Marantz AV7005 vs McIntosh MX-120

I just made this same decision, and went with the mx120. Unfortunately, mine arrived with 2 tone control probelms and is still with Audio Classics for repair. I'm hopeful they can fix it.

If you're buying used, try to buy from someone with plenty of good feedback and someone who is actually using the gear on a daily basis. The gear flippers don't really do much more than plug a unit in and look for lights. Unfortunately, the flippers appear to be outnumbering the fans here.

There is NO guarantee that the Mclntosh will be the better unit. Many "high-end" boutique companies are simply exploiting brand-name association to give an air of quality and somehow justify their much higher prices. (in fact that high price is an integral part of the marketing strategy) Take the first reply in this thread for example... has he even ever seen one or let alone heard one to make that statement? That's the power of marketing and brand recognition. It's the unstoppable gut feeling you get if I was to say Jaguar or Toyota. You simply can't help yourself.

Have a read of this cheap mass-market brand blu-ray player that Joe sixpack average that lives across the street from you will be using... www.(remove)hometheaterhifi.com/blu-ray-players/blu-ray-players-reviews/sony-bdp-s590-blu-ray-player/page-4-on-the-bench.html

Now have a read of a review of an $8k Mclntosh blu-ray player that would no doubt have many people lusting after it from just nothing more then seeing an ad for it in a glossy magazine... www.(remove)hometheaterhifi.com/blu-ray-players/blu-ray-players-reviews/mcintosh-mvp881-universal-blu-ray-player/page-4-the-mcintosh-mvp881-universal-blu-ray-player-on-the-bench.html

Before you fall for the hype, you really should simply just judge each bit of gear on its own merits regardless of the name on its face plate and the pricetag.

Maybe you could try one of the online sellers of the Marantz such as musicdirect. 30 day no problem returns. You try it out and see if you like it. You might save a lot of money.

A good idea to buy and return if it misses the mark. I did exactly that and have to say it has and continues to impress me. I use an outboard dac for two channel and the av7005 in pure direct mode...but mostly I listen to multi channel sacd now. Still bypassing all the room correction circuitry...to me it sounds a little better. Regarding tweaks, I run an Elrod power cord to it...replaced all internal fuses and applied some anti resonant damping sheets under the sheet metal cover. YMMV on these...I didn't spend any time comparing them...I've done too much of that with cables albeit with excellent results. The unit was great before I did any although I never bothered with the stock cable knowing how much impact a good or great cable can have. Good luck.

Kiwi2, great post!

McIntosh does make expensive and high quality products, check to see if there is a firmware update to the MVP881. Then again, ask yourself, "What is missing?" when you demo the gear.

It's no secret, D&M Holdings, the parent company of Denon, Marantz and ,yes, McIntosh shares several internals. However, there is more to the McIntosh than the others. Case in point AV7005 and the MX121, the HDMI board is the same, according to McIntosh, but the power supply, chassis and wiring is all American McIntosh.

What's in a name? :-)