Marantz 6014 or Denon 3600

[jbrandoff]

Hi- this is my first post and I want to thank all of you for your outstanding analysis and advice. Love this site!

Building a home theater but 2-channel hifi music is also a priority to me. Planning to go 7.2.4. Room is not huge, about 19' x 12'. Choosing between the new Denon 3600 or the new Marantz 6014. Specs on each of them seem very similar. Both have 11 channels of processing with 9 channels of amplification. Each has similar specs in terms of what they can process and what they can do. I am planning to use an external amp for L/C/R and the internal amps for surrounds and heights. I have a monolith 7x200 for the L/C/R. My question is this- is there a significant difference in the way these two receivers sound when it comes to both home theater AND musicality. The internet is packed with conjecture about Denon being punchier and better for theater and Marantz being more musical. Is this true? or are they basically similar enough that no one could perceive an actual difference? I'm trying to wrap my head around the $400 price difference with such similar specs??? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you!

 

[lovinthehd]

You already said as much but they're far more similar than different. Pick the one with the feature set you like at the price you like....the term musicality (or punchier etc)
in gear IMHO is bullshit.

 

[jbrandoff]

You already said as much but they're far more similar than different. Pick the one with the feature set you like at the price you like....the term musicality (or punchier etc)
in gear IMHO is bullshit.

Spec wise they're practically identical (so far as I can tell). You think they would sound the same in almost all circumstances?

 

[lovinthehd]

Spec wise they're practically identical (so far as I can tell). You think they would sound the same in almost all circumstances?

They share much of the same basic build, even the same Audyssey eq, so, yes, I would think so.

 

[PENG]

Building a home theater but 2-channel hifi music is also a priority to me. Planning to go 7.2.4. Room is not huge, about 19' x 12'. Choosing between the new Denon 3600 or the new Marantz 6014. Specs on each of them seem very similar. Both have 11 channels of processing with 9 channels of amplification. Each has similar specs in terms of what they can process and what they can do.

The 6014 has 7.1 analog inputs that most people don't need, but they are there..

is there a significant difference in the way these two receivers sound when it comes to both home theater AND musicality.

Definitely not.

The internet is packed with conjecture about Denon being punchier and better for theater and Marantz being more musical. Is this true?

No.

or are they basically similar enough that no one could perceive an actual difference? I'm trying to wrap my head around the $400 price difference with such similar specs??? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you!

If the 3600 costs $400 more, or even $10 more, take the 6014. For the same price, or $50 more for the 6014, then it might be a better choice if you prefer the look.

 

[jbrandoff]

The 6014 has 7.1 analog inputs that most people don't need, but they are there..



Definitely not.



No.



If the 3600 costs $400 more, or even $10 more, take the 6014. For the same price, or $50 more for the 6014, then it might be a better choice if you prefer the look.

Thank you Peng. Actually the Marantz 6014 is the more expensive one. That's why I was wondering why everyone doesn't just buy the denon. Especially if they sound he same

 

[Pogre]

Thank you Peng. Actually the Marantz 6014 is the more expensive one. That's why I was wondering why everyone doesn't just buy the denon. Especially if they sound he same

Most of us 'round here do. Then you gotta figure on folks reading the same bs about one being "punchier" and the other "more musical". Not everyone comes here to ask if any of it is true (good for you, doing your homework!) I stumbled across a nice deal for my 6011 with a 3 yr warranty otherwise I'd have Denon again right now.

 

[Chris in Dallas]

Most of us 'round here do. Then you gotta figure on folks reading the same bs about one being "punchier" and the other "more musical". Not everyone comes here to ask if any of it is true (good for you, doing your homework!) I stumbled across a nice deal for my 6011 with a 3 yr warranty otherwise I'd have Denon again right now.

I love my Denon 3600h but then again after adding my svs sb2000 pro I pretty much love everything and everybody!

 

[Pogre]

I love my Denon 3600h but then again after adding my svs sb2000 pro I pretty much love everything and everybody!

Ha ha! That's awesome. I think you noticed I've already linked a couple of people on the fence to your post!

 

[PENG]

Thank you Peng. Actually the Marantz 6014 is the more expensive one. That's why I was wondering why everyone doesn't just buy the denon. Especially if they sound he same

You are welcome. I can actually think of a somewhat legit technical argument for going with Marantz but that would be based on my own educated guess, and for a specific application/scenario only.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Thank you Peng. Actually the Marantz 6014 is the more expensive one. That's why I was wondering why everyone doesn't just buy the denon. Especially if they sound he same

Well, as @Pogre said, the denon is chosen more often over the Marantz. There is a LOT of BS out there, and the thing is unless you’ve been involved a long time, or are smart enough to ask before you buy, you can fall into the traps. I have no problems with people spending bobs of money in their equipment as long as they know at some point they’re not gaining anything other than a beautiful finish, or added features etc. Fwiw, I have a 6012 and I didn’t buy it thinking it’s was going to sound so much better than it’s denon sister. One reason actually(aside from being more affordable) was the design. The porthole is not very useful unless you’re familiar with the menu and can actually read the the tiny display. However, I like the simply, and symmetry of it’s design. It’s an excellent receiver, but I know the Denon would’ve been too.

 

[jbrandoff]

Well, as @Pogre said, the denon is chosen more often over the Marantz. There is a LOT of BS out there, and the thing is unless you’ve been involved a long time, or are smart enough to ask before you buy, you can fall into the traps. I have no problems with people spending bobs of money in their equipment as long as they know at some point they’re not gaining anything other than a beautiful finish, or added features etc. Fwiw, I have a 6012 and I didn’t buy it thinking it’s was going to sound so much better than it’s denon sister. One reason actually(aside from being more affordable) was the design. The porthole is not very useful unless you’re familiar with the menu and can actually read the the tiny display. However, I like the simply, and symmetry of it’s design. It’s an excellent receiver, but I know the Denon would’ve been too.

Thank you @William Lemmerhirt , and @Pogre and @PENG and @Chris in Dallas and @lovinthehd for ALL of your help and advice! As much as I loved this site before, I really love it now that I'm up $400 (more to spend on speakers!!!) hehe.

Newby question- What's the deal with all of your titles? What makes a Spartan or an Overlord or an Intern or a Slumlord? Where can I find the rankings?? How do I get promoted?? LOL Love this!!

More questions about subs, projectors and speakers so look for me in the other forums. Thanks again!

 

[Pogre]

Thank you @William Lemmerhirt , and @Pogre and @PENG and @Chris in Dallas and @lovinthehd for ALL of your help and advice! As much as I loved this site before, I really love it now that I'm up $400 (more to spend on speakers!!!) hehe.

Newby question- What's the deal with all of your titles? What makes a Spartan or an Overlord or an Intern or a Slumlord? Where can I find the rankings?? How do I get promoted?? LOL Love this!!

More questions about subs, projectors and speakers so look for me in the other forums. Thanks again!

Well right now you're a maggot, but only we can see it in your profile...

I kid, I kid! The titles are just a part of the system and you get "promoted" to the cool ones as your post count increases and you give and receive reactions. So that's about it there. After you're here for a bit you can ask a mod to put something in your location field.

And yeah, don't be shy. Lots of knowledge floating around on all things home theater and audio, ask away! MOST of us don't bite.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

 

[highrider704]

I just purchased the SR-6014 and i am running Two B&W CM9's, Cm Centre and 4-Cm1's and they sound AMAZING!!! The only thing that bothers me about it is the Tiny little round Dislay. From my couch which is about 7 feet back i can not read the display so i have to stand up everytime or switch to viewing the display on my TV to make any changes on it. I would suggest this receiver due to the Marantz History. If you do not need height virtualization (since you will be using height speakers)then consider getting the 6013 and you can save a couple bucks. No difference other than that.

 

[jbrandoff]

I just purchased the SR-6014 and i am running Two B&W CM9's, Cm Centre and 4-Cm1's and they sound AMAZING!!! The only thing that bothers me about it is the Tiny little round Dislay. From my couch which is about 7 feet back i can not read the display so i have to stand up everytime or switch to viewing the display on my TV to make any changes on it. I would suggest this receiver due to the Marantz History. If you do not need height virtualization (since you will be using height speakers)then consider getting the 6013 and you can save a couple bucks. No difference other than that.

HDMI 2.2 (2018) vs 2.3 (2019) is another difference. No clue if that matters or what it's worth? Assume that someday it will make a difference- and maybe I'll understand what it means by then lol.

I agree that the 6013 looks like a steal compared to the 6014 right now. But the denon has all the updated features of the 6014 for the price of the 6013. Hence my original question as to differences in how they sound? Most people think there aren't any differences. Wish I could hear them side by side

 

[PENG]

HDMI 2.2 (2018) vs 2.3 (2019) is another difference. No clue if that matters or what it's worth? Assume that someday it will make a difference- and maybe I'll understand what it means by then lol.

I agree that the 6013 looks like a steal compared to the 6014 right now. But the denon has all the updated features of the 6014 for the price of the 6013. Hence my original question as to differences in how they sound? Most people think there aren't any differences. Wish I could hear them side by side

I am sure you meant HDCP, not HDMI.

If you compare those two side by side, level match them, use the same media contents and player, and they should sound the same. There is no reason not to as the only difference is the HDAM, that is designed for transparency not sound signature. If you cannot do an AB comparison properly, then obviously you may perceive a difference in sound quality.

You don't want to buy something that force a sound signature on you, do you? I have compared my various gear including D, M, and separates, all sounded transparent when used well below their output limits.

 

[jbrandoff]

I am sure you meant HDCP, not HDMI.

If you compare those two side by side, level match them, use the same media contents and player, and they should sound the same. There is no reason not to as the only difference is the HDAM, that is designed for transparency not sound signature. You don't want to buy something that force a sound signature on you, do you? I have compared my various gear including D, M, and separates, all sounded transparent when used well below their output limits.

I totally agree- I want the music to sound as intended, not changed by the equipment!

What about the older HDCP version? Is that an issue?

 

[PENG]

I totally agree- I want the music to sound as intended, not changed by the equipment!

What about the older HDCP version? Is that an issue?

I am not sure, but if I understood right 2.3 has to do 8K contents. If so, then I don't see any problem for most people. Hopefully someone who knows will chime in.

 

[chrysler82000]

Hi- this is my first post and I want to thank all of you for your outstanding analysis and advice. Love this site!

Building a home theater but 2-channel hifi music is also a priority to me. Planning to go 7.2.4. Room is not huge, about 19' x 12'. Choosing between the new Denon 3600 or the new Marantz 6014. Specs on each of them seem very similar. Both have 11 channels of processing with 9 channels of amplification. Each has similar specs in terms of what they can process and what they can do. I am planning to use an external amp for L/C/R and the internal amps for surrounds and heights. I have a monolith 7x200 for the L/C/R. My question is this- is there a significant difference in the way these two receivers sound when it comes to both home theater AND musicality. The internet is packed with conjecture about Denon being punchier and better for theater and Marantz being more musical. Is this true? or are they basically similar enough that no one could perceive an actual difference? I'm trying to wrap my head around the $400 price difference with such similar specs??? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you!

Denon being punchier and better for theater and Marantz being more musical.

I would agree Denon punchier but I don't agree that the Denon is better for home theater. There is absolutely a very clear difference in sound. You might wanna demo them both. Sound is subjective.

I hate my Denon X1500, I love my marantz SR7012. Yes they are the same company, and service absolutely sucks. But the marantz sounds so much smoother more real. The Denon X1500 is in your face, and a bit harsh. More speakers is more better. My room is 12' x 13' and I'm set up 7.2.4. with dual svs pb3000.

A couple weeks ago I ditched the Denon and made this room into a concert hall. I was 5.1.2 now just 2 Revel Salon 2's and an Anthem STR power amp with a dac. I subscribed to Tidal and I find myself listening to music more than watching my Oled. My downstairs is the theatre room. I can honestly say, the music end of these 2 avr's will not get you the music stage you might expect.