Marantz S8001 or Denon AVR-4306?

[churche0]

Hey all, I'm new here and new to HT setups. If you could all be so kind to help me out, I'd appreciate it.

Inputs:

Xbox 360 via component via optical
Nintendo Wii via component
Oppo 981 via HDMI
SA8300HD via HDMI
PC via HDMI
Sound Blaster PC via stereo RCA cables

Output:

Sony KDL-46XBR2 via HDMI

Speakers:

Onkyo SKS-HT240 (I know, I am upgrading)


I have the option of getting either of these. I want the best sound and video possible from the choice. What would be the better choice for a receiver? Pros/cons?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Seth=L]

I would suggest upgrading your speakers first, even in lue of HDMI.

 

[churche0]

I will be upgrading speakers shortly, but I need to pick a new receiver first. I ordered the 4306, but it wasn't in stock at the moment so they gave me the option of the Marantz. I'm just looking for some opinions on the receivers. Thanks for the reply, though.

 

[Davemcc]

The Marantz offers a 4th HDMI input, so you could add Xbox 360 in 1080p and get the HD-DVD add-on with your other 3 HDMI sources. I dream of having an AVR-4306, but you can't go wrong with the HD connectivity of the Marantz.

 

[churche0]

Thanks for your reply, I definitely do like the 4th input. As far as I know, 360 only does 1080 via VGA if your TV can't over component? Is that what you mean? In terms of video/audio performance and features, which receiver is superior and which would you guys get? I assume the Denon scales better then the Marantz since it does 1080i or am I missing something?

 

[Davemcc]

I'll be honest, I'm not a gamer. I don't even know what the game devices look like. I thought one of them had 1080p through HDMI, thought it was the 360. My bad for faulty info. I apologize.

Other than the extra HDMI, they look very similar, feature wise. Both have Audyssey, video up-conversion to HDMI, 3 source/3 zone, 125/130 wpc, etc and they are the same price.
http://us.marantz.com/Products/1875.asp
http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/2243.asp
I kind of call it a draw with a slight edge to the Marantz for the extra HDMI, but the Denon has an i-pod port if that's an issue for you.

 

[churche0]

No need to apologize, I appreciate any comments you guys can give. I'm stepping into your realm here and I am a bit unfamiliar, but I learn fast. I believe what you meant was the PS3, which I don't have, but might get in the future. I couldn't care less about iPod support to be honest. Features do look similar, but I'm guessing you can't comment on actual performance? I had a hard time finding reviews of the SR8001. Does the scaling difference equate to anything that really would be noticeable? Thanks again.

 

[WeAreSurrounded]

Thanks for your reply, I definitely do like the 4th input. [...] In terms of video/audio performance and features, which receiver is superior and which would you guys get? I assume the Denon scales better then the Marantz since it does 1080i or am I missing something?

I don't understand all that hoopla about wanting more HDMI Inputs in the 4306 receiver. FYI, 4306 upscales only the signals received on the analog inputs !!! The signals coming on HDMI inputs (up to 1080p !) are sent "as such" THROUGH the 4306 and then to the HDMI output, even if you don't select the THROUGH option in the setup.
That's probably one of the very little known secrets of this receiver
So, depending on your preferences, you might end up with a better picture by using component inputs.
In general, 4306 is a great receiver, wonderful sound, lots of features, bad manual, tragic remote Cannot comment on the Marantz, never had one

 

[Davemcc]

Features do look similar, but I'm guessing you can't comment on actual performance? I had a hard time finding reviews of the SR8001.

I just finished my own receiver shopping and picked up the Denon AVR-2307 on Tuesday. It is my belief (and only a belief) that receivers in this range by major brands, Denon, Onkyo, Marantz, Yamaha, etc will all sound as good as their equivalent competitors among the brands. So what it boiled down to for me was to choose the features I really need, choose a brand I like, choose my price point and power level. When I found the right balance between these factors, I bought with no hesitation or reservation.

I think your speakers will have more influence over the sound than any difference between these two receivers. You can choose confidently that either receiver is the right choice.

 

[Nick250]

I will be upgrading speakers shortly, but I need to pick a new receiver first. I ordered the 4306, but it wasn't in stock at the moment so they gave me the option of the Marantz. I'm just looking for some opinions on the receivers. Thanks for the reply, though.

Choose your speakers first by way of audition, then you select the receiver that works best for the speakers. Your system sound quality is all about the speakers you choose not receivers.

Nick

 

[mdrew]

I’ve got the SR 8001. I love its sound but I have not heard the 4306, so who knows, they may be identical.

The Marantz does not up convert. It simple converts all non-HDMI inputs to 480P HMDI output - if you select that function.

The Marantz has THX 2 Select if that means anything to you. The 4306 does not.

They both have similar power in real world calculations. I am driving Axiom M80’s with mine and it does that without whimper.

They are both great receivers, and you can’t go wrong with either one.

 

[patnshan]

I’ve got the SR 8001. I love its sound but I have not heard the 4306, so who knows, they may be identical.

The Marantz does not up convert. It simple converts all non-HDMI inputs to 480P HMDI output - if you select that function.

The Marantz has THX 2 Select if that means anything to you. The 4306 does not.

They both have similar power in real world calculations. I am driving Axiom M80’s with mine and it does that without whimper.

They are both great receivers, and you can’t go wrong with either one.

I was thinking about the not upconverting thing. I guess I wonder why one would need that if say they have a Oppo, PS3, HD cable box, etc. I would think an upconverted analog VHS or SDTV would look like crap anyway.
I am considering the SR7001 as I love the marantz sound on my SR-8400.
It's built like a tank too!

Pat

 

[j_garcia]

Choose your speakers first by way of audition, then you select the receiver that works best for the speakers. Your system sound quality is all about the speakers you choose not receivers.

Nick

I agree. Choose speakers first, power second. Between those two, I'd opt for the Marantz.

 

[mdrew]

I was thinking about the not upconverting thing. I guess I wonder why one would need that if say they have a Oppo, PS3, HD cable box, etc. I would think an upconverted analog VHS or SDTV would look like crap anyway.
I am considering the SR7001 as I love the marantz sound on my SR-8400.
It's built like a tank too!

Pat

The sad fact of the matter is that NO recievers have great video processors in them right now. The new Denons will have better VP's, but all the rest are non-impressive at this point.

Marantz has put some effort into SQ with the SR's. I'm pretty impressed so far and I typically go with seperates.

 

[mahdlokg]

Are you happy with the Denon you chose as a pre/pro? I have an RMB-1075 now and was wondering how your setup is working for you? Thanks.