Stereo Receiver Marantz Vs. Others (Yamaha and ONKYO)?

[pouyanem]

I am very new to this world.

I am planning to buy a budget stereo system. I understand that a good stereo receiver is as important as a good speaker. Since, I can always upgrade my speakers later, I would prefer to allocate my most of my budget towards stereo receiver that I could more permanently use it.


I was thinking between the followings:

ONKYO 8140

Yamaha RN-602

Marantz PM-5005


I personally prefer the first two options since they havem subwoofer output, wifi and blutooth ,and they can be connected to online streaming radios, but I also heard that Marantz quality is way above all.



So my challenges are:


1-Considering I usually stream online music – through Apple Music 320k – is the quality difference between Marantz and other stereo receivers significant in my case?


2-My budget for bookshelf speakers is around $200-$300 for now, and who knows my a few years later, I will upgrade my speakers to something $800-$1000. So, is the quality difference between Marantz and others can be distinguished given the speakers price range.


3-Marantz doesn’t have Subwoofer output, so I assume that I can’t connect subwoofer! Considering this, can I get enough of Bass though my bookshelf speakers? Do you know why they don’t offer SUB output? How this impact my listening experience?


4-Generally speaking: considering my situation is there any significant difference between AV receivers and stereo receivers? Given the same price range; assuming I am using the same speakers, how the quality differs?


P.S. I listen to Jazz, Classic, Alternative, Slow Rock, Soundtracks and a lot of Instrumental musics.

I would appreciate if you use scale rating from 1-10.

 

[PENG]

I am very new to this world.

I am planning to buy a budget stereo system. I understand that a good stereo receiver is as important as a good speaker. Since, I can always upgrade my speakers later, I would prefer to allocate my most of my budget towards stereo receiver that I could more permanently use it.


I was thinking between the followings:

ONKYO 8140

Yamaha RN-602

Marantz PM-5005


I personally prefer the first two options since they havem subwoofer output, wifi and blutooth ,and they can be connected to online streaming radios, but I also heard that Marantz quality is way above all.



So my challenges are:


1-Considering I usually stream online music – through Apple Music 320k – is the quality difference between Marantz and other stereo receivers significant in my case?


2-My budget for bookshelf speakers is around $200-$300 for now, and who knows my a few years later, I will upgrade my speakers to something $800-$1000. So, is the quality difference between Marantz and others can be distinguished given the speakers price range.


3-Marantz doesn’t have Subwoofer output, so I assume that I can’t connect subwoofer! Considering this, can I get enough of Bass though my bookshelf speakers? Do you know why they don’t offer SUB output? How this impact my listening experience?


4-Generally speaking: considering my situation is there any significant difference between AV receivers and stereo receivers? Given the same price range; assuming I am using the same speakers, how the quality differs?


P.S. I listen to Jazz, Classic, Alternative, Slow Rock, Soundtracks and a lot of Instrumental musics.

I would appreciate if you use scale rating from 1-10.

I know it sounds weird, but for a little more money you can do much better going with last year's 7.1 AVRs such as the Denon AVR-4200 or Denon SR-6010 because they offer stronger power supplies (for 2 channel stereo), better DAC, superior bass management and room EQ capabilities.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marsr6010/marantz-sr6010-7.2-ch-x-110-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

Or if you can wait for them to go on sale, you may be able to grab a AVR-X4200W for $799 or less.

 

[lovinthehd]

While you've discovered the Marantz has no sub pre-out, the others only have pre-outs, no actual bass management, at best a fixed low pass for the sub. If you want to control a sub better get a unit with bass management, usually a multi-ch avr is a better choice and as cost effective since the 2ch stuff is a smaller market (at least here in the US, not sure where you are). I see Peng has already got some specific suggestions along these lines while I was composing

As to:
1/ The source is what it is, the playback unit is of minor consequence in comparison to the quality of a recording, whatever bitrate its at. 320 should be good quality if done well.
2/ Investing in higher quality speakers is a better idea than trying to seek particular differences in receivers.
3/ My 2ch stuff without bass management isn't used as much as my avr based setups, not as versatile. I do incorporate video with the avrs, tho.
4/ You're getting essentially the same stuff IMO, just more limited functionality with the 2ch gear and due to economies of scale, not readily comparable by price (avrs have the advantage in numbers).

 

[Dr. Bob]

I would say that good speakers are far MORE important than a good amp, because they will sound good even with a cheap amp, but no amp will make cheap speakers sound good. Also, amp features are changing every year and the longer you wait the more features you'll get. And no, with speakers in that price range you won't hear a difference between amps.

But you want to get started now, and for that you need an amp. I'd have to agree the way to go is to get one with sub output and some kind of bass management (Audyssey, etc) so that you don't have to upgrade later when you buy your sub. The AVR units PENG recommended will do all that, and also let you add surround speakers later if you decide you want them. (Maybe good for soundtracks, or if you decide to use your setup as the sound for your TV. I even use the surround speakers with music - it helps create that room-filled-with-sound feeling. You can turn your cheap speakers into surround speakers when you buy your upgrade speakers.)

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

^^^yep this
I'll just echo that speakers are responsible for most all of the sound, second to the room. Your best return will be on speakers.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[XEagleDriver]

I would say that good speakers are far MORE important than a good amp, because they will sound good even with a cheap amp, but no amp will make cheap speakers sound good. Also, amp features are changing every year and the longer you wait the more features you'll get. And no, with speakers in that price range you won't hear a difference between amps. . .

Pouyanem,
Listen to Dr. Bob - you have it exactly backwards, as he says speakers are the key, and he is a doctor!

Cheers,
XEagleDriver

 

[3db]

I'm also going for the route of last years' or two year's ago AVR model, particularily, the RX-A series from Yamaha... I would not bother going for the top of the line model in the RX-A series if you are planning to use this setup for stereo only. The additional features of the higher end models will not give you any benefits unless you require the additional power they have to offer.