I haven't heard much Marantz gear, so I can't offer much insight. There have been a few Marantz users here in the forum though. MCH considered the Marantz 6200 and the 1050, and he's been pleased with his 1050. Nreyes ordered a 1050 and compared it to a Marantz 7200, and he and his wife preferred the sound of the Marantz (see this thread ). Cburbs is in the same place you are (or was a week ago ). AwesomeA chose the 1050 over the SR5200 . Lao162 considered the 1050, Denon, and Marantz, and he ended up choosing the Marantz 7200 (see his post on 3/8).

That's not a real answer, but it may give you some more to work with. As for my personal opinion, I've been very satisfied with my 1050 for over a year and a half now, and I've got a co-worker who is demo'ing it at his house right now (I got one of the "drop-out" batch of 950 pre/pros two weeks ago) and loves it.

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review