Upgraditis has set in - HELP!!

[PauldF2]

Hi gang!

It's been a while since I've posted because I've just been enjoying my system since i bought my last two components (Denon AVR 3805 and DVD3930CI).

I'm considering the Marantz AV7005 and have a few questions (yes, I have read pages and pages of reviews and posts), but first let me tell you about my current system so you can make fact based replies. I describe it from the wall out:

- Dedicated 20amp circuits on wall feeding into a
- APC Back-UPS XS 1500 feeding power into a
- Furman Elite 15 Linear AC Power Conditioner powering the
- Harmon Kardon Citation 16 Stereo Amp (powering mains only) and the
- Denon AVR 3805 (powering the surrounds only) connected by 5.1 analog audio intputs to the
- Denon DVD 3930CI Universal Player which in turn is HDMI out to the
- Mitsubishi WD65732 DLP screen
- Mains are Paradigm Reference Studio 100's
- Center is the Paradigm Reference Studio CC-570
- Side surrounds are the Paradigm Reference ADP 470's and
- Rears are Paradigm Reference Studio 20's
- Sub is a HSU VTR MK2
- STB/DVR is a crappy Verizon supplied Motorola DCX3400
- I also have a sonos system, an office desktop pc, a laptop pc, an IMac and multiple Ipods etc. with both whole house wired ethenet LAN and wireless through two Linksys E2000 routers.

OK, here are the issues that are leading me to upgrade:

1. Tv only has 2 HDMI inputs (DVD/STB in use) so no room to add anything.
2. AVR has no HDMI capabiltiy at all, and no internet connectivity or USB etc.
3. DVD has started to have problems with video (and some audio) playback.

I like the TV just fine for now, so I need to remove the bottlenecks downstream to adding new components by upgrading the AVR to one with multiple HDMI ins/outs. I also want/need to incorporate the LAN to be able to access the hundreds of CDs I've burned onto my 3 TB raid along with being able to show all the pics and videos I've got stored. I want to be able to connect macs, iphones, ipods etc. wired and wirelessly, and I want to be able to get internet and satellite radio since I live in a valley where even FM reception is poor (no 60' antenna mast replies please). I also want to be able to stream music and video from the net via Netflicks, Hulu etc.

I like the musicallity of Marantz components and think my Denon might be a bit too much on the bright side (or Denon/Paradigm combo is at least). I was thinking maybe I could just add the 7005 as a pre-pro to the 3805, but am not sure that would work. Can it?

So after reading this thread and learning about the AV7005 I realize I might have to add the MM 7055 and just use the Denon 3805 in another area for aprox $3k, or maybe do the same, but with the Denon 4311CI AVR which has the Apple Airplay and the Pre-Amp mode for about $1k less.

In addition to whichever system I get, I'm planning on getting the Oppo BDP 93 and if I decide to get the 3930 repaired it will have to live elsewhere.

What does the learned collective think????

Thanks,

PF

 

[jp_over]

PF,

I have the AV7005 and I tried a few networking solutions with it. Overall, I found it was much easier to add a PC (or MAC in your case) to the AV7005 via HDMI and play movies, CDs, and pictures (really, anthing on your MAC/PC) via the home network. The networking functionality is there with the AV7005, but I found it limited (sometimes it was difficult to connect, the interface was cumbersome, internet radio didn't always work - it just can't perform like a computer when it comes to the tasks you're looking for.).

Have you thought about putting one of your MACs close enough to get an HDMI cable to the AVR? Certainly, you'd still need an AVR with HDMI but nothing can compare to the connectivity and compatibility of a MAC/PC directly connected to your AVR.

Just some food for thought; certainly, I'm no expert!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I think the Marantz sounds exactly like a Denon.

They are made by the same company. The rear panels look almost identical on comparable models. Their BD players also look almost identical on the rear panels.

BTW, both the Marantz AV7005 and Denon 4311 are made in Japan.

You can get a Denon 4311 for $1,500 shipped from authorized dealers.

DenPureSound got the 4311 brand new for $1,500 shipped from an authorized dealer.

I know 2 dealers. PM me if you are interested.

 

[PauldF2]

Thanks for the replies guys!

JP - that is exactly what I was hoping would not be the case - I had read in other threads that all the kinks were not worked out of the networking on the 7005 - bummer! Yes, it would be possible to connect a laptop via hdmi, but hate to buy something marketed as 'network ready'/DLNA when it's buggy!

Both units have HDMI inputs on the front and both have USB ports on the front I think - I couldn't find a photo of the front panel open on either one, but the Denon website says it has 2 and the photo of the back shows one there - the same site says the Denon has a 'mini jack for portable music players' on the front - does that mean in addition to a usb there?

I like the Apple Airplay free option with the Denon - I have the iMac now in the livingroom and will probably add a macbook pro and maybe a iPhone this year - has anybody else played with this? Does it work really well?

What about the hardwired LAN support on the Denon? Does it work well? Can anyone who has connected it to a DLNA PC on their LAN to play music/pics/video chime in here please?

ADTG - thanks for the input. Yes I was aware from my reading that they are both from the same company, share many components and are made in Japan. Those are good prices - are they absolutely from authorized dealers? Can you speak to any of the issues above? If you have/use one, what other likes/dislikes have you found with the 4311? Can anyone else chime in?

Thanks!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I like the Apple Airplay free option with the Denon - I have the iMac now in the livingroom and will probably add a macbook pro and maybe a iPhone this year - has anybody else played with this? Does it work really well?

What about the hardwired LAN support on the Denon? Does it work well? Can anyone who has connected it to a DLNA PC on their LAN to play music/pics/video chime in here please?

ADTG - thanks for the input. Yes I was aware from my reading that they are both from the same company, share many components and are made in Japan. Those are good prices - are they absolutely from authorized dealers? Can you speak to any of the issues above? If you have/use one, what other likes/dislikes have you found with the 4311? Can anyone else chime in?

Thanks!

DenPureSound is getting new internet provider next week, so he can't comment on the Denon 4311 now. But from talking to him, he is 100% satisfied with all the network capabilities of the 4311.

Yes, the $1,500 shipped is from Denon authorized dealers. PM me if you want more specifics.