pbc
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Posts: 3825
Loc: GTA, Ont, Canada
Reg: 06-14-02
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07-28-10 10:18 AM - Post#862016
So I recently sold my Onkyo 876 and am using a Denon 3808 on loan right now. Need to settle on a new AVR, and somewhat bored with Denon and Onkyo (nothing wrong with them, just bored and may want to try something new).
My dealer sells Denon, Pioneer Elites, Yamaha (not interested in Yamaha personally), NAD, and Arcam.
I was thinking under $2k tax in, CDN. Tops on my list right now are the Pioneer SC35/37 that just came out last week. Considered NAD, but keep reading about how many issues people are having with them and not sure I want to go there, plus the price may not work.
Thoughts?
STeve
Display: Samsung PN58A550 Plasma
Bluray: Oppo BDP-83
AVR: Onkyo TX-SR876
STB: SA8300HD PVR
Fronts: Paradigm Signature S2's - Gloss Black
Centre: Paradigm Signature C3 - Gloss Black
Surrounds: Mirage OMR2 x 4
Sub: SVS PB13-Ultra, Dual DIY AV15H Sealed Subs
Remote: HTM MX-500 & URC-300
Rack: Salamander Triple 20, walnut
Power: Panamax 5400-EX, Panamax M2Sub, Panamax GPP8005 whole house surge protection |
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Ken Taraszka MD
Silver Level Member
Posts: 225
Reg: 07-25-10
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07-28-10 01:49 PM - Post#862036
In response to pbc
I have always liked the Pioneer elite receivers, though they can get pretty costly. For bang for the buck at the high end I go to Marantz. The new 7005 coming out soon looks awesome and retails for $1,599 US.
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pbc
Moderator
Posts: 3825
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07-28-10 02:15 PM - Post#862040
In response to Ken Taraszka MD
Humorous, as I was literally just looking at the 7005. Can get it for about $200 (I'm guessing) less than the Pio Elite even though the MSRP for the Elite is much higher. Simply because my dealer who I've bought a boat load of stuff from over the years sells the Elite, whereas for the Marantz I'd have to go elsewhere.
The Marantz looks super cool though! Just curious as to how the "real world" power of the 125 z 7 ratings will be compared to Pio's 140x7 Ice power (which I think was measured by HTM at 107 will 7 channels driven at 0.1% THD).
Also, the Marantz models last year, IIRC, had quite a few issues with bugs in the processing of surround modes, where Audyssey was applied and not applied, etc?
That 7005 is a gorgeous looking unit though, not that the Elite is shabby at all. It's just that the 7005 looks so different with the clean front!
Display: Samsung PN58A550 Plasma
Bluray: Oppo BDP-83
AVR: Onkyo TX-SR876
STB: SA8300HD PVR
Fronts: Paradigm Signature S2's - Gloss Black
Centre: Paradigm Signature C3 - Gloss Black
Surrounds: Mirage OMR2 x 4
Sub: SVS PB13-Ultra, Dual DIY AV15H Sealed Subs
Remote: HTM MX-500 & URC-300
Rack: Salamander Triple 20, walnut
Power: Panamax 5400-EX, Panamax M2Sub, Panamax GPP8005 whole house surge protection |
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pbc
Moderator
Posts: 3825
Loc: GTA, Ont, Canada
Reg: 06-14-02
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07-28-10 02:16 PM - Post#862041
In response to pbc
BTW, what's the expected shipping date on these?
Display: Samsung PN58A550 Plasma
Bluray: Oppo BDP-83
AVR: Onkyo TX-SR876
STB: SA8300HD PVR
Fronts: Paradigm Signature S2's - Gloss Black
Centre: Paradigm Signature C3 - Gloss Black
Surrounds: Mirage OMR2 x 4
Sub: SVS PB13-Ultra, Dual DIY AV15H Sealed Subs
Remote: HTM MX-500 & URC-300
Rack: Salamander Triple 20, walnut
Power: Panamax 5400-EX, Panamax M2Sub, Panamax GPP8005 whole house surge protection |
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Tracy
Editor
Posts: 2891
Loc: Georgia
Reg: 10-19-03
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07-28-10 04:59 PM - Post#862059
In response to pbc
I don't have any first hand experience with Marantz but I hear good things about them. They are nice looking.
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Ken Taraszka MD
Silver Level Member
Posts: 225
Reg: 07-25-10
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07-28-10 06:54 PM - Post#862064
In response to Tracy
pbc,
In the new model Marantz has added the needed processing power to do all room correction on all surround fields.
It even has Audyssey Multi EQ XT AND Pro so if you have access to the pro kit you can get the best Audyssey has to offer.
As for power ratings, I think you are putting too much weight on a number. Power is difficult to define unless using fixed resistance and waves, which music and speakers don't offer. Besides the difference in speaker output for 105 and 150 Watts is minimal. I'd rather have a lower power with solid electronics than a few more watts.
I am not sure when it releases but have already got one in the works for a feature review on www.HomeTheaterReview.com.
Once I hear I'll be sure to fill you all in.
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 Jim_S
Moderator
Posts: 167
Reg: 12-27-04
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07-29-10 07:46 AM - Post#862088
In response to Ken Taraszka MD
Check out the Cambridge Audio 650R while you are window shopping. I've been listening to one for a few weeks and am very impressed so far. It sounds very UN-receiver-like. 
It's also built more like a high end amplifier than a receiver too. Check out that massive transformer and fan cooled transistor tunnel!
| Administrator - and all around good guy. |
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Tracy
Editor
Posts: 2891
Loc: Georgia
Reg: 10-19-03
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07-29-10 10:08 AM - Post#862101
In response to Jim_S
That's the first receiver that I have seen that has a cooling fan. Other manufacturers should step up and add active cooling to their units. You're right, that is a big transformer.
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pbc
Moderator
Posts: 3825
Loc: GTA, Ont, Canada
Reg: 06-14-02
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07-29-10 02:25 PM - Post#862114
In response to Tracy
Cambridge Audio looks good, but the 3 HDMI inputs is not the greatest. Also, I know it'll probably not matter, but might as well get an HDMI 1.4 AVR now.
I've heard the Elite SC-07, and the ICE amps sounded quite impressive. Looks like they've moved from Wolfson DACS (in the 27, last year's model) to a TI and Burr-Brown implementation this year. Might be a knock, but I think DACs are a tad over rated as it is (having compared for several occasions my Oppo BD-83 vs my old Cambridge Azur 640v2 CD player which had the Wolfson DACs in dual config and came to the conclusion the difference, if any, was so minimal it didn't matter, at least to me).
So the bigggest thing now is:
a) all the issues Marantz has had with it's XXX4 series AVRs which apparently were never fixed for those AVRs or were fixed too long after the fact
b) how big of a difference Audyssey MultiEQ XT vs a single position MCACC would be
c) my dealer doesn't carry Marantz, so I'd have to go elsewhere
d) The Marantz dropped THX cert, and also dropped to 27lbs in weight, and got rid of the Torodial transformer.
I know weight doesn't mean much and maybe the AVR is that much more efficient, but I find it odd that they got rid of THX cert on their "flagship" AVR, the torodial, and lost so much in the way of pounds. While THX cert is questionable, taking it away looks odd.
People are starting to wonder if the 7005 is simply a Denon 3311 in disguise.
Ken, I understand "wattage" numbers aren't all that. But when you read reviews of the "140 watts per channel Denon 4810" which with 7 CH driven delivers 30 to 60 watts per channel, it's quite frightening (S&V Mag and HTM both measured it). Again, no THX cert for the 4810.
Probably not as big of a deal given I cross my fronts at 100hz (or is it 120hz) right now as my subs are very capable, but I still want the power in reserve for HT.
But then again, most of the time I don't know what I'm talking about. 
STeve
Display: Samsung PN58A550 Plasma
Bluray: Oppo BDP-83
AVR: Onkyo TX-SR876
STB: SA8300HD PVR
Fronts: Paradigm Signature S2's - Gloss Black
Centre: Paradigm Signature C3 - Gloss Black
Surrounds: Mirage OMR2 x 4
Sub: SVS PB13-Ultra, Dual DIY AV15H Sealed Subs
Remote: HTM MX-500 & URC-300
Rack: Salamander Triple 20, walnut
Power: Panamax 5400-EX, Panamax M2Sub, Panamax GPP8005 whole house surge protection |
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pbc
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07-29-10 02:30 PM - Post#862115
In response to pbc
Oh, I also considered the much more expensive NAD and Arcam units which my dealer carries. When I asked him about those and whether they'd offer better performance than the Elite, he said "sure, if you don't mind taking them back in for service 3 to 4 times a year".
It's unfortunate that the "higher end" AVR manufacturers simply can't keep up to date any more with all the changes happening. NAD got killed trying to implement the new codecs into their "modular" design. Great sounding units from what I've heard, but frustrated owners.
Another cool option "may" be the Anthem AVRs. My dealer is a Paradigm dealer, but may not carry these and not sure when they come out or the price points....
Display: Samsung PN58A550 Plasma
Bluray: Oppo BDP-83
AVR: Onkyo TX-SR876
STB: SA8300HD PVR
Fronts: Paradigm Signature S2's - Gloss Black
Centre: Paradigm Signature C3 - Gloss Black
Surrounds: Mirage OMR2 x 4
Sub: SVS PB13-Ultra, Dual DIY AV15H Sealed Subs
Remote: HTM MX-500 & URC-300
Rack: Salamander Triple 20, walnut
Power: Panamax 5400-EX, Panamax M2Sub, Panamax GPP8005 whole house surge protection |
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Ken Taraszka MD
Silver Level Member
Posts: 225
Reg: 07-25-10
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07-29-10 03:09 PM - Post#862117
In response to pbc
Well, I have owned two Marantz SR6004 and they have always worked flawlessly. As for the difference between the Audyssey's, the lower end Audyssey's do not EQ the subwoofer (the most important point for room EQ) and only do the front channels fully, the surrounds don't get any EQ and the center only minimal.
The difference between the Pro is much higher resolution of the filtering algorithms allowing them to more accurately correct the room problems.
Now, all that said, I do not use Room EQ in my reference HT and haven't had it in their for a couple years. I would like it for the subwoofer only if I could have it (many subs now offer this)
I hadn't heard of the reliability issues with NAD or Arcam yet so can neither confirm nor deny them.
THX certification is irrelevant to me, pay them and meet some basic standards and you too can badge your product with THX!
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pbc
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Posts: 3825
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07-29-10 05:36 PM - Post#862134
In response to Ken Taraszka MD
Huge issues with the NAD T175 and AVRs that came out last year.
I would have agreed that THX cert is irrelevant, except it seems with 7 channels driven, many of the non-THX systems don't push out more than 20 to 30% of their spec'd power.
STeve
Display: Samsung PN58A550 Plasma
Bluray: Oppo BDP-83
AVR: Onkyo TX-SR876
STB: SA8300HD PVR
Fronts: Paradigm Signature S2's - Gloss Black
Centre: Paradigm Signature C3 - Gloss Black
Surrounds: Mirage OMR2 x 4
Sub: SVS PB13-Ultra, Dual DIY AV15H Sealed Subs
Remote: HTM MX-500 & URC-300
Rack: Salamander Triple 20, walnut
Power: Panamax 5400-EX, Panamax M2Sub, Panamax GPP8005 whole house surge protection |
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pbc
Moderator
Posts: 3825
Loc: GTA, Ont, Canada
Reg: 06-14-02
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My Next AVR?
07-29-10 05:46 PM - Post#862137
In response to pbc
Also, with the Pro one has to either purchase the Pro kit, or have a calibrator come in and EQ the system.
I use a Behringer DCX2496 to EQ my subs, which gives me incredible control (low and high pass filters, shelfs, ability to add an L/T, Parametric EQs, phase, distance, etc, etc). Outside of the fact that it's ugly as sin, it's an incredible device.
Mind you, it only EQs one position, which really is all I care about in my family room as when I watch movies I just care about my own audio experience.
Call me selfish.
STeve
Display: Samsung PN58A550 Plasma
Bluray: Oppo BDP-83
AVR: Onkyo TX-SR876
STB: SA8300HD PVR
Fronts: Paradigm Signature S2's - Gloss Black
Centre: Paradigm Signature C3 - Gloss Black
Surrounds: Mirage OMR2 x 4
Sub: SVS PB13-Ultra, Dual DIY AV15H Sealed Subs
Remote: HTM MX-500 & URC-300
Rack: Salamander Triple 20, walnut
Power: Panamax 5400-EX, Panamax M2Sub, Panamax GPP8005 whole house surge protection |
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Ken Taraszka MD
Silver Level Member
Posts: 225
Reg: 07-25-10
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07-29-10 06:28 PM - Post#862149
In response to pbc
I am not aware of anything in the THX certification that specifies anything about power rating, does it??
I can use the notch filter in my Classe SSP800 for sub EQ but it also requires analysis equipment to do properly.
FWIW I don't believe any receiver can output 140 wpc x 7 channels for anything but short peaks when a 15 Amp line only delivers 1,800 watts total and VERY few people using receivers have dedicated lines, so that power is often split between receiver, sources and sometimes even displays (which EAT up power!)
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Jim_S
Moderator
Posts: 167
Reg: 12-27-04
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07-29-10 06:47 PM - Post#862152
In response to Ken Taraszka MD
and VERY few people using receivers have dedicated lines,
Ahem... I have 3, 20A circuits in my room thank you very much. 
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pbc
Moderator
Posts: 3825
Loc: GTA, Ont, Canada
Reg: 06-14-02
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07-29-10 06:56 PM - Post#862153
In response to Ken Taraszka MD
Sorry, wasn't implying that any receiver did. Some come close. My previous Onkyo 876 was rated at 140 watts, and delivered 128 per channel to 7 channels.
The Pioneer SC-27 is rated at 140, and is measured to deliver 107 I believe.
Both are THX Ultra 2 certified I believe (2 of only 9 or so receivers to receive this cert). As I said, I'm not sure THX Cert really means much, but it seems to be on AVRs that actually get within 70% or more of their spec'd power.
The Marantz 6004 is spec'd to hit 50% of its 7 CH output and 80% of it's 5CH spec'd output (per Marantz and as tested), and does so. Not bad actually, and better than most.
I only have 1 20 amp dedicated line, which is used for my QSC RMX-5050 amp...
I may be adding a second, just for fun.
STeve
Display: Samsung PN58A550 Plasma
Bluray: Oppo BDP-83
AVR: Onkyo TX-SR876
STB: SA8300HD PVR
Fronts: Paradigm Signature S2's - Gloss Black
Centre: Paradigm Signature C3 - Gloss Black
Surrounds: Mirage OMR2 x 4
Sub: SVS PB13-Ultra, Dual DIY AV15H Sealed Subs
Remote: HTM MX-500 & URC-300
Rack: Salamander Triple 20, walnut
Power: Panamax 5400-EX, Panamax M2Sub, Panamax GPP8005 whole house surge protection |
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pbc
Moderator
Posts: 3825
Loc: GTA, Ont, Canada
Reg: 06-14-02
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07-29-10 07:02 PM - Post#862154
In response to pbc
Also, chances are you only need that kind of power for "peaks" anyhow. While a 15amp circuit is rated to deliver 1800 watts (80% of that "continuous"), that doesn't mean it can't go higher, i.e, the breaker isn't going to flip instantly. So a 15amp circuit can handle more than an 1800 watt peak as long as it isn't sustained (which it typically isn't for more than a few seconds at best).
Display: Samsung PN58A550 Plasma
Bluray: Oppo BDP-83
AVR: Onkyo TX-SR876
STB: SA8300HD PVR
Fronts: Paradigm Signature S2's - Gloss Black
Centre: Paradigm Signature C3 - Gloss Black
Surrounds: Mirage OMR2 x 4
Sub: SVS PB13-Ultra, Dual DIY AV15H Sealed Subs
Remote: HTM MX-500 & URC-300
Rack: Salamander Triple 20, walnut
Power: Panamax 5400-EX, Panamax M2Sub, Panamax GPP8005 whole house surge protection |
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Ken Taraszka MD
Silver Level Member
Posts: 225
Reg: 07-25-10
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07-30-10 02:24 AM - Post#862167
In response to Jim_S
[Ahem... I have 3, 20A circuits in my room thank you very much.
Jim you are such a wimp!
My main rig has five dedicated 20A lines on continuos runs of equal length 10/2 Romex and two 15A lines of 12/2! I was planning on running five mono-blocks when I had them run and figured what the hell, while the electricians were here....
All those come off their own sub panel.....
Like I've always said... You never have too much power!
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Ken Taraszka MD
Silver Level Member
Posts: 225
Reg: 07-25-10
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My Next AVR?
07-30-10 02:34 AM - Post#862168
In response to pbc
Also, chances are you only need that kind of power for "peaks" anyhow. While a 15amp circuit is rated to deliver 1800 watts (80% of that "continuous"), that doesn't mean it can't go higher, i.e, the breaker isn't going to flip instantly. So a 15amp circuit can handle more than an 1800 watt peak as long as it isn't sustained (which it typically isn't for more than a few seconds at best).
Good point, I just find it silly how amplifiers are rated, there are amplifiers rated @ 400 wpc x7 which simply can't come from a single 15A or even 20A line which is why Anthem requires two power cords on their big Statement multichannel amp (that are supposed to run on different circuits)
In some ways it reminds me of the guys on the streets of NYC selling tiny little EQ/amps for cars that are rated to like 500wpc! Come one guys!
To get a power rating an amp needs to deliver the rated power with less than 1% distortion @ 1Khz, I know Krell requires their amps to deliver their rated power with a feed of 20-20K at less than 0.1%, with the obvious ability to go higher. That's probably one of the reasons I love my Evo 403 so much! That thing never runs out of ummph!
Edited by Ken Taraszka MD on 07-30-10 02:34 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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pbc
Moderator
Posts: 3825
Loc: GTA, Ont, Canada
Reg: 06-14-02
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07-31-10 04:25 PM - Post#862245
In response to Ken Taraszka MD
Mark Seaton posted in that other forum something interesting. RMS actually means root square mean average, and doesn't in fact imply that the power exists long enough to actually create and measure a sine wave, or for how long it has to be reproduced. Or "long term continuous output" for that matter.
Anyhow, thought it was interesting. I always thought "RMS" meant continuous and also questioned at times the wattage ratings (RMS or otherwise) of several amps.
Display: Samsung PN58A550 Plasma
Bluray: Oppo BDP-83
AVR: Onkyo TX-SR876
STB: SA8300HD PVR
Fronts: Paradigm Signature S2's - Gloss Black
Centre: Paradigm Signature C3 - Gloss Black
Surrounds: Mirage OMR2 x 4
Sub: SVS PB13-Ultra, Dual DIY AV15H Sealed Subs
Remote: HTM MX-500 & URC-300
Rack: Salamander Triple 20, walnut
Power: Panamax 5400-EX, Panamax M2Sub, Panamax GPP8005 whole house surge protection |
|
Ken Taraszka MD
Silver Level Member
Posts: 225
Reg: 07-25-10
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07-31-10 08:50 PM - Post#862251
In response to pbc
and also questioned at times the wattage ratings (RMS or otherwise) of several amps.
I try to let my ears do the deciding. Rated power is a guide at best, especially when it comes to receivers, and many amplifiers for that matter.
I'd rather have 50 watts of good power than 300 of shit!
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k0rww
HT Addict
Posts: 549
Loc: St. Louis Area
Reg: 11-24-01
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08-25-10 03:56 AM - Post#863464
In response to Jim_S
and VERY few people using receivers have dedicated lines,
Ahem... I have 3, 20A circuits in my room thank you very much.
I have three dedicated 20A circuits behind the TV and one on each side of the room for a total of 100A. I had the rest of the house wired with 20A circuits which was probably overkill but inexpensive to do.
Richard
Display: Panasonic TC-P65V10 (Calibrated by CraigR)
Blu-ray: Oppo BDP-83
HDDVD: Toshiba XA2
DVD: Denon DVD5900
Amp: Denon AVR3808ci
Sub: Dual SVS PB12-Plus/2 <SVS AS-EQ1>
Sat: DirecTV (2)HR24 & (3)HR21 + MRV
Remote: URC MX-980/MRF-350
Media Room: 22 x 15 x 8.5 (No windows, one door) |
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pbc
Moderator
Posts: 3825
Loc: GTA, Ont, Canada
Reg: 06-14-02
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08-25-10 06:09 AM - Post#863466
In response to Ken Taraszka MD
and also questioned at times the wattage ratings (RMS or otherwise) of several amps.
I try to let my ears do the deciding. Rated power is a guide at best, especially when it comes to receivers, and many amplifiers for that matter.
I'd rather have 50 watts of good power than 300 of shit!
I'm more of the camp that if an amp delivers it's rated power with low (1% or under) distortion, you shouldn't notice any "sound" differences in amplifiers unless they are coloring the sound when they shouldn't be.
The Sunfire amp I had was a great example, it had two different connections, one of which tried to mimic the sound of a tube amp by changing something in the chain (can't recall what). But when left to it's "voltage" ouputs, it "sounded" no different to my ears than the Onkyo 876 AVR I had paired with it (hence my sale of the Sunfire), which was measured to deliver about 128 WPC with 7CH driven vs 200 watts for the Sunfire.
That was a $4,000 MSRP amp vs a $2,000 fully featured AVR. My ears told me there was zero difference between the two and in my smallish room with subs crossed at 100hz the additional power simply wasn't needed.
Humorously, after I sold the Sunfire amp the guy who bought it emailed me to say how incredibly impressed he was that the "$4k Sunfire" was "almost" a match for his $14k main amp (whatever it was). I.e., he bought the Sunfire to use as his multi-ch amp and the expensive amp he used for two channel. But decided to try the Sunfire for his two channel setup.
This was after he was trying to sell me his Bel Canto DAC unit that after we switched "blind" back and forth between that DAC and my Oppo basic player, he admittedly couldn't tell the difference between the two. He started saying "see how much fuller the bass sounds right now and how much clearer the highs are" when he thought I was using the Bel Canto DACs when in fact I was on the Oppo... so I think sometimes people's "eyes and wallets" get in the way of their ears!
STeve
Display: Samsung PN58A550 Plasma
Bluray: Oppo BDP-83
AVR: Onkyo TX-SR876
STB: SA8300HD PVR
Fronts: Paradigm Signature S2's - Gloss Black
Centre: Paradigm Signature C3 - Gloss Black
Surrounds: Mirage OMR2 x 4
Sub: SVS PB13-Ultra, Dual DIY AV15H Sealed Subs
Remote: HTM MX-500 & URC-300
Rack: Salamander Triple 20, walnut
Power: Panamax 5400-EX, Panamax M2Sub, Panamax GPP8005 whole house surge protection |
|
Ken Taraszka MD
Silver Level Member
Posts: 225
Reg: 07-25-10
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08-25-10 01:43 PM - Post#863472
In response to pbc
pbc,
You've said a mouthful in the last post! Yep, the difference between 128 and 200 wpc is slim, what matters more is headroom. I have had the Sunfire 7400 (which I was running only 5 channels of) in for review and can say while it is a good amp, it can't hold a candle to what my Krell Evo 403 can do!
Amplifier power rating is based on the ability to produce a 1kHz signal with less than 1% distortion, so you CAN build an amp that will do this to high levels but will suck on the bass and highs....
End result.... Like my dad always said "you get what you pay for' though I would add 'sometimes' to that one!
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Ken Taraszka MD
Silver Level Member
Posts: 225
Reg: 07-25-10
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08-25-10 01:45 PM - Post#863473
In response to k0rww
I have three dedicated 20A circuits behind the TV and one on each side of the room for a total of 100A. I had the rest of the house wired with 20A circuits which was probably overkill but inexpensive to do.
There is no such thing as too much power!
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Ken Taraszka MD
Silver Level Member
Posts: 225
Reg: 07-25-10
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08-25-10 01:47 PM - Post#863474
In response to Ken Taraszka MD
pbc,
I got my Marantz SR 7005 the other day, really nice unit, and I love the new look!
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pbc
Moderator
Posts: 3825
Loc: GTA, Ont, Canada
Reg: 06-14-02
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08-25-10 03:49 PM - Post#863479
In response to Ken Taraszka MD
The Sunfire's supposedly meet their rated specs at 8ohm, but drop like a rock at 4.
Very curious about the power handling on that 7005 AVR. Some are claiming it is simply a rebadged Denon 3311 (not sure if that's good or bad, but Denon seems to have dropped the ball on power IMO). Weight has also dropped on it, no more torodial transformer, and have also gotten rid of the Copper plated bottom (maybe that was a voodoo thing anyhow).
In any event, the AVR does look amazing, and I'm sure will sound pretty good.
Do you have any ability to test power handling/WPC and distortion? I simply don't have the space to add a power amp at this point in time so need an AVR with a great power section.
What is cool is Marantz "thin line" AVR. If they made a more higher end one or prepro, that could solve a lot of people's "space" issues!!
STeve
Display: Samsung PN58A550 Plasma
Bluray: Oppo BDP-83
AVR: Onkyo TX-SR876
STB: SA8300HD PVR
Fronts: Paradigm Signature S2's - Gloss Black
Centre: Paradigm Signature C3 - Gloss Black
Surrounds: Mirage OMR2 x 4
Sub: SVS PB13-Ultra, Dual DIY AV15H Sealed Subs
Remote: HTM MX-500 & URC-300
Rack: Salamander Triple 20, walnut
Power: Panamax 5400-EX, Panamax M2Sub, Panamax GPP8005 whole house surge protection |
|
Ken Taraszka MD
Silver Level Member
Posts: 225
Reg: 07-25-10
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08-25-10 04:02 PM - Post#863480
In response to pbc
pbc,
I don't have test equipment, we review on ears alone. I can assure you the Marantz sounds different than any Denon receiver I have had, and I've had MANY! To me the Denon's are a bit closed in and the Marantz are more open and exciting and this is why I always seem to end up with Marantz receivers in my bedroom system.
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Tracy
Editor
Posts: 2891
Loc: Georgia
Reg: 10-19-03
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08-25-10 05:53 PM - Post#863483
In response to pbc
So Ken, what setup are you running?
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Ken Taraszka MD
Silver Level Member
Posts: 225
Reg: 07-25-10
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08-25-10 06:12 PM - Post#863486
In response to Tracy
My bedroom system (where I run a receiver) has the Kef 5005.2 speaker system with a Denon DVD2800BTCi Blu-ray transport, AppleTV, SA 8300 HD DVR and Marantz SS15 TT. The display is a 9th gen Pannie plasma (768) and an Oppo 83 NuForce edition. All is controlled by a Harmony 890 via RF except the display which is easier to do IR.
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