Marantz or Denon: Which AVR to buy?

[Maggot]

I have an older non-HDMI $2000 Marantz receiver and I'm looking to replace it. After looking at Marantz's website, it seems they are a little behind on their selections. The AVR I want is the $2000 SR8002 with it's 125Wx7, but it's an older receiver and amazingly hasn't been updated. Marantz has updated the 5000/6000 line, but not the 7000/8000. I think the 5000/6000 line is a little underpowered. Then I go over to the Denon site and they seem to offer more AVR's in general and they seem to be updated more, even models with more power. The AVR-4310CI seems like a great choice. How is the sound of Denon vs Marantz? I find Marantz very clean and musical, but have never heard Denon.

[ZedsDead]

Denon and Marantz are owned by the same company, so they have a lot of similarities. You also could look into the Pioneer Elites, as I have seen nothing but ultra positive reviews of them. I myself have owned Onkyo and Yamaha, and don't have anything negative to say about them either.

[Mordir]

Originally Posted by Maggot

The AVR I want is the $2000 SR8002 with it's 125Wx7, but it's an older receiver and amazingly hasn't been updated. Marantz has updated the 5000/6000 line, but not the 7000/8000. I think the 5000/6000 line is a little underpowered.

Get the Marantz 6000 line and with the money you saved by not getting the 8000 line buy an amp to more than make up for the underpowered issue.

[airkitty]

I have the 7002 and enjoy it a bunch. There has not been a tech/hdmi upgrade since this model was introduced so I am comfortably on equal terms with the latest and greatest dohickies.

[Travis]

I'm wondering about the differences between the 6003 and 7002, as well the new 6004. As far as I can see the 7002 is great except no upconverting to 1080p, not a matter because all players do it.

Thought I was getting the 6003 this weekend, now I am having last minute doubts. If I can get a good price, wonder if the 7002 is the best choice for me. The 7002 might be a couple generations back, but like post above says, no significant changes in AVRs over the last few years. right?

If the 7002 can be had for say 200 dollars over the 6003 is it worth it? Just speculating on prices, found some online, but will shop tomorrow.

[rded]

I don't want to derail this thread but have you considered Sherwood Newcastle receivers? They make receivers for Denon, Marantz and other companies

http://hometheaterreview.com/sherwoo...iver-reviewed/

You can buy them through Axiom Audio http://www.axiomaudio.com/sherwood_main.html

[CasualKiller]

I have the 8002 and it hasn't been updated because there is nothing you can improve on, it's a monster.

[Travis]

I was set on the 6003, then the 6004 came out. At the new price for the 6000 series the 7002 looks better.

Comparison of these 6004 and 7002 http://us.marantz.com/429.asp?ComProducts=SR7002,SR6004 I know 6003 and 7002 are proven performers, however I expect the 6004 will be great too. Not sure what to take from the comparisons.

On the train to Taipei in the morning, I will be going over all these questions. I know I don't have to buy tomorrow, but I want to.

[Maggot]

Well, I've only owned a Marantz(SR8200/non-HDMI) and it's very musical and warm. Great for playing music. I don't know how the Denon sound compares. I'm a big believer in having as much wattage as you can for better speaker sound dynamics. I have Paradigm Studio 40's in the front with studio 20's in the back. My current Marantz receiver has like 125/130 watts per channel in a 10x11 room. I usually don't go past +19 on the volume, so I've got headroom. My concern is should I buy the newer Marantz 6004, which is like 110 watts per channel. Perhaps on paper it's not a big deal, but I wonder in person if the sound will change. That's why I'm still looking at the old 8002, as it has 125 watts per channel. But again, I keep reading about the 8002 and popping/dropout issues. I don't want to buy a receiver, take it home, only to find that I have to take it to a service center to update the firmware. That complete BS. It's a MAJOR reason I'm thinking of Denon as they seem to have a more updated AVR product line. But then again, Marantz has a 3 year warranty which is nice. I don't think Denon has that.

[Travis]

Was in Taipei over the weekend, visited the one store that I know is an authorized Marantz and B&W dealer. Many stores in Taipei are re-re-sellers, they jack up the prices and are terrible on warranties, (love to sell gray market stuff). There are really only a few good places to shop in Taipei.

Wanted the 6003; none in stock. They will get a shipment of 6004s next week. I'll be getting that. Got my wife to call other stores, can't find any 6003s in Taipei.

Asked about 7002, none in stock and none on the way. The store doesn't have plans to get any more. They said it is because the SR7004 is on its way in January. The guy in the store seemed to know what he was talking about and did not seem to be blowing smoke.

[swifty7]

I have the SR-8400(non hdmi) myself and I just love the sound the Marantz produces...spacious and warm.

[kingofgrills]

Originally Posted by Maggot

I have an older non-HDMI $2000 Marantz receiver and I'm looking to replace it. After looking at Marantz's website, it seems they are a little behind on their selections. The AVR I want is the $2000 SR8002 with it's 125Wx7, but it's an older receiver and amazingly hasn't been updated. Marantz has updated the 5000/6000 line, but not the 7000/8000. I think the 5000/6000 line is a little underpowered. Then I go over to the Denon site and they seem to offer more AVR's in general and they seem to be updated more, even models with more power. The AVR-4310CI seems like a great choice. How is the sound of Denon vs Marantz? I find Marantz very clean and musical, but have never heard Denon.

Both Marantz and Denon are great for music, as well as movies. If you are serious about movies and music, you might want to also consider the Rotel RSX-1560 7.1 receiver. It has HDMI 1.3a connections, 7x100 watts / 8 ohms (200x7 @ 4 ohms) in class D amplification, and it decodes all the latest lossless codecs. It retails for $2,599.

http://www.rotel.com/NA/Products/Pro...71&Tab=1&Pic=1

http://www.hometheatermag.com/receiv...0_av_receiver/

Granted, it's not for everyone, but Rotel does make some stuff that sounds great.

[CasualKiller]

Originally Posted by Maggot

Well, I've only owned a Marantz(SR8200/non-HDMI) and it's very musical and warm. Great for playing music. I don't know how the Denon sound compares. I'm a big believer in having as much wattage as you can for better speaker sound dynamics. I have Paradigm Studio 40's in the front with studio 20's in the back. My current Marantz receiver has like 125/130 watts per channel in a 10x11 room. I usually don't go past +19 on the volume, so I've got headroom. My concern is should I buy the newer Marantz 6004, which is like 110 watts per channel. Perhaps on paper it's not a big deal, but I wonder in person if the sound will change. That's why I'm still looking at the old 8002, as it has 125 watts per channel. But again, I keep reading about the 8002 and popping/dropout issues. I don't want to buy a receiver, take it home, only to find that I have to take it to a service center to update the firmware. That complete BS. It's a MAJOR reason I'm thinking of Denon as they seem to have a more updated AVR product line. But then again, Marantz has a 3 year warranty which is nice. I don't think Denon has that.

No idea what drop out or popping issues you're talking about. The DTS bomb maybe? As far as I know the DTS bomb affected almost all DTS-HD compatible receivers at the time. Today every receiver purchased from an authorized dealer is supplied with up to date firmware when purchased.

[-DLS-]

Originally Posted by CasualKiller

No idea what drop out or popping issues you're talking about. The DTS bomb maybe? As far as I know the DTS bomb affected almost all DTS-HD compatible receivers at the time. Today every receiver purchased from an authorized dealer is supplied with up to date firmware when purchased.

To the OP - If you don't bitstream your movies then the FW upgrade won't really matter.. you won't get any popping if the player is doing the decoding.

I wouldn't say every authorized dealer has their units up to date. Even Marantz Canada didn't have theirs updated when I bought my SR8002 this summer.. The place I bought from had one sent out to them so I contacted Marantz to ask about the FW and they weren't even sure what they sent out. I had to wait til the store got it and it ended up being an older version. I thought since the store was an authorized dealer that they could just update it before shipping it out to me. I ended up waiting a week longer since Marantz had to send them a new one.

If you are gonna pick up an SR 8002 just make sure to check with your dealer first. Most places can update the FW themselves. And if there really is a 7/8004 coming I guess the price for the 7/8002 models will drop even more.. and it will soon be harder to get a hold of them.

[lucv13]

Originally Posted by Maggot

Well, I've only owned a Marantz(SR8200/non-HDMI) and it's very musical and warm. Great for playing music.

I googled and see your receiver is equipped with 7.1 in and pre outs. Not sure what you will be using for a BD player or display but if your player has analogue out and your display has hdmi, why not just keep the receiver that you obviously like a lot and use it's full capabilities by connecting the BD player analogue output if available - then you can connect the hdmi directly to your display.

I'm considering a similar step in the near future, have my eyes open for a "older flagship" receiver and doing exactly what I described above with an Oppo - can't afford a current flagship so the older ones will be coming up for sale as more people move to hdmi

[adamh]

ive the sr7002 by marantz using it with a emotiva xpa-3. the sound it a perfect balance of clarity and plenty of headroom.

[sokrman14]

Although Marantz still makes some high quality AVR's, they are not the Marantz of the 80's and 90's. I personally feel you get more from the Denon, while maintaining high quality performance.

[CasualKiller]

It's all the same company:

http://www.dm-holdings.com/eng/

[linger63]

Originally Posted by Maggot

I have an older non-HDMI $2000 Marantz receiver and I'm looking to replace it. After looking at Marantz's website, it seems they are a little behind on their selections. The AVR I want is the $2000 SR8002 with it's 125Wx7, but it's an older receiver and amazingly hasn't been updated. Marantz has updated the 5000/6000 line, but not the 7000/8000. I think the 5000/6000 line is a little underpowered. Then I go over to the Denon site and they seem to offer more AVR's in general and they seem to be updated more, even models with more power. The AVR-4310CI seems like a great choice. How is the sound of Denon vs Marantz? I find Marantz very clean and musical, but have never heard Denon.

Do you really need HDMI?

If your current receiver has multichannel ins and you have a Blu ray player with onboard decoding you can still get lossless audio via the analog outs AND use the players' HDMI connection for a straight HD video hookup to your (hopefully HDMI capable) display.

If your stuff fits the above criteria the total cost will be about 1/10th of your budget just for some decent cables!!!

[Travis]

Originally Posted by linger63

Do you really need HDMI?

If your current receiver has multichannel ins and you have a Blu ray player with onboard decoding you can still get lossless audio via the analog outs AND use the players' HDMI connection for a straight HD video hookup to your (hopefully HDMI capable) display.

If your stuff fits the above criteria the total cost will be about 1/10th of your budget just for some decent cables!!!

Read a review for the Sony BDP-S760 in What Hi-Fi? Sounds like a gem. MSRP 400 GBP. Wireless internet, too bad it is region B. Will a Region A version be out soon??

How many new BD players have 7.1 analog outs? Other than Oppo, if you live outside the US, it is hard to get. There aren't any dealers here in Asia. $500-600 US is what I'd be willing to pay for a new player to replace my PS3, which doesn't have 7.1 Analog outs.

I'm looking at the Marantz SR6004 to replace my SR5200, which has pre-outs for future amp. Went to buy the 6004 last weekend. They won't have any to ship to me, here in Taiwan, until the 25th of this month. No price break either 39,000 NTD (1,200 USD). 9000 NT more than I want to pay.

Now, thinking again about buying a BD player with analog outs and saving the cash to put towards a 2 or 3-ch amp or new fronts. Saving 600 bucks would be nice.

Also heard since Marantz was incorporated into Denon it isn't what it used to be; and my old SR5200 is still working great. Just no HDMI for PS3.