Marantz M-CR510... Great device

[Audio_ELF]

Just brought home a Marantz M-CR510 network player for the bedroom. Connected to an old but good pair of B&W 601 series 2

 

Used with Vortexbox which I have customised with MinimSever. Simply connected iPhone via USB / Lightning cable; WiFi settings transferred and within a few minutes (took longer to strip the speaker cable) was enjoying High Resolution FLACs with gapless playback, controlled by a nice iOS application.

 

A great device from Marantz. Not the pinnacle of Computer Audiophile; but it works just how it should (IMO).

 

Eloise

[realhifi]

Just brought home a Marantz M-CR510 network player for the bedroom. Connected to an old but good pair of B&W 601 series 2

 

Used with Vortexbox which I have customised with MinimSever. Simply connected iPhone via USB / Lightning cable; WiFi settings transferred and within a few minutes (took longer to strip the speaker cable) was enjoying High Resolution FLACs with gapless playback, controlled by a nice iOS application.

 

A great device from Marantz. Not the pinnacle of Computer Audiophile; but it works just how it should (IMO).

 

Eloise

 

I agree 100%. Great little piece along with it's big sister the M-CR610 that includes a CD player. Both are go to units at their price points and if paired with a pair of good bookshelf speakers they show just how easy it is to get great sound today. Totally modern in what they will play along with terrific sound for the dollar.

[shapeshifter]

Now they have added Spotify music streaming on the Marantz MCR510 out of the box, it is a much more appealing little system!

[Kelly]

Does anyone know if more than one of these can be synchronized together the way squeezebox and Sonos can be synched? (I am guessing not, but one can hope.) I was considering bluesound but they still don't seem to support Rhapsody or Spotify. Nothing seems to really have really replaced squeezebox yet...

[Audio_ELF]

Does anyone know if more than one of these can be synchronized together the way squeezebox and Sonos can be synched? (I am guessing not, but one can hope.) I was considering bluesound but they still don't seem to support Rhapsody or Spotify. Nothing seems to really have really replaced squeezebox yet...

No way to synchronise them (as far as I have discovered) except using AirPlay and sending the same stream to multiple devices from iTunes (or AirFoil).

 

Eloise

[Ajax]

Just brought home a Marantz M-CR510 network player for the bedroom. Connected to an old but good pair of B&W 601 series 2

 

Used with Vortexbox which I have customised with MinimSever. Simply connected iPhone via USB / Lightning cable; WiFi settings transferred and within a few minutes (took longer to strip the speaker cable) was enjoying High Resolution FLACs with gapless playback, controlled by a nice iOS application.

 

A great device from Marantz. Not the pinnacle of Computer Audiophile; but it works just how it should (IMO).

 

Eloise

 

Hi Eloise,

 

How are you finding the sound quality and features of the M CR 510 now that you have had it for a while.

 

I'm tossing up between it and the NAD 3020D, which you recommended to me a month or so a go. I guess it comes down to the old quandary of sound vs features. In my research to the NAD appears stronger on the first (sound) and the Marantz on the second (features and ease of use).

 

What's your view?

 

Kind regards,

 

 

Ajax

[Audio_ELF]

How are you finding the sound quality and features of the M CR 510 now that you have had it for a while.

In the situation I use it - a bedroom system - the M-CR510 is great. I would say sound quality in the situation exceeds my expectation and it drives the 601s2 great. All the features of the M-CR510 work perfectly though I have had to run ethernet to allow 24/192 (rather than WiFi) though most of the time WiFi was fine for CDRB and even 24/96 - having said that WiFi is generally s*** in my house / with the ISP supplied router. The only slight problem was that the USB input doesn't work with the 5th Gen iPod (with video) I have.

 

I'm tossing up between it and the NAD 3020D, which you recommended to me a month or so a go. I guess it comes down to the old quandary of sound vs features. In my research to the NAD appears stronger on the first (sound) and the Marantz on the second (features and ease of use).

I wouldn't say the Marantz is easier to use though it does have many more features. I did look at the NAD but would have had to add some form of streamer to it. In the end the big factor for me was the cost - the NAD was twice the cost (without a built in streamer) and while sounding better for the situation the Marantz is (more than good enough) and half the cost. The Marantz app works well and AirPlay is a bonus.

 

Eloise

[wappinghigh]

So in summary as far as 24/192 stereo streaming goes to a set of speakers right now we've got:

 

Bluesound available now

This Marantz (but it struggles with 24/192 via wifi)

NAD but no built in streamer?

NAIM?

Auralic..maybe coming...depends on the final lineup ? wifi?

Linn but no wifi

There is a Sony streamer like this now?? Is this wifi?

Olive One coming ? when?

 

Is that pretty much it?

[wappinghigh]

I just *Totally* wish Sonos would cease their utterly stupid denial, and stop their protracted nonsense opinion of hirez (they say it doesn't matter) and release a hi fi quality 24/192 streamer.

 

Then it would be game over...

 

But I would have ordered 2x 4 Olive One sets to replace my 8 Zone Sonos if it had of supported DSD...

 

If only the Olive One had of done DSD!!!

 

They had all the time and kickstarter etc to take a HUGE jump ahead of the competition, and all they needed to do was upgrade to a DSD capable DAC in the thing, and it would have been an absolute game changer

 

Oh Well..

 

Anyway, I think the Olive One has enormous potential in this space.....

[Audio_ELF]

This Marantz (but it struggles with 24/192 via wifi)

Just to clarify my WiFi is poor at the best of times... I really should bite the bullet and buy a decent router, but most devices I just run network cable to.

[Kelly]

I might venture a guess they didn't want to try to push data rates wirelessly in really complicated multizone systems. I have often envied the rock solid performance of Sonos systems. But I would think limiting things to redbook resolution might be the price to pay for that reliability. Bluesound does hi res PCM and sounds quite good, but it depends on a separate wireless router, so I bet it won't be as reliable (then again, I would happily be wrong about that.)

 

I just *Totally* wish Sonos would cease their utterly stupid denial, and stop their protracted nonsense opinion of hirez (they say it doesn't matter) and release a hi fi quality 24/192 streamer.

 

Then it would be game over...

 

But I would have ordered 2x 4 Olive One sets to replace my 8 Zone Sonos if it had of supported DSD...

 

If only the Olive One had of done DSD!!!

 

They had all the time and kickstarter etc to take a HUGE jump ahead of the competition, and all they needed to do was upgrade to a DSD capable DAC in the thing, and it would have been an absolute game changer

 

Oh Well..

 

Anyway, I think the Olive One has enormous potential in this space.....

[Ajax]

In the situation I use it - a bedroom system - the M-CR510 is great. I would say sound quality in the situation exceeds my expectation and it drives the 601s2 great. All the features of the M-CR510 work perfectly though I have had to run ethernet to allow 24/192 (rather than WiFi) though most of the time WiFi was fine for CDRB and even 24/96 - having said that WiFi is generally s*** in my house / with the ISP supplied router. The only slight problem was that the USB input doesn't work with the 5th Gen iPod (with video) I have.

 

 

I wouldn't say the Marantz is easier to use though it does have many more features. I did look at the NAD but would have had to add some form of streamer to it. In the end the big factor for me was the cost - the NAD was twice the cost (without a built in streamer) and while sounding better for the situation the Marantz is (more than good enough) and half the cost. The Marantz app works well and AirPlay is a bonus.

 

Eloise

 

Thanks Eloise - sounds like a great little device and I will most probably will buy it. The NAD would normally be me preference but I need the streaming and don't like using airport express because of its poor digital out.

 

Before I make my purchase is there any reason to buy the next model up, the M CR610 knowing I don't need a CD player and will want to stream both Hi res and Spotify. I also want guests to be able to stream via wifi from there own devices.

 

Also how does Spotify work on the M CR510 - does the unit have the app installed with an LCD read out or do you stream from your phone or computer?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Ajax

[Audio_ELF]

Thanks Eloise - sounds like a great little device and I will most probably will buy it. The NAD would normally be me preference but I need the streaming and don't like using airport express because of its poor digital out.

 

Before I make my purchase is there any reason to buy the next model up, the M CR610 knowing I don't need a CD player and will want to stream both Hi res and Spotify. I also want guests to be able to stream via wifi from there own devices.

 

Also how does Spotify work on the M CR510 - does the unit have the app installed with an LCD read out or do you stream from your phone or computer?

Sorry I've not used Spotify on it. I think though it's controlled via the Marantz app.

 

The 610 adds a second analogue input and also a DAB radio. In addition there's twin speaker outputs. Apart from that I believe they are identical (saving the CD Player).

 

Eloise

[Ajax]

Sorry I've not used Spotify on it. I think though it's controlled via the Marantz app.

 

The 610 adds a second analogue input and also a DAB radio. In addition there's twin speaker outputs. Apart from that I believe they are identical (saving the CD Player).

 

Eloise

 

Thanks Eloise for taking the time to reply.

 

All the best.

 

 

Ajax

[realhifi]

Spotify works through the Marantz either using the app or the remote control supplied with it. Easy as can be and a great addition to the Marantz line of digital components.

[bikemig]

AV receivers have a lot of functionality built into them. They're obviously overkill for a 2 channel rig and the amp sections typically don't do well with hard to drive speakers but they can be found at very good prices esp. when manufacturers change their product lines. Plus they have have a crossover for subwoofers which can be very useful.

[realhifi]

AV receivers have a lot of functionality built into them. They're obviously overkill for a 2 channel rig and the amp sections typically don't do well with hard to drive speakers but they can be found at very good prices esp. when manufacturers change their product lines. Plus they have have a crossover for subwoofers which can be very useful.

 

The Marantz units are two channel devices.

[bikemig]

The Marantz units are two channel devices.

 

I know. AV receivers are not purely 2 channel systems. My point is that the sort of functionality that this thread is dealing with is built into a great many AV receivers and the AV market is very competitive so the prices are often good. Someone may like using one for a secondary 2 channel system for that reason. The sound quality from an AV receiver can be excellent. I know it is with mine as I use the AV receiver's dacs for music playback in my HT system. I also have my HT system set up as a 2.1 system.

[Audio_ELF]

The Marantz M-CR510 is very price competitive with an AV Receiver with similar functionality... UK price was less than £250 and to get a similar spec AV amp would cost as much and probably not meet the same sound quality...

 

I know. AV receivers are not purely 2 channel systems. My point is that the sort of functionality that this thread is dealing with is built into a great many AV receivers and the AV market is very competitive so the prices are often good. Someone may like using one for a secondary 2 channel system for that reason. The sound quality from an AV receiver can be excellent. I know it is with mine as I use the AV receiver's dacs for music playback in my HT system. I also have my HT system set up as a 2.1 system.

[bikemig]

The Marantz M-CR510 is very price competitive with an AV Receiver with similar functionality... UK price was less than £250 and to get a similar spec AV amp would cost as much and probably not meet the same sound quality...

 

I suspect you are closer to Middle Earth than I am! I suspect that probably pretty much on this site would agree with you that a 2 channel rig just sounds better than an AV receiver used as a 2 channel rig. I've seen other websites with people who have long experience in the business as well who disagree. Beats me who has it right. I know I like the way my music sounds out of my NAD AV receiver.

 

In terms of prices, I suspect (and I could be wrong) that pricing is different in the USA (my middle earth) than the UK (your middle earth). The Marantz M CR 510 runs $600; the Marantz NR 1504 runs $500 with internet playback functionality. There are obvious differences in terms of the amp section and so forth but the choice is not, in my mind, a no brainer. The AV receiver for example makes it a lot easier to integrate a sub which may matter.

 

Also manufacturers often have sales of AV receivers when the new model year comes out; change in the 2 channel world is slower. You are only beginning to see for example integrated amps and stereo receivers with dac sections and/or streaming capability.

[jcbenten]

I wonder about the sound difference vs. N1604. I bought the N1604 as a replacement for an old Yamaha 2-channel receiver that I really liked. Speakers are Paradigm 5se and are 20+ years old. I am less than enamored with the sound of the 1604 as compared to my Linn system. The Marantz is too clean and lean. Perhaps lacking the warm distortion of the Yamaha that I like. (I really need to add a sub). I can stream through the N1604 and it shows up in JRiver but its real use is as a TV amp for TV sports when I need to get away from what my wife is watching. I occasionally use it for music. I do not think the CR510 was available when I bought otherwise this would have been an interesting alternative. Unfortunately I do not watch that TV enough to swap out.

[Audio_ELF]

I suspect you are closer to Middle Earth than I am! I suspect that probably pretty much on this site would agree with you that a 2 channel rig just sounds better than an AV receiver used as a 2 channel rig. I've seen other websites with people who have long experience in the business as well who disagree. Beats me who has it right. I know I like the way my music sounds out of my NAD AV receiver.

I wasn't necessarily disagreeing with you in general terms... there are some good sounding AV amps (such as the NAD) but most pay less attention to music (IME). I'm running everything through an Arcam AVR currently.

 

At the lower end there is some good value vs 2 channel systems; though you have to balance that with the bill if material having to be spread further on all the additional facilities.

 

In terms of prices, I suspect (and I could be wrong) that pricing is different in the USA (my middle earth) than the UK (your middle earth). The Marantz M CR 510 runs $600; the Marantz NR 1504 runs $500 with internet playback functionality. There are obvious differences in terms of the amp section and so forth but the choice is not, in my mind, a no brainer. The AV receiver for example makes it a lot easier to integrate a sub which may matter.

Here the NR1504 is still around the same price in the shops as the M-CR510. I was actually looking for one of them then came around to the M-CR510 instead - it just suits my situation well.

 

Also manufacturers often have sales of AV receivers when the new model year comes out; change in the 2 channel world is slower. You are only beginning to see for example integrated amps and stereo receivers with dac sections and/or streaming capability.

I do agree here - the world of AV Receivers changes so quickly with everyone wanting this years model.

 

Eloise

[Ajax]

I wasn't necessarily disagreeing with you in general terms... there are some good sounding AV amps (such as the NAD) but most pay less attention to music (IME).

 

Here the NR1504 is still around the same price in the shops as the M-CR510. I was actually looking for one of them then came around to the M-CR510 instead - it just suits my situation well.

 

I do agree here - the world of AV Receivers changes so quickly with everyone wanting this years model.

 

Eloise

 

The Marantz M-CR510 is very price competitive with an AV Receiver with similar functionality... UK price was less than £250 and to get a similar spec AV amp would cost as much and probably not meet the same sound quality...

 

Hi Eloise & Bikemig,

 

In my experience an AV receiver by either NAD & Marantz will never compete on sound quality with a 2 channel rig from the same company.

 

FYI Eloise in Australia the cheapest price I can find the Marantz CR510 is A$690 (c.f. your price of GBP250) while the NAD D3020 is only A$640 (c.f with GBP399 at Sevenoaks and Amazon).

 

It appears we are getting a right Royal rip off here on the Marantz whereas the NAD represents great value at GBP = $A1.80.

 

I understand that Marantz is designed in Japan and manufactured in China and NAD is designed in Canada but also manufactured in China so it is nothing to do with transport costs and I would think both units would be subject to similar import duties.

 

If anyone has seen the M CR510 in Aus for less I would appreciate your advice.

 

Regards

 

Ajax

[Eric KC]

Just trying to process the function of this device and contrast it with my set-up. Maybe easier to start there, because I know it ...

 

My music library (almost all ripped as Apple Lossless, with a smattering of hi-res files) is on an iMac running iTunes. I have an Airport Express in several different rooms, all of which also have Ethernet. I can either stream via AirPlay music directly to any room while at the iMac, or using the Apple Remote app on my iPhone. I can also stream music loaded on my iPhone directly to an Airport Express in the event my iMac is turned off or is being used by a user other than me. In each room the Airport Express is fed to a DAC, then an integrated amp. I also play Spotify via either through the iMac or the iPhone. All of that works very well and I understand it. (I also have an Olive 4HD which is constantly on the fritz, but that is a different story).

 

So essentially, the M-CR510 replaces the Airport Express, the DAC and the integrated amp? Is there any advantage to my current set-up? I could certainly see using the M-CR510 in my office at work, as Eloise described in her first post.

 

Sorry for dumbing down the conversation :-)

[Audio_ELF]

So essentially, the M-CR510 replaces the Airport Express, the DAC and the integrated amp? Is there any advantage to my current set-up? I could certainly see using the M-CR510 in my office at work, as Eloise described in her first post.

Yes thats pretty much right...

 

The M-CR510 can be sent music via AirPlay (a la AirPort Express) or via UPnP.

 

Eloise