, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna, Panamax M5100-EX Line conditioner, Integra DBS-30.1 Blu-Ray Player, Wyred for Sound DAC-2 Digital to Analog converter

Florida Room/Studio System: Pioneer PL-L1000 TT/Audio Technica ATS52W2, McIntosh: MR77, C32, MC2205; Hafler DH-500A, Soundcraftsmen RP2215-R Eq, JBL 4313B's, JBL 2241-based Sub, JBL BX63, Cheapie Panasonic DVD/VCR Combo, Sony KV-27FS100 TV, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna

Master Bedroom System: McIntosh: MX117, MC2125; Soundcraftsmen RP2212 Eq, Pioneer Elite DV-09, Phase Technology PC80 Towers, Hitachi 31CX4B TV, Terk AM-FM Pi Powered Antenna, Panamax 1000

Office System: McIntosh MR78, Crown IC150A, Crown DC300, Carver SD/A-490t, Soundcraftsmen RP2212 Eq, Toshiba SD-394 Combo player, JBL 4401's, JBL PB10 Sub, Sony KV-27FS100 TV, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna

Pete.......Good catch. Yes, I meant the MX150. I must not have been firing on all cylinders at that moment. When you only have a three cylinder motor to begin with, loosing one cylinder can put a serious hurt on you quick.

__________________
Dan


Living Room System: McIntosh C2300, MC601 (2), MCD1100, MS750, MR85, Sony DAT 60ES, Nakamichi BX-300, Micro Seiki DD-40, Ortofon 2M Black, Sonos ZP90, Oppo BDP-83SE Blu-ray, PMC EB1i, Fathom f113 w/ Sound Anchor stand, Power Plant Premier (2), PS Audio Soloist Premier SE (3), Rollerblock Jr.'s, Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's & PC's, Kimber 8TC with WBT Solid Silver Angled Locking Banana Connectors.
Studio System: McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MCD1100, MR88, Michell Gyro SE w/SME 309/Ortofon Cadenza Black, Sonos ZP90, PS Audio Power Plant Premier, PS Audio Soloist Premier SE, Sonus Faber Amati Anniversario, Rollerblock Jr.'s, Wireword Silver Eclipse IC's & PC's, Wireworld Silver Eclipse speaker cable.
Studio Home Theater System: McIntosh MX120, MC452, Oppo BDP-95 Blu-ray, PS Audio Soloist Premier SE, JBL LSR-6332 (2), JBL LSR-6328P (3), McIntosh XLS112 (2), Sony 52XBR9, Tributaries Silver IC's, Wireworld PC's.
Vintage: McIntosh MA5100, MR74 tuner, JVC XL-Z1050 K2 CD player, Wyred 4 Sound DAC2, Tandberg 3008A and 3026A, JBL4312A , McIntosh 4300V for deck speakers.

Ahhhhh, but we have 12 powerful cylinders running perfectly in the audio systems and in the garage, right? That's all that matters!

Pete

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Main System: Harmon Kardon T60 TT/Ortofon MC10, McIntosh: MR80, MCD7009 (as transport), MVP841, C40, MC501's (3), Soundcraftsmen: RP2215-R Eq/AS1000 Real time analyzer, DBX 3BX II, Carver C9, SAE 5000, Nakamichi Dragon, Crown SX724, JVC HM-DH40000U, Toshiba SD-394 Combo Player, Sony Bravia KDL-55EX720 3D LED TV, JBL L220A's, JBL B460/BX63A, AudioQuest Diamondback IC's, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna, Panamax M5100-EX Line conditioner, Integra DBS-30.1 Blu-Ray Player, Wyred for Sound DAC-2 Digital to Analog converter

Florida Room/Studio System: Pioneer PL-L1000 TT/Audio Technica ATS52W2, McIntosh: MR77, C32, MC2205; Hafler DH-500A, Soundcraftsmen RP2215-R Eq, JBL 4313B's, JBL 2241-based Sub, JBL BX63, Cheapie Panasonic DVD/VCR Combo, Sony KV-27FS100 TV, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna

Master Bedroom System: McIntosh: MX117, MC2125; Soundcraftsmen RP2212 Eq, Pioneer Elite DV-09, Phase Technology PC80 Towers, Hitachi 31CX4B TV, Terk AM-FM Pi Powered Antenna, Panamax 1000

Office System: McIntosh MR78, Crown IC150A, Crown DC300, Carver SD/A-490t, Soundcraftsmen RP2212 Eq, Toshiba SD-394 Combo player, JBL 4401's, JBL PB10 Sub, Sony KV-27FS100 TV, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna

Pete.......The Jag is a fuel injected V8. Even still, it produces 385 horsepower. That's enough for me.

Unlike their owner, the sound systems never miss a beat.

__________________
Dan


Living Room System: McIntosh C2300, MC601 (2), MCD1100, MS750, MR85, Sony DAT 60ES, Nakamichi BX-300, Micro Seiki DD-40, Ortofon 2M Black, Sonos ZP90, Oppo BDP-83SE Blu-ray, PMC EB1i, Fathom f113 w/ Sound Anchor stand, Power Plant Premier (2), PS Audio Soloist Premier SE (3), Rollerblock Jr.'s, Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's & PC's, Kimber 8TC with WBT Solid Silver Angled Locking Banana Connectors.
Studio System: McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MCD1100, MR88, Michell Gyro SE w/SME 309/Ortofon Cadenza Black, Sonos ZP90, PS Audio Power Plant Premier, PS Audio Soloist Premier SE, Sonus Faber Amati Anniversario, Rollerblock Jr.'s, Wireword Silver Eclipse IC's & PC's, Wireworld Silver Eclipse speaker cable.
Studio Home Theater System: McIntosh MX120, MC452, Oppo BDP-95 Blu-ray, PS Audio Soloist Premier SE, JBL LSR-6332 (2), JBL LSR-6328P (3), McIntosh XLS112 (2), Sony 52XBR9, Tributaries Silver IC's, Wireworld PC's.
Vintage: McIntosh MA5100, MR74 tuner, JVC XL-Z1050 K2 CD player, Wyred 4 Sound DAC2, Tandberg 3008A and 3026A, JBL4312A , McIntosh 4300V for deck speakers.