Marantz does use a different preamp module called HDAM which I measured in the PM-11S2 and PM-11S3. The next product I will be reviewing in terms of pre/pros will be the new Marantz when they come out after CEDIA. We will see then how they perform. Denon already has a pretty good preamp section so if the Marantz is better, than it's a better buy for those using the receiver primarily as a preamp/processor.
That's will be great as you have not reviewed (with measurements) a Marantz AVP or AVR in recently years. Below are some of my observations of the measurements on Marantz products AH reviewed in the past:
- The PM-11S3 reviewed in 2013 measured an SNR of 88db no weighing and 95db A-wt, with 265mV input and 2Vrms from the preamp outputs. I supposed that is comparable to that of the Denon AVR-X3300W's 90db, also unweighted but with 100mV input, presumably 1V rms (?) at the preout. I am sure the PM-11S3 has much better numbers in other areas such as THD+N etc but that's a high end integrated amp.
- You noted the PM-11S2 had lower distortions.
- The last Marantz AVR (SR6004) reviewed all the way back to 2010 had even higher unclipped preout voltage and better SNR than the PM-11S3.
- It seems that measurements of one model year do not imply similarly good, or bad results of another model year of the same product.
Lastly, Gene, could you please spend a few more minutes in your future reviews to include the following information in the SNR measurements so that we can compare apple to apple?
SNR
- Measured with and without weighing, if no weighing (A), specify why sometimes you applied the AE17 filter and sometimes not.
- Please specify why sometimes you use 100mV and 1V rms to measure preout of an AVR, other times you used 200mV, was it because of the different gains, was the aim to ensure the preout voltage was always 1Vrms? But then, why, for the PM-11S3 you have preout voltage at 2V rms?
- For AVR, please always include SNR (weighed/A-wt) at 1W at the power amp section outputs (speaker level), and specify the preamp input voltage for those readings. For example, in your X3300W, only the preamp SNR was measured, the power amp section SNR was not..
If you need an assistance, I am available and I am an EE too.
Many thanks for responding.