The RC2000 MKII from what I have read was considered in its ime to be the "God of all Remotes"....at least hard buttons. The RC2000 is still around. Now that the MX-500 has become so popular, are there any previous RC2000 MKII owners here that have made the switch to the MX-500? If so, why?

Here is Canada, I can get these Remotes for pratically the same price. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Tim

Well, the RC-2000 is years and years old. The MX-500 is certainly the spiritual successor, as many can attest. For one, it doesn't weight 18 pounds like the RC2000 (okay I'm exaggerating :). It's much more comfortable, just as customizeable, cheaper, and brand new.

David
www.BlueDo.com

I've had an RC2000 for many years and just got done setting up an MX-500 for a friend. I personally use a Pronto.

Here's a partial list of reasons why the MX-500 is significantly superior:
-multiposition "joystick" control
-50 favorite channels with limited macro capability
-built-in command sets for all kinds of products other than Philips/Marantz components
-much easier programming with better user interface
-superior ergonomics (weight, balance, button locations, one-hand operation capability)

If you want a great remote that you can set up easily in a few hours and then not have to mess with again, go with an MX-500. If you love to tinker and customize, and enjoy learning new visual programming techniques, consider a Pronto or one of its cousins.

Go to the User Reviews on this site and you'll see that shortly after the MX-500 came out, no one was putting in reviews of the RC2000. Why? Virtually no one was buying them due to the huge benefits of the MX-500 when compared to the RC2000 MKII.

I have both. The 2000 was a great remote in its day. Now, it can't touch the MX-500.

Read some of the reviews on both remotes, and you may have a better idea. Notice the last review of the 2000 was June 13, 2001 and the MKII sometime in April, 2001.

Even if you could get the 2000 at half or even a quarter the price, get the 500. You'll be happy you did. So will your significant other.

... Greg

I had an RC2000 Mark II for years. When the MX-500 came out, I waited a few months for them to fix the few bugs in the firmware, then I bought one. A week later, I bought another one for the bedroom and put my RC2000 up for sale on eBay.

The biggest problem for me was that I was never able to read the screen on the RC2000. Just too small and not enough contrast, I guess. I have no trouble with the MX-500.

The RC2000 is also not as ergonomic when used with modern components because the arrow keys are not right under your thumb and the balance is wrong. The IR signal is weaker than the MX-500. The preprogrammed codes are for Philips and Marantz equipment only, which didn't help me at all as I don't own any equipment from either of those two brands. Because of this, I had to program each and every button by learning, an unnecessarily tedious process.

On the other hand, they look really cool when they light up because of the two-color orange and green scheme (seriously!).

I know they are still selling them, but they are more than overdue for an update. If you already have one and like it, great, but I wouldn't buy another one.

Go with the MX-500.

Sean

Another long time RC-2000 and RC-2000MkII user here. The MX-500 is easily better in ANY way you want to compare it. As much as I loved my Marantz's, the MX-500 was easier to hold, read and use. (I have a friend that upgraded too and he agrees 100%)

Run, don't walk, to the nearest MX-500 dealer!