Marantz or Denon....That is the Question!

[Tim-Ex]

I am debating my next upgrade in receivers: any thoughts on the Marantz 8500 vs. the Denon 5803? I currently have a former version of the Marantz, but a mishap with our cat and now the internal circuits are fried. I loved the Marantz, but now I get to upgrade. My system looks like the following (I've forgotten the model #'s):
Front: Paradigms with dual 8" subs & built-in 250 watt amps
Rear: Paradigms with dual 6" subs & built-in 125 watt amps
Center: Paradigm center
TV: Toshiba 50" Rear Projection Theater Series
DVD: Toshiba Dual Tray

Plus other lower grade stuff. So, any pro/cons to either would be appreciated!! Thanx!

Tim.

 

[tomd51]

I haven't heard either of these units, but knowing their reputation, I'd have a hard time believing you'd be disappointed with either of them, I'm sure they both offer exceptional sound quality.

If I'm not mistaken, I believe the 5803 is a bit outdated, not sure on the 8500. Depending upon the price you're looking at spending, you may want to consider one of the newer models... -TD

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

I'd take the 5803 for the amp section, and the 8500 for the cutting edge technology (can we say that with all the changes? ie. HDMI 1.3, Dolby True HD/DTS HD, etc...).

What are the current prices on the two units? I know the 8500 runs around $1000 (street price). The Denon is very hard to find online because it's been out so long. I see two on ebay for around a grand.

 

[j_garcia]

Since your speakers are powered, I think the benefit of the 5803s 170w is kind of a moot point, so I'd probably opt for the 8500 and put the rest towards a good sub. Which Paradigms are these exactly when you get a chance? If you are looking to upgrade the TV (does it have HDMI?) and add an upconverting DVD player, the Marantz is the way to go for sure.

 

[Tim-Ex]

I'll post the exact models of the Paradigms when I get home later today - I have had them for 8 years and love the sound they produce! I still live in an apartment and they can shake the place!! The amps are for the built-in subs so if I went with the Denon the 170 watts would drive the mids and highs.

I am looking to spend under $2k - I have found a few sites with the Marantz 8500 listed around $1150 shipped with 5-yr extended warranties and I have my eye on the two Denon's on ebay. Hence the dilemma - get a new Marantz or a flagship Denon? The Denon is a bit outdated (2003 model) but has all the features I would need and then some, and if I can snag one for under $2k....
I won't be upgrading my DVD player or TV for some time (unless one malfunctions - knock on wood). Sometime down the line (probably 5 yrs.+) I will upgrade to a projector/screen system.

I also have two Cerwin Vega 18" subs from my professional DJ service that I am going to incorporate into my system when I get my house (installed into the floor under the seating).

Anyway, back to the receiver issue....

I guess if the price of the Denons shoot past $2k, then it would be an easy choice. However, I also ask, are there any other receivers (i.e. B&K) that would rival the Marantz for about the same price point?

Tim.

 

[AVRat]

Why not go for a brand new Denon 3806?

 

[agarwalro]

I like the 3806 so far. Sounds warmer then the Yamaha I has before it. The amp is great. Sounds awesome in 2.0 mode and in 5.1 mode. I bought it fairly recently so I have yet to familiarize myself with the menus, but they are a little counter intuitive when compared to the Yamaha.

The subwoofer can only be set in 20Hz increments. That is the only issue I have with the 3806 so far.

Unfortunately, I cant comment on the HDMI switching since I dont use them at present.

 

[j_garcia]

Because the 5803 would most likely kick the 3806s @$$ in every category except latest features.

Is your room big? Plenty of power is always a good thing. If you don't plan to upgrade the TV or DVD, then 5803.

 

[agarwalro]

Because the 5803 would most likely kick the 3806s @$$ in every category except latest features.

Agreed. They are in different classes and should not be compared. Also, I dont think Denon warranty extends past the original owner. With a receiver that complicated and expensive warranty is essential. Maybe a B-Stock or refurb can be had from an authorized reseller for about $2500.00 or so.

 

[Tim-Ex]

Ok, here are the specs for my current system:
Front: Paradigm Monitor 90P's
Rear: Paradigm Monitor 70Pa's
Center: Paradigm CC-350

Current room is approximately 20' x 35', nothing huge by any means. Anyone know or can comment on Denon's durability?

 

[j_garcia]

That is a pretty big room actually, so a little more power might be worth it, however I had Monitor 5s with my 8300 in a 19x20 room with high vaulted ceilings and open to the kitchen and it was plenty. The top half of the 90P is similar to a Monitor 5, except the upper midbass is smaller I believe.

 

[tomd51]

That's a pretty large room, Tim-Ex, but I certainly don't think the 5803 would have difficulty filling it up.

As far as Denon durability, I've owned four of their receivers in the past six years, three out of four of them mid-level receivers. Only one of them did I have any issues with and it was a refurb that was easily repaired and under the 90 day refurb warranty.

One suggestion I'd offer would be pairing a 3-5 channel external amp at 150-200 WPC with a refurbished Denon 3805 or 2807 receiver used as a pre/pro. Either of these would give you fairly current bells and whistles, a 90 day to 1 year warranty along with solid power for your front three or five speaker soundstage. This way, if you did want to swap out the receiver to a newer model or higher quality components, you would be able to resell the existing receiver and put it towards the cost of the new receiver. That's the only downside I see to a dedicated pre/pro. Once it's formats and features have been outgrown, it loses quite a bit of value.

Just a consideration.... -TD

 

[Tim-Ex]

Having no experience with Denon, I wish I could set the two receivers side by side and test them against each other. Like we all know that you can get a Sony receiver that is rated at putting out 150 watts per channel, but those watts are equal to 75 from a Marantz - a much higher quality wattage if you will. So I wonder what the comparison of watts is for these two receivers? Since they are both from good names and considered high end equipment, I would assume they are equivalent - But is that a good assumption? Is there anyone that has heard both a Marantz and a Denon and prefer one over the other?

Also, it seems that the Marantz includes a mic for set-up making it a breeze, whereas the Denon 5803 does not have this set-up feature. Please correct me if I am wrong!

 

[pikers]

I don't know how this thread goes beyond someone saying 6 and 1/2 dozen.

As usual, the Denon has more features today, but many report the Marantz as "superior" musically. I put that in quotes because of that comment and its inherent subjectivity.

 

[AVRat]

Because the 5803 would most likely kick the 3806s @$$ in every category except latest features.

It would also kick the 8500s @$$ for that matter. I recommended the 3806 because it is more in line with the 8500. tomd51's advice regarding the 3805 is also sage.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

There was a Denon 4802 unit that I was considering when I purchased my Denon 3805. It seemed to put out twice the power to demanding speakers as compared with the 3805, but didn't have the updated technology I was looking for.

The logic I used in purchasing the 3805 was the fact I could get it B stock for $735, and purchase a two channel amp for less than the asking price of the already 3 year old 4802 at around $1300.

Yes, there is a huge difference in the amplifier section, and an even greater difference when you throw in the 5803, but you also need to look at what the newer units offer in terms of technology. If I had the opportunity to get a 5803 for a grand, that would have been my choice. They were around $2500 when I was looking, and not even in the picture.

Ubid is offering a "cousin" to the Pioneer Elite VSX-56TXi called the VSX-9300TX for $500. That, to me, is one of the best deals I've seen in a long, long time. If you have no issue with connecting your HDMI directly to your flatscreen, then I suggest seriously checking into this unit. To date, there are no receivers that offer HDMI 1.3, or Dolby True HD/DTS HD audio processing. Those are/will be on the new HD DVD/Blu-ray discs.

 

[Tim-Ex]

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between "THX Ultra 2" and "THX Select"?

Thanx!

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between "THX Ultra 2" and "THX Select"?

Thanx!

http://www.thx.com/mod/products/chosngProduct.html

THX Reference Setting for Volume Controls: A key element that THX requires for receivers and pre-amps is the reference setting for volume controls. When a system is calibrated according to the manufacturer’s instructions and a movie is played back at this marked reference setting, (usually zero on the volume control), the audio experience will be at the same volume level that the movie was originally mixed and played back in a theater. To achieve THX certification, components must play at this reference level without breaking, distorting, buzzing, rattling or any other distracting effects.


THX Ultra and THX Ultra2 Certified Products deliver top quality audio and video presentations to large home theaters. A viewing distance of approximately 12 feet / 4 meters from the display to the listening position is ideal for these specifications, which translates to a 3,000 cu. ft. room.

Considered the benchmark for home theater products, THX Ultra2 offers uncompromised playback of multi-channel movies, music and games. THX Ultra2 incorporates new features and more power requirements for premium home theater receivers, pre-amplifiers, power amplifiers and speakers that can distribute an optimal soundstage across wide viewing areas in dedicated home theaters.

While THX Ultra2 Certified Products are dependent on the room size, THX Ultra Certified Products are not. THX Ultra brings high end performance to interconnects, equalizers, projection screens and DVD players, complementing the THX Ultra2 category.

Both the THX Ultra and THX Ultra2 specifications are designed for the home audio enthusiasts who demand peak performance from their equipment in their dedicated home theater, representing the best THX has to offer in one package.

***************************************************************


THX Select and THX Select2 Certified Products deliver optimal quality audio and video presentations to small and medium sized home theaters. A viewing distance of approximately 10 feet / 3 meters from the display to the listening position is best served by these specifications, which translates to a 2,000 cu. ft. room.

THX Select2 specifically addresses receivers, incorporating new features and improved noise floor performance. Based on the same values and principles of THX Ultra2, THX Select2 Certified Receivers deliver exceptional quality to smaller home theater environments.

While THX Select2 focuses on the receiver, THX Select brings superior performance to speakers and DVD players. THX Select Certified Products complement the presentation of the THX Select2 category.

Both the THX Select and THX Select2 specifications are designed to address the growing needs of the newest generation of home entertainment enthusiasts - those who crave immersive DVD, music, and video game experiences, but do not have the space for a dedicated home theater.

 

[j_garcia]

Along the lines of what Buckeye is saying, I got my 8300 + monoblocks for a lot less than a 9300 and I have more real world power for my mains. I think going with a somewhat lower model and adding a solid amp is an excellent way to go.

 

[Tim-Ex]

Ok, that clears things up a bit. So I should probably go with a receiver that had THX Ultra 2 processing, since my current room is fairly large, I have large speakers to drive, and when I get a house it will for sure have a dedicated theater room.