Failed Analog inputs on Marantz SR7015

[highfigh]

I doubt that is the problem, as it still hummed when muted and the hum was independent of volume setting. This behaved nothing like a grounding problem. It was also time and heat related to an extent.

The fact is that Masimo drove Sound United on the rocks and left it in a shambolic state.

I have seen loose/bad contact at grounding screws many times over the decades. That can rear its ugly head in very odd places.

Yes, we know that Masimo damaged those brands, but let's move on from that since the company has been sold and he's out of the picture. OTOH, I recently found put that the new head is the same pinhead who sold Jamo when he worked as the head at Klipsch and he did absolutely nothing good for Jamo- they were the #1 selling brand in Europe at the time and IMO, Klipsch bought the company because they (Jamo) already had CE sertification, Klipsch didn't and the purchase eliminated the process/expense of becoming certified. Now, Jamo has been sold again, this time to a GD Chinese buyer, and they only have one dealer in the US, according to the Jamo dealer finder.

The number of companies that have been destroyed via vanity purchases and MBAs in the last 40 years is absolutely disgusting.

 

[Verdinut]

Pride can ruin any business!

 

[everettT]

I have seen loose/bad contact at grounding screws many times over the decades. That can rear its ugly head in very odd places.

Yes, we know that Masimo damaged those brands, but let's move on from that since the company has been sold and he's out of the picture. OTOH, I recently found put that the new head is the same pinhead who sold Jamo when he worked as the head at Klipsch and he did absolutely nothing good for Jamo- they were the #1 selling brand in Europe at the time and IMO, Klipsch bought the company because they (Jamo) already had CE sertification, Klipsch didn't and the purchase eliminated the process/expense of becoming certified. Now, Jamo has been sold again, this time to a GD Chinese buyer, and they only have one dealer in the US, according to the Jamo dealer finder.

The number of companies that have been destroyed via vanity purchases and MBAs in the last 40 years is absolutely disgusting.

They, Klipsch, completely destroyed Jamo. It was almost immediate when higher quality drivers just disappeared from their mid and higher lines.

 

[TLS Guy]

I have seen loose/bad contact at grounding screws many times over the decades. That can rear its ugly head in very odd places.

Yes, we know that Masimo damaged those brands, but let's move on from that since the company has been sold and he's out of the picture. OTOH, I recently found put that the new head is the same pinhead who sold Jamo when he worked as the head at Klipsch and he did absolutely nothing good for Jamo- they were the #1 selling brand in Europe at the time and IMO, Klipsch bought the company because they (Jamo) already had CE sertification, Klipsch didn't and the purchase eliminated the process/expense of becoming certified. Now, Jamo has been sold again, this time to a GD Chinese buyer, and they only have one dealer in the US, according to the Jamo dealer finder.

The number of companies that have been destroyed via vanity purchases and MBAs in the last 40 years is absolutely disgusting.

You have that right about companies being trashed after sales.

 

[highfigh]

Pride can ruin any business!

If pride had been the only problem, maybe this could have been prevented but when cluelessness enters the picture, all bets are off.

 

[Phil J N.Z.]

This sounds on a par with the service I have received from Sound United/Marantz under the Masimo ownership.

Masimo have brought hallowed lines to junk status with unethical buyer redress and warranty service.

I would not bank on getting satisfaction. This may be a total loss for you.

I have pretty much written off my three month old 7706, now actually 8 months old but for five of those months it has been away for service. So I have already replaced that 7706 and currently regard it as a total loss.

Harmon have some heavy lifting to do. It remains to be seen if they make good and rectify the havoc of Sound United under Masimo ownership.

At the current time I stand by my advice to ALL members not to purchase Marantz/Denon products made under the Masimo ownership is the last 18 months or so. I don't know how long it will take Harmon to right the ship, but I reckon two years or so of Denon/Marantz products have to be regarded with suspicion. I would exclude products made in Shirakawa Japan, as that factory is I think, they are turning out quality units. I think there is still some risk as I would be uncertain how you would be taken care of should there be a warranty problem.

Anyhow I took the risk and purchased an AV10, and so far so good.

Hi, Well my 7015 is still under warranty and they have offered to replace it as the 7015 is beyond repair, seems no parts available however they want me to accept a Cinema 50 not a Cinema 40 that is the direct replacement for the 7015.
Am really not happy with this the sales guy from where I purchased it tried to bluff me claming the 7015 was a class D amplifier (it's class AB) and as the Cinema 50 is class AB it has more power, the guy must think I am thick, I pointed out to him it was more to do with power use and heat and nothing to do with output.
The other option is a Yamaha RX-A6A as I really dont want to go down in power output as I have hungry main speakers, have not tried a Yamaha for a long time and was disapointed with my last one but there is a HIFI dealer in town who retails them, I may just demand my money back and get the A6A on trial and see how it goes.

 

[Phil J N.Z.]

Been a while, but your issue is switching inputs with analog vs digital connections particularly? Input assignment is involved how (or not)?

RIP the SR7015 it's beyond repair and no parts available, been offered a Cinema 50 as a replacement but the true replacement is a Cinema 40, am digging my heels in on this as I dont want to go down in power output due to the speakers I have.
The other option is a full refund and purchase locally a Yamaha RX-A6A but have not tried a Yamaha for a long time, my last 3 Receivers all being Marantz SR6005 (died with the infamus POP of death) was replaced free of chage with SR6007 and centre channel died so went and purchased SR7015 as need more power and we loved the sound.
Maybe its time to call quits on Marantz they simply are not what they used to be I really dont know as options on brands where I live are limited.

 

[TLS Guy]

RIP the SR7015 it's beyond repair and no parts available, been offered a Cinema 50 as a replacement but the true replacement is a Cinema 40, am digging my heels in on this as I dont want to go down in power output due to the speakers I have.
The other option is a full refund and purchase locally a Yamaha RX-A6A but have not tried a Yamaha for a long time, my last 3 Receivers all being Marantz SR6005 (died with the infamus POP of death) was replaced free of chage with SR6007 and centre channel died so went and purchased SR7015 as need more power and we loved the sound.
Maybe its time to call quits on Marantz they simply are not what they used to be I really dont know as options on brands where I live are limited.

The difference in power between the 50 and 40 is not even 1 db. The much bigger issue is that the Cinema 50 is made in Vietnam where, as far as I am concerned, they are building junk. I would push for the Cinema 40 for sure, as it is made in Shirakawa Japan, where quality is high. Pay a little extra if you need to. I fear you will be back where you started if you get the 50.

I have been burned with two units in a row made in Vietnam.

Having no parts is an absolute disgrace for a start.

At this time you have to go for quality without compromise. There is junk aplenty with no parts available out there, which is a disgrace.

 

[lovinthehd]

RIP the SR7015 it's beyond repair and no parts available, been offered a Cinema 50 as a replacement but the true replacement is a Cinema 40, am digging my heels in on this as I dont want to go down in power output due to the speakers I have.
The other option is a full refund and purchase locally a Yamaha RX-A6A but have not tried a Yamaha for a long time, my last 3 Receivers all being Marantz SR6005 (died with the infamus POP of death) was replaced free of chage with SR6007 and centre channel died so went and purchased SR7015 as need more power and we loved the sound.
Maybe its time to call quits on Marantz they simply are not what they used to be I really dont know as options on brands where I live are limited.

So it did work as you liked for a while before some board/component failure? Not a lot of choice these days with brands offering this sort of gear, especially when Marantz's larger selling sister brand Denon is under the same umbrella (and virtually same gear with different marketing more than anything substantial). Yamaha might be an option, but personally have no experience there (but have used Denon, Onkyo and Pioneer avrs)

 

[PENG]

The other option is a full refund

If that is a an option then it is the best option. Keep the cash and then wait for the Denon AVR-X4800H (made in Japan, if that's what you like, same place where they made the C40) to go on sale. No brainer!

The RX-A6A is good, just a little outdated now.

 

[TLS Guy]

If that is a an option then it is the best option. Keep the cash and then wait for the Denon AVR-X4800H (made in Japan, if that's what you like, same place where they made the C40) to go on sale. No brainer!

The RX-A6A is good, just a little outdated now.

Yes, I think the Denon AVR-X4800H is a decent choice and in the US $1000 cheaper then the AV 40. However, I suspect the build quality of the AV 40 is higher than the Denon.

The build quality and workmanship of my AV 10 is truly something to behold. It is an absolutely exquisite piece.

 

[Phil J N.Z.]

The difference in power between the 50 and 40 is not even 1 db. The much bigger issue is that the Cinema 50 is made in Vietnam where, as far as I am concerned, they are building junk. I would push for the Cinema 40 for sure, as it is made in Shirakawa Japan, where quality is high. Pay a little extra if you need to. I fear you will be back where you started if you get the 50.

I have been burned with two units in a row made in Vietnam.

Having no parts is an absolute disgrace for a start.

At this time you have to go for quality without compromise. There is junk aplenty with no parts available out there, which is a disgrace.

Totally agree thats one of the reasons I am digging my heels in on this.

Any idea where the Yamaha RX-A6A is built?

 

[Phil J N.Z.]

So it did work as you liked for a while before some board/component failure? Not a lot of choice these days with brands offering this sort of gear, especially when Marantz's larger selling sister brand Denon is under the same umbrella (and virtually same gear with different marketing more than anything substantial). Yamaha might be an option, but personally have no experience there (but have used Denon, Onkyo and Pioneer avrs)

Yeah am a bit worried that the Cinema 50 is made in Vietnam and the 40 is made in Japan it's one of the reasons I am digging my heels in, I had a Denon here a few years ago on demo and did not like the sound. As for Pioneer I have owed 2 before I got my first Marantz and have stuck with them ever since, I was given a Pioneer SC-LX57-S just before I purchased the 7015, for the life of me I could not get the sound anywhere like what I wanted I wonder now was it because it is a class D amplifier.

 

[lovinthehd]

Yeah am a bit worried that the Cinema 50 is made in Vietnam and the 40 is made in Japan it's one of the reasons I am digging my heels in, I had a Denon here a few years ago on demo and did not like the sound. As for Pioneer I have owed 2 before I got my first Marantz and have stuck with them ever since, I was given a Pioneer SC-LX57-S just before I purchased the 7015, for the life of me I could not get the sound anywhere like what I wanted I wonder now was it because it is a class D amplifier.

You think Denon has a "sound" vs Marantz?

 

[Phil J N.Z.]

If that is a an option then it is the best option. Keep the cash and then wait for the Denon AVR-X4800H (made in Japan, if that's what you like, same place where they made the C40) to go on sale. No brainer!

The RX-A6A is good, just a little outdated now.

The Denon available here is the AVC-X4800H 9.4 made in Japan and is on sale at $4,795.00 down from $5,299.00, I paid $3.995.00 for my SR7015, the Yamaha RX-A6A is on sale at $3999-00, now the Marantz Cinema 40 is $7,499.00 and Cinema 50 is $4,999.00.

If I get a refund I can afford to get the Denon and purchase it locally as I really do not want to deal with this suppplier in Auckland ever again, I can also get Yamaha and one shop who I have had really good relationship with over the years can get me a Marantz.

I will have to look at the specs closly between the Marantz and Denon and see what is diffrent, but there is a pull to the Yamaha as it has an ESS Saber DAC and balanced inputs that I can connect my oppo up with for Stereo sound.

Prices look shocking as the New Zealand $ is in the gutter at the moment as a result HiFi has become very expensive.

 

[Phil J N.Z.]

You think Denon has a "sound" vs Marantz?

I've not had the chance to compare them side by side to be honest as no one here in Nelson has them both on the shelf, one shop has just Yamaha and the other has Yamaha, Denon and NAD, he can get Marantz but wont stock them.

I've read that people say Marantz has a warmer sound and is geared more towards Home Theatre where as Denon is geared towards Music, but that could be a personal thing, last time I had a Yamaha it was pure Stereo amplifier and the wife did not like the sound and I must admit it did sound a bit hollo to me.

The RX-A6A has an ESS Saber DAC and balanced inputs for me to hook up my Oppo and it's almost the same price I paid for the SR7015, the Cinema 40 is made in Japan and thats a big pull and so is the Denon AVC-X4800H.

 

[lovinthehd]

I've not had the chance to compare them side by side to be honest as no one here in Nelson has them both on the shelf, one shop has just Yamaha and the other has Yamaha, Denon and NAD, he can get Marantz but wont stock them.

I've read that people say Marantz has a warmer sound and is geared more towards Home Theatre where as Denon is geared towards Music, but that could be a personal thing, last time I had a Yamaha it was pure Stereo amplifier and the wife did not like the sound and I must admit it did sound a bit hollo to me.

The RX-A6A has an ESS Saber DAC and balanced inputs for me to hook up my Oppo and it's almost the same price I paid for the SR7015, the Cinema 40 is made in Japan and thats a big pull and so is the Denon AVC-X4800H.

Even if you could setup a proper comparison (which is difficult), not likely any audible differences except the way you set each unit up, they share far more as sister brands than not. I wouldn't worry about it in any case. Whichever has the feature set and best price you can get....

The warmth thing is more likely a fantasy thing IMO. Slight adjustment of eq would likely take care of adding any desired "warmth". Much of the Marantz "reputation" is marketing and urban legend.

The dac chip(s) utilized on its own isn't all that important. If you have very long runs from your Oppo to the avr then perhaps balanced connections may have some sort of advantage. Units built in Japan can have issues, too.

 

[PENG]

The Denon available here is the AVC-X4800H 9.4 made in Japan and is on sale at $4,795.00 down from $5,299.00, I paid $3.995.00 for my SR7015, the Yamaha RX-A6A is on sale at $3999-00, now the Marantz Cinema 40 is $7,499.00 and Cinema 50 is $4,999.00.

Those kind of price differentials are very high compared to those in Europe or some countries in the Far East. As example, in the EU, eg. France, Germany, even the UK if I remember right, the difference between the Cinema 40 and AVR-X4800H is usually between $200-$300 and the Cinema 50 and AVR-X3800H is also about the same difference, you can do a search quickly and see what they actually are currently, based on list prices only, discounted prices will vary for sure.

For 2.700,00 €
AVC-X4800H - Ampli-tuner AV 125W 8K à 9.4 canaux avec HEOS Built-in | Denon

For 2.900,00 €
CINEMA 40 - Référence Amplificateur AV 9.4 canaux Powered by HEOS™ avec Dolby Atmos, 125 W, 8K et 7 entrées HDMI | Marantz - France

Above examples are from the Denon and Marantz in France, that does not help you, but it does help you see that if you go with Marantz in you location, you will pay a lot more just for the brand, for some strange reasons, I am in Canada and I will not go with Marantz any more for the same reason.

If I get a refund I can afford to get the Denon and purchase it locally as I really do not want to deal with this suppplier in Auckland ever again, I can also get Yamaha and one shop who I have had really good relationship with over the years can get me a Marantz.

I will have to look at the specs closly between the Marantz and Denon and see what is different, but there is a pull to the Yamaha as it has an ESS Saber DAC and balanced inputs that I can connect my oppo up with for Stereo sound.

The block diagrams are available and I have posted some of them before, they clearly show the only difference is Marantz use of an extra buffer stage, known as HDAM and I have posted my reasons why that's just Marantz marketing strategy, to insert an extra stage for no practical benefits to sound quality, in fact they will introduce additional distortions and noise on their own. But Marantz has to five reasons why there will be different sound signature vs Denon, that they aim for customers who don't mind the different look but like the lower price points lol..

Block diagrams don't show all the details, but you can download and compare the real schematics/service manuals of the SR7015 and the equivalent AVR-X4500H, as those are available on the web, I can post a link if you like, but only if you know how read schematics and the more detailed block diagrams than those Masimo show on their Youtube videos.

Here's a link to one of my posts on the difference (or lack of) between the two sub brands):

Marantz Cinema 50 AVR Review | Page 22 | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum

Prices look shocking as the New Zealand $ is in the gutter at the moment as a result HiFi has become very expensive.

I thought it was bad here in Canada (Marantz pricing policy) but compared to NZ, we do really well. AVR-X4800H could be had for about $2,600 when on sale, and the X3800H at below $1,500 at times.

Is it possible for you to buy one from the EU, or the import duties, shipping etc. will be too much?

Or how about Hong Kong, for $21,980, that converts to NZ$ 3,960, still bad but not as bad.