Looking at new AVR: Marantz SR-7010 or Onkyo TX-RZ900

[L. White]

As the header states, I have narrowed down my selection for a new AVR to either a Marantz SR-7010 or an Onkyo TX-RZ900...

I've reviewed both AVR's stats/specs and online reviews, both come highly recommended. Key differences being:

TX-RZ900: No Audyssey, higher watt output per-channel, 4K pass-thru only
SR-7010: Has Audyssey Platinum, lower watt out per-channel, 4K upscaling

I have a Sony XBR49X830C 4K TV... It already upscales ALL signals to 4K.

Speakers: Yamaha NS-8HX (2) Fronts (6-ohm)
Yamaha NS-2HX (2) Rears (6-ohm)
Yamaha NS-C5HX (1) Center (6-ohm)
BIC PL-200 (1) Sub

NOTE: Atmos is not an interest/consideration of mine as I'm keeping my Yamaha speakers due to their quality sound.

The Yammies were Asia/Euro retail market release only... I picked them up at a AAFES BX in the UK for a hella good deal and love them... Probably the best speakers I've owned in 30 years of owning HT-style and traditional stereo/2-speaker setups, next my JBL L5's they replaced. The subwoofer, will work for me for now as my budget is geared towards an AVR hence my question.

For my speakers and considering my TV already upscales, which AVR would be best? Both can be had for around $1200 at several e-tailers. My "CURRENT" room size this setup is being placed in, (which is a variable that will change) is 20' x 15'.

Thanks folks!

 

[L. White]

Egads... Was hoping fer at least ONE hit, LOL. If it's any help for anyone poised to suggest a third-party brand/model...

I just dumped a Denon AVR-S910W I've owned that's out of warranty now, due to HDMI board failure on the ARC/OUT side. Repair cost would be half as much as the unit cost; not cost effective.

So, I ordered a Yamaha RX-A1060 two weeks ago, hoping for a kick-ass experience, as I've used Yamaha in the past (MX-800/CX-800 from 1988 until 2001 and an RX-V1000 from that point until 2008) and loved them.

However, straight out of the box... The A1060 had the blinking red-light circuit protection issue; RMA for refund in-work as we speak. After researching, this seems to be an inherent issue across-the-board (circuit protection issue) with newer Yamaha RX type AVR's and am steering clear.

So, again... This is why I've narrowed down my AVR choices to the Marantz SR-1070 and Onkyo TX-RZ900, as in the $1200 range, they have the least RMA/least overall failure rate.

Sláinte!

 

[everettT]

I personally have little faith in Onkyo AVRs reliability. I'd take the Marantz based on that and the RC in it. Yamaha, Denon, Marantz, Pioneer Elite in that order.

 

[L. White]

Thanks everettT! I appreciate the input.

 

[everettT]

Thanks everettT! I appreciate the input.

Your welcome, Onkyo used to represent a good value for the dollar, but IMHO it's not anymore. Having said that, just get the one that has the features you need and is adequate for driving the speakers to the levels you need. The 7010 should be able to drive almost any speaker without issue. Since Yamaha respeced their RC to include lower frequency subwoofer adjustment, I'd say the choice still comes down to features.

 

[L. White]

Yep, read that about Yamaha... Thanks again everrettT. I'm going to pull-the-trigger on the Marantz tomorrow and see how it goes!

I love Audioholics (newsletter I get in my e-mail) and the forum(s) are a plenty with subject-matter too!

Have a good one and a good weekend!