Marantz SR7005 vs Denon AVR-4311CI

[bluntman]

Hello, All,

I am just about to finalize my decision on an upgrade to my older Denon AVR-3805 which has served me well for the past several years. Now I really need HDMI switching for a 7.1 system. I have narrowed down my search between the Marantz SR7005 and the Denon AVR-4311CI.

I would say my usage is probably 50% blu-ray, 40% music, and 10% gaming. Most of my music listening comes from the M-audio gear on my computer, but I want to have good sound when auditioning a new CD.

So, what do you guys think? Any clear advantages of one over the other? I understand the differences in warranty, the Denon will do more channels, and they are both from the same parent company, but which would you choose and why?

Thanks!

 

[ParadigmDawg]

The 4311 x 100%.

Audyssey MultEQ XT32/ Sub EQ HT...enough said...

 

[bluntman]

So, the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 on the Denon versus the Audyssey MultEQ XT on the Marantz makes that much of a difference? I enjoyed the room eq on the AVR-3805, but isn't that pretty much a one-time use thing if you don't move a lot? Forgive the uninformed questions.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

So, the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 on the Denon versus the Audyssey MultEQ XT on the Marantz makes that much of a difference? I enjoyed the room eq on the AVR-3805, but isn't that pretty much a one-time use thing if you don't move a lot? Forgive the uninformed questions.

MultEQ XT32/ Sub EQ HT is the best thing since sliced bread. A must if you run two subs.

 

[bluntman]

@ParadigmDawg: Thanks. I only have the one sub and no plans to add more. And I tend to set things up and leave them as long as they sound good. Anything else to recommend the Denon over the Marantz?

 

[PENG]

@ParadigmDawg: Thanks. I only have the one sub and no plans to add more. And I tend to set things up and leave them as long as they sound good. Anything else to recommend the Denon over the Marantz?

I would add: perceived reliability. If you frequent various forums you may encounter fewer trouble reports from Denon owners. I don't believe there are published statistics to support this, hence the word "perceived".

One counter point in favor of the Marantz is that they are perceived by some as "warmer" sounding as opposed to Denon's "boring/flat" sounding characteristics. To me, such claims are hearsays originated from the past that cannot be substantiated by lab measurements or properly conducted A/B comparisons.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I consider my Denon "warm" sounding.

They give me a warm and fuzzy feeling all over.

If you are interested, both units are made in Japan, instead of China.

The Denon also has 6 HDMI Inputs/ 2 HDMI ouputs in rear.

The Marantz has 5 HDMI Inputs/ 2 outputs in rear.

And you NEVER know if you will use 2 subs in the future.