both are great quality models -

you cant go wrong - either way

Very similar units and both very capable but in my view the D5 has the edge not in part to it's long-lasting ferrite head with it's metal shield to reduce hum plus onboard limiter to ensure recordings remained bellow 0dB to illiminate distortion.  The size of the thing also hinted on a more sturdy construction.

I have both and I've used them via line in and to be fair the 2.8 jack on the D6C has to be inferior to the RCAs of the D5 and the XLRs of the Pro.

Ive got three of each. The d6c's gives me nothing but problems. Crakling noise, difference between left and right channel, suddenly bad dc-dc converters etc, etc.. The D5's just work and quality of recording is always good. it's missing Dolby c, but I never use it anyways... Personally I think the D5 is the best if you do a lot of recording.

For what it's worth, I have 2 D6C's and a D6.

All of them work perfectly but I just have to say that I prefer the sound of the D6, (I know it should not be better but to my ears it is) and it runs quieter than the others too. I particularly like the twin headphone sockets. So much more sociable!

Really fancy one of those Marantz machines but the prices have gone a lot higher lately. There were some for about £30 to £40 last year!

i agree with hugo

more neutral and detail d6c.

d5pro2:more bass, more body, xlr=only works with full balanced setup..!!

i would go for proII instead of m. xlr and better head. forget metal tapes, unless you've got $$$

if i had one deck, i would choose the d6c. it's better in detail, more neutral.

2 decks, i would use the d5 pro2. love xlr, fun fun fun

I agree with you that many D6C nowadays gives a lot of problems, but once is it properly serviced, it can perform perfectly.