Marantz AV7005 Audio Video Pre-Processor (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

This is the first AVR that I've owned which can truly fulfill all of my needs. Advanced HDMI switching, lossless codec support, up and down converting digital and analog audio inputs, balanced outputs, audessey, satellite radio, and finally network connectivity. The list of features is so impressive and it does most everything very well.The only negative I've encountered is the network connectivity feature is somewhat broken. I've connected it to three different switches with two different Ethernet cables (including directly to my router) and the network port streams CRC errors whenever I'm streaming media from any source (Rhapsody, Media Player, or Napster). I opened a support case with Marantz and they said it was a "Network resource issue on my home network or an internet problem. And, that they don't support Internet problems." Then they closed the ticket. Since the network connections to those media sources only work about half the time, I have to think the CRC problem could be related. Too bad Marantz seems a little afraid of the network side of their new beasty, it's so nice when it works.Aside from the network problems, which I imagine they'll figure out with a firmware update eventually, I think this device is as close to perfect as an AVR can be for me.

Sonically it is great, 5+ to me, but I experienced network problem, so it get a 3 star.I owned many highend gear, flagship MBL, Ayre, Levinson, Wadia, Weiss 202, PS Audio Perfect Wave ii dac, particularly likes the sound of tube amps, when swapped this prepro from my current PS Audio perfect wave dacii, it has a diff flavor, very silky smooth and musically sounding, very detailed soundstage info. I can not decide I like the Marantz AV7005 or my PS Perfect Wave better, different flavor, but both very enjoyable, would not expect a prepro can sound this good, this verified the positive review from Stereophile and other magazines.Bad thing happened when I tried to do upgrade to Airplay function, it had problem hooking up to a very standard Times Warner system, so I had to bring it to another place that has Verizon optical fiber service.After Internet hookup, it can detect there is SW upgrade, but has problem in "Adding function", takes long time to connect to Server,(both places I tried has fast internect service, did not encounter any problems with any other device).Called Marantz, was able to talk to someone in very reasonable time, but no help, they just said I need to check with service provider, not much help there, I had no problem with Time Warner & Verizon in many PC and other device, I know there is no service provider problem, just this prepro's networking problem.So I decide do SW upgrade, but after this is done, my screen died in the middle of operation, powered down, then worked for short while, then died. So I returned this unit, glad I bought from Amazon.com, they are the best in this regard.I used to be chief engineer in a company building instrumentation, have this kind of unsolvable problem, I could not imagine a regular homeowner or housewife has to deal with this kind of Networking technical problem.So sonically It is 5+, Network part it is zero from my personal experience, there are many reviewer did not report this problem, so maybe I just got a lemon.if it is not this network problem it deserves 5 star+ rating, it has great craftsmanship, great picture and sound.I liked the sound of this unit so much, so I ordered a AV-8801 and AV-7701, hope these two already have Airplay built-in,do not share this networking problem.Even the networking problem, great product for its time.

First time I run into an issue with Marantz, and what a disappointment!AV7005, four months old, suddenly one of the surround channels is dead. Marantz' support number throws me in an infinite loop by returning me to the main phone menu instead of connecting me to an agent. So I give up, go to their web site, and locate the closest Service Center in my region. Call them, and learn that they refuse to accept claims as Marantz has stopped shipping them parts. They recommend to escalate the case to Marantz.Easier said than done. I use the contact form on the Marantz web site, and don't get any reaction. I call a few other numbers I find on the web, but don't get through to a human.Marantz US, could u pls get your stuff together? #FAILI generally can't recommend devices (no matter how great they might be) from manufacturers who give me the impression not to care after the sale, and who make it incredibly hard to even reach somebody. A once great brand going down the drain?UPDATE July 2013: Only after calling the issue out on Marantz' Facebook page somebody finally got back to me. A service agent calls me and apologizes for issues with the phone system. They tell me to send the device in for repair to their L.A. based service center. It takes about eight weeks to get it back. A few weeks later, the pre-outs stop working. I contact Marantz again through their web form -- no reply. After a reminder (another week later), they "apologize for the delay as we recently had an issue with our email server", and "recommend" me to "contact the authorized service center that recently worked on the 7005 and enforce their bench warranty." That's it -- nothing else, no further instructions, no offer to send me a shipment form or anything.Given that the AV is still under Marantz' own warranty, I had expected a more engaged reaction. I will update my review.