AV7702mkII vs SR7010 .. Pre vs Rec/Amp

[landonspop]

These 2 Marantz models are the same price. They seem to have the same features.

Why would I pay the same for the AV7702mkII without amps when I can gets amps now and still use as a pre-amp later?

 

[TLS Guy]

These 2 Marantz models are the same price. They seem to have the same features.

Why would I pay the same for the AV7702mkII without amps when I can gets amps now and still use as a pre-amp later?

You would buy it is you did not like the amps in the receiver, or you need balanced connections.

I personally don't like a bunch of amps crammed in one case and prefer pre/amps and power amps in different cases.

 

[KEW]

You would buy it is you did not like the amps in the receiver, or you need balanced connections.

I personally don't like a bunch of amps crammed in one case and prefer pre/amps and power amps in different cases.

Do you know if the presence of the amps would compromise the SR7010's performance if he by-passed them and used it as a stand alone pre-amp?
I think his plan is to use the SR7010 as a budgetary "stepping stone" until he buys amplification down the road.

 

[landonspop]

If I went with 7702, I have a friend who downsized his house and no longer has a theatre room. I may get an amp or two from him and watch for good deals on slightly used or closeouts. My budget does not allow for 1 big purchase at 1 time. I would also use the amps, in other receivers, that I already have, for now. I am getting tv at this time also. Need 9 channels and my Denon 3808 has 7. I have a top Sony model with 5.

I have 2 thoughts. If I go with separates in the long run, amps usually don't get outdated.

But the 7010 might have better resale value with amps when it is time to upgrade.

If the 7702mkII was a lot better, I would go that route for sure, but they seem equal in every aspect except for amps.

 

[KEW]

Separates is probably the way to go if you have the funds and desire to stay current.
If you are looking for a "stepping stone" amp (and actually a great amp for the surrounds) this Outlaw is amazing for the price.
http://www.audioholics.com/amplifier-reviews/outlaw-5000
ATI probably has the best reputation for true high quality without getting into Boutique pricing.

 

[PENG]

Separates is probably the way to go if you have the funds and desire to stay current.
If you are looking for a "stepping stone" amp (and actually a great amp for the surrounds) this Outlaw is amazing for the price.
http://www.audioholics.com/amplifier-reviews/outlaw-5000
ATI probably has the best reputation for true high quality without getting into Boutique pricing.

I think separates are typically better but AVRs are almost always more cost effective when used with 2,3 or even 5 channel power amps. My problem is that I fail to see how the 7702 would do better than the 7010. I can see that the 8802 has superior specs, on paper anyway but if I were to choose between the 7702 or the 7010 I don't have to think at all. I would just go with a 7010 and an XPA-2, or XPA-3 (If I want to go for cheap) and convince myself in a legit way that I have a separate system practically speaking. Then in two years I could sell the 7010 easily and get the 7012 to stay current. It will harder to sell the 7702. I found out the hard way, as I ended up giving away my AV7005, the poor guy still has to spend some good money to get his own 5 channel power amp.

 

[KEW]

I know I am not willing to pay the premium of true separates (though I do use external amps for the R&L)!
PENG does make a good point.
I was thinking in terms of you wanting some uber-amps to last you the next couple of decades as you change pre's along the way.
However, I will correct myself. If you are expecting to change your pre anyway, you might as well get the 7010, then focus on your amplification over the next year or two, then when upgraditis next hits, you can decide among the options available without concern over the amps.
Really, from a practical standpoint separates are very hard to justify especially if you wait a year and buy last year's AVR.

 

[PENG]

I know I am not willing to pay the premium of true separates (though I do use external amps for the R&L)!
PENG does make a good point.
I was thinking in terms of you wanting some uber-amps to last you the next couple of decades as you change pre's along the way.
However, I will correct myself. If you are expecting to change your pre anyway, you might as well get the 7010, then focus on your amplification over the next year or two, then when upgraditis next hits, you can decide among the options available without concern over the amps.
Really, from a practical standpoint separates are very hard to justify especially if you wait a year and buy last year's AVR.

I agree, and I have no trouble with last year's model but a lot people just have to have all the latest capabilities whether they will use them or not.

 

[landonspop]

Do last years models have DTS-X? or 2.0a? or 2.2?

 

[PENG]

Do last years models have DTS-X? or 2.0a? or 2.2?

If you meant 2015, some do, some don't. If you meant 2014, I would say no.

 

[landonspop]

Closeout model with all 3 above? I am not against saving $$$$$$$$$$