Help Needed with Denon AVR X7200WA

[p.laver]

As per the title, I powered down the receiver around 4 weeks ago and switched off at the power socket, Powered everything back up on Saturday night I had picture but no sound. I changed the input from Apple 4K TV to Foxtel box and then back to Apple 4K TV and lost picture. My JVC N7 Project is say No INPUT 1, I switched to 2 same, NO INPUT.

To try eliminate boxes from the issue I connected a HDMI cable from the Apple tv box to the projector, I had a nice picture, Project OK: I then connected the HDMI cable to my PC monitor, I now have picture and sound, 

 

I'm assuming now the Denon receiver is faulty or??. Even when I press the 'Setting' & 'Option' buttons the front I don't get any image on the screen and the front panel display doesn't change.

 

I'm struggling to believe that simply powering down the receiver for period and then powering back up has now Pooped itself. Or have I accidently changed a setting. I'm at a complete loss

 

If anyone else has had a similar issue I'd like to hear if you fixed with simple setting change or factory reset.

 

If the receiver has pooped it's self can someone recommend a repairer in Victoria/Melbourne/Geelong that opens on Saturday.

 

Any feedback would be much appreciated. 

[Snoopy8]

Suggest trying factory reset. 

 

And what HDMI cables are you using?  And can you borrow spares to swap and test?  

[p.laver]

I've been using certified HDMI cables, 6 from each input and to the Projector.

 

I've already swapped and get picture when not passing through the amp

 

You reckon a factory reset could fix the issue??

[Snoopy8]

Good that you checked the HDMI cables, which are not as robust as they should be.

 

Sometimes, factory reset will work? Better to find out because it will be first thing repairer will do!

[p.laver]

Finally found the fault, main board has failed, $1200 to replace the main board, what are the thoughts replacing he main board on a receiver that is 7 yrs old??? Any suggestions on a possible replacement??

[Neo]

Have a look what you can get for $1200 these days and if you happy with the features. If not a perfect time to upgrade to get your system up to date, 7 years is a long time in the AV world. 
Neo

[Snoopy8]

Suggest not spending $1,200 to replace board on 7 year old AVR. Instead, spend $2k on a high end used one or a mid tier new one...

[p.laver]

Replacing the Amp is the best move, they only downside is the jump in price between 7.2 to 9.2 is nearly $1000, that said I'm very keen on the Denon AVC-X3800H, any thoughts/comments on this Amp?

[Snoopy8]

I did not realise that your old AVR's power was rated  at 150W, 8 ohm 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.05% 2ch driven. The  AVC-X3800H is rated at  105W 8 ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.08% 2ch driven.  You will have a drop in power. 

 

Replacing the AVR with another with at least the same power makes the changeover easy.  However, you will need to spend a lot more for a new one.  

 

Note that it may not matter as much with the drop in power if your speakers are efficient.  But will need details of all your speakers and your room to make some educated guesses on the impact of a drop in power.

 

A more cost effective way is to get a used high end model from the Classifieds with at least the same power.  Will you consider used and must it be a Denon ?  And you may have to be patient...

[p.laver]

I bought the X7200WA on here back 2018 and would consider buying another from here. I'll probably put up WTB thread at the weekend.

 

Power wise isn't to much of an issue, I'm still using my trusty KEF Eggs x6 I brought with me from UK and completely refurbished when I put together my media room back in 2018/19

 

I also have Acoustic Energy 301 Speakers (Front) : Klipsch Wall Centre Speaker R-2502 & Klipsch R-121SW 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer

 

Not everyone's 1st choice, they work and sound pretty dam good .

[Snoopy8]

Your Kef centre at 91dB is very efficient. And the Eggs and AEs are 87 dB which is average.  If you are room is not huge and you play at average volume, the Denon should be OK. BUT more importantly, you are familiar with it.  Enjoy...

[p.laver]

50 minutes ago, Snoopy8 said:

Your Kef centre at 91dB is very efficient. And the Eggs and AEs are 87 dB which is average.  If you are room is not huge and you play at average volume, the Denon should be OK. BUT more importantly, you are familiar with it.  Enjoy...

Yeah I know the speakers aren't great but they do work well in the room, I've just had look at Marantz Cinema 50, I know there's connection with Denon but I can't remember which way round. 

 

The added attraction is the 20% off if you trade in your AV Receiver. 

[p.laver]

I need a little more help, I've been looking at the Denon AVR-X4800H, I can get the Marantz Cinema 40 for few dollars more, any opinions which one to go for. The Marantz is a much looking receiver but does looks transfer to a better quality product.

 

 

[Snoopy8]

As a Denon owner, suggest you have a listen to the Marantz because it sounds slightly different.  Personally, I prefer the Marantz sound and will favour the Cinema 40.

 

Going back to power, both are 125W and identical because they come from the same base design.  Suggest you do a side by side compare to identify any differences that matter to you.

 

For other perspectives:

https://prohifi.in/blogs/news/denon-vs-marantz-av-receiver-a-comprehensive-guide

https://downhomedigital.net/receivers/marantz-vs-denon/

https://allsoundlab.net/marantz-vs-denon-receivers/

 

If you still cannot decide, go to a store with both and compare with your ears. Then please reward the dealer who gave you the most help.

[p.laver]

Demoing appears to be big problem for me, I'm in Adelaide and I can't find anywhere that can demo both receivers. I spoke with Selby in Adelaide at the weekend and the guy was very helpful with advice but not a demo, he also advise to go with the Marantz 40.

 

Thanks for the links.

[Snoopy8]

Can you at least have a listen to the Marantz ? It is not an ideal way to make a decision but if you are happy with the sound, get the Marantz Cinema 40.  But if you have any doubts, go the Denon AVR-X4800H.

 

At the end of the day, you will get a big jump over your previous setup.   

[RCADees]

On 16/10/2023 at 7:20 PM, p.laver said:

I need a little more help, I've been looking at the Denon AVR-X4800H, I can get the Marantz Cinema 40 for few dollars more, any opinions which one to go for. The Marantz is a much looking receiver but does looks transfer to a better quality product.

 

 

Hi p.laver,

For the Marantz Vs Denon difference check out this training video from Sound United (the company behind Denon, Marantz, Polk etc). The trainer Phil is excellent and I am sure you will get to learn about both as I did.

 

As Snoopy8 mentioned above, the Marantz and Denon sound is different. Not better or worse, just different.

But Marantz is certainly their more premium product.

The Marantz Vs Denon Difference

 

Another option I suggest is that if you are interested in buying new, The Marantz SR 2020 series had the biggest most recent jump in terms of features as they added 8k/60, 4k/120 by introducing HDMI 2.1.

The bigger 48Gbps support allows a bigger pipeline for better video and audio features specially if you are a gamer.

If you have interest in Dirac then the newer models would be the only option.

But if you don't and are happy with Audyssey then there are small changes from the 2020 SR to the newer Marantz Cinema models.

 

So depending on your needs, I suggest to investigate, as the older SR 2020 models can be had for a lot less money at the moment even after the Marantz 20% off promotion. Good time to polish your negotiation skills. The comparable Marantz unit to the Cinema 40 would be the SR7015.

 

Good luck

 

[hopefullguy]

hi mate, my opinion is based on my owning slightly earlier marantz/denon avrs to the marantz 40/denon x4800 you are considering. i had a marantz sr6012 and x4400 at the same time as well as a x3600 just before, all in he same room etc.

 

imo the marantz fell between the x3600 and the x4400. i liked what the marantz did, it is obviously better than the x3600 but just below the x4400 level. i only sold the marantz because it fully paid for the preferred x4400.

 

looking at the marantz 40 i would guess it is actually better than the x4800 and would fall into the gap of the x4800/x6800? although it seems the x4800 gets sony 360 eq which may be interesting to some. i dont like having to pay for add ons such as dirac etc, thats a scam. i did look at pricing and seriously cant believe a 125w per channel, mid range avr is asking $5000.. even $4000 for the denon is a farce.

 

if you can find a sr7015 that would be the way to go for sure or the denon x4700. it comes back to what features you will use.

 

oh nearly forgot, i also picked up a 2nd hand (all my avrs are 2nd hand by the way) yamaha rxa3070, the price was too good to pass up. it was more of a try and see how it compares... it easily beat the x3600, sr6012 and the x4400. very surprised.

Edited October 22 by hopefullguy

[p.laver]

On 22/10/2023 at 5:51 PM, RCADees said:

Hi p.laver,

For the Marantz Vs Denon difference check out this training video from Sound United (the company behind Denon, Marantz, Polk etc). The trainer Phil is excellent and I am sure you will get to learn about both as I did.

 

As Snoopy8 mentioned above, the Marantz and Denon sound is different. Not better or worse, just different.

But Marantz is certainly their more premium product.

The Marantz Vs Denon Difference

 

Another option I suggest is that if you are interested in buying new, The Marantz SR 2020 series had the biggest most recent jump in terms of features as they added 8k/60, 4k/120 by introducing HDMI 2.1.

The bigger 48Gbps support allows a bigger pipeline for better video and audio features specially if you are a gamer.

If you have interest in Dirac then the newer models would be the only option.

But if you don't and are happy with Audyssey then there are small changes from the 2020 SR to the newer Marantz Cinema models.

 

So depending on your needs, I suggest to investigate, as the older SR 2020 models can be had for a lot less money at the moment even after the Marantz 20% off promotion. Good time to polish your negotiation skills. The comparable Marantz unit to the Cinema 40 would be the SR7015.

 

Good luck

 

Thanks for the link and your comments, I watched a couple videos from the same site last week, first one, Introducing the X4800H, followed by introducing the new Marantz Cinema 40. I'm still sitting on the fence at moment. I have to admit I'm learning towards the Marantz.

[p.laver]

13 hours ago, hopefullguy said:

hi mate, my opinion is based on my owning slightly earlier marantz/denon avrs to the marantz 40/denon x4800 you are considering. i had a marantz sr6012 and x4400 at the same time as well as a x3600 just before, all in he same room etc.

 

imo the marantz fell between the x3600 and the x4400. i liked what the marantz did, it is obviously better than the x3600 but just below the x4400 level. i only sold the marantz because it fully paid for the preferred x4400.

 

looking at the marantz 40 i would guess it is actually better than the x4800 and would fall into the gap of the x4800/x6800? although it seems the x4800 gets sony 360 eq which may be interesting to some. i dont like having to pay for add ons such as dirac etc, thats a scam. i did look at pricing and seriously cant believe a 125w per channel, mid range avr is asking $5000.. even $4000 for the denon is a farce.

 

if you can find a sr7015 that would be the way to go for sure or the denon x4700. it comes back to what features you will use.

 

oh nearly forgot, i also picked up a 2nd hand (all my avrs are 2nd hand by the way) yamaha rxa3070, the price was too good to pass up. it was more of a try and see how it compares... it easily beat the x3600, sr6012 and the x4400. very surprised.

Thanks for the info etc, as mentioned my earlier post the Marantz 40 looks favourite. When I first set-up my cinema room, I bought 2nd hand JVC 9000 projector, that died after 3 yrs (Major Board failure) replaced with New JVC N7, I also bought the Denon Rec 2nd hand, that's died, I understand the pull of buying 2nd hand and saving but there's nothing that beats buying new and unboxing feeling lol  

[RCADees]

11 hours ago, p.laver said:

Thanks for the info etc, as mentioned my earlier post the Marantz 40 looks favourite. When I first set-up my cinema room, I bought 2nd hand JVC 9000 projector, that died after 3 yrs (Major Board failure) replaced with New JVC N7, I also bought the Denon Rec 2nd hand, that's died, I understand the pull of buying 2nd hand and saving but there's nothing that beats buying new and unboxing feeling lol  

 

Hi mate,

 

I was in the same league very recently thinking of buying a second hand AVR as we have to be realistic and the depreciation in the AVR market is simply too big to ignore and it has been now for over two decades, as we know mostly because of the new decoding technologies (Dolby Pro Logic to Dolby Atmos etc). The second hand Yamaha unit I bought from here not long ago has served me really well and saved me some money.

 

But in the end buying second hand always carries those risks you mentioned, and it is a pain to have to deal with something which breaks soon after. There is no recourse and you are left to pick up the pieces too early.

You can also read the Stereonet advice on the Classifieds section as a reminder that buying second hand is... well second hand. In saying that the Stereonet classifieds is one of the safest second hand markets out there and probably the only one I would trust.

 

However, my opinion is that Dolby Atmos, DTS X and the introduction of object based codecs has significantly changed the game in this domain, as these new systems can place objects anywhere in the room by utilising whatever number of speakers you have (more or less).

We have arrived at a technological point in which all you have to do is add more speakers because the tech in the AVRs will do the rest.

 

What I've seen is that second hand AVRs with object based decoding, are actually holding in price above anything else that is not. Anything else that is not object based is just a few hundred dollars. Anything that has object based is $1k plus. And when there are more channels supported the price keeps going up which made me consider buying new.

 

I am one of those who does not churn gear and although more money, in the end this gives me peace of mind.

So I did a bit of research on this possibility and it is what I shared above. So I settled on a new 2020 Marantz model. Yes, new is new.

 

The introduction of HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps support) is the real big update.

In fact, the pipeline of 48Gbps is so big now that even at the maximum use of it, it still leaves 8Gbps free for other uses.  As Phil Jones in that video says; which TV Station is going to give away 8 HD channels to give you one 8k channel in the near future?

Even standard blu ray done well seems to me like such a good technology. Once again, that was the big jump we needed and the majority of people seem to have accept that this is already pretty good and there is no need to upgrade... again and again.

 

Yes, the newer Marantz Cinema models have a few extra features and looks (including the new more luxurious boxing, tweaking of HDMAs and 4 subs management) but in comparison the SR 2020 line up is very, very good in my opinion and I also agree with Hopefullguy, I am not interested in forking out so much extra money for Dirac.

Audyssey is an excellent alternative.

 

Also check out the other videos on HDMI 2.1 Functionality and the new Marantz Cinema 40

 

If you get the time and patience to watch all of those videos, you will become more than trained not only to make a proper choice but also to even sell Marantz and Denon too! 

 

Good luck with whatever you decide and keep us updated.

[RCADees]

Oh and here is another quick run down video of the old Vs newer models, only 6m 28s:

Comparing the Latest Marantz Cinema Series to the Older Generation Models

[p.laver]

Cheers RCADees, Thanks for the links, I think I've seen all the YouTube video's on the latest Marantz and Denon receivers.  I'm the same I don't turn over my AV gear very often, I still have a Denon dated back to 2006.

 

I have decided to pull the trigger on Cinema 40, the only downside I can't get my hands on it for a couple weeks.

[RCADees]

8 hours ago, p.laver said:

Cheers RCADees, Thanks for the links, I think I've seen all the YouTube video's on the latest Marantz and Denon receivers.  I'm the same I don't turn over my AV gear very often, I still have a Denon dated back to 2006.

 

I have decided to pull the trigger on Cinema 40, the only downside I can't get my hands on it for a couple weeks.

 

Oh well done. That is a superb machine and I am sure you will love it.

And a couple of weeks to wait is nothing. Congrats.