Hello Folks!
Recently upgraded my home system to a Denon AVR X1400H, with a 3.1 speaker system consisting of a pair of B&W 704 S2’s, B&W ASW608 sub. & B&W M-1 center. Wondering if I’m depriving the speakers and should upgrade to a Marantz SR5012. Listening to mostly vinyl, iPod and cable Music Choice with movies and sports mixed in. Would there be a noticeable upgrade going with the Marantz?
Also, should Audyssey be used for this 3.1 config.?
Thank you all for your time!!
That's not really an upgrade at all. The AVR-X1200W (the AVR-X1400H should be a little more powerful) was measured by S&V with the following results:
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/denon-avr-x1200w-av-receiver-review-test-bench
At 0.1% THD
2 Channels Continuously Driven, 8-ohm Loads 112.8 W
2 Channels Continuously Driven, 4-ohm Loads 139.2 W
5 Channels Continuously Driven, 8-ohm Loads 69.9 W
The 704 S2's impedance is 8 ohm nominal 3.1 ohm minimum and B&W recommended 30 W- 150 W into 8 ohm on unclipped programme
So the AVR-X1400H is actually a good fit, but I think you should set the crossover to 100 Hz or 90 Hz the highest.
I am sure the SR5012 offers a little more power output but it will not make any difference. Your need double the power output to gain 3 dB of spl, and 6 to 10 times the power output to perceive twice as loud.
Upgrading to the AVR-X3400H would be a much better choice because it has Audyssey XT32 that works much better than the SR5012's lower grade XT version.
