Marantz AV7005 vs McIntosh MX-120

I agree, the MX120 is not only built better but will sound better on 2 channel.

The Macintosh cost 4 times as much... i be live 6 k as posed to 1.5 k for the marantz..... the marantz is rumored to be upgraded soon, but i have not seen it announced yet.

i am in the same boat as you.
Bill

Also i believe they both have the older room correction. Micintosh has a mx 150 that is supposed to be great...but even more money....but.... they came out with a mx151 so you might be able to get a great deal on the mx150.

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.