Onkyo SR606 vs. Marantz SR4002: 2 Questions.

[Patrick_Wolf]

I really didn't want to make this thread, but I gotta ask as I'm ready to buy and am torn between these two AVRs. Maybe somebody can give some input. I want the 4002, but am wondering if maybe the 606 is a better choice for only $20 more.

I don't need video upscaling/conversion, or HD decoding (will use LPCM). So here it is.

1. How does M.R.A.C. compare to Audyssey 2EQ?
2. Is there a good chance the 4002 runs cooler than the 606?

 

[Lordoftherings]

My thought.

Hi Patrick,

That's a good question.

But I do believe that Audyssey 2EQ is superior of the M.R.A.C. from the Marantz.

As for heat issues, I will not fret over that. I don't think that there are issues with the Onkyo 606 about this.

The Onkyo TX-SR606 has also more HDMI inputs than the Marantz SR4002.
Plus, the 606 has already the decoders for the new high resolution audio codecs:
Dolby TrueHD & DTS-HD MA.
And the 606 got several rave reviews.

And I'm not sure that you can tell a big difference in the sound quality between the 606 and the 4002.

So, I think that I will pick the Onkyo 606 from my observations.

I know that the SR4002 normally retails for $550,
And the TX-SR606 retails for $599.
But I also know that the 606 is selling for about $300, which is a pretty good deal, if you ask me.

* Now, the final decision rest in your hands. Go with your heart, your soul and your mind, because the money is the same for both of these receivers.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[Seth=L]

accessories4less.com is selling the SR 4002 refurb (1 year manufacturers warranty) for $299 w/ free shipping. They also sell the new one for $349 + shipping costs (3 year manufacturers warranty).

Audessey EQ is a better auto calibration, but nothing so far beats a good SPL meter and a little patience when setting up surround sound.

I do believe the Marantz will run significantly cooler. The Marantz also features preouts, which is a handy feature if you happen to upgrade to speakers that require a separate amplifier.

 

[lsiberian]

I really didn't want to make this thread, but I gotta ask as I'm ready to buy and am torn between these two AVRs. Maybe somebody can give some input. I want the 4002, but am wondering if maybe the 606 is a better choice for only $20 more.

I don't need video upscaling/conversion, or HD decoding (will use LPCM). So here it is.

1. How does M.R.A.C. compare to Audyssey 2EQ?
2. Is there a good chance the 4002 runs cooler than the 606?

I think the 4002 is a better choice. Pre-amp outs alone would make me pick it over the 606.
1. There is little difference IMO with that version of audyssey and MRAC
2. Not really the 606 isn't a hot receiver as far as I know.

Hi Patrick,

That's a good question.

But I do believe that Audyssey 2EQ is superior of the M.R.A.C. from the Marantz.

As for heat issues, I will not fret over that. I don't think that there are issues with the Onkyo 606 about this.

The Onkyo TX-SR606 has also more HDMI inputs than the Marantz SR4002.
Plus, the 606 has already the decoders for the new high resolution audio codecs:
Dolby TrueHD & DTS-HD MA.
And the 606 got several rave reviews.

And I'm not sure that you can tell a big difference in the sound quality between the 606 and the 4002.

So, I think that I will pick the Onkyo 606 from my observations.

I know that the SR4002 normally retails for $550,
And the TX-SR606 retails for $599.
But I also know that the 606 is selling for about $300, which is a pretty good deal, if you ask me.

* Now, the final decision rest in your hands. Go with your heart, your soul and your mind, because the money is the same for both of these receivers.

Cheers,

Bob

Use your brain on this one.

accessories4less.com is selling the SR 4002 refurb (1 year manufacturers warranty) for $299 w/ free shipping. They also sell the new one for $349 + shipping costs (3 year manufacturers warranty).

Audessey EQ is a better auto calibration, but nothing so far beats a good SPL meter and a little patience when setting up surround sound.

I do believe the Marantz will run significantly cooler. The Marantz also features preouts, which is a handy feature if you happen to upgrade to speakers that require a separate amplifier.

Prices have gone up.

 

[BillP2R]

I can only comment on the Onkyo SR606, since I have no experience with the 4002.

I use my 606 quite a lot (and often neglect to turn it off), and I've never thought it was especially hot (warm yes, hot no).

I'm very satisfied with my 606, as is one of my sons who bought one after auditioning mine.

Keep in mind that the 606 is no longer a current model, having been replaced by the SR607 which adds Dolby Z codec as an option. To take advantage of that option, you have to fall back to 5.1 + Z channels because what would normally be the back channels for 7.1 are used for the Z channels.

-------------------- Bill

 

[Lordoftherings]

Yeah! The marantz 4002 got preouts, so what?

Preouts are nice when you have a decent processor, and the Marantz 4002 with the M.R.A.C., inferior Dacs, lower price range, etc., won't make a dent of a difference with or without preouts.

Preouts, preouts, everyone is talking about preouts, but it is absolutely a useless feature in most cases.

If you really want preouts, go with the Denon AVR-2809ci (or the 2808ci), so you have a nice surround processor.

And also, you got to find the appropriate amp for the best match, easier say than done.

So, gimme a break, for god sake.

Regards,

Bob

 

[anamorphic96]

Yeah! The marantz 4002 got preouts, so what?

Preouts are nice when you have a decent processor, and the Marantz 4002 with the M.R.A.C., inferior Dacs, lower price range, etc., won't make a dent of a difference with or without preouts.

Preouts, preouts, everyone is talking about preouts, but it is absolutely a useless feature in most cases.

If you really want preouts, go with the Denon AVR-2809ci (or the 2808ci), so you have a nice surround processor.

And also, you got to find the appropriate amp for the best match, easier say than done.

So, gimme a break, for god sake.

Regards,

Bob

Good point about pre-outs. Most people never use them. Overrated in my book. Most people use an 80hz crossover which then never really stresses the amp since it never has to produce any real bass.

 

[lsiberian]

Good point about pre-outs. Most people never use them. Overrated in my book. Most people use an 80hz crossover which then never really stresses the amp since it never has to produce any real bass.

Then why is it the lowest ohm loads are in the bass range mostly above 80hz

What if he decides later he wants an amp?

 

[lsiberian]

Yeah! The marantz 4002 got preouts, so what?

Preouts are nice when you have a decent processor, and the Marantz 4002 with the M.R.A.C., inferior Dacs, lower price range, etc., won't make a dent of a difference with or without preouts.

Preouts, preouts, everyone is talking about preouts, but it is absolutely a useless feature in most cases.

If you really want preouts, go with the Denon AVR-2809ci (or the 2808ci), so you have a nice surround processor.

And also, you got to find the appropriate amp for the best match, easier say than done.

So, gimme a break, for god sake.

Regards,

Bob

I will give you a break.

I think you are severely underrating/underestimating the Marantz 4002.

FYI I've had a 705 which is a step up from the 606 and it was a great receiver. I suggest you spend the extra-money for it if you can find it. It's got the pre-amp outs, better AS, better DACs, better looks, and we had some good times me and my ex receiver.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Then why is it the lowest ohm loads are in the bass range mostly above 80hz

What if he decides later he wants an amp?

If I buy a receiver for $200 or $300, you think that I'm going to add an external amp later on? Come on Iseberian, you know better than that.

If you really want to add an amp to something, you add it to a good surround processor with matching gains.
Or if you want to go the route of receivers with good matching gains, good luck for anything below $1,000. Lots of problems could happen.

The only serious people that I know of who add an amp to their receivers are the ones that don't need it in the first place or the ones that have a very good receiver that can be used as a surround processor, and know that the preouts have enough gains to do so. Plus these receivers cost more than what you think.
One example that I know of and that I already mentioned is the Denon AVR-2809ci or the AVR-2808ci. And this is the very rare exception, not the rule.

In 40 years I never use the preouts from my receivers.

If people have electrostatics, you think they are going to buy a receiver?
I'm starting to believe now that preouts belong to pre/pros.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[Lordoftherings]

I will give you a break.

I think you are severely underrating/underestimating the Marantz 4002.

FYI I've had a 705 which is a step up from the 606 and it was a great receiver. I suggest you spend the extra-money for it if you can find it. It's got the pre-amp outs, better AS, better DACs, better looks, and we had some good times me and my ex receiver.

Yeah, but the OP is asking specifically between the SR4002 and the TX-SR606.
Of course, I can say that the 906 is even better, but I'm loosing traction here.

Seems to me that our OP is budgeting about $300 to $350 for a receiver.
First, can you find the 705 right now for less than $400?

Be my guess, and give the link to the OP.

 

[lsiberian]

If I buy a receiver for $200 or $300, you think that I'm going to add an external amp later on? Come on Iseberian, you know better than that.

If you really want to add an amp to something, you add it to a good surround processor with matching gains.
Or if you want to go the route of receivers with good matching gains, good luck for anything below $1,000. Lots of problems could happen.

The only serious people that I know of who add an amp to their receivers are the ones that don't need it in the first place or the ones that have a very good receiver that can be used as a surround processor, and know that the preouts have enough gains to do so. Plus these receivers cost more than what you think.
One example that I know of and that I already mentioned is the Denon AVR-2809ci or the AVR-2808ci. And this is the very rare exception, not the rule.

In 40 years I never use the preouts from my receivers.

If people have electrostatics, you think they are going to buy a receiver?
I'm starting to believe now that preouts belong to pre/pros.

Cheers,

Bob

I will be using my receiver as a pre-pro eventually. But that's down the road a tad bit. In fact I looked at the 4002 because of that fact. Ended up going for the cheaper option in the HK AVR 247.

My setup plans are far more complex though. I don't need AS since I plan to use REW

 

[anamorphic96]

Most people who buy receivers are using speakers in the 6-8 ohm range. Even the low end receivers can handle 6 ohms at full bandwidth. But when you cross the receiver over at 80hz it becomes much more efficient and can handle the dips you talk about. Which usually only dip into high 3 to low 4 ohm range. But if the speakers nominal impedance is 8 ohms its a non issue. My Paradigms dip down down to 4 ohms and my receiver has no issues. Even at high playback levels.

I would venture to guess 90% of people never use the pre-out feature. This is the main reason why manufacture are only using it on higher end models. So the manufacture spends the money on more HDMI inputs. Which is something most people will use.

I appreciate your reasoning about the pre-out feature. But in reality it rarely gets used.

 

[Patrick_Wolf]

Thank you kindly for the responses.

I'm 99% sure I won't use the preouts (except for sub). And I'm not worried about the 606 overheating, I just don't like running the loud *** AC in my apartment so would like something that gives off... not so much heat. Course this won't be a problem in the winter though...

Currently my BD player is the PS3, but someday I may want to upgrade my PC for BD and would get an ASUS Xonar or something with HDMI.

So I'm wondering if one would benefit from HDMI 1.3 if you connect a PC to the receiver because of this:

HDMI 1.2:

•Adds features and capabilities that increase HDMI's appeal for use in both the CE and PC industries. Specifically, the features and modifications for HDMI 1.2 include: Support for One Bit Audio format, such as SuperAudio CD's DSD (Direct Stream Digital), changes to offer better support for current and future PCs with HDMI outputs, including: availability of the widely-used HDMI Type A connector for PC sources and displays with full support for PC video formats, ability for PC sources to use their native RGB color space while retaining the option to support the YCbCr CE color space, requirement for HDMI 1.2 and later displays to support future low-voltage (i.e., AC-coupled) sources, such as those based on PCI Express I/O technology.

Otherwise I could probably just connect the PC to the TV and receiver with different cables. And hopefully I won't get sync problems.

 

[lsiberian]

Yeah, but the OP is asking specifically between the SR4002 and the TX-SR606.
Of course, I can say that the 906 is even better, but I'm loosing traction here.

Seems to me that our OP is budgeting about $300 to $350 for a receiver.
First, can you find the 705 right now for less than $400?

Be my guess, and give the link to the OP.

Actually they ebay for around 300. And you can always get square trade insurance if you are worried about breakage.

I always see used as a better deal. Kinks are usually worked out and what not. If they send you a dud that's why you have insurance. Just a thought. But I don't believe in buying things new usually.

 

[lsiberian]

Thank you kindly for the responses.

I'm 99% sure I won't use the preouts (except for sub). And I'm not worried about the 606 overheating, I just don't like running the loud *** AC in my apartment so would like something that gives off... not so much heat. Course this won't be a problem in the winter though...

Currently my BD player is the PS3, but someday I may want to upgrade my PC for BD and would get an ASUS Xonar or something with HDMI.

So I'm wondering if one would benefit from HDMI 1.3 if you connect a PC to the receiver because of this:



Otherwise I could probably just connect the PC to the TV and receiver with different cables. And hopefully I won't get sync problems.

Do you have a store where you can go see the receivers? Like a Best Buy or Fry's. Best buy lets you play with the receivers. But I don't know if they carry Onkyo. Still you can try different ones. Receivers are very personal items for an audiophile IMO. You want it to look like you, fit your racks color, have a remote you like. I think that's more important than features even. You receiver is the heart of your entertainment center. Yeah it doesn't make sound, but it runs everything. You want a receiver you like.

 

[Patrick_Wolf]

Best Buy is the only place available, but don't carry either of these.

The 4002 refurb was $270 at AC4L a week or two ago, it's $300 now. 606 is $320 refurb. If the 4002 was still $270 this would be an easy decision.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Hot! The 606? Sure it's a HOT DEAL.

The Onkyo 606 is not running that hot at all, and you can put a small fan on top if you feel that it needs one (which I really doubt). You are worrying for an inexistant problem.
And the 606 has 4 HDMI inputs (version 1.3).
And it has decoders already inside for the new high resolution audio codecs (DD+, Dolby TrueHD, DTS HR Audio and DTS-HD Master Audio).
And it has Audyssey 2EQ, that you can use on top of any audio codecs.
It also has Audyssey Dynamic EQ, another great feature that you will really appreciate.
The Dac is the Cirrus Logic multichannel Dac (8-ch.), the CS-42528.


The Marantz SR4004 has 3 HDMI inputs (version 1.1).
There is no internal decoders for the new high res. audio codecs, only LPCM conversion, and only if your blu-ray player has the internal decoders necessary.
The 4002 has M.R.A.C., which is inferior in my book to even Audyssey 2EQ.
What the SR4002 has, is a pretty face.


At $320, the Onkyo TX-SR606 is your best deal, period! Not that hard to figure out, only $20 more for a much more up to date receiver, fully complete.

Cool as a gentle breeze...

 

[Patrick_Wolf]

I was actually going to get the 606 back in Dec. or Nov. when it was like $300-$330 on amazon & Newegg (didn't know about AC4L at the time). But I had to wait and the price shot up to $400 and I was screwed. So theoretically I should already have the 606.

As far as sound processing, the 4002 has Crystal DACs and a Cirrus Logic 32-Bit DSP. These means nothing to me, however. Just curious how it compares to the 606's specs. There's probably more to sound processing than just these two features so probably an irrelevant issue.

And if I decided to upgrade in a year (unlikely) or so it'd probably have a better resale value than the 4002.

 

[Patrick_Wolf]

Dammit!

No free shipping on the 606. I didn't see that.

I can't take this anymore.