Denon vs. Marantz receiver question

[BruT_54]

Hello all,
I'm considering upgrading my ancient receiver (mid 90's Pioneer) in a 2.1 system. I'm just getting back into audio after a long break (decades).
It's for a music-only system, I won't be using it in a home theater at least initially.

I'm considering the Denon DRA-800H and the Marantz NR1200; they both have HEOS - I stream Amazon HD from a desktop PC, HEOS would allow eliminating the PC.
The Denon has more power than the Marantz (100 watts into 8 ohms vs. 75) and is cheaper by $100. They have very similar features.

How does the sound of Denon and Marantz compare? Is either of them known to have a certain kind of 'sound'?
Would someone who isn't an 'audiophile' with discriminating ears even be able to hear a difference?

I'm in my 60's, my hearing isn't real bad but I know it's not as good as it used to be.

Thanks for any advice
BT

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

They sound exactly the same if all conditions are the same.

 

[PENG]

Hello all,
I'm considering upgrading my ancient receiver (mid 90's Pioneer) in a 2.1 system. I'm just getting back into audio after a long break (decades).
It's for a music-only system, I won't be using it in a home theater at least initially.

I'm considering the Denon DRA-800H and the Marantz NR1200; they both have HEOS - I stream Amazon HD from a desktop PC, HEOS would allow eliminating the PC.
The Denon has more power than the Marantz (100 watts into 8 ohms vs. 75) and is cheaper by $100. They have very similar features.

How does the sound of Denon and Marantz compare? Is either of them known to have a certain kind of 'sound'?
Would someone who isn't an 'audiophile' with discriminating ears even be able to hear a difference?

I'm in my 60's, my hearing isn't real bad but I know it's not as good as it used to be.

Thanks for any advice
BT

Internally they are near identical twins. Usually the only difference between them is that Marantz has the HDAM thing, that may or may not be better. In this case, the NR1200, in fact any of the NR series don't have HDAMs anyway so if $100 means something to you then go with the Denon, otherwise go for the look you prefer.

 

[BruT_54]

Thanks for the info, a follow up question if I may:

Eventually I'd like to get some small Magnepan speakers, either the LRS or maybe used MMG's. I've read that
these speakers require a lot of power; do you think either of these receivers would be able to drive them so they sound good?
If not I can add a power amp I guess.

Thanks
BT

 

[Gmoney]

They sound exactly the same if all conditions are the same.

Same Factory also where they are made right?

 

[PENG]

Thanks for the info, a follow up question if I may:

Eventually I'd like to get some small Magnepan speakers, either the LRS or maybe used MMG's. I've read that
these speakers require a lot of power; do you think either of these receivers would be able to drive them so they sound good?
If not I can add a power amp I guess.

Thanks
BT

In order to answer your question with confidence, you need to provide at least the following information.

- Seating distance
- Specs of your speakers, or just name your speaker (need complete model number, not just "Magnepan").
- Maximum SPL (sound pressure level) desired. 85 dB average 105 dB peak is what you typically hear in a movie cinema that follow THX standards.
- How many speakers? 5.1, 7.1 etc.?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Same Factory also where they are made right?

Yep. That sounds about right.

 

[BruT_54]

In order to answer your question with confidence, you need to provide at least the following information.

- Seating distance
- Specs of your speakers, or just name your speaker (need complete model number, not just "Magnepan").
- Maximum SPL (sound pressure level) desired. 85 dB average 105 dB peak is what you typically hear in a movie cinema that follow THX standards.
- How many speakers? 5.1, 7.1 etc.?

Either the Magnepan LRS or MMG's (which the LRS replaced). I'd probably go with the LRS though.
Both the LRS & MMGs are 4 ohms, 86 db sensitivity.
My listening room is pretty small, 11 x 12, so I guess I'd be 7 or 8 feet away from the speakers; and I'd be running a 2.1 'music only' system, not home theater.

As far as Max SPL I have no idea how to determine that, I'm just getting into audio again. I don't crank up the volume, just listen at low or moderate levels for whatever that's worth.
Thanks

 

[PENG]

Either the Magnepan LRS or MMG's (which the LRS replaced). I'd probably go with the LRS though.
Both the LRS & MMGs are 4 ohms, 86 db sensitivity.
My listening room is pretty small, 11 x 12, so I guess I'd be 7 or 8 feet away from the speakers; and I'd be running a 2.1 'music only' system, not home theater.

As far as Max SPL I have no idea how to determine that, I'm just getting into audio again. I don't crank up the volume, just listen at low or moderate levels for whatever that's worth.
Thanks

Those speakers have nominal impedance of about 3.5 ohms, combined with sensitivity of just 86 dB/2.83V/m, they are going suck a lot of current. They should still be fine with the NR1200 because of your 7 to 8 ft distance, but you would need to put a fan on top and don't crank the volume anywhere near -10. You really should go for something more powerful.

If your budget is limited to $600, the Denon AVR-X3500H is a much better alternative. Yes I know you only need 2.1 but those NR1200/DRA-800 are really rip-offs that prey on people who believe and/or prefer 2.1 receivers just because that's all they need. Just look at the images of the innards, they look ridiculously cheap.

If you can stretch your budget a little, the the AVR-X3600H is unbeatable based on its measured performance, better than the Marantz separate prepro. This way, you do it right the first time and can forget about adding any amp.

 

[PENG]

One major disadvantage of using those poorly build 2.1 receivers is that you will be deprived of the very effective auto REQ feature. A pic is better than a thousand words, you can see the difference in the bass response between Audyssey on and off, at least that is for my 2.1 speakers.

The difference is not just there for the MMP (main mic position), but also for the nearby areas such as 6 to 10 inches to the left right, higher and lower, sort of within a listening bubble/window. D+M is so cheap that just to save few dollars for the cheap mic and license fees, they don't equip their two channel receivers with Audyssey.