Marantz V Denon

[Aspect]

Hi guys,

just wondering if anyone can tell me how the Marantz receivers stack up against the Denon?

I was looking to get a Denon AVR-3806, but after looking at the Marantz website, you seem to get more bang for your buck with Marantz. On face value anyway.

The SR-7001 is THX certified and is $3000. The AVR-3806 is not, and it's $2700. The AVR-4306 isn't even THX, but it's retail is $4000.

Also, what's the difference between THX Ultra, and THX Select 2?

Actually, the SR-7001, and SR-7500 seem to be more on a par with the AVR-4306 spec wise. I'm sure I'm missing something, so hopefully someone can set me straight.

What are other people's thoughts?

Cheers,

Chris

[dvduser]

THX is totally useless unless you have a fully certified THX installation i.e. Room, Cabling, Speakers Setup, Acoustics, Amp etc. etc.

You pays your money and you can use the Logo - just think of the Heart Foundation Tick !!

[50mxe20]

Have you listened and compared the two?

If not do so.

I would go the Denon and have. (Denon 3805).

[betty boop]

just my opinion but the marantz ones I've come across have been better on music than the denons. but also that the denons are very acomplished for home theatre. but there isnt much in it. theyre actually made by the same parent company D&M holdings.

as suggested by lyle best is to check out both specific models for your selves there might be specific differences between the two that you might prefer.

[Aspect]

Yeah, thanks for the advice.

I'll go and have a listen when I'm mobile again (ruptured a disk in my back)

So what's the go with THX then? I always just thought it was an audio standard, like DTS? Why do you need all the other bits and pieces to go with it like cables etc?

Cheers,

Chris

[betty boop]

Yeah, thanks for the advice.

I'll go and have a listen when I'm mobile again (ruptured a disk in my back)

So what's the go with THX then? I always just thought it was an audio standard, like DTS? Why do you need all the other bits and pieces to go with it like cables etc?

Cheers,

Chris

check the htfaq sticky re thx. its a standard.

[Aspect]

Thanks for that. Will do!

Cheers,

Chris

[DaveMews]

just my opinion but the marantz ones I've come across have been better on music than the denons. but also that the denons are very acomplished for home theatre. but there isnt much in it. theyre actually made by the same parent company D&M holdings.

when marantz was bought by philips there was a decided drop in musicality of their receivers. They fared very well in the HT side but were typically flat and a bit bright.

Since they have been bought by D&M, who own both denon and marantz,as well as others, there has been a substantial increase in musicality.

[CCRider]

Have you listened and compared the two?

If not do so.

I would go the Denon and have. (Denon 3805).

Hi Lyle

At the end of the day it is the type of speaker/s that the AVR is connected to that is more of determinate of the sound than the avr itself.

Listening to both AVR's must be done on the same speaker type that one owns to get a true comparison.

Please feel free to add comment as I myself still have my "L" plates but hoping to progress to my "P's"

in good time.

[betty boop]

Hi Lyle

At the end of the day it is the type of speaker/s that the AVR is connected to that is more of determinate of the sound than the avr itself.

Listening to both AVR's must be done on the same speaker type that one owns to get a true comparison.

Please feel free to add comment as I myself still have my "L" plates but hoping to progress to my "P's"

in good time.

your quite right dr T. hence important to demo on the same or similar speaker set in a room similar size to intend using in, and with material yoru familiar with and at your typical volume levels. Its the context that can determine the results of a comparison. Changing the context can mean the results loose relevance,=. hence probably the best comparison would be on your own system with the only variable swapped being the amps in question.

[50mxe20]

At the end of the day it is the type of speaker/s that the AVR is connected to that is more of determinate of the sound than the avr itself.

Listening to both AVR's must be done on the same speaker type that one owns to get a true comparison.

Please feel free to add comment as I myself still have my "L" plates but hoping to progress to my "P's"

in good time.

Yep that's a given. And that is what I did. I could hear the difference so I'm assuming others can too.

I'd put more time and care into speakers too but the question in this thread was about AVRs not speakers.

[Aspect]

I'm basically re-building my system from the ground up.

My setup at the moment is quite old, and although funtional, I've got the "bug" to upgrade everything.

Currently I have a Pioneer VSX-536S receiver (only prologic, not even 5.1), Pioneer DV-414 DVD player, some old JVC fronts, a crappy Audioline centre, and a pair of Jensen Surrounds.

My projector's not to bad. It's a PLUS U5-112 DLP, 1600 lumen unit. It's capable of 720p and 1080i, but I have no source units capable of ouputing those resolutions, so I don't know how good it's scaler is.

I am now in a position where I can buy a few things. I already have the projector, and that will suffice for the next 12 months at least, at such time I'll look at upgrading to a 1080p DLP. I've bought a lens off Mark, and am about to buy a scope screen from OZTS.

Next is amp and speakers. The world of speakers has opened up to me since joining this forum.

I had settled on a Denon amp way back when the 3805 was current , and am now looking at the 3806. I'd love to go the 4306, but I don't know if it's worth the extra $1k.

As for speakers, I want to buy the best I can afford, as I feel that speakers can be a lifetime purchased if done right the first time. I haven't been to audition any yet, but I have heard a set of Whatmough's that a mate has, and I'm impressed. After reading this forum, I want to give the Krix a go, as well as some others. I intend on spending about $5k on speakers.

I am undecided at the moment, but depending on the advice I get, I may, in the future, buy a unit like the Elektra 7.

So, for now, it's AVR time.

Going by the advice from you guys, I will try and check out both the Marantz and Denon, and see what difference there is there, and once I've decided on that, I'll look at speakers using the same amp that I've purchased.

You guys have been a great help in the last couple of weeks. I really appreciate it. THANKS!

Cheers,

Chris

[betty boop]

you'll be amazed the difference the avr update will make prior going from an older unit as you have to something more current. Any of the $2k avrs are a great basis of a pretty decent system. and plenty of nice avrs to check out in that price bracket. happy demoing and yeah coupled ot a $5k speaker package should have a pretty nice system going

[OakenShield1]

when marantz was bought by philips there was a decided drop in musicality of their receivers. They fared very well in the HT side but were typically flat and a bit bright.

Since they have been bought by D&M, who own both denon and marantz,as well as others, there has been a substantial increase in musicality.

A bit off topic, but I'm just wondering when each of these purchases of Marantz happened? I'm just curious who was at the head when my model was the current one...

Prior, just FYI. A1 Audio have Marantz and Whatmough equipment at their store, if you go that way, you could hear exactly what you could be purchasing.

No I don't work for them or anything, I just thought it would be handy having both potential brands you may own at the one store.

[Aloysius]

you'll be amazed the difference the avr update will make prior going from an older unit as you have to something more current. Any of the $2k avrs are a great basis of a pretty decent system. and plenty of nice avrs to check out in that price bracket. happy demoing and yeah coupled ot a $5k speaker package should have a pretty nice system going

That's good advice - in particular price brackets there appears to be very small differences sound wise between the popular reputable brands.

Pioneer, Yamaha, Denon, HK, NAD, Marantz, ...........etc.

Remember when you do decide that this will be what you are listening to and there won't be another AVR sitting on your shelf/rack to compare with. So you will be happy with what you have - provided it doesn't break down!

I listened to Denon, Marantz, and Yamaha AVR's at the price bracket being discussed in this thread in Hong Kong - all through the same speakers. The Marantz was same price but a model up on the 3806 and the 2600.

It in fact the Marantz sounded bigger audiowise than the other two. I settled on the Yammy - sort of because I have mostly had them and they have been very reliable.

The Marantz was totally made in China - that was a slight down for me I guess because I had thought that "Made in Japan" was a good thing - this may be a total furphy by now I suspect. The dealer had no negatives at all for the Marantz - bang for buck it was a ripper, I think it was an 8000 series - wouldn't bet my house on that.

Whatever, enjoy the hunt Chris!

[Gutty]

you'll be amazed the difference the avr update will make prior going from an older unit as you have to something more current. Any of the $2k avrs are a great basis of a pretty decent system.

I too couldn't agree more. I recently upgraded from a 10 year old Pro Logic only Sony(hi end in their line in it's day) to the Yamaha RX v1600 and the immediate improvment in movie sound blew me away.

[Aspect]

Thanks Oakenshield, I'll pop along and have a listen there. My mate has his Whatmough's running through a Yamaha too, and it does sound nice.

I'm in the eastern suburbs, so A1 will be high on my list of visitations, as will Audiotrends. Actually, I was there a few weeks ago just for a poke around, and to show the handbrake what our room will look like with a fixed screen in place.

I have a supplier I use for my AV gear at work, and he can do me a pretty good deal on the Denon stuff. I haven't asked about any other gear, but I'll ask once I've demo'ed a few.

Thanks again chaps.

Cheers,

Chris