Marantz 8002 And Elektra Power Amp

[ellathai]

Hi All

l lashed out and bought the Krix Neuphonix Speakers and the Krix epicentre and also the Marantz 8002.Rear speakers are the English Warfdale .All combined it sounds great,but now l,m toying with the idea of getting the Elektra Poweramp ,l'm giving it a great deal of thought,one side says the sound can't get better the other says it might.So my obvious question is has anyone got a similar setup and thinks the Elektra improves it up a notch again?

Cheers Bruce

Getting poorer by the minute

[50mxe20]

Sounds good to me. I was going to do exactly that but went with the Denon 4308 instead.

[Adam 27]

Bump.

I'd also like to hear feedback regarding the Elektra theatron 7/Marantz 8002 before/after comparison.

Also,as Elektras seem to be very popular on the DTV forums can anyone clarify if an Elektra alters the sound the AV reciever normally outputs?

For example does an Onkyo lose any of its brightness?Will an Elektra brighten a warm reciever like the Marantz?

[roachy]

Bump.

I'd also like to hear feedback regarding the Elektra theatron 7/Marantz 8002 before/after comparison.

Also,as Elektras seem to be very popular on the DTV forums can anyone clarify if an Elektra alters the sound the AV reciever normally outputs?

For example does an Onkyo lose any of its brightness?Will an Elektra brighten a warm reciever like the Marantz?

In my experience the Elektra does not alter the sonic signature of the receiver. I have had mine hooked up to both my Onkyo 875 and my old Denon Avc-A1 and the elektra really was just an extension on their sound, with all the benefits the Elektra's massive power reserve brings. No the Elektra is very neutral. Others may have found different results in their setup.

[50mxe20]

Bump.

I'd also like to hear feedback regarding the Elektra theatron 7/Marantz 8002 before/after comparison.

Also,as Elektras seem to be very popular on the DTV forums can anyone clarify if an Elektra alters the sound the AV reciever normally outputs?

For example does an Onkyo lose any of its brightness?Will an Elektra brighten a warm reciever like the Marantz?

Pinned: Forum Etiquette

The Elektra improves the sound. If it didn't why would we buy them?

[Aspect]

I (will) have the same setup once my Elektra arrives. Hopefully this week!

Can let you know then what improvements the Elektra made. Even if it's minimal, I still would have bought the Elektra...

Cheers,

Chris

[ellathai]

I (will) have the same setup once my Elektra arrives. Hopefully this week!

Can let you know then what improvements the Elektra made. Even if it's minimal, I still would have bought the Elektra...

Cheers,

Chris

Thanks Prior,looking forward to it

[fawlty99]

Bump.

I'd also like to hear feedback regarding the Elektra theatron 7/Marantz 8002 before/after comparison.

Also,as Elektras seem to be very popular on the DTV forums can anyone clarify if an Elektra alters the sound the AV reciever normally outputs?

For example does an Onkyo lose any of its brightness?Will an Elektra brighten a warm reciever like the Marantz?

My experience is that there will be some change but not a huge amount. IMO the Elektra is brighter than say the equivalent Rotel amp but you'd have to compare them side-by-side to notice. With the Denon as AVR and B&W speakers there was no real change however the Rotel softened the Denon/B&W sound. The big difference in adding the Elektra was the added punch and detail at higher volumes.

[Adam 27]

My experience is that there will be some change but not a huge amount. IMO the Elektra is brighter than say the equivalent Rotel amp but you'd have to compare them side-by-side to notice. With the Denon as AVR and B&W speakers there was no real change however the Rotel softened the Denon/B&W sound. The big difference in adding the Elektra was the added punch and detail at higher volumes.

Sounds like the Elektra is going to be a keeper then if all goes well.

Cheers for the feedback fawlty99,nicely described

[ellathai]

I (will) have the same setup once my Elektra arrives. Hopefully this week!

Can let you know then what improvements the Elektra made. Even if it's minimal, I still would have bought the Elektra...

Cheers,

Chris

Hey Chris,got that hi fi pumped up yet?

Bruce

[dezza]

My experience proved to me that the Elektra did NOT make a difference.

To me it sounds exactly the same as my Yamaha receiver.

It will offer a little more volume when needed but thats all.

Dezza.

[PositivelyMusicallyGeared]

My experience proved to me that the Elektra did NOT make a difference.

To me it sounds exactly the same as my Yamaha receiver.

It will offer a little more volume when needed but thats all.

Dezza.

What model of Yamaha were you using?

J.

[Jeffie1503561482]

It will offer a little more volume when needed but thats all.

Dezza.

do you mean dynamics? isnt that the point of getting a power amp?

[dezza]

The receiver is a RX-V1300, 6 x 100w about 5-6 yrs old now.

I don't notice any difference in "dynamics" when the Elektra is connected.

The Yamaha provides plenty.

I bought the Elektra so thst I can connect it to a pre processor that has

modules / cards, similar to those in a computer. These can hopefully be

upgraded to decode newer formats and provide other functions.

The one I have my eye on at the moment is the Nad T175.

I need to wait a little longer to see if it will ever offer any upgrades,

or whether Nad is telling porkies.

For more info on amps sound the same (to some people) check

this site out. The most honest and knowledgeable reviewer I have ever come across.

Dezza.

[dezza]

whoops forgot the link.

http://www.theaudiocritic.com/blog/

Dezza.

[yamapro]

Hey Dezza - may i ask a little about the rest of your system?

I am curious as i have played with power amps before (even on the front of a Yammie RXV 1500 - quite similar to your 1300 i would say), most recently just last night adding a Denon amp to power my front 3 off a Marantz AVR and i am staggered by the difference. Even the Missus is plenty impressed...

[dezza]

Hey Dezza - may i ask a little about the rest of your system?

Sure,

DVD player- Harman Kardon DVD25,

CD player - Sony CDP-C345

Speakers - Vaf Research DC-7 front, DC-6 centre, Icon 100 rear.

Sub - HSU VTF2

While I believe that many people think that they hear a difference when they change

components, it is important to know that a blind test is the only way to be sure that your

mind is not simply thinking the new component actualy sounds better.

Simply adding a new amp and then turning the system on to evaluate the sound

is not a trusted method for knowing the "truth", unless your old amp was poorly designed,

had mechanical issues or could not handle your power requirements and therefore sounded

terrible.

There is plenty of interesting reading on double blind testing on the net which goes into

far more detail than I care to post. Most people however won't venture there, as the reality

may destroy their hobby, and the thought of upgrading being a waste of money is too much

to bear.

At the end of the day you are either a believer or non believer, that a properly designed

amp will sound the same as the next one. Unfortunately the believers usualy cop a bashing from

the non believers. Oh well, never mind.

Dezza.

[joz]

I myself have used my T7 on My Yam RXV3000,2700 and 3800.Ion each one there is an audible difference.

And if ALL amps sound the same philosophy would be great if it were true,I mean we could all buy a our amps at Dick Smith or Jaycar and save a tonne.

A few years ago when searching for multi channel amps I did the Rotel vs E7 comparo with a few others.

We ALL picked the difference unsighted.And believe me I was shopping for the Rotel,I hadn't heard about Elektra and had never visited a forum then.So at the time I bought the mighty unkown (to me) which I was very dubious about.So in that case I had nooo outside influence or brand toss factor involved.If I did I would have bought the Rotel.

But hey if you personaly can't tell the difference half your luck,you'll be wealthier for it.

Myself also,I find it very difficult to tell the difference between some of my DIY I/Cs comp-ared to some $200-$400 ones.Yay! i saved some $$$

Same with cable.

But if someone has better ears than me,who am I to argue??

Btw, not knocking DBTs,but I feel that they are unrealistic for real world evaluations.

Which to me now is to get the item home into your system,then listen to how it intergrates.

Not very easy to borrow 2-3 contenders and have them all at home for a week or two.

[Aspect]

Hey Chris,got that hi fi pumped up yet?

Bruce

Picking it up on Monday Bruce.

Cheers,

Chris

[betty boop]

I myself have used my T7 on My Yam RXV3000,2700 and 3800.Ion each one there is an audible difference.

And if ALL amps sound the same philosophy would be great if it were true,I mean we could all buy a our amps at Dick Smith or Jaycar and save a tonne.

A few years ago when searching for multi channel amps I did the Rotel vs E7 comparo with a few others.

We ALL picked the difference unsighted.And believe me I was shopping for the Rotel,I hadn't heard about Elektra and had never visited a forum then.So at the time I bought the mighty unkown (to me) which I was very dubious about.So in that case I had nooo outside influence or brand toss factor involved.If I did I would have bought the Rotel.

But hey if you personaly can't tell the difference half your luck,you'll be wealthier for it.

Myself also,I find it very difficult to tell the difference between some of my DIY I/Cs comp-ared to some $200-$400 ones.Yay! i saved some $$$

Same with cable.

But if someone has better ears than me,who am I to argue??

Btw, not knocking DBTs,but I feel that they are unrealistic for real world evaluations.

Which to me now is to get the item home into your system,then listen to how it intergrates.

Not very easy to borrow 2-3 contenders and have them all at home for a week or two.

echoes my experience and sentiments joz.

I used my T7 with an old HK AVR65 followed by HK AVR630 followed by denon 4308 and now the denon AVP-A1HD.

I too went demoing the rotel when looking for an amp few years back. even had an amp rack ready and waiting for the rotel. after demoing the rotel happned to notice a black box in the corner and asked for a demo. the elektra was also a relative unknown for me but boy it got me to sit up and listen ! didnt jsut buy it on that basis though. it was other comparisons I did plus a home demo of the elektra at my place on hte end of the avr and hearing it back to back vs rotels that soon had me convinced

thats just my experence, I always recommend people demo and compare for them selves to decide, for me it was a easy decision, I can imagine for others for whatever reasons they might think otherwise. all power to them, everyone has the right of choice and have to make their own choice

not to re invigorate an age old debate in regards DBT. but I do think it has its place. however I dont particualrly see a need for it unless the difference is so small and subtle and need a DBT to confirm that. usually I ask myself though if the differnece, improvement or change is so subtle does it really jsutify the expense ? I too think DBT is unrealistic for real world evaluations vs extended home demos that I value more in making a purchasing decision.

[Cooksta59]

At the end of the day you are either a believer or non believer, that a properly designed

amp will sound the same as the next one. Unfortunately the believers usualy cop a bashing from

the non believers. Oh well, never mind.

Dezza.

When I read your comments re the avr versus the power amp the 1st thought that crossed my mind was i wondered how efficient your vafs were.Looking them up on vafs website they are 93dB which is quite efficient......I wonder wether this contributed to your results.

[dezza]

When I read your comments re the avr versus the power amp the 1st thought that crossed my mind was i wondered how efficient your vafs were.Looking them up on vafs website they are 93dB which is quite efficient......I wonder wether this contributed to your results.

The result I got was exactly as I expected, No difference.

I purchased it to put together a system that hopefully will not need to be

sold in order to update.

Dezza.

[Kazz]

I myself have used my T7 on My Yam RXV3000,2700 and 3800.Ion each one there is an audible difference.

I also have the Yam 3800 and the Elektra and I too have found an audible difference since the addition of the Elektra.

I had heard the difference that adding an Elektra had made to yorac's system and was sold on getting one for my own system and I am very glad that I did.

[yamapro]

While I believe that many people think that they hear a difference when they change

components, it is important to know that a blind test is the only way to be sure that your

mind is not simply thinking the new component actualy sounds better.

Simply adding a new amp and then turning the system on to evaluate the sound

is not a trusted method for knowing the "truth", unless your old amp was poorly designed,

had mechanical issues or could not handle your power requirements and therefore sounded

terrible.

There is plenty of interesting reading on double blind testing on the net which goes into

far more detail than I care to post. Most people however won't venture there, as the reality

may destroy their hobby, and the thought of upgrading being a waste of money is too much

to bear.

At the end of the day you are either a believer or non believer, that a properly designed

amp will sound the same as the next one. Unfortunately the believers usualy cop a bashing from

the non believers. Oh well, never mind.

Dezza.

G'day Dezza,

I certainly don't want to get into an argument with you and everyone is entitled to their opinion but i have to disagree with your belief that a mid-range AVR constitutes a 'properly deisgned amp' at least relative to a quality power amp (and that need not necessarily mean a Krell or Halcro etc..)

To quote the article from the Audio Critic site :

"Any amplifier, regardless of topology, can be treated as a “black box” for the purpose of listening comparisons. If amplifiers A and B both have flat frequency response, low noise floor, reasonably low distortion, high input impedance, low output impedance, and are not clipped, they will be indistinguishable in sound at matched levels no matter what’s inside them. Of course, some of the new “alphabet soup” topologies do not necessarily satisfy those conditions."

Now i don't necessarily disagree with this but am probably interpreting it differently to you...

If you compare your AVR (or mine for that matter ) with a well designed power amp you will doubtless note (at least i did) that the PA has a lower noise floor, much lower distorion (in the order of several magnitudes in fact) and is far less likely to clip at any given volume due to far superior dynamic headroom.

IME comparing pretty much any AVR with pretty much any well designed PA at even matched volume levels yields incredible differences. As a bonus i can generally listen to much higher volume levels for longer without any fatigue, due in no small part to the extra wads of power and therefore available headroom to cope with swinging dynamics. Being stable into demanding speaker impedances at shifting frequencies and levels doesn't hurt either...

For the record i have read a lot into DBT and agree it is a good scientific way to test something. I also enjoy the 'anecdotal' side of the experience however. Along with myself, my wife and now two friends - all familiar with the system before have been nothing short of blown away at the level of improvement adding the power amp has made. None of these reactions have been prompted by myself.

None of those responses were done under double blind conditions but one of my friends has now gone hifi shopping this afternoon whilst the other has a power amp at the top of his to buy list...(luckily for my wife she already has one now )

At the end of the day i am not here to say anyone is right or wrong in absolute terms, i just feel that there are generally many complex issues when it comes to an amplifiers (and also a systems) performance. Whilst it may well be true that under closely controlled conditions and assuming similar quality of components (or at least similar performance in key parameters) two amps may produce an identical sound (at least as far as ones ears are concerned - and thats all that matters) - that in itself doesn't actually tell me very much at all as i listen to music of many genres with vastly differing dynamics, at various levels, in a live and reasonably large environment and with speakers that aren't hugely efficient.

[Jliang70]

The result I got was exactly as I expected, No difference.

I purchased it to put together a system that hopefully will not need to be

sold in order to update.

Dezza.

since you hear no sound quality difference between an AVR and a power amp, why don't you sell it to someone who can hear the difference and that will give you some money in buying something that will provide better sound quality in your system such as better speakers or other components.