The Marantz SR7300ose was an excellent performer with each of the connected components and with all software program material. With its discrete high-current amplifier design, there was more than enough power to respond quickly to dramatic changes in sound levels, thus preventing the "fatigue" effect common when listening to some mid-range and budget AV receivers over the course of a DVD viewing. In addition, its thorough and easy-to-use onscreen setup system, made it convenient to adjust for mis-matched speakers and speaker distance from the listening spot. The pass-through of S-video signals on the SR7300ose was also very good, with no visible signal loss when compared to a direct video feed from the Laserdisc and DVD players to the video projector used.
Another useful feature on the SR7300ose (which is becoming common on AV receivers) is the second zone opton. This allows setup of an additional two-channel amplifier, speakers, and TV in another room, using the 7300ose to send a line-level signal from one of its connected audio/video components. The source can be the same or different from whatis playing on the main system.
This feature is also great if your components are installed in a closet or booth, separate from your viewing room. By employing a small TV monitor, amplifier, and a couple small speakers, you can use the second zone function for a small audio/video monitor station, separate from the actual viewing room where your video projector or big screen TV is set up.
In addition, two more features, on-board HDCD decoding and SRS Circle Surround II, added "spice" to this receiver. With the built-in HDCD decoder, the user can play an HDCD-encoded disc (refer to the "Related Resources" link at the bottom of the page) on a standard CD or DVD player with a digital output. The SR7300ose can then decode the enhanced audio quality of the embedded HDCD signal. The only drawback of this function is that it results in two-channel stereo-only playback that cannot be manipulated by the other surround sound software options of the SR7300ose. On the other hand, HDCDs played on an HDCD-equipped player, where the signal is already decoded before it gets to the receiver, can be manipulated by the onboard surround sound options.
The other great feature on this receiver is SRS Circle Surround II.
Bascially, Circle Surround II, as it is employed in the SR7300ose, can extract a 6.1 channel surround sound environment from any Circle Surround, Dolby Surround (analog), Dolby Digital (2-channel), or analog two-channel audio material (except when the HDCD decoder is used). In this basic respect, it is similar to Dolby Pro-Logic II and DTS Neo:6. However, Circle Surround II makes use of a broader sound field between channels, giving a more "immersive effect" for the listener. Adding both an adjustable dialog and bass enhancer, Circle Surround II is a great option for multi-channel audio listening. The only drawback of the Circle Surround II option as it is utilized in this receiver is that it can't be used in conjunction with the Dolby Digital 5.1/6.1, DTS, or HDCD options. For additional information on SRS Circle Surround II, check out the "related Resources" links at the bottom of the page.
Both HDCD and Circle Surround II are great additions, but it would be nice to have a little more flexibility. The only other complaint I have is the lack of a direct equalized phono input for an audio turntable. This means that turntable users need to purchase a phono preamp and use one of the auxillary audio inputs on the SR7300ose.
However, despite these shortcomings, I found the overall performance and ease-of-use of the SR7300ose to be top-notch. I have no problem recommending this AV receiver as a good investment for any mid-to-high-end home theater system. Unless you are craving more power and a lot more input options, this unit has everything you need, and, with an RS232 port, it is ready for future upgrades.
