Marantz sr6014?

[Sax-Fan]

I have been looking at new receivers to replace my old Rotel which is rated at 75 watts per channel with all (5) channels driven. I have a 5.1 system - fronts are B&W CDM1NTs which are rated at 88db and a CC6 S2 center channel.

I can buy the sr6014 on clearance for $900. So 2 questions, I guess. (1) Should the 6014 be able to power my speakers as well as the Rotel? And (2), assuming the Marantz has the features I need, is there any reason to spend more money on a more "boutique" brand like Anthem, NAD, or even another Rotel (I suspect I know what the response will be to this question on this site, but had to ask)?

 

[lovinthehd]

Have you seen this? https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/marantz-sr6014-avr-review.14615/

What Rotel do you have?

ps If the Rotel could do it I'm pretty sure the Marantz can do it if not better....

 

[Sax-Fan]

RSX-965. It is 20 years old. I have considered just trying to get it it fixed, but it certainly doesn't owe me anything.

I did see the review. I honestly don't know what to make of their numbers and whether it really means anything in typical use - but perhaps I shouldn't press my luck.

 

[lovinthehd]

RSX-965. It is 20 years old. I have considered just trying to get it it fixed, but it certainly doesn't owe me anything.

I did see the review. I honestly don't know what to make of their numbers and whether it really means anything in typical use.

Then why are you focused on 75wpc ACD rating as being particularly important? Hard to compare, too as the ones I see in the RSX-965 manual are only ACD ratings rather than the usual use of a 2ch rating (20hz-20khz, at a reasonably low THD like .08%)...while relatable ACD or one channel or ratings at 1khz only....they'll vary. I'd think the amps are relatively equal overall, and any difference in power is relatively insignificant in any case.

Personally I find more value in mainstream avrs vs the boutique brands and while some of the boutique brands tout build quality they tend to still use overseas contractors like some of the major brands do, too. Nature of consumer electronics, more brands than actual manufacturers.

Is the 6014 warrantied?

 

[Sax-Fan]

Then why are you focused on 75wpc ACD rating as being particularly important? Hard to compare, too as the ones I see in the RSX-965 manual are only ACD ratings rather than the usual use of a 2ch rating (20hz-20khz, at a reasonably low THD like .08%)...while relatable ACD or one channel or ratings at 1khz only....they'll vary. I'd think the amps are relatively equal overall, and any difference in power is relatively insignificant in any case.

Personally I find more value in mainstream avrs vs the boutique brands and while some of the boutique brands tout build quality they tend to still use overseas contractors like some of the major brands do, too. Nature of consumer electronics, more brands than actual manufacturers.

Is the 6014 warrantied?

I'm afraid my knowledge of how to read these tech details is not particularly high, so I latched on to what I saw. When I bought the receiver I pretty much listened to the sales guy who told me the receiver was a good match for my speakers. In fairness, I've had no complaints and have really enjoyed it, but I'm older (and, I hope, wiser) and I ask a lot more questions now. There is also much more information readily available.

Yes, the 6014 is new, warrantied and being sold through an authorized dealer. I admit the ASR review is giving me pause, but I don't know if it should.

 

[lovinthehd]

We have some articles here on Audioholics under the AV Research tab that can help you with how to read various specs.

Let's just say that an ACD rating (all channels driven) at a low THD and a fairly high number like 75 like yours has is definitely a good thing, might give you an idea of power supply but compared to an amp with more aggressive output control maybe not so meaningful. Most content doesn't require simultaneous max output, so it's not a particular real world need. In surround sound the surrounds get significantly less output, altho that can be somewhat cancelled out by the typical small surround speakers probably being less sensitive/efficient.

Plus there's still some ambiguity in the spec from the manufacturer unless they specify it more exactly. Always nice to compare to third party test results and that's where Audioholics and ASR, as well as others, can give you some perspective on the manufacturer's ratings. With most modern well designed amps (as tends to be the case) the differences are fairly minor overall and really boil down to how well they can supply juice under extreme loads if you're going to push it.....but in average use it really doesn't account for a whole lot.

Playing around with an spl calculator might give you a better perspective? http://myhometheater.homestead.com/splcalculator.html With some speakers you might consider how they based their spec....some provide "in room" estimates rather than anechoic or just narrow the frequency range to their benefit. Might reduce the sensitivy by at least 3dB with Klipsch for example...maybe even 4 or 5 based on some measurements I've seen.

 

[mazersteven]

$900 sounds like a Deal. Refurbished $100 more

Accessories4less: High End Audio at Low End Prices!

www.accessories4less.com

 

[Sax-Fan]

We have some articles here on Audioholics under the AV Research tab that can help you with how to read various specs.

Let's just say that an ACD rating (all channels driven) at a low THD and a fairly high number like 75 like yours has is definitely a good thing, might give you an idea of power supply but compared to an amp with more aggressive output control maybe not so meaningful. Most content doesn't require simultaneous max output, so it's not a particular real world need. In surround sound the surrounds get significantly less output, altho that can be somewhat cancelled out by the typical small surround speakers probably being less sensitive/efficient.

Plus there's still some ambiguity in the spec from the manufacturer unless they specify it more exactly. Always nice to compare to third party test results and that's where Audioholics and ASR, as well as others, can give you some perspective on the manufacturer's ratings. With most modern well designed amps (as tends to be the case) the differences are fairly minor overall and really boil down to how well they can supply juice under extreme loads if you're going to push it.....but in average use it really doesn't account for a whole lot.

Playing around with an spl calculator might give you a better perspective? http://myhometheater.homestead.com/splcalculator.html With some speakers you might consider how they based their spec....some provide "in room" estimates rather than anechoic or just narrow the frequency range to their benefit. Might reduce the sensitivy by at least 3dB with Klipsch for example...maybe even 4 or 5 based on some measurements I've seen.

I appreciate all of the information. I'll read through some of the articles and try to educate myself.

 

[Sax-Fan]

$900 sounds like a Deal. Refurbished $100 more

Accessories4less: High End Audio at Low End Prices!

www.accessories4less.com

Yes, it seems like a pretty good deal, but would you stay away in light of the ASR review? I'm also not thrilled with the "port hole" display, but otherwise had been hoping they might lower prices when the 6015s were released.
It's eligible for free return, so I guess the risk is low.

 

[VMPS-TIII]

That's funny. You can buy a new unit for $899 or a used refurb for $999? lol

Amazon.com: Marantz 4K UHD AV Receiver SR6014 - 9.2 Channel (2019 Model) | Latest Surround Sound Formats - IMAX Enhanced | Dolby Virtual Height Elevation | Amazon Alexa | Online Streaming | Home Automation: Electronics

Amazon.com: Marantz 4K UHD AV Receiver SR6014 - 9.2 Channel (2019 Model) | Latest Surround Sound Formats - IMAX Enhanced | Dolby Virtual Height Elevation | Amazon Alexa | Online Streaming | Home Automation: Electronics

www.amazon.com

 

[Sax-Fan]

That's funny. You can buy a new unit for $899 or a used refurb for $999? lol

Amazon.com: Marantz 4K UHD AV Receiver SR6014 - 9.2 Channel (2019 Model) | Latest Surround Sound Formats - IMAX Enhanced | Dolby Virtual Height Elevation | Amazon Alexa | Online Streaming | Home Automation: Electronics

Amazon.com: Marantz 4K UHD AV Receiver SR6014 - 9.2 Channel (2019 Model) | Latest Surround Sound Formats - IMAX Enhanced | Dolby Virtual Height Elevation | Amazon Alexa | Online Streaming | Home Automation: Electronics

www.amazon.com

Yup. And Amazon has free returns.

 

[VMPS-TIII]

With the 6014 review posted at https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/marantz-sr6014-avr-review.14615/
They may have to lower the price even more to get rid of 6014 stock.

 

[PENG]

Yes, it seems like a pretty good deal, but would you stay away in light of the ASR review? I'm also not thrilled with the "port hole" display, but otherwise had been hoping they might lower prices when the 6015s were released.
It's eligible for free return, so I guess the risk is low.

If the dealer can get you the 6014 with manufacturer's original warranty, why not negotiate with him for an even better deal on the AVR-X3600H that was at one point rank top on the ASR review chart?

Is there a reason why you aim for the Marantz instead of the virtual twin Denon 3600 that measured much better because Denon did not bother with the marketing hype about the redundant HDAM modules and the use of a non standard dac filter. Other than that the two are near identical in terms of the audio circuitry and components, the 6014 has a marginally larger power supply transformer. Either one will outperform the Rotel by a wide margin.

No need to be concerned about Rotel's 5 channel driven output, in real world use you won't have all 5 channel be driven to the same peak level anyway.

Rotel's specs:

1kHz, <1.0% THD, 8 ohms, DIN: 100 watts/ch (all channels driven)

Compared that to ASR's measurements on the AVR-X3700H:

Denon AVR-X3700H AVR Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of Denon AVR-X3700H 9.2 channel 8K Home Theater AV Receiver (AVR). It is kindly loaned to me by a local member and costs US $1,199. Visually, if you have seen one AVR, you have seen the look of the AVR-X3700H: The input selector is plastic and...

www.audiosciencereview.com

So @lovinthehd was right on, when he said "I'd think the amps are relatively equal overall, and any difference in power is relatively insignificant in any case."

The SR6014 should do a little better, by may be 2 to 3% more.

 

[Sax-Fan]

If the dealer can get you the 6014 with manufacturer's original warranty, why not negotiate with him for an even better deal on the AVR-X3600H that was at one point rank top on the ASR review chart?

Is there a reason why you aim for the Marantz instead of the virtual twin Denon 3600 that measured much better because Denon did not bother with the marketing hype about the redundant HDAM modules and the use of a non standard dac filter. Other than that the two are near identical in terms of the audio circuitry and components, the 6014 has a marginally larger power supply transformer. Either one will outperform the Rotel by a wide margin.

No need to be concerned about Rotel's 5 channel driven output, in real world use you won't have all 5 channel be driven to the same peak level anyway.

Rotel's specs:

1kHz, <1.0% THD, 8 ohms, DIN: 100 watts/ch (all channels driven)

Compared that to ASR's measurements on the AVR-X3700H:

Denon AVR-X3700H AVR Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of Denon AVR-X3700H 9.2 channel 8K Home Theater AV Receiver (AVR). It is kindly loaned to me by a local member and costs US $1,199. Visually, if you have seen one AVR, you have seen the look of the AVR-X3700H: The input selector is plastic and...

www.audiosciencereview.com

So @lovinthehd was right on, when he said "I'd think the amps are relatively equal overall, and any difference in power is relatively insignificant in any case."

The SR6014 should do a little better, by may be 2 to 3% more.

View attachment 40799

Honestly, no. There is no particular reason that I was looking at the Marantz vs the Denon except that those places that still have stock of the 3600h seem to be selling them at around a $100 discount to the newer 3700h while the deal on 6014 seemed better. As the Marantz is being sold through Amazon, there is no negotiating on a different unit, although I could speak with a different dealer and see what I could work out on the 3600h or 3700h.

I actually anticipated my receiver budget to be higher than any of these receivers and had been looking at the 4700h, but like most people I do like to feel like I am getting a good deal and I wasn't sure whether the 4700h added enough for my use (or if it was otherwise objectively better) to warrant the price difference.

I have been looking at Yamaha also, but wasn't sure which model to focus on and also thought I might benefit more from Audyssey (although I have never had room correction before).

 

[PENG]

Honestly, no. There is no particular reason that I was looking at the Marantz vs the Denon except that those places that still have stock of the 3600h seem to be selling them at around a $100 discount to the newer 3700h while the deal on 6014 seemed better. As the Marantz is being sold through Amazon, there is no negotiating on a different unit, although I could speak with a different dealer and see what I could work out on the 3600h or 3700h.

I actually anticipated my receiver budget to be higher than any of these receivers and had been looking at the 4700h, but like most people I do like to feel like I am getting a good deal and I wasn't sure whether the 4700h added enough for my use (or if it was otherwise objectively better) to warrant the price difference.

I have been looking at Yamaha also, but wasn't sure which model to focus on and also thought I might benefit more from Audyssey (although I have never had room correction before).

If you have the budget, I would suggest you wait for the 4700 price drop. You still have the Rotel so you can afford to wait. The 3700/4700 have a full preamp mode, to me that is an advantage even if the 8K/HDMI 2.1 is not (but I think it is too, and HDMI version don't change too often).

 

[mazersteven]

I'm also not thrilled with the "port hole" display

I Love the Port Hole

 

[Sax-Fan]

I Love the Port Hole
View attachment 40800

Haha. It's not that I don't like the port hole design -- I actually do. I just don't find it useful as a display of information.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

I Love the Port Hole
View attachment 40800

Me too. Even though it’s basically useless from my LP. I like the design overall, and my 6012 has been awesome.

 

[Sax-Fan]

If you have the budget, I would suggest you wait for the 4700 price drop. You still have the Rotel so you can afford to wait. The 3700/4700 have a full preamp mode, to me that is an advantage even if the 8K/HDMI 2.1 is not (but I think it is too, and HDMI version don't change too often).

Yes. There is no emergency, notwithstanding a hum that can be a little annoying when things get soft.

 

[Sax-Fan]

Is looking into repairing the Rotel worth it at this point? And if so, what would you suggest as the maximum to put into it?

It doesn't have HDMI and all the nice new features, etc. but I just plug the video directly into the TV and audio to the receiver. My TV is a plasma, so not even 4K yet. I may upgrade at some point, but so far haven't seen the need.