Ok all, I need some guidance / opinions as I’m churning in analysis paralysis.
Background – An old audiophile (in desire if not execution) I’ve been holding off on getting a new receiver with the thought that I was moving in the next few years and the house would help dictate requirements. That doesn’t seem to be the case now so I’ve started shopping.
Brands: I’ve narrowed down to Yamaha, Denon, & Marantz (and yes I know latter are “sisters” – in fact the Marantz SR7102 & Denon AVRX4500H look identical from the rear).
Budget: Up to 2k but only if there is cause.
Current set up: 5.1 with many years of age. Amp (Carver) is pushing 125w/all channels and 180w/2 channel. Other components are not relevant as they are on the upgrade path. I’m switching to a receiver for simplicity of operations (WAF).
Requirements:
The primary use is going to be home theater. I have other setups for audio in different rooms. That said, if there is a new house, I may merge things depending on the layout. So musicality of a receiver is important but a secondary driver.
Channels: While a 7.2 system is the most likely setup I’d like to have 9.2 capability in case I get the right room for Atmos.
Candidates:
Yamaha RX-A3080, A2080, A2070. RX-V2085
Marantz SR7012, SR6012
Denon AVRX4500H, AVRX4400H
All are at least 9.2 and have the basics on sound/video processing covered. Subtle differences like # of HDMI inputs/outputs and zones are not important to me – all more than cover my needs. Auro 3D intrigues me but seems more like a nice-to-have.
My original plan was to buy a minus one generation model simply for cost savings.
So, after some spreadsheet studying, here are some questions I have.
- Yamaha – Surround: AI. Has anyone experienced this and adopted for regular use (not just a demo)? It sounds like it could potentially help but I have used only one of the sound processors on my current preamp and even then, sparingly. That said, there have been many advances since I last bought something. The chipsets are far more powerful and the software more advanced. This one feature seems to be the largest argument for a current year model.
- Thoughts on Musicast (Yamaha) vs HEOS (Denon/Marantz)? Is it an Apple/Android debate with fans of each or does one have strong advantages?
- Marantz is reputed to have a “warmer” sound for music. Have any of you experienced this?
- Yamaha has been reputed to be more musical. My first preamp (1979-yikes) was a Yamaha and I loved it. 39 years later is it still true?
- While my budget (self-imposed) allows up to 2k I’m not sure there is a compelling argument (meaning will I hear the difference or value the feature set enough) to go up to that level. Right now the Yamaha RX-V2085 at $1,399.95 seems to be “high” enough (not to mention seeming almost identical to the RX-A2080). Juxtapose that to the (2017 model) Denon AVRX4400H for $899. Are there enough material differences to justify another $500 in cost?
- The Yamaha(s) show minimum impedance for center and surrounds at 6 ohms (vs 4 for Denon/Marantz). I have M&K 850 center speaker rated at 4 ohms (surrounds are 8 ohms). Any cause for concern?
- DAC, Chips, Software Oh My. I see a lot of literature about the great processors (e.g. SABRE 9007S Premier Audio DAC/Yamaha) etc. Any feedback on real world experience? Without a side by side A/B comparison would I ever know?
I would appreciate any thoughts, comments, pros/cons, etc. If you bought one of these, why – what were the distinguishing attributes? If you skipped one of these – what stopped you? Comments from real world owner experience always trump salesmen, literature and 3rd party reviews IMHO.
Thanks all for your input.
