Marantz AV7005 vs SR7005

[slipperybidness]

These seem to be pretty much the same and same price, except the SR has a built in amp.

Is there something else that I've missed here?

Would it be better to purchase the AV or the SR as a pre/pro? My thoughts here are that the SR could be used as a standalone unit later if my needs and space available change, but the AV always needs the external amp.

Any difference on sound quality?

 

[Ziontrain]

The preamp sections of both units are well beyond the point of any audible distorton in normal usage.

If you add an external amp to anything you have to factor in cable hum possibility plus any distortion of the amp you add.

The AV7005 is not upgradeable anyway, so it offers no long term security. You're paying as much as a reciever with no real audible benefit.

In this light the SR7005 is what I'd get, unless I knew specifically of a 200Wx7 amp that was clean as a whistle and matched precisely the the preamp out of the AV7005. I dont think that exists. And life's too short to make it more complicated than necessary.

 

[agarwalro]

They do exist

Model 7700 Seven Channel Power Amplifier

Integra Research RDA-7.1 Review — Reviews and News from Audioholics

 

[Wolfee00]

I have the SR7005 and I am really happy with unit performance. Before I bought this unit I was planning to get AV7005 first, but I couldn't offer $$ for Ext Amp. I was upset but later I figure it won't make difference in loudness since most of time I set the audio at -20 dB ; I seldom increase the volume to -5 or above only when I am watching horror and Sci-Fi movies.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would get the Demon AVR-4311CI.

I can get brand new for $1650 delivered.

But if Marantz is a must, then I would get the SR7005.

Also, I've heard complaints about the AV7005 having ground noise hum in some cases.

 

[Hocky]

Also, I've heard complaints about the AV7005 having ground noise hum in some cases.

From one guy one time on the internet. ANd 10 more that said there isn't a problem.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

From one guy one time on the internet. ANd 10 more that said there isn't a problem.

I think from at least 3 guys on Audioholics.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/amps-pre-pros-receivers/70111-marantz-av7005-networking-v-processor-review-12.html#post793187

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=21578806&highlight=marantz+av7005+ground+loop+hum#post21578806

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=19772654&highlight=marantz+av7005+ground+loop+hum#post19772654

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=19730008&highlight=marantz+av7005+ground+loop+hum#post19730008

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=19566660&highlight=marantz+av7005+ground+loop+hum#post19566660

Yeah, those are from just one guy on the internet.

 

[slipperybidness]

I would get the Demon AVR-4311CI.

I can get brand new for $1650 delivered.

But if Marantz is a must, then I would get the SR7005.

Also, I've heard complaints about the AV7005 having ground noise hum in some cases.

Yeah, I've seen the grounding issue discussion too, definitely cause for concern. Also, seems that I've heard some issues with the Audysee on the AV7005 with low levels but don't really remember what that was about.

What is it about the Denon 4311 that you like over the Marantz? Is your advice to stick with recievers (even if just for pre/pro) and not a dedicated pre/pro only?

 

[Hocky]

The Denon's main advantage is Audyssey XT32.

FWIW, I have a setup that introduces A LOT of ground loops and have no issues with the Marantz. I actually had substantial hums from my Denon and Yamaha receivers and the Marantz is dead quiet. I am not saying that it is necessarily the way to go, but I wouldn't be afraid of what someone said one time on the internet about hum issues. Worst case scenario, buy a couple of ground lift adapters for $2. I went with an AV7005 because my last denon receivers were junk and I didn't care about the internal amp of the sr7005.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Yeah, I've seen the grounding issue discussion too, definitely cause for concern. Also, seems that I've heard some issues with the Audysee on the AV7005 with low levels but don't really remember what that was about.

What is it about the Denon 4311 that you like over the Marantz? Is your advice to stick with recievers (even if just for pre/pro) and not a dedicated pre/pro only?

A lot of other guys can talk more about it. But I see 4 advantages off the bat.

1) no ground loop hum that I know of
2) Audyssey XT32 w/ dual sub EQ (Marantz is XT w/o dual sub EQ)
3) 140wpc (Marantz is 125wpc)
4) 38.2lbs (Marantz is 28.7lbs)

1st, I see nothing wrong w/ AVR or pre-pro. Both would be the same to me I terms of SQ. No right or wrong.

But AVR also has backup internal amps just in case. And in most cases, you won't need more than 140wpc.