Deciding between Yamaha or Marantz


Hello everyone, I need to get a new Pre and trying to decide between the Marantz AV8801 or the Yamaha CX-A5000. The Marantz is about a $1k more, is it worth it? Speakers are SF Liutos, Mac MC205 for power, thanks in advance.
kalbi23
FWIW...I have listened to Onkyo over the years...and their products have improved immensely...and they do have the recent reviews to prove it...if they have an advantage..at all...over Denon/Marantz...it would be a the entry level price point...which is more featured focus than music first focus...as one moves up the chain...say 800-1k and higher...the playing field becomes more level...and the overall musicality of Denon/Marantz more prenounced...in terms of audio performance/construction....and value...I thought the Marantz line that was still made in Japan about a decade ago was extremely competitive...
Marantz changed the level in parts they use for there amps and sources. This changed the sound and quality a lot. In the past I sold a lot Marantz. But these days I am not such a fan anymore. Onkyo made the same misstake as Marantz. But there is one difference. They went back to better and more expensive parts. I am not focussed on a brand. But Always focus on that brand what gives the best quality at the moment. When I compare a Denon or Marantz with Onkyo on Monitor Audio speakers I loose depth and wide. And I loose individual focus. When you owned a lot of highend this is the way you want music to sound. I was looking for brands what could give me the depth and wide as some good highend brands can do. I wanted to create a stunning level in sound for a much lower price. So it is affordable for many people. Audyssey Pro how I use it changes the overwhole sound dramaticly. It becomes so much more realistic like the more expensive amps. The difference in sound between Audyssey XT32 and Pro is stunning. Arcam has a very involving sound, but lacks the deep and wide stage brands like Primare gives. When you compare the sound of Arcam to Pass Labs ( what I did a lot) the difference is huge and you know how much better Pass labs is. Okay it is a different price ,but it is still a big difference. The same about stage. In the last months I sold a lot Onkyo to people who own Marantz. It is easy to let them hear the difference in speed, drive and also focus. This is after my measurement. When you can measure more dynamics compared to the Audyssey way the sound also becomes more involving. The lost of dynamics is a reason why Audyssey can work negative.
Interesting....even with the best amplification...MA is not known for their spatial presentation or excessive depth...being a Brit design....they are forward voiced...not knocking them...just an observation...if one seeks depth of stage...try Maggie's or Vandersteen...they really excel in that area...much better than a conventional box design
Bo,

"In the last months I sold a lot Onkyo to people who own Marantz"

Since you now admit that you are a dealer, you need to identify yourself as a dealer in every post. That is the standard on this website. You are certainly allowed to post your opinion. But, as a dealer, you need to post that you are a dealer in every post.

Let me blunt. When I asked you about your status a few months ago, you said you were a "consultant". Now you openly admit that you are selling product. Time to come clean. You are a dealer and you need to make that clear every time you post.
I do not own a shop, and yes I do consulting. I worked for over 8 years in a shop. Consulting is about freedom. I only wanted to sell what is the best in every price range. Clients get more value for money and it is very easy to compete.