Marantz AV8801 + Outlaw 2200 for KEF R11s

[red_kk]

For now just want to make sure it is an upgrade from my Pioneer receiver in terms of music. I'm not even doing any HDMI switching currently as I directly connect my Apple TV to my TV. I cut the cable and I stream all movies from Apple TV. For Audio i stream using Airplay so my requirements are pretty basic

 

[Pogre]

My current receiver is a 10yr old Pioneer VSX 1021-k with 90W per channel in stereo mode. Doesn't sound bad at all.

I have several options at this point, SR5014, SR6011(for $700), Aventage RX-A2080 (for $1k). Basically i'm looking to get sound that fills the room without compromising on clarity which I see a bit lacking now with my current Pioneer)

As for the HDMI 2.1 features, i'm never going to use them. If it supports basic 4k switching i'm good and I can always buy latest and greatest in future once I know what exactly I want. This is mostly to explore different combinations hence i'm looking for used ones so I don't take a big loss when I sell.

Well, it's more modern than what you have now! It might work out pretty nice for you then, and the 3 amps will still be useful if/when you do get another processor. Make sure the mic comes with it, tho you probably can find a replacement without too much trouble. You know one of the things really nice about it is Audyssey XT32/SubEQ for room correction, tho that's a little bit more meaningful if you have subs...

*hint, hint...*

 

[Pogre]

For now just want to make sure it is an upgrade from my Pioneer receiver in terms of music. I'm not even doing any HDMI switching currently as I directly connect my Apple TV to my TV. I cut the cable and I stream all movies from Apple TV. For Audio i stream using Airplay so my requirements are pretty basic

I highly doubt it's going to be an upgrade in terms of music. Nothing you're likely to hear, anyway. Unless you count the aforementioned room correction I mentioned in my last post.

 

[lovinthehd]

Having had a similar Pioneer at one time I wouldn't expect a huge difference let alone a "sound signature". I've yet to find one of those in all my gear. It is nice gear as long as you're say still using 1080p sets and no ceiling speakers for Atmos...like me , and I couldn't tell you how good it is with 4k stuff as a result, but heck as long as it meets your needs somehow.....it's a good deal if you've got the itch. You have a 3.1 setup or have amps for surrounds?

ps You might get a bit clearer at higher volume with the bit extra on the amp side....

 

[red_kk]

Having had a similar Pioneer at one time I wouldn't expect a huge difference let alone a "sound signature". I've yet to find one of those in all my gear. It is nice gear as long as you're say still using 1080p sets and no ceiling speakers for Atmos...like me , and I couldn't tell you how good it is with 4k stuff as a result, but heck as long as it meets your needs somehow.....it's a good deal if you've got the itch. You have a 3.1 setup or have amps for surrounds?

ps You might get a bit clearer at higher volume with the bit extra on the amp side....

My current system there are no extra amps as my receiver doesn't have any pre-outs.
If there is no difference in sound quality i wonder why audiophiles spend tens of thousands on integrated amps and separates with high wattage amplifiers. Is it only in perceived sound quality knowing you spend a lot of money on quality components?

 

[red_kk]

Well, it's more modern than what you have now! It might work out pretty nice for you then, and the 3 amps will still be useful if/when you do get another processor. Make sure the mic comes with it, tho you probably can find a replacement without too much trouble. You know one of the things really nice about it is Audyssey XT32/SubEQ for room correction, tho that's a little bit more meaningful if you have subs...

*hint, hint...*

yes the subs are in the plan for sure. will add them may be next year. So if there is no major difference in the sound quality would you instead suggest upgrading to Yamaha Aventage RX-A2080 as a one and done? It has all preouts giving me options to expand in future. I can get that for 1k on craigslist.

 

[lovinthehd]

My current system there are no extra amps as my receiver doesn't have any pre-outs.
If there is no difference in sound quality i wonder why audiophiles spend tens of thousands on integrated amps and separates with high wattage amplifiers. Is it only in perceived sound quality knowing you spend a lot of money on quality components?

I suppose some get excited by fancy separates, some don't, we have a long thread on that subject somewhere around here.....I did a long time ago by reading the hype (but way back in the 2ch only times and vinyl and that sort of thing) and was somewhat disappointed that there wasn't a huge difference, altho I could get it a bit louder/cleaner than with the receiver before it (which was a good one) that was going from 70wpc to 250wpc fwiw. You can always use a good high power amp for something, several of mine are on subwoofer duties these days, tho. Doesn't hurt to have too much power but somewhat depends on your actual needs. AVRs anchor all my current multich systems, tho....

 

[Pogre]

yes the subs are in the plan for sure. will add them may be next year. So if there is no major difference in the sound quality would you instead suggest upgrading to Yamaha Aventage RX-A2080 as a one and done? It has all preouts giving me options to expand in future. I can get that for 1k on craigslist.

It depends on features and future tv upgrades or like HD mentioned atmos. The RX is going to be more future proof, and it's a good AVR. A Denon 3600 would be a solid choice too if you find one.

There's a whole lot of debate on quality of sound with separates vs integrated or avrs. Most of us have had both and don't feel there's any significant differences. I think separates are nice and if you like to really crank it up sometimes the power is there. I do have an amp now, a Monolith 7. I can say my avr runs cooler and I do like to get ridiculously loud sometimes in a big room so I like knowing I have the power on tap to avoid clipping.

I can't say I noticed any difference in sound quality over just using my avr by itself tho until I get into the 98-100 dB range at my seat. That's really fracking loud and dangerous for more than a short period. I used to play drums and there's a drum solo on Tool's new cd, and I can't help but turn up to 11 almost every time it plays. It almost sounds like his kit is in my living room and I love it. I also measured 101 dB peaks at that volume too tho, so I try to back it off to 10 instead of 11... lol

Did we link you to the ol' handy dandy spl calculator yet? It's not going to be accurate for all situations, but it's a neat tool to play with and gives you an idea of the relationship between power, distance and volume.

Peak SPL Calculator

 

[red_kk]

Hi guys, thanks you all for all the suggestions.

I found a seller here in SF bay area a KEF dealer. he has one last KEF KC62 left which is willing to sell for $1250 (with warranty). After discussing with you guys i'm leaning towards adding the sub first especially the KC62 as it looks sleek and small and I don't even have to hide it. Since I'm happy with my Pioneer, thinking of keeping it for one more year and get the sub first.

I might add surround speakers and upgrade to a good Marantz receiver next year when supply is back on and they are not sold at premium prices.

 

[red_kk]

currently KC62s are out of stock everywhere including bestbuy

 

[ryanosaur]

KEF KC62

I don't buy the hype.

 

[red_kk]

@Pogre @lovinthehd Please comment on KEF KC62. I need to decide in next 40 mins or so otherwise he will ship them to another buyer.

 

[Pogre]

@Pogre @lovinthehd Please comment on KEF KC62. I need to decide in next 40 mins or so otherwise he will ship them to another buyer.

If it were me I'd go with subwoofage first.

 

[ryanosaur]

Huh??? 11hz from this lil flea box? British miracle or Bollocks?

forums.audioholics.com

Unless KEF has discovered something no other Subwoofer specialist has, there is no way they are defeating the laws of physics inasmuch as their claims of 11Hz from that tiny little box say they are.

It is your Ducats and your System. You do what you want. I stand by my earlier post: I don't buy the hype.

 

[red_kk]

Huh??? 11hz from this lil flea box? British miracle or Bollocks?

forums.audioholics.com

It is your Ducats and your System. You do what you want. I stand by my earlier post: I don't buy the hype.

And thanks for the post, the more we know the better as these things are big one time investments, i only got interested in this by its size and form factor.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

And thanks for the post, the more we know the better as these things are big one time investments, i only got interested in this by its size and form factor.

Iirc, it’s -10db at 20hz. As I said before, dubious would’ve an understatement.

Would like to add about pioneer. I have a 1019ahk that I use in my BR 5.1. I did try it in my main room for awhile. And while it does sound very good, I 100% attribute that to mcacc. Mcacc handles rooms differently than Audyssey does and due to that, the Onkyo that WAS my main AVR sounded different than the pioneer. In direct they were both the same. The main problem I ever had with it was despite being rated at 125x7, when I pushed the volume towards -0, you could totally hear it running out of steam. It just lost composure and dynamics etc. The Onkyo 808(was a beast) was rated at 135x7 and did bench test very close to that which AVR’s don’t anymore, never ran out of steam. It just kept going no matter what.
Not sure I have a point lol. Other than to point out that if you’re gonna push that system, better amplification would be a worthy investment. I do think a sub would be better money first though.

 

[Pogre]

I forgot that was the sub that was on the table.

I think that little box is impressive for its size, but am disappointed to see KEF print such bloated specs. I just finished climbing out of the KC62 rabbit hole. It's not a true sub or even close, really. I saw 80 dB at 20 hz and that just wouldn't do it for me. It might be better than nothing, nearfield like you might be thinking, but if it were me it wouldn't take long to start wondering if I should have gone with a bigger sub(s).

 

[ryanosaur]

And thanks for the post, the more we know the better as these things are big one time investments, i only got interested in this by its size and form factor.

For the cost of that cute little toy, you can buy some seriously legit woofage that will massage internal organs you didn't know you had.

 

[lovinthehd]

Yeah the 62 would never be something I'd buy or recommend except for maybe a tiny office or bedroom (room size) system and even then for that kinda money I'd just build one.

 

[ryanosaur]

I'm thinking its a great product for the London/NY/Tokyo small apartment dweller.