Loaded with features once found on receivers costing considerably more, the Marantz SR4002 surround receiver packs a lot punch where it's needed, but is easy on the wallet.

With the SR4002, Marantz introduces an entry-level receiver that will leave many wondering how they can turn a profit offering so much for so little. Staying true to their audiophile nature, the receiver's amplifier section is rated at 80 watts in 7 channels, and has all discrete amplifier stages. The SR4002 comes loaded with features not normally found on units in this price range, including 192kHz/24-bit processing on all seven channels, a full complement of DTS processing (including DTS 96/24, Dolby Digital EX and Pro-logic IIx, and Dolby headphone), HDCD decoding, HDMI v1.3 switching and v1.1 repeating, and S-video up-conversion to component. Add to that eight-channel input and eight-channel pre amplifier outs and M.R.A.C. auto calibration for easy Setup with the on-screen display. The receiver even supports seven channels of LPCM over HDMI for compatibility with HD DVD and Blu-ray disk players. We think this is an amazing set of features for this money.

The Marantz SR4002 is not limited when it comes to inputs either. Having no less than three HDMI inputs, three component inputs, five S-video, five composite video, two each of both optical and coaxial digital inputs as well as front panel inputs, there is nothing you can't connect. We found the fit and finish to be superb on this receiver and we would expect nothing less from Marantz. We like it when technology like this trickles down to gear in this class. Overall, we found the audio quality to be top notch and the setup to be a snap thanks to the auto-setup feature, or M.R.A.C as Marantz calls it. As always, with auto calibration and setup we recommend checking over all the settings after the initial setup is run to verify items such as speaker size and your crossover point is set correctly.

When but your budget does not allow for the most expensive receiver in the store, but just any receiver won't do, then the Marantz SR4002 is worth considering. Offering an impressive set of features by any standard, this receiver is sure to please both you and your bank account.

Pros: Incredible value, excellent amplifier section, pre outs, auto calibration, HDMI 1.3a
Cons: None at this price

Warranty
3 years