Advantages: Looks great, sounds awesome, feels awesome Disadvantages: Detailed set up can be tricky - just as well it comes idiot proof!
Ok then, so I'm a lucky boy....
On my last birthday my wife decided that she wanted to treat me to a home cinema system so off we went to our local Richer Sounds store (they are VERY cheap and VERY helpful - recommended everyone pays them a visit!) with cash in hand an wangled a deal.
I got this Marantz A/VReceiver , A Yamaha surround sound speaker package and a Panasonic DVD recorder for the princly sum of £350 - a bit of a discount from the £900 RRP!
I'll be reviewing each product in turn so check out my other reviews if you want a full system checkup!
So into the review of the A/VReceiver:
1) The Theory
I wanted a reciever that not only looked good, but that also provided the output and poer to match. I've long been a fan of the Marantz range as they not only look and feel good to use, they also have the reputation ...
Advantages: Compact, Excellent sound, attractive and slimline, versatile, multifunction remote Disadvantages: Only SCART connectors for inputs, Adaptor needed for non-scart stuff
When looking for a decent AV amp to complement my DVD player, I couldn't believe how bloody enormous most of them are. I have enough HiFi gear on the rack without making it look like the flight deck of the Starship Enterprise.
I eventually managed to fight my way through the tortuous one-way system in Watford (I must be MAD) to RICHER SOUNDS in St Albans Road. (they have a car park at the back).
After looking at the Yamaha and Marantz offerings I decided that a 2001 monolith lookalike would go down like a lead balloon, and then I saw the Pioneer....
They had VSX-C301 hooked up in the demo-room and despite the traffic and shop noise, the sound was powerful and clear without being strained and distorted. It is clear that it is generously rated for higher volumes (with the appropriate speakers).
It is compatible with Dolby ...
Advantages: Fantastic sound Quality, affordable (without losing manufacturer quality), Very easy to use, can handle several speakers without the need for adding additional amps, Plenty of inputs and outputs (ideal if you want to hook it up to the stereo and tv) Disadvantages: None. My parents have bought the system, and have a technological knowledge of zero, therefore they find the use of the remote control a little confusing, but after set-up and a good read of the manual, its relatively easy to get to grips with
-Logic and many more.
- Audio Features -
* The pioneer system firstly incorporates a digital signal processor (provided by motorola), which allows you to use digital applications with it, unlike for example older analogue appliances.
* It has a 96 Khz A/D and D/A convertor (Digital to Analogue and vice versa) for example with use for older appliances
* Has a comprehensive and simple to use Bass and Treble control system
- Video Features -
* It has an in built Room setting, allowing you to quickly set it up. For example, it has pre-determined settings that would be ideal for a living room, a bedroom, or for example a dining area, at the push of a button.
- Other Features -
* Its has a multi channel input, so that you can incorporate a whole system in to the one device. For example routing up your sound system, your television ...
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