Denon/Marantz vs Yamaha vs Anthem Thread

[AcuDefTechGuy]

It seems DM, Yamaha, and Anthem are the 3 big AVR heavyweights these days. I think a lot of newbies would love to get some perspective on these three brands. What are their pros and cons?

If you have owned all three brands of AVR, your opinions would be greatly appreciated.

If you have at least listened/tried all three brands (at friends' and relatives' houses or even dealers),your opinions would also be greatly appreciated.

Or if you have general opinions about DM, Yamaha, Anthem, or any other brand (Emotiva, NAD, Sony, etc.),let's hear them too.

Grab your popcorn and let the fights begin!

I believe many members look forward to seeing what @M Code, @PENG, and @TLS Guy have to say.

Actually, TLS Guy abhors all AVR, but his opinion is always welcomed on other topics such as Dirac vs ARC vs Audyssey vs YPAO vs Lyngdorf, vs Trinnov vs Harman EQ that are used on some AVR and AVP.

Are any of these Room Correction software worth your money?

Is price, reliability, or features the salient factor?

 

[lovinthehd]

Why not NAD too?

 

[NorCalRP]

Following!

 

[XEagleDriver]

Not just for newbies; old hands who have not purchased an AVR in a few years may possess outdated assumptions.
- Sadly, manufacturing quality can vary significantly over time and brands that were previously reliable may not be so anymore (i.e. Denon ?).
Within a brand's line, manufacture location can sometimes be helpful to assess probable quality.
- I am just not comfortable with most Chinese sourcing, and also try to not help "fund" the next major war!

I look forward to reading comments from those that have been in the AVR game as of recent.
Cheers,
XEagleDriver

 

[NorCalRP]

Not just for newbies; old hands who have not purchased an AVR in a few years may possess outdated assumptions.
- Sadly, manufacturing quality can vary significantly over time and brands that were previously reliable may not be so anymore (i.e. Denon ?).
Within a brand's line, manufacture location can sometimes be helpful to assess probable quality.
- I am just not comfortable with most Chinese sourcing, and also try to not help "fund" the next major war!

I look forward to reading comments from those that have been in the AVR game as of recent.
Cheers,
XEagleDriver

Interesting perspective and one that makes sense to me. I seem to remember Gene saying his all-time favorite AVR was that gigantic, badass Denon from 10 or so years ago (4803?),but speaks well now of Yamaha.

I wonder how the reliability of the DM products manufactured in Japan compare to those produced in Vietnam.

I too am very much looking forward to this thread. Would love to see some of the heavy hitters weigh in as well.

 

[TechHDS]

Where’s “MCODE” or “PENG” when We need them! Our fearless leader “Gene” could certainly add to this thread! I know for a fact We have some members on here that are very Knowledgeable, with tons of experience! We need these guys man!

Mike

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Why not NAD too?

Any brand.

I think for most people, it boils down to DM vs Yamaha, but any opinions on any brands is welcomed.

 

[lovinthehd]

Any brand.

Don't forget Sony.

 

[NorCalRP]

Don't forget Sony.

Was just wondering about them. Would love to read M Code's thoughts.

Come on gents... help give this audioramus an education

 

[lovinthehd]

As far as avrs go, I currently have two Denons, an Onkyo and a Sony avr. Denon 4520 in the living room with the main setup (universal disc player, direct tv, Amazon fire stick for sources). Onkyo HT-RC370 in the bedroom (universal disc player, directv, fire stick). Denon 3808 in the workshop (universal disc player and chromecast audio). The Sony is an older unit, cheap and simple (pre-hdmi back before I got a flat screen) but it's in a spare room I don't use much, currently not even connected as have been using some old 2ch gear in there instead. Had a Pioneer 919 but it self destructed. I think they're all quite good and very useful for a variety of sources even when video isn't involved. Sure, they can have issues...like the Pioneer dying or my Onkyo having the old hdmi/network board issue (but repaired under warranty),but no desire to go back to old 2ch analog gear.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

My quick take:

1. Emotiva
Pros- Sometimes lower cost (when compared apples to apples on features),Dirac (some think it's better than Audyssey or ARC, some don't).
Cons - Infamous for bug issues, when members complain on EMO forum they get banned, perceived as value-brand, not high-end, HDMI compatibility

2. NAD
Pros - Name brand, perceived as high-end
Cons - Reliability issues, cost, lack features, HDMI compatibility

3. Anthem
Pros - Name brand, perceived as high-end, ARC (some think it's better than Audyssey or Dirac, some don't).
Cons - Cost, HDMI compatibility, ARC difficult for some to set up.

4. Denon/Marantz (DM)
Pros - Name brand, Audyssey (some think it's good, some don't),frequent big sales
Cons - Reliability, HDMI compatibility, bad remote app for iOs and Android.

5. Yamaha
Pros - Name brand, most reliable brand, only major brand that extensively tests for HDMI compatibility, best remote app for iOS and Android, quick easy adjustment for Subwoofer and Center Dialogue trim levels.
Cons - Too many DSP modes, YPAO sucks, Good4it could not get his WiFi, Virtual speakers, Wireless speakers and sub, and Music Streamers to work 100% on his RX-A3080, usually not on sale like Denon.

6. Onkyo
Pros - Cheap prices
Cons- Reliability, HDMI compatibility- just sucks, don't even think about it.

7. Sony
Pros- Best 5 YR warranty on their ES AVR (Bryston is only other brand that offers a 5 YR warranty on their AVP),works great with other Sony products (TV).
Cons - Lack features, don't make any Pre-pros (only make AVR),not highly regarded in the AVR world.

8. Pioneer
Pros - Prices
Cons - Reliability, lack features, HDMI compatibility, associated with Onkyo

 

[Hobbit]

5. Yamaha

Cons - Too many DSP modes, YPAO sucks, Good4it could not get his WiFi, Virtual speakers, Wireless speakers and sub, and Music Streamers to work 100% on his RX-A3080, usually not on sale like Denon.

...

7. Sony
Pros- Best 5 YR warranty on their ES AVR (Bryston is only other brand that offers a 5 YR warranty on their AVP), works great with other Sony products (TV).
Cons - Lack features, don't make any Pre-pros (only make AVR),not highly regarded in the AVR world.

Does anyone actually use those DSP modes? My Integra had a ton of them. I believe my B&K Ref 20 had a few too. Never used them.

Having worked for Sony, I can believe they're as, or more, reliable than anything out there. Back in the day MEI/Panasonic ruled with their reliability. Sat through too many meetings with them... This is also one reason I shy from smaller brands. Running volume keeps you on your toes and allows you to get to the ppm levels. The only downside is a "small" reliability problem equates to lots of units. And being in the information age... Whereas, the smaller player can chalk it up to a one-off and maintain there legion of followers.

 

[Bookmark]

I have 5 year warranties on my Yamaha, Marantz and Nad. Would agree about the Nad M17 issues there has been a few, which is why I avoided it. Never had a problem with my VSA E07 or VSA A10i in almost 20 years. Recent Pioneer models may have reliability issue, but the older stuff is solid and built like a tank. I will say Anthem is not really big/ noticeable this side of the pond.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Does anyone actually use those DSP modes? My Integra had a ton of them. I believe my B&K Ref 20 had a few too. Never used them.

Having worked for Sony, I can believe they're as, or more, reliable than anything out there. Back in the day MEI/Panasonic ruled with their reliability. Sat through too many meetings with them... This is also one reason I shy from smaller brands. Running volume keeps you on your toes and allows you to get to the ppm levels. The only downside is a "small" reliability problem equates to lots of units. And being in the information age... Whereas, the smaller player can chalk it up to a one-off and maintain there legion of followers.

I might use "11CH STEREO" for background classical music while I'm on AH.

I use are Dolby Surround (DSU) and DTS Neural:X (DTSNX), which I think are amazing.

@M Code said that Yamaha is #1 in reliability, so maybe he could provide some repair numbers on Sony.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I have 5 year warranties on my Yamaha, Marantz and Nad. Would agree about the Nad M17 issues there has been a few, which is why I avoided it. Never had a problem with my VSA E07 or VSA A10i in almost 20 years. Recent Pioneer models may have reliability issue, but the older stuff is solid and built like a tank. I will say Anthem is not really big/ noticeable this side of the pond.

What? You guys get 5 YR warranty on NAD, Yamaha, and DM in Europe? What's up with that?

Don't tell me you get 3 YR warranty on Sony ES in Europe?

I didn't realize that Anthem isn't a big name in Europe. So I guess over there, DM and Yamaha are actually bigger name brands than Anthem?

 

[GO-NAD!]

My Yamaha RX-V1800 has performed flawlessly since I bought it ten-ish years ago. The number of occassions where I've used any DSP modes could be counted on one hand, so I don't really care about those. I believe YPAO has come a long way since my model came out. If I was in the market for a new AVR, I'd go with Yamaha, without a doubt.

I'm not familiar with NAD AVRs, but there amps are serious players. On paper their AVRs don't seem to offer much bang for buck. My C372 has required one repair in ten years...don't know what that says about brand reliability.

 

[Bookmark]

Yup
You can get Anthems but it largely specialist places. Yes Yamaha, Denon and Marantz are the biggies. Sony not so much a quick check only found a couple of low end models one of which was 2 Year

 

[Hobbit]

I might use "11CH STEREO" for background classical music while I'm on AH.

I use are Dolby Surround (DSU) and DTS Neural:X (DTSNX), which I think are amazing.

@M Code said that Yamaha is #1 in reliability, so maybe he could provide some repair numbers on Sony.

For music? Or to up-sample to 11x? I suppose I use Dolby Surround too For music I'll use the all speaker stereo mode when I'm not really going to spend time in the room listening.

But I never used any of the concert hall, unplugged and dozen(s) of other modes. Glad they're not on the Denon! On the Integra all they did was take a lot of clicks to get from DSU to Stereo modes.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

For music? Or to up-sample to 11x? I suppose I use Dolby Surround too For music I'll use the all speaker stereo mode when I'm not really going to spend time in the room listening.

But I never used any of the concert hall, unplugged and dozen(s) of other modes. Glad they're not on the Denon! On the Integra all they did was take a lot of clicks to get from DSU to Stereo modes.

If it were up to me, the only two DSP modes I would have are DSU and DTSNX. It would make switching back and forth so much easier for movies.

I can live without any of the other DSP modes because they are more annoying than anything.

 

[Bookmark]

I am pretty sure 5 year is only on the higher end models, but still it is a comfort.

I've tried the hall/sfx modes on the Yammy and Pioneer for fun, but not to watch anything serious. DSU/Neural X oh yes