Denon AVR-X6700H vs Marantz SR8015

[GatorPigDog]

Is there a difference in performance between these two? Is the cost disparity just brand or aesthetics?

I read the article on the home page, but it looks like they have identical features including IMAX enhanced and Auro-3d. The Marantz chassis is taller and deeper, and that unit is a few pounds heavier. Is the power transformer different?

 

[PENG]

The 8015 has a larger power supply, so may be a little more power output, may be 10% or so. The Denon may measure a little better in THD+N at up to 2 V preamp output if you are using it with an external power amp. If paired with external power amplifiers that has lower gain and/or lower input impedance, the SR8015 would likely do better because it has the HDAM. Other than that, if you need 7.1 channel analog inputs then the 8015 is the one you need as Denon has got rid of those legacy connections on all models except the flagship models.

You will get some performance indications in the next couple days when ASR published their measurements on the SR6014.