Any benefit to adding Marantz MM7055 to SR7015 for 5.2 system?

[YSL]

Due to the configuration of my space I’m running a 5.2 set-up, and I needed to get a new receiver so I opted for the SR7015 that should arrive this Thursday. I’ve always believed in the idea of separates and love specs, but my acoustics aren’t perfect so I’ve always gone the simple and less expensive route of the AVR. Now that I’m making one change, I’d like to get some advice on another. I know the MM7055 has been around quite some time, but is there any benefit to using that as an amp instead of using what’s in the SR7015? Here’s my current set-up:

- Pioneer Elite SC-LX801 (Moving from main to secondary to solely drive outdoor speakers - it’s the existing secondary AVR that went out that‘s causing the chain of changes).

- B&W DM604 S1 (F), CC6 S2 (C), DS6 S3 (S), Velodyne Optimum 12 (Sub)

As you can tell I don’t change equipment too often, but since I have to make a change if it should include getting the MM7055 then I will. Thanks for sharing your perspective!

 

[pcosmic]

Due to the configuration of my space I’m running a 5.2 set-up, and I needed to get a new receiver so I opted for the SR7015 that should arrive this Thursday. I’ve always believed in the idea of separates and love specs, but my acoustics aren’t perfect so I’ve always gone the simple and less expensive route of the AVR. Now that I’m making one change, I’d like to get some advice on another. I know the MM7055 has been around quite some time, but is there any benefit to using that as an amp instead of using what’s in the SR7015? Here’s my current set-up:

- Pioneer Elite SC-LX801 (Moving from main to secondary to solely drive outdoor speakers - it’s the existing secondary AVR that went out that‘s causing the chain of changes).

- B&W DM604 S1 (F), CC6 S2 (C), DS6 S3 (S), Velodyne Optimum 12 (Sub)

As you can tell I don’t change equipment too often, but since I have to make a change if it should include getting the MM7055 then I will. Thanks for sharing your perspective!

ZERO sonic benefit to adding that amp to the receiver for your 5.2 setup. But, if you like how it looks, you could buy it and be blissed out looking at the happy pair.

If i were you, i'd save that cash, find new music, buy some cds, support starving artists, etc.

 

[lovinthehd]

The Marantz avr should be as capable as your Pioneer and the Marantz amp isn't significantly more powerful....were you running out of steam with the Pioneer? You can't hear the difference in specs among these units....

 

[YSL]

ZERO sonic benefit to adding that amp to the receiver for your 5.2 setup. But, if you like how it looks, you could buy it and be blissed out looking at the happy pair.

If i were you, i'd save that cash, find new music, buy some cds, support starving artists, etc.

Thanks for the reply and I like your comment about supporting starving artists!

 

[YSL]

The Marantz avr should be as capable as your Pioneer and the Marantz amp isn't significantly more powerful....were you running out of steam with the Pioneer? You can't hear the difference in specs among these units....

Thanks for the reply. I was pretty happy with the Pioneer and I usually listen to music at moderate levels, so the power levels seemed to be fine. It really just was out of necessity that I needed to repurpose the Pioneer, and then the (claimed) warmth of the Marantz intrigued me as I remember the warmth of tube amplifiers

 

[lovinthehd]

Thanks for the reply. I was pretty happy with the Pioneer and I usually listen to music at moderate levels, so the power levels seemed to be fine. It really just was out of necessity that I needed to repurpose the Pioneer, and then the (claimed) warmth of the Marantz intrigued me as I remember the warmth of tube amplifiers

I hope you're not disappointed when the warmth would likely need to come from you tweaking the dsp to make it so....I woulda gone Denon especially if you're looking at better spec as per several recent tests.....

 

[YSL]

I hope you're not disappointed when the warmth would likely need to come from you tweaking the dsp to make it so....I woulda gone Denon especially if you're looking at better spec as per several recent tests.....

I actually liked Denon and went with them through several models, but I had a problem with an HDMI connector coming loose internally on one, and a speaker binding post on another. Granted this was several years ago so they’re probably better, but I loved the features and specs at the time. I’ve not tweaked the DSP before so you might see me on the forum again asking for help. I appreciate the advice.

 

[Alfred Prill]

I have the 7015, it is very substantial and will power a 5 channel system beyond spouse approval levels (turn that down!). I purchased a MM7205 to power 11 channels total. Bi amped the DT 11s, 6 ceiling sets, center and two subs. Waited 40 yrs to get here, but looking forward to years of TV and video standards to catch up to 8k video processing. I doubt you need more amps, but I admit having another amp running additional channels is appealing. Perfect world, it would be on display, mine is in a vented entertainment center with an IR repeater so only the two D11s and center are visible below the tv.

 

[Alfred Prill]

PS I think the Denons are great, price points are better. However the 2020 Marantz line shuts down the AV receiver amps (becomes the processing unit) and relies on the secondary amp for power, this makes for cleaner sound at higher levels of volume (if that is your goal). Plus the Marantz aesthetic is awesome, big black steel face, minimal display. If you want info overkill...open the bottom tray

 

[lovinthehd]

PS I think the Denons are great, price points are better. However the 2020 Marantz line shuts down the AV receiver amps (becomes the processing unit) and relies on the secondary amp for power, this makes for cleaner sound at higher levels of volume (if that is your goal). Plus the Marantz aesthetic is awesome, big black steel face, minimal display. If you want info overkill...open the bottom tray

You wanna explain that a bit more on how that works with the Marantz avrs vs Denon?

 

[MacCali]

Thanks for the reply. I was pretty happy with the Pioneer and I usually listen to music at moderate levels, so the power levels seemed to be fine. It really just was out of necessity that I needed to repurpose the Pioneer, and then the (claimed) warmth of the Marantz intrigued me as I remember the warmth of tube amplifiers

Only reason to buy that is basically if you have some really hard to drive tower speakers and center channel to ease the burden on your whole system and provide sufficient power to everything.

Not sure if you are aware but all those 15 series AVRs, Denons, and Yamaha all have failing 4k/120 capability. So the extra money is kind of a waste when youre not getting much more than the 7013. But I am guessing it's probably to late to go back on your purchase.

But again that is an array that is generally like 5."X".4 or 7.X.4. Your receiver loses power as you add more speakers, a denon or marantz should easily be able to handle 5 speakers no problem probably even 7.

So I think that's what they mean when it's not going to make anything sound better. It is just overkill, unless you plan on running so many speakers. Not sure too many details about your tower/floor standing speakers, but if they are not getting loud enough you can just add the 2 channel amp strictly for those and your system will be completely at ease. Definitely not point of adding 5 channels of amplification unless youre going to run like 7.2.6

 

[Alfred Prill]

Check out the article:
Marantz Releases 2020 8K Ready SR-Series AV Receivers
Pre-Amplifier Mode
It looks as though Sound United is adding Pre-Amplifier mode to all their newest receivers which provides a clear signal path and more tolerance in clipping levels by disconnecting internal amplifiers when the receiver is used as an AV processor and all speakers are powered by external amplifiers. After years of testing and measuring AV receiver performance, Gene determined the reason why the preamp outputs on most receivers showed high distortion in an FFT plot when driven above 1.2Vrms. The unloaded amplifiers were being driven into clipping causing distortion to be feedback into the signal chain. This can be seen most recently in our measurements of the Marantz SR8012 as well as many other brands and models we've reviewed over the years. We pleaded with AV receiver manufacturers to offer a "preamp mode" that physically disconnects the signal path to the amplifiers for those wanting to use their receivers as a dedicated preamp by connecting external amplification.
If listeners want to tap into separate power sources, the latest Marantz SR Series now support “Pre-Amplifier” mode on the SR6015, SR7015 and SR8015 models. Pre-Amplifier mode provides a clear signal path and more tolerance in clipping levels by disconnecting internal amplifiers when the receiver is used as an AV processor and all speakers are powered by external amplifiers. --Marantz

 

[lovinthehd]

Check out the article:
Marantz Releases 2020 8K Ready SR-Series AV Receivers
Pre-Amplifier Mode
It looks as though Sound United is adding Pre-Amplifier mode to all their newest receivers which provides a clear signal path and more tolerance in clipping levels by disconnecting internal amplifiers when the receiver is used as an AV processor and all speakers are powered by external amplifiers. After years of testing and measuring AV receiver performance, Gene determined the reason why the preamp outputs on most receivers showed high distortion in an FFT plot when driven above 1.2Vrms. The unloaded amplifiers were being driven into clipping causing distortion to be feedback into the signal chain. This can be seen most recently in our measurements of the Marantz SR8012 as well as many other brands and models we've reviewed over the years. We pleaded with AV receiver manufacturers to offer a "preamp mode" that physically disconnects the signal path to the amplifiers for those wanting to use their receivers as a dedicated preamp by connecting external amplification.
If listeners want to tap into separate power sources, the latest Marantz SR Series now support “Pre-Amplifier” mode on the SR6015, SR7015 and SR8015 models. Pre-Amplifier mode provides a clear signal path and more tolerance in clipping levels by disconnecting internal amplifiers when the receiver is used as an AV processor and all speakers are powered by external amplifiers. --Marantz

Sound United also produces Denon which also have this feature available.....

 

[MacCali]

Check out the article:
Marantz Releases 2020 8K Ready SR-Series AV Receivers
Pre-Amplifier Mode
It looks as though Sound United is adding Pre-Amplifier mode to all their newest receivers which provides a clear signal path and more tolerance in clipping levels by disconnecting internal amplifiers when the receiver is used as an AV processor and all speakers are powered by external amplifiers. After years of testing and measuring AV receiver performance, Gene determined the reason why the preamp outputs on most receivers showed high distortion in an FFT plot when driven above 1.2Vrms. The unloaded amplifiers were being driven into clipping causing distortion to be feedback into the signal chain. This can be seen most recently in our measurements of the Marantz SR8012 as well as many other brands and models we've reviewed over the years. We pleaded with AV receiver manufacturers to offer a "preamp mode" that physically disconnects the signal path to the amplifiers for those wanting to use their receivers as a dedicated preamp by connecting external amplification.
If listeners want to tap into separate power sources, the latest Marantz SR Series now support “Pre-Amplifier” mode on the SR6015, SR7015 and SR8015 models. Pre-Amplifier mode provides a clear signal path and more tolerance in clipping levels by disconnecting internal amplifiers when the receiver is used as an AV processor and all speakers are powered by external amplifiers. --Marantz

Well you need to consider again that it kind of makes no sense my man. I mean I am going to give you the idea and logic my man.

That unit can only process 11 channels, so you can recant my previous feed back. So the most you can get out of it is 11 channels/speakers of processing.

Now with that in mind if you plan to buy a second 11 channel amp or higher, that’s fine. But now you will end up almost like purchasing separates but buying two amps and a processor.

But the unit itself is ready for 2 channel pre amplification if you wish to use 11 channels. It is only 9 channels.



Now I am no expert, but common sense would tell me that a 3 channel amplifier probably won’t hit 1.2 vrms. This is more for larger amps like 5/7/11 channel amps used as separates. Cause remember it’s designed to add 2 channel pre amp.

Also the 7013 has HDAM which is the preamp mode according to what I understood from Gene

I mean it’s not bad deal, but the 7013 is what 6/700 cheaper. Just trying to provide you with the best opinion possible is all. It’s like you consider what we say and what you pay.

Trust me, I really wanted 4K/120. I just purchased my first receiver which was the 7013. I wanted the 7015 and now I feel like I made an even better decision because I don’t think it would have been worth paying 2k plus.


So of all people giving advice we are in the same boat.

The only thing that ups the 7013 is the hdr+, but I stream on my tv so I get full picture quality and only audio out the 7013. But I’m not sure if your projector is hdr+ at 4K/60, think it needs to be 4K/120. But it is future proofing

So I mean depending on your speakers I don’t think you would need 5 channels of amp andantes 3 channel amp would be more than sufficient would work wonders.

 

[lovinthehd]

Now I am no expert, but common sense would tell me that a 3 channel amplifier probably won’t hit 1.2 vrms. This is more for larger amps like 5/7/11 channel amps used as separates. Cause remember it’s designed to add 2 channel pre amp.

Your common sense isn't doing much. What on earth does the number of channels have to do with the amps' sensitivity level?

 

[Alfred Prill]

Yes you are correct, the lower price Denon units don't include that feature

Well you need to consider again that it kind of makes no sense my man. I mean I am going to give you the idea and logic my man.

That unit can only process 11 channels, so you can recant my previous feed back. So the most you can get out of it is 11 channels/speakers of processing.

Now with that in mind if you plan to buy a second 11 channel amp or higher, that’s fine. But now you will end up almost like purchasing separates but buying two amps and a processor.

But the unit itself is ready for 2 channel pre amplification if you wish to use 11 channels. It is only 9 channels.



Now I am no expert, but common sense would tell me that a 3 channel amplifier probably won’t hit 1.2 vrms. This is more for larger amps like 5/7/11 channel amps used as separates. Cause remember it’s designed to add 2 channel pre amp.

Also the 7013 has HDAM which is the preamp mode according to what I understood from Gene

View attachment 41305

I mean it’s not bad deal, but the 7013 is what 6/700 cheaper. Just trying to provide you with the best opinion possible is all. It’s like you consider what we say and what you pay.

Trust me, I really wanted 4K/120. I just purchased my first receiver which was the 7013. I wanted the 7015 and now I feel like I made an even better decision because I don’t think it would have been worth paying 2k plus.


So of all people giving advice we are in the same boat.

The only thing that ups the 7013 is the hdr+, but I stream on my tv so I get full picture quality and only audio out the 7013. But I’m not sure if your projector is hdr+ at 4K/60, think it needs to be 4K/120. But it is future proofing

So I mean depending on your speakers I don’t think you would need 5 channels of amp andantes 3 channel amp would be more than sufficient would work wonders.

Yes I agree with you, I am new to this...if you look at my post in response to the recent audiophile article, I have waited along time to get to a place where I can even understand the difference between a preamp and processor. The original post was asking the question about using a dedicated amp with his new SR7015. He is running 5 channels, and the 7015 is very powerful, he can use 4 of the 9 separate amps to biamp a nice pair of left\rights and still run his remaining surround speakers. No need to spend more money on another dedicated amp.

I decided to go the route of a 9 channel 7015 + 2 channel dedicated amp to power 11 channels. Biamped l\r, center and 6 ceilings. I love the appeal of a processor and separate amps; but reality brings us back to the realization that the working man can't have it all. The great thing about Marantz and Denon is you can add separate power amps as you can financially justify. The new 8k systems will be relevant for along time. Eventually 8k sources and TVs will be the new norm and priced accordingly.

 

[MacCali]

Your common sense isn't doing much. What on earth does the number of channels have to do with the amps' sensitivity level?

Honestly I have no clue. As mentioned I am no expert, feel free to correct and provide the proper information to this gentleman. Just saying that possibly a 3 channel amp will not effect the 1.2 vrms he mentioned and again both the 7013 and 7015 have nearly the same functionality. That photo I posted was specs for the 7013

When again it’s made to support additional 2 channel amp in the first place, which is why I say common sense would assume adding 3 channel amp should add no further issues.

Maybe not.

Just trying to give my man some reasonable options to consider and put 600 or more in his pocket

 

[lovinthehd]

Honestly I have no clue. As mentioned I am no expert, feel free to correct and provide the proper information to this gentleman. Just saying that possibly a 3 channel amp will not effect the 1.2 vrms he mentioned and again both the 7013 and 7015 have nearly the same functionality. That photo I posted was specs for the 7013

When again it’s made to support additional 2 channel amp in the first place, which is why I say common sense would assume adding 3 channel amp should add no further issues.

Maybe not.

Just trying to give my man some reasonable options to consider and put 600 or more in his pocket

So you have no clue...and yet you want to give advice?

 

[MacCali]

So you have no clue...and yet you want to give advice?

Yes, by no clue I mean I am not 100% certain what I am stating is facts. When I give my opinion it’s for research purposes. Open for the person asking to fact check and for anyone else who drops in reading what I say to correct me and provide the facts.

 

[lovinthehd]

Yes, by no clue I mean I am not 100% certain what I am stating is facts. When I give my opinion it’s for research purposes. Open for the person asking to fact check and for anyone else who drops in reading what I say to correct me and provide the facts.

So basically you're full of poop until proven otherwise? That's useful?