Denon vs Marantz Players

[JimShaw]

I am getting ready to purchase a Blu-ray and my understanding of the technical difference is lacking and need experienced help.

I will be getting either the Marantz BD8002 or Denon’s 3800BD.

Are they virtually the same (other than 1 year vs 3 year warranty) or is there a difference?

[RUR]

Near as I can tell from this thread, the players are identical aside from the desirable, longer warranty on the Marantz. There appears to be some question as to whether or not the Marantz has AL24 processing (or its Marantz equivalent). If that's important to you, I'd get a clear answer before I made a decision.

[JimShaw]

Originally Posted by RUR

Near as I can tell from this thread, the players are identical aside from the desirable, longer warranty on the Marantz. There appears to be some question as to whether or not the Marantz has AL24 processing (or its Marantz equivalent). If that's important to you, I'd get a clear answer before I made a decision.

RUR

Thanks. that is exactly what I was looking for.

I'll call Marantz tomorrow. If Marantz doesn't have its equivalent, then I shoud go Denon, correct?

[RUR]

If you want the very best AQ, yes. Actually, the 3800 has AL24 Plus, which improves SNR via analog, as well as upsampling CD's to 24 bit, IIRC. AQ on this player (via analog) is very nice, indeed.

[JimShaw]

Originally Posted by RUR

If you want the very best AQ, yes. Actually, the 3800 has AL24 Plus, which improves SNR via analog, as well as upsampling CD's to 24 bit, IIRC. AQ on this player (via analog) is very nice, indeed.

Done! Tomorrow Denon 3800.

RUR, Thanks for all you help the last few days leading me along the correct path.


Jim

[Richie]

Hi Jim,

There are some differences between the Marantz and the Denon players. I had the chance to listen to both and the Marantz one I liked much better because it simply sounds better. Reason for this would be some differences in the audio part of the player. It also seems that the Marantz one is also using the AL24 processing you mention, only it is not mentioned on their website. Personally I am a big Marantz fan due to their fabulous sound. That is why I bought myself the BD8002 in addition to my recently purchased AV8003/MM8003 pre/power amplifier combination, also from Marantz and I must say: this set is there to stay!!

Hope this helps you out.


Richie
New Orleans

[JimShaw]

Originally Posted by Richie

Hi Jim,

There are some differences between the Marantz and the Denon players. I had the chance to listen to both and the Marantz one I liked much better because it simply sounds better. Reason for this would be some differences in the audio part of the player. It also seems that the Marantz one is also using the AL24 processing you mention, only it is not mentioned on their website. Personally I am a big Marantz fan due to their fabulous sound. That is why I bought myself the BD8002 in addition to my recently purchased AV8003/MM8003 pre/power amplifier combination, also from Marantz and I must say: this set is there to stay!!

Hope this helps you out.


Richie
New Orleans

Richie

I called Marantz this morning and was told the AL24 is proprietory to Denon BUT I was also told Marantz's upscaler is high-end and they felt it was actually better than Denon's.

[sokrman14]

The scalers are the same one. The Realta by HQV, now I don't know if they have different versions, but I don't think there are different versions.

[Pelican170]

Im surprised cuz Marantz and Denon are owned by the same company. But like above mentioned, I would give Marantz the edge over Denon. Both are good stuff though.

[JimShaw]

Originally Posted by sokrman14

The scalers are the same one. The Realta by HQV, now I don't know if they have different versions, but I don't think there are different versions.

No, they aren't as per Marantz. Denon's processing is proprietary to Denon only.

[RUR]

Originally Posted by JimShaw

No, they aren't as per Marantz. Denon's processing is proprietary to Denon only.

Jim, are you sure we're not mixing apples and oranges i.e. Marantz isn't describing their alternative to AL24? No one on any forum has indicated that the Realta (non-Denon proprietary, upscaling video) chip isn't in the Marantz, whereas it's entirely likely Marantz has their own version of the (Denon proprietary) AL24 processing for audio.

[jsteinhauer]

The Realta is in the Marantz. The only non-similarity in the detailed specs are the audio processors and DAC's I believe, which makes it completely reasonable that one who prefers Marantz audio will also prefer this player. I can not see any other reason to choose one over the other, except for the minor differences in external apperance.

[JimShaw]

Originally Posted by RUR

Jim, are you sure we're not mixing apples and oranges i.e. Marantz isn't describing their alternative to AL24? No one on any forum has indicated that the Realta (non-Denon proprietary, upscaling video) chip isn't in the Marantz, whereas it's entirely likely Marantz has their own version of the (Denon proprietary) AL24 processing for audio.

RUR

Someone on this thread brough up the Realta chip. I was talking about, what you mentioned, the AL24 upscaler.

Marantz told me that both machines have the Realta chip. The AL24 upscaler is only in Denon. Marantz has it's own upscaler that diverts to the Realta chip. I asked Marantz for the name of their upscaler to be told by two techs that there isn't a name for theirs. Maybe they are keeping it a secret!!

[JimShaw]

I did it

Marantz BD8002 vs. Denon 3800BD

Both machines seem equal in just about all aspects.

Therefore, I decided to let $$$$ be the big factor.

1) Denon new 3800 MSRP $1,999.00 PLUS shipping, 1 year warranty

2) Denon refurbished $1,590 PLUS shipping 90 day warranty--Dakmart adds 9 more months=1 year.

3) Marantz new 8002 MSRP $1,999.00 PLUS shipping, 3 year warranty


4) I just purchased from 6Ave.com a NEW Marantz BD8002 FREE shipping, 3 year warranty with an unbelievable price.

I was just told by an experienced Blu-ray.comer if someone wants to know how much $$$ and it is below MSRP, they would have to PM me.

[bluewatergrigsby]

What is the email address of where you bought it from.

[RUR]

Originally Posted by JimShaw

....I just purchased from 6th Ave a NEW Marantz BD8002 FREE shipping, 3 year warranty

Fantastic! Please post your experiences when you get the unit.

PS: Be careful not to post non-MSRP's with seller in your posts. Keep that to PM's.

Originally Posted by jsteinhauer

...I can not see any other reason to choose one over the other, except for the minor differences in external apperance.

and the better warranty for the Marantz.

[Scooby Blu]

Originally Posted by RUR

Fantastic! Please post your experiences when you get the unit.

PS: Be careful not to post non-MSRP's with seller in your posts. Keep that to PM's.


and the better warranty for the Marantz.

Yes, please post ! I have looked high and low for reviews and have not found one single review ??? Anyone else ???? If you have run across one if you could please provide a link

[JimShaw]

"Fantastic! Please post your experiences when you get the unit"

RUR

I will do and thanks again for all you help.

I am hoping this will make my SVS and Speakercrafts sing