AV Receiver for 2.1 setup

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Dan Kalmar

Enthusiast
I have a stereo 2.1 setup currently using Marantz SR4200.
If I wanted to upgrade the amplification to better sound quality, and also have bass management to control the sub-woofer cut over frequency, would it make sense to look for a used hi-end AVR from before the HDMI era ?
 
D

Dan Kalmar

Enthusiast
Maybe a higher quality sound and ability to control the sub-woofer cut-off frequency ?
 
Swerd

Swerd

Audioholic Warlord
I have a stereo 2.1 setup currently using Marantz SR4200.
If I wanted to upgrade the amplification to better sound quality, and also have bass management to control the sub-woofer cut over frequency, would it make sense to look for a used hi-end AVR from before the HDMI era ?
Having the bass management of an AVR is a good idea. But your idea that upgrading the amplification leads to better sound quality is not necessarily so. The overall sound quality of your present receiver will not be improved by throwing more money at a replacement. Your AVR has moderate amplification power which matters only if you try to drive power hungry speakers without also using a sub woofer.

You never mentioned what speakers you use. Are they so power hungry that 70 wpc is inadequate? If so, you have an option besides another AVR. You can buy a used external 2-channel amplifier. (I suggest you look for something in the 120 to 200 wpc range.) Your SR4200 allows you add such an external amplifier, while using the SR4200 as a pre-amp.

A review of the Marantz SR4200 receiver said:
"… in a very unusual move for a receiver in this price range, it does offer a full complement of six preamp outputs, simplifying the addition of a more powerful multichannel power amplifier. This would be extremely helpful in the event you should ever require more power than the 70Wpc the SR4200 delivers. I took the opportunity to try this arrangement, hooking the Marantz up to a Rotel 976 amplifier, and I can attest that the SR4200 works just fine as a preamp."
 
lovinthehd

lovinthehd

Audioholic Jedi
I thought your current avr would have more comprehensive bass management...I see now it seems only to have a fixed crossover rather than user selected so better bass management might help you improve things. No hdmi might be more reliable I suppose but no guarantee on used gear....
 
D

Dan Kalmar

Enthusiast
The crossover is fixed at 100Hz. I thought it would allow for more tuning flexibility if the crossover cut-off frequency could be manually set.
For example I can get a used Denon AVR-2807 for around $100.
 
lovinthehd

lovinthehd

Audioholic Jedi
Couldn't find a lot about the 2807 but you get two more channels of amplification you're not using, two hdmi inputs and Audyssey MultEQXT but couldn't tell what extra crossover setting choices you'll get. Personally I don't think it will make a huge difference unless you have HDMI sources, more a lateral move IMO for a 2.1 setup. What speakers/sub are you using?
 
lovinthehd

lovinthehd

Audioholic Jedi
That link opens oddly on my browser, had to close my browser to get rid of it....weird. Anyways, it does seem to have 10 xover settings and can be done for different speakers (didn't see if that mean L/R separately, tho....my Denon treats L/R together). Just what xover setting do you think will improve things particularly? If it were me, I'd be looking at changing speakers and sub to chase better audio qualities.....
 
BoredSysAdmin

BoredSysAdmin

Audioholic Slumlord
Here: https://www.manualowl.com/p/Denon/AVR-2807/Manual/24082

I have Tannoy Revolution R1 bookshelf and Morel MSP10 sub.
It's not just about adjustable crossover point, it's also level matching. While your SR4200 does allow to do manual level matching - in honestly - did you ever measured it using test tones and spl meter?
If you didn't or it sounds too complicated If Denon 2807 does include original microphone - it's Auto room setup could be rather big benefit for you.
 
D

Dan Kalmar

Enthusiast
I never tested using SPL meter.
Is there a good guide that explains how to do it ?
 
j_garcia

j_garcia

Audioholic Jedi
The 4200 is a very old receiver. It wasn't until about the Marantz x400 series that adjustable came about and only on the higher models. It also lacks THX processing, which would allow an 80Hz x-over; again that was only on the top models. The Denon would be an upgrade in my book.
 
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D

Dan Kalmar

Enthusiast
Thanks. I am always for improving the existing setup as much as possible.
 
D

Dan Kalmar

Enthusiast
How about Marantz SR7500 ? it has THX and I found it selling for $100 in mint condition.
 
j_garcia

j_garcia

Audioholic Jedi
That's a great deal I'd say. 7400 and 7500 were pretty good AVRs.
 
D

Dan Kalmar

Enthusiast
The SR7500 does not have the MRAC mic included with the used unit.
Can I use a Pioneer mic instead ?
 
j_garcia

j_garcia

Audioholic Jedi
Though many are likely similar, you'll likely want a Marantz Mic.
 
D

Dan Kalmar

Enthusiast
Does it have to be a specific Marantz mic designed for SR7500 or can be any later model Marantz mic ?
 
Y

yepimonfire

Audioholic Samurai
Does it have to be a specific Marantz mic designed for SR7500 or can be any later model Marantz mic ?
Considering the 7500 doesn't have room correction, I wouldn't bother trying to get a mic. The biggest problem with using another mic than the one built for it is incorrect levels since the receiver judges spl based on a calibrated voltage reading of the mics input, which will vary depending on the mic.

Considering the receiver is a thx receiver and therefore allows a relative volume control, I would just use an spl meter. Unfortunately a majority of spl meters that are C weighted will incorrectly gauge the subwoofer volume as c weighting rolls off at lower frequencies. What I would do is set the levels for the two speakers with the spl meter at ear level, set to c weighting slow, to 75dB, then set the sub to 70dB. Set the crossover to 150 hz, Listen to a track with a familiar bass line(preferably something non electronic like dance or rap music), switch between direct mode (which disables the xover) and stereo and see if the sub sounds like it's louder or softer than the bass coming from the speakers. Adjust up and down as necessary. Once you feel you've got a good balance set the xover to about 10hz above the speakers rated - 3dB point. Go back and forth again between direct and stereo, it should sound like the sub is simply filling in the lower end where the speakers leave off, not adding tons of extra bass.

Alternatively and more precisely, you could generate a band limited pink noise using REW from the - 3dB point of your mains up to 120hz. Since the sr7500 has analog multi channel inputs, plug the output into the front l/r, then plug it into the sub input and measure the spl of both to level match them. The spl meter might roll off at the bass frequencies, but it will give you a consistent reading at the same frequencies.

The Sr7500 is a fine receiver and will deliver gobs of clean power. Enjoy your purchase.

Sent from my SM-G360T1 using Tapatalk
 
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