Marantz SR5008 vs Cambridge Audio AZUR 650R


Hi all..I'm quite a newbie to this. Deciding between the Marantz SR5008 and the Cambridge Audio AZUR 650R (too outdated??) to drive Anthony Gallo Ref 3.5s (front speakers), Anthony gallo reference Strada 2 center and strada 2 rear speakers and a gallo TR-1 subwoofer. Which would be a better bet? (Just to add, I also have the ref 3 SA to drive the reference 3.5's). Any thoughts would be more than appreciated...:-) Thanks so much!
rohsal

Showing 2 responses by bobnegi

You have a mighty fine 5.1 speaker set up, can you demo the Cambridge? There are things about the Cambridge that you may not like: very revealing AVR, meaning all the stuff you thought sounded great, may now sound shrill and bright. All the stuff you thought sounded muddy and muted, will now sound fantastic. Cambridge set up/user menus are a pain. You will want to run 7.1 out of the universal player (quality player will have analogue outs).

Personally I love the Cambridge sound, especially for SACD play-back (7.1 analog in from player) but have since decided to go with seperates.

I do not know the Marantz sound, but judging from the retail price, you will be doing your speakers a dis-service by going with it. It just does not match up price wise.

A very simple rule of thumb is that your AVR should cost about 40-50% of you total system cost.

You have not received any other responses perhaps because:

1) Need your room dimensions LxHxW - to determine cubic feet (used to determine if subwoofer, amplification is enough for the space)
2) Mainly for music or for movies (80%music/20%movie) or something
3) Action movies or Drama
4)Hip hop or Classical
5) what are your sources (brand, model of blu-ray player)

We love getting this type of detail in questions

Good luck!
You have a mighty fine 5.1 speaker set up, can you demo the Cambridge? There are things about the Cambridge that you may not like: very revealing AVR, meaning all the stuff you thought sounded great, may now sound shrill and bright. All the stuff you thought sounded muddy and muted, will now sound fantastic. Cambridge set up/user menus are a pain. You will want to run 7.1 out of the universal player (quality player will have analogue outs).

Personally I love the Cambridge sound, especially for SACD play-back (7.1 analog in from player) but have since decided to go with seperates.

I do not know the Marantz sound, but judging from the retail price, you will be doing your speakers a dis-service by going with it. It just does not match up price wise.

A very simple rule of thumb is that your AVR should cost about 40-50% of you total system cost.

You have not received any other responses perhaps because:

1) Need your room dimensions LxHxW - to determine cubic feet (used to determine if subwoofer, amplification is enough for the space)
2) Mainly for music or for movies (80%music/20%movie) or something
3) Action movies or Drama
4)Hip hop or Classical
5) what are your sources (brand, model of blu-ray player)

We love getting this type of detail in questions

Good luck!