Marantz sr5012 no sound

[Brendan944]

Just bought the 5012 2 weeks ago. Sounded great but sound output was lost yesterday while my wife was watching TV. When sound cut out the setup osd popped up on the speaker setup screen.

Did some testing... put my hand on the 5012, warm but not hot at all by any means... nothing out of the ordinary, was not in protection. Checked all connections, swapped out hdmi cables, went into setup and pulled up test tones only to find no test tones coming from any speaker... not even subwoofer. This leads me to believe something went amiss inside the 5012.

Did a factory reset and went back through the setup procedure. Once I got to the screen where it runs sound tests on speaker connections and asks if I hear sound. Nope, nothing on any channel.

Contacted the company I bought it from and was told my speakers are too powerful for the 5012 and caused the amp to pop. RMS on speakers are 90-200 watts. I have a full fluance signature series setup. I know they are nothing crazy good but was a budget decision above all and I've been very happy with them so far.

Now I'm no engineer but I was under the impression that the amp pushes its power to the speakers and doesn't really care what power the speakers want. Worst case scenario I get clipping at higher volumes and diminished spl from under powering. Always thought amps blow speakers and speakers dont blow amps? I know under powering is worse for the speaker than over powering but at the levels we are using these, I doubt it was even getting near the max output for the amp. Speakers are rated as 8 ohm, I have crossovers on amp set to 80hz and everything below gets sent to powered subwoofer. Did this to avoid sending the harder to amplify lower frequencies to the towers and just let the sub take care of them for now. Was that the wrong decision?

What do you guys think? The company I bought the 5012 is taking it back and I'm planning on replacing it with the denon AVR-X4400H for some extra headroom. But I dont think my speakers caused this. If I'm wrong please tell me.

I dont want to shoot myself in the foot here guys. Please share your ideas and knowledge with me and help me understand and make an informed decision.

Thanks!

 

[lovinthehd]

Sounds like the fault was in the avr. Double check your speaker cabling for shorts/stray strands. Find someone else to buy from, tho...."your speakers are too powerful" sounds like they have no clue but at least they're cooperating with the return.

 

[TLS Guy]

No, your speakers did not cause it.

Something has happened in the preamp/processor section. You have no sound on any channel. Your speakers would not blow all power amps at once. If the speakers caused the problem then it would have caused an output device to blow which short circuits the power rails and sends it into protection.

The bigger issue is that I believe receivers, never a good idea, are now going down hill to maintain price in the face of increasing complexity and bloat.

They are built with consumer grade components. So statistically the odds go up of failure with increased complexity as well as down grading the power amps to maintain price points.

So we either put up with a high failure rate or the cost has to go up and we progress to making gear with industrial or preferable auto grade components.
That would raise prices a lot. But you can't have your proverbial cake and eat it too.

Lastly, I doubt the Denon statistically will have a lower chance of failure. Denon and Marantz were bought recently be a an outfit that has lots of brands. We will have to see if there is a downgrade to the line under new ownership. If things follow usual form there will be.

I personally think there is a place for a high quality AV pre pro that just is 5.1 or 7.1 with bass management and HDMI and analog switching plus SPDIF inputs. Then just volume and nothing else. No streaming, no disastrous auto Eq programs. It needs to be as hair shirt as you can get and we would be better off I think. Then use good external amps. I think that could improve sound quality enormously and also reliability.

This is my downstairs rig, and built largely around gear from a better time now fading in the rear view mirror. There is no receiver or pre/pro, just an HDMI switch. I can stream anything I want. It sounds superb and is very reliable.

Personally I'm highly trouble and failure adverse. Reliability should be the top priority of any design, but these days that is bottom of the list. Send the gear out the door and the sooner it gets to the recycling center to pollute the third world the more money we make. Its a disgrace and I assure you, you are not alone. You have lots of now increasing company.

 

[Paul DS]

Just bought the 5012 2 weeks ago. Sounded great but sound output was lost yesterday while my wife was watching TV. When sound cut out the setup osd popped up on the speaker setup screen.

Did some testing... put my hand on the 5012, warm but not hot at all by any means... nothing out of the ordinary, was not in protection. Checked all connections, swapped out hdmi cables, went into setup and pulled up test tones only to find no test tones coming from any speaker... not even subwoofer. This leads me to believe something went amiss inside the 5012.

Did a factory reset and went back through the setup procedure. Once I got to the screen where it runs sound tests on speaker connections and asks if I hear sound. Nope, nothing on any channel.

Contacted the company I bought it from and was told my speakers are too powerful for the 5012 and caused the amp to pop. RMS on speakers are 90-200 watts. I have a full fluance signature series setup. I know they are nothing crazy good but was a budget decision above all and I've been very happy with them so far.

Now I'm no engineer but I was under the impression that the amp pushes its power to the speakers and doesn't really care what power the speakers want. Worst case scenario I get clipping at higher volumes and diminished spl from under powering. Always thought amps blow speakers and speakers dont blow amps? I know under powering is worse for the speaker than over powering but at the levels we are using these, I doubt it was even getting near the max output for the amp. Speakers are rated as 8 ohm, I have crossovers on amp set to 80hz and everything below gets sent to powered subwoofer. Did this to avoid sending the harder to amplify lower frequencies to the towers and just let the sub take care of them for now. Was that the wrong decision?

What do you guys think? The company I bought the 5012 is taking it back and I'm planning on replacing it with the denon AVR-X4400H for some extra headroom. But I dont think my speakers caused this. If I'm wrong please tell me.

I dont want to shoot myself in the foot here guys. Please share your ideas and knowledge with me and help me understand and make an informed decision.

Thanks!

I seriously doubt your speakers were at fault. I believe you will find the Denon AVR-X4400H to be a very good receiver with all the power you could really ever use.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

You tried Marantz. Give the Denon a try. Hopefully it will last. Put 2 or 3 fans (120mm) atop the AVR. Maybes it will help.

If the Denon doesn’t work out, try Yamaha or Sony.

Yamaha is supposed to have the best overall reliability record.

Of course, even with the best reliability history, bad things could still happen, just less likely.

But good luck with the Denon.

 

[Brendan944]

Thanks guys. I did go a little cross eyed when I was told it was because the amp wasn't powerful enough for my speakers and that's why it blew... he essentially put the blame on me... I think I am going to just upgrade to the 6012 and play the quality control lottery again.

 

[Brendan944]

Looks good TLS Guy. Thanks for your insight yet again.

 

[PENG]

Thanks guys. I did go a little cross eyed when I was told it was because the amp wasn't powerful enough for my speakers and that's why it blew... he essentially put the blame on me... I think I am going to just upgrade to the 6012 and play the quality control lottery again.

The X4400H have better specs than the SR6012 as it is equivalent to the SR7012 less the 7.1 analog inputs and HDAM modules. So if I were to go with TLSGuy's line of thinking (I really don't, not much anyway..) the Denon has a little less to produce heat, and fewer parts to fail, but either way, do add a fan or two on top. Also, as suggested, you have the option to pay a little more to get the RX-A3070 now that the A3080 has been out for some time. If all the hearsay are true, Yamaha AVRs may be more reliable and according to M Code, they have HDMI certification so potentially fewer hand shaking issues.

 

[Brendan944]

I will look into the yamaha, I do still like my old one and it's back to active duty since the marantz pooped the bed.

 

[PENG]

Wow, here's an amazing Amazon.com deal
only $200 more than the Marantz SR7012:
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-AVENTAGE-Audio-Component-RX-A3070BL/dp/B07227W677

 

[ryanosaur]

After 6 months of owning an SR6012, two warranty calls totaling about 2 mos, it seems to finally be settled. I was experiencing random intermittent audio dropouts that sounded like an electronic relay switching. They replaced the digital processing board. I've only had it back a week and still haven't noticed a recurrence, so fingers crossed.
I might not buy another Marantz, nor a Denon based on the experience thus far. But the AVR does sound really good when it works. I think I just got the lemon in the batch.

I know @PENG is a big fan of the 4400... and his logic is sound. Worth checking it out.

I personally would put an external amp on the L/R channels. I don't think your center needs it, but I like the idea of taking some of the load off the AVR.

I also like the AC Infinity T-Series fan system... depending on your set-up, you can get rear, top or front venting... I've seen reviews that the SR's at least, can run pretty hot, and with my T10 on, it never really gets above 81-83F. (I chose the t10 'cos it was in a closed cabinet... pleanty of room on sides and top, but no way to ventilate but forward into the room. Now that I have it set up in a different room, I wish I had the rear vent )

Good luck!

 

[PENG]

I know @PENG is a big fan of the 4400... and his logic is sound. Worth checking it out.

Fist of all, congrats to your final success in getting the SR6012 fixed on warranty. I wouldn't say I am a "big fan" of the 4400 specifically, as I like my remaining Marantz units, as well as the SR7009 I installed a few years ago for my b-i-l just as much. In fact, after giving away my Deon AVR-4308CI and my Marantz AV7005, I am still keeping 4 Marantz, units including one each of preamp, prepro and 2 power amps but have kept only two Denon AVRs. I recommended the 4400 and 3400 more often mainly because the HDAM gadget has not make any difference for me, nor do they make a convincing case even in theory, so from value stand point I prefer Denon, otherwise, imo it is a toss up, as the power and electronics of the corresponding competing models between the two brands are virtually identical, except the two items I noted previously.

 

[ryanosaur]

Fist of all, congrats to your final success in getting the SR6012 fixed on warranty. I wouldn't say I am a "big fan" of the 4400 specifically, as I like my remaining Marantz units, as well as the SR7009 I installed a few years ago for me b-i-l just as much. In fact, after giving away my Deon AVR-4308CI and my Marantz AV7005, I am still keeping 4 Marantz, units including one each of preamp, prepro and 2 power amps but have kept only two Denon AVRs. I recommended the 4400 and 3400 more often mainly because the HDAM gadget has not make any difference for me, nor do they make a convincing case even in theory, so from value stand point I prefer Denon, otherwise, imo it is a toss up, as the power and electronics of the corresponding competing models between the two brands are virtually identical, except the two items I noted previously.

Fair enough! But I still like your logic in recommending the 4400.

 

[TLS Guy]

I will look into the yamaha, I do still like my old one and it's back to active duty since the marantz pooped the bed.

Do you have a volt meter? I would check your house voltage it may be too high. I have looked at the circuits of the B & K you sent that blew up. The caps that blew are to shunt any audio to ground that gets into the HT rails. I was thinking that the voltage regulation of that amp had failed and it may well have.

But now you have another failure I wonder if you have a dangerous situation with excess house voltage.

I had this happen about 18 months ago. I use UPS units and monitor the AC closely on the studio mechanical chase.

Anyhow one day I noticed all the three UPS units in the rack were shaving voltage. So I looked at the LED display in the chase and sure enough the household current was almost 140 volts and creeping up.

I phoned the power company right away and they sent a crew out post haste. Anyhow there was a voltage regulator going out fast off county road 39 about a mile away.
They were very pleased I was able to catch it, as they said there would have been mayhem round the neighborhood. Anyhow they did a temporary fix, until they could get a replacement regulator. Until they did the voltage was somewhat unstable. Of course it was a holiday weekend!

So check your voltage. If it is going high that could certainly account for those Tantalum caps exploding. Although the power supply voltage regulator board I think is still suspect.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Wow, here's an amazing Amazon.com deal
only $200 more than the Marantz SR7012:
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-AVENTAGE-Audio-Component-RX-A3070BL/dp/B07227W677

That is like practically dealer cost!

Great find!

RX-A3070 for $1399

RX-A2070 for $999

 

[Brendan944]

Do you have a volt meter? I would check your house voltage it may be too high. I have looked at the circuits of the B & K you sent that blew up. The caps that blew are to shunt any audio to ground that gets into the HT rails. I was thinking that the voltage regulation of that amp had failed and it may well have.

But now you have another failure I wonder if you have a dangerous situation with excess house voltage.

I had this happen about 18 months ago. I use UPS units and monitor the AC closely on the studio mechanical chase.

Anyhow one day I noticed all the three UPS units in the rack were shaving voltage. So I looked at the LED display in the chase and sure enough the household current was almost 140 volts and creeping up.

I phoned the power company right away and they sent a crew out post haste. Anyhow there was a voltage regulator going out fast off county road 39 about a mile away.
They were very pleased I was able to catch it, as they said there would have been mayhem round the neighborhood. Anyhow they did a temporary fix, until they could get a replacement regulator. Until they did the voltage was somewhat unstable. Of course it was a holiday weekend!

So check your voltage. If it is going high that could certainly account for those Tantalum caps exploding. Although the power supply voltage regulator board I think is still suspect.

I do have a volt meter at the shop and will bring it home tonight. 4 months ago I had whole house surge protection installed by duke energy and they checked the incoming service and grounds. I also have 10k insurance on electronic equipment through them as well. Maybe they messed something up? So if it is a high voltage problem maybe they will do something for me here.

 

[Brendan944]

That is like practically dealer cost!

Great find!

RX-A3070 for $1399

RX-A2070 for $999

As of right now I am planning on getting a refund for the 5012 and going to a RX-A2070

how does the YPAO compare to the audyssey for room calibration settings?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

As of right now I am planning on getting a refund for the 5012 and going to a RX-A2070

how does the YPAO compare to the audyssey for room calibration settings?

I went from using Denon for the last 10 years to Yamaha this year 2018.

My 8 YR old Denon AVP-A1HDCI died and Denon couldn't fix it twice.

My current pre-pro is the Yamaha CX-A5100, which I think is awesome. I love it.

But as far as room correction EQ, I don't like any room correction EQ out there, including Audyssey XT32, YPAO, ARC, DIRAC, and Lyngdorf.

I can say that Audyssey FLAT doesn't sound as bad as YPAO, and Bypass/Through mode sound best.

So if you MUST use Room Correction EQ, then Audyssey is better than YPAO.

I think the RX-A2070 is a great choice and a great price.

 

[andyblackcat]

I went from using Denon for the last 10 years to Yamaha this year 2018.

My 8 YR old Denon AVP-A1HDCI died and Denon couldn't fix it twice.

My current pre-pro is the Yamaha CX-A5100, which I think is awesome. I love it.

But as far as room correction EQ, I don't like any room correction EQ out there, including Audyssey XT32, YPAO, ARC, DIRAC, and Lyngdorf.

I can say that Audyssey FLAT doesn't sound as bad as YPAO, and Bypass/Through mode sound best.

So if you MUST use Room Correction EQ, then Audyssey is better than YPAO.

I think the RX-A2070 is a great choice and a great price.

Has anyone even bothered to use this, "auto eq" outdoors in the garden with all the speakers set up in the usual manor and do the test like early AM hours when its sort of quiet outside and after the test has been done listen to a film as it has visual/sound reference to go by, Oh and more importantly a graph needs to be produced to see what the characteristic of the eq response looks like.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Has anyone even bothered to use this, "auto eq" outdoors...

Probably not since outdoor is kind of like anechoic without room effects.