AVR's that have the following?

[MalVeauX]

Hey all,

I'm AVR shopping and haven't bought one in a while.

I'm basically looking for one with the following things, if possible. Budget is whatever it is, but I'm always interested in a bargain and I don't need gobs of power, I just need a good pre-processor (AVR) that does the job.

1 - 7.2.4 capable (even if it means adding a separate amp to achieve the final pair of channels)
2 - Pre-outs if possible for at least the L/C/R
3 - Dolby Surround Upmixer (DSU); for all my legacy and stereo content

I tend to prefer Yamaha sound and handling. But I've done Onkyo, Denon, Yamaha, Pioneer, etc, over the years. My understanding is that Denon/Marantz will have the better room correction calibration routine at this time. I'm not a brand loyalist. Mainly just looking for a good pre-processor that can do the three bullets above.

If I had to give up one thing from the above, it would be the (2) pre-out option, as the AVR will be sufficient to drive my speakers. I'm just hoping I can find something with pre-out and the (1) and (3) options in a single unit for a good price.

Refurb is fine; I've bought lots from A4L here in Florida.

I would love to just get a pre-processor and skip the AVR, but non-AVR options are just out of my budget range when I add amplifers. Maybe one day, but I'm also realistic in that I don't need much power, I'd rather have convenience at this point. So AVR is likely it.

Looking at:

Denon AVR-X3600H or AVR-X3700H (add a stereo amp for the final channels to do 7.2.4 I believe?)
Marantz SR6013 (add a stereo amp for final channels for 7.2.4?)

I'm not sure if they have DSU though.

Thoughts?

Very best,

 

[stalag2005]

I went from a Yamaha RXV663 to an Anthem MRX-740. Wonderful upgrade for me. Way easier to administer and add to. Streams from my phone give me audio for my music collection (mp3) on my iphone. ARC (Anthem Room Correction) now works, and in my case gives me crystal clear audio as mixed by the engineers originally as good as the source it comes from. The MRX-740 will do a 7.2.4 configuration with an amplifier or if you have the budget an MRX-1140 will do it all without an added amplifier.

 

[PENG]

Hey all,

I'm AVR shopping and haven't bought one in a while.

I'm basically looking for one with the following things, if possible. Budget is whatever it is, but I'm always interested in a bargain and I don't need gobs of power, I just need a good pre-processor (AVR) that does the job.

1 - 7.2.4 capable (even if it means adding a separate amp to achieve the final pair of channels)
2 - Pre-outs if possible for at least the L/C/R
3 - Dolby Surround Upmixer (DSU); for all my legacy and stereo content

I tend to prefer Yamaha sound and handling. But I've done Onkyo, Denon, Yamaha, Pioneer, etc, over the years. My understanding is that Denon/Marantz will have the better room correction calibration routine at this time. I'm not a brand loyalist. Mainly just looking for a good pre-processor that can do the three bullets above.

If I had to give up one thing from the above, it would be the (2) pre-out option, as the AVR will be sufficient to drive my speakers. I'm just hoping I can find something with pre-out and the (1) and (3) options in a single unit for a good price.

Refurb is fine; I've bought lots from A4L here in Florida.

I would love to just get a pre-processor and skip the AVR, but non-AVR options are just out of my budget range when I add amplifers. Maybe one day, but I'm also realistic in that I don't need much power, I'd rather have convenience at this point. So AVR is likely it.

Looking at:

Denon AVR-X3600H or AVR-X3700H (add a stereo amp for the final channels to do 7.2.4 I believe?)
Marantz SR6013 (add a stereo amp for final channels for 7.2.4?)

I'm not sure if they have DSU though.

Thoughts?

Very best,

From the information you provided, I would say your requirements can be met by the following:

1) Yamaha RX-A3080, but you are going to have hard time finding one.
2) Denon AVR-X4700H
3) Marantz SR7015 or SR6015
4) Denon AVR-X3700H

If you go with 1), you won't likely need an external amp.

If you go with 2),3),4), you can try without external amp first and consider a 3 channel amp or 2+1 if found necessary.

 

[MalVeauX]

Thanks,

The AVR-X3700H is $999 from A4L. I already have a couple of stereo 50 watt amps, so I would just off-load the atmos to two 50 watt amps I already have, which should be plenty for that, leaving the AVR to just handle the L/C/R and 4 surrounds, which it should handle fine I imagine (think standard garage size type finished room with 90db 8ohm speakers).

The X4700H clocks in at $1500. I'm not sure if the extra $500 adds $500 worth of value over the X3700H.

The SR6015 seems to be in that $1350 range. And the SR7015 is over $2k it seems. And they're still only 9.2 channel so would need separate amps for the atmos to flesh out. I don't think that's really worth an extra $1k over the X3700H, but I'm not sure of course, which is why I'm asking.

The A3080 is in that $1800 range, but as mentioned, hard to find in stock. And it too is just 9.2 and requires the separate amps to flesh out atmos.

So if the X3700H ticks the boxes in terms of 7.2.4, pre-amp output on all channels (or at least LCR) and has DSU then that's good enough for me. I'd rather have that a few years and then get another one in a few years than spend twice the price and still have to re-buy later when things change up or advance again. I've had too many AVR's that become obsolete due to HDMI or other things moving forward. So not looking for top shelf, just looking for the functions with a good entry price.

So unless I'm missing something, the X3700H seems like the better bargain for the features and outputs? I couldn't find the DSU specifically stated on the X3700H on A4L unless I have the term wrong? I just pulled up the X3700H on Denon's website and it shows it under the surround modes. Just wanted to confirm.

Overall, if I drop pre-amp out and the .4 atmos and just stayed with a standard old 7.2 setup, I could get a $600 AVR and be fine. But I figure, with a new room, maybe I'll spend $1k or so and allow myself to play with atmos at .4 configuration (all or nothing basically, don't want to dabble with just .2).

Very best,

 

[PENG]

Thanks,

The AVR-X3700H is $999 from A4L. I already have a couple of stereo 50 watt amps, so I would just off-load the atmos to two 50 watt amps I already have, which should be plenty for that, leaving the AVR to just handle the L/C/R and 4 surrounds, which it should handle fine I imagine (think standard garage size type finished room with 90db 8ohm speakers).

The X4700H clocks in at $1500. I'm not sure if the extra $500 adds $500 worth of value over the X3700H.

The SR6015 seems to be in that $1350 range. And the SR7015 is over $2k it seems. And they're still only 9.2 channel so would need separate amps for the atmos to flesh out. I don't think that's really worth an extra $1k over the X3700H, but I'm not sure of course, which is why I'm asking.

The A3080 is in that $1800 range, but as mentioned, hard to find in stock. And it too is just 9.2 and requires the separate amps to flesh out atmos.

So if the X3700H ticks the boxes in terms of 7.2.4, pre-amp output on all channels (or at least LCR) and has DSU then that's good enough for me. I'd rather have that a few years and then get another one in a few years than spend twice the price and still have to re-buy later when things change up or advance again. I've had too many AVR's that become obsolete due to HDMI or other things moving forward. So not looking for top shelf, just looking for the functions with a good entry price.

So unless I'm missing something, the X3700H seems like the better bargain for the features and outputs? I couldn't find the DSU specifically stated on the X3700H on A4L unless I have the term wrong? I just pulled up the X3700H on Denon's website and it shows it under the surround modes. Just wanted to confirm.

Overall, if I drop pre-amp out and the .4 atmos and just stayed with a standard old 7.2 setup, I could get a $600 AVR and be fine. But I figure, with a new room, maybe I'll spend $1k or so and allow myself to play with atmos at .4 configuration (all or nothing basically, don't want to dabble with just .2).

Very best,

What kind of price can you find the AVR-X6700H? That one you don't need an amp. Its perfect though regardless if you have some 50 W amps sitting around anyway. Just use them with your most sensitive surround channels not necessarily the Atmos, just consider their sensitive specs and the distances, the two factors most important for determining power requirements.

Peak SPL Calculator (homestead.com)

 

[MalVeauX]

What kind of price can you find the AVR-X6700H? That one you don't need an amp. Its perfect though regardless if you have some 50 W amps sitting around anyway. Just use them with your most sensitive surround channels not necessarily the Atmos, just consider their sensitive specs and the distance, the two factors most important for determining power requirements.

Peak SPL Calculator (homestead.com)

Just over $2.1k for the X6700H. So yea, the X3700H seems to tick the boxes at $1k.

And good point about the most sensitive speakers and distances; maybe the surrounds will actually end up being more distant than the atmos ones.

Very best,

 

[lovinthehd]

I think pretty much any current avr will have the Dolby Surround feature. Check manuals perhaps rather than just retailer info....

 

[MalVeauX]

Hrm,

Any thoughts on the Denon X3700H vs Marantz SR6014? They seem nearly the same with respect to 4k and the ability to process 11 channels and the same room calibration protocol?

Very best,

 

[lovinthehd]

Hrm,

Any thoughts on the Denon X3700H vs Marantz SR6014? They seem nearly the same with respect to 4k and the ability to process 11 channels and the same room calibration protocol?

Very best,

Maybe check out both reviews at asr?

Marantz SR6014 AVR Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Marantz SR6014 Audio/Video Receiver. It was purchased new and kindly drop shipped to me. It costs US $1,500. The SR6014 looks just like all the other Marantz AV products: I must say, as iconic as the round display is, coming from testing...

www.audiosciencereview.com

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

 

[MalVeauX]

Maybe check out both reviews at asr?

Marantz SR6014 AVR Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Marantz SR6014 Audio/Video Receiver. It was purchased new and kindly drop shipped to me. It costs US $1,500. The SR6014 looks just like all the other Marantz AV products: I must say, as iconic as the round display is, coming from testing...

www.audiosciencereview.com

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

Interesting, pretty much said the Marantz is poop.

Very best,

 

[Pogre]

Hrm,

Any thoughts on the Denon X3700H vs Marantz SR6014? They seem nearly the same with respect to 4k and the ability to process 11 channels and the same room calibration protocol?

Very best,

I like them both. I'm partial to the look of Marantz, stupid little window port and all, lol. Check out the reviews HD linked above tho. I think the 3700 measures best with the amp disconnect thing over at ASR. I remember a bit of a kerfuffle over some measurements that led to a back and forth with Denon, but I think they got it sorted. I know the 3600 killed it, I'd expect pretty much the same with the 3700.

 

[lovinthehd]

Interesting, pretty much said the Marantz is poop.

Very best,

Well, that may be a bit strong but generally the Marantz haven't been measuring as well. Not likely anything audible (or could even be euphonic?). Generally I find better deals on the Denon "equivalent" too.

 

[Pogre]

Interesting, pretty much said the Marantz is poop.

Very best,

Yeah, that's Amir for ya... he has a point, but his complaints all pretty much fall under "inaudible" either way. The 6014 is still a great avr.

That said, I'd prolly get the 3700 if I were buying today.

 

[MalVeauX]

Yeah, that's Amir for ya... he has a point, but his complaints all pretty much fall under "inaudible" either way. The 6014 is still a great avr.

That said, I'd prolly get the 3700 if I were buying today.

Agreed, a lot of it was truly minutia in reality. But still, interesting how they compare. I was under the impression that Denon & Marantz at this point were virtually the same thing.

Hard to find a X3700H in stock (refurb to save $300, that's a new pair of speakers to play with!). But I'm in no rush. So was looking at alternatives. The X3700H really ticks all the boxes in the $1k price point for me. I shouldn't even keep looking around and just get it when it's back in stock at A4L (if it ever does).

Very best,

 

[Pogre]

Agreed, a lot of it was truly minutia in reality. But still, interesting how they compare. I was under the impression that Denon & Marantz at this point were virtually the same thing.

Hard to find a X3700H in stock (refurb to save $300, that's a new pair of speakers to play with!). But I'm in no rush. So was looking at alternatives. The X3700H really ticks all the boxes in the $1k price point for me. I shouldn't even keep looking around and just get it when it's back in stock at A4L (if it ever does).

Very best,

In the meantime if you stumble across a deal on a 3600 it's virtually the same, just not quite as up to date. I can't imagine needing any of the newer features the 3700 has over it right now tho, unless you're diving right into 8k video.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Interesting, pretty much said the Marantz is poop.

The Marantz has a 1kHz THD+N of 0.009%. Nobody is going to hear that.

 

[MalVeauX]

The Marantz has a 1kHz THD+N of 0.009%. Nobody is going to hear that.

Agreed, it's just interesting that the author said "I cannot recommend this receiver" based on that.

Very best,

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Agreed, it's just interesting that the author said "I cannot recommend this receiver" based on that.

Very best,

Like 99% of all reviews, just ignore everything he says and go straight to the measurement sections.

Audioholics is the only exception where you can read the reviews. Everyone else - just go straight to the measurements.

 

[Trell]

Like 99% of all reviews, just ignore everything he says and go straight to the measurement sections.

Audioholics is the only exception where you can read the reviews. Everyone else - just go straight to the measurements.

If the reviewer is the same person doing the measurements I think that the review and measurements should at least be in the ballpark of supporting each other. A too big a discrepancy would for sure make me doubt if the measurements was properly done.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Hrm,

Any thoughts on the Denon X3700H vs Marantz SR6014? They seem nearly the same with respect to 4k and the ability to process 11 channels and the same room calibration protocol?

Very best,

FWIW. I use a 6012(plus amp) to run 7.x.4. It’s a very good avr. The sister denon is likely to be found for a better price though.