whats the best deal on a 9.2ch. denon/marantz

[captjlance]

Help, the more I research, the more features I feel I need!! Ive decided against Onkyo due to the lack of ability to upconvert,
I want to be able to hook up vcr for my older movies. started at 7.2 but now want 9.2 with 11.2 processing so trying to
narrow down between these: Denon x4300, x4400 or Marantz 6011, 6012, or 7011? also a question about power is the
difference between 105/110/125 watts even noticeable?

 

[ryanosaur]

Hi. Power ratings are negligible. Not saying it isn't important, but if you have reasonabbly efficient speakers, you'll be fine.
Between the feature sets, Denon doesn't have the analog inputs and HDAM modules that the Marantz receivers use, but Denon tends to have ever so slightly robust amp stages, other than that, very similar.
I'm on an SR6012. I am happy with it. The 4400 is also commonly recommended.
Unless its a close budgetary call, I'd stick with last years models over older ones. That's just me. So Marantz 6012/7012 or 3400/4400 from Denon.
Check Accessories For Less for deals. If you don't mind factory refurbs, you can get those too, with full warranty.
Cheers

 

[captjlance]

Thanks, yes I don't mind factory refurbs, but that's whats causing my mission creep 6012 and x4400 about the same price, then 100 more could get 4400 new, which would be the same as 7012 refurbed,,,,, one other question is the user interface about the same with Denon/Marantz? If I get this set up and the wife cant figure out how to watch TV,,, Im Toast

 

[ryanosaur]

Thanks, yes I don't mind factory refurbs, but that's whats causing my mission creep 6012 and x4400 about the same price, then 100 more could get 4400 new, which would be the same as 7012 refurbed,,,,, one other question is the user interface about the same with Denon/Marantz? If I get this set up and the wife cant figure out how to watch TV,,, Im Toast

Ha! I’m fine with the Marantz... the lady had issues adjusting to the two knobs on the unit, with volume on the right instead of left. To me, the remote is fine, and I’m considering a harmony to just simplify everything. Never used a Denon, but they are basically the same company and I think you will find similarities in the UX.
I personally would buy new, unless it’s that close a call. As I said, the 4400 has had a lot of recommendations here. Seems like that might be a safe one unless there is something about the 6012/7012 you need (like those analog inputs).

 

[PENG]

Help, the more I research, the more features I feel I need!! Ive decided against Onkyo due to the lack of ability to upconvert,
I want to be able to hook up vcr for my older movies. started at 7.2 but now want 9.2 with 11.2 processing so trying to
narrow down between these: Denon x4300, x4400 or Marantz 6011, 6012, or 7011? also a question about power is the
difference between 105/110/125 watts even noticeable?

Between the two, if you prefer the Marantz look, you can now easily justify the low price premium because of this hard to find $999 deal for a brand new one:

https://www.amazon.com/Marantz-Audio-Receiver-Component-SR7012/dp/B072Z5C9Y7

I suggest you act quickly as it won't/shouldn't last long.

 

[captjlance]

so probably wouldn't find much difference between the 4400 and the 7012 as far as using them

 

[captjlance]

also as for prices on avrs is there a time of year that the price drops? when the x600 series comes out will there be a significant drop in the x500's? I just hate to jump on one then find out in 3 or 4 months could get the
x500 2018/2019 model or will that be late in the year?

 

[PENG]

so probably wouldn't find much difference between the 4400 and the 7012 as far as using them

The remotes layouts are different, just slightly. If you need the obsolete (sort of..) 7.1 analog inputs then the choice is easy.

 

[PENG]

also as for prices on avrs is there a time of year that the price drops? when the x600 series comes out will there be a significant drop in the x500's? I just hate to jump on one then find out in 3 or 4 months could get the
x500 2018/2019 model or will that be late in the year?

Prices of the AVR-X4500H, SR7013 and higher models should start to drop quicker in a couple of months and may get even lower by late September. If you want to hit the $999 for those the Marantz models, you have to watch it really close though as it would most likely be there momentarily. Marantz has to sell for more because aside from the HDAM's extra cost, they don't have the volume advantage that Denon has. According to @M Code , Denon sells a lot more units, I think he mentioned a ratio but I don't remember what it is.