Will I notice a Difference?

[drunkenaudio]

After reading everyone's repsonse to my questions (thank you for the invaluable advice) I have decided to go with a Marantz receiver. I am looking at the 4600 and 5600. Will I notice a big difference between 10 watts of power. I do not need tons of features...just basic sound. Do I need to move up higher in the line to notice a difference????

 

[markw]

Unless you need the additional features of the 5600, I wouldn't bother.

You won't hear the additional 10 watts. Trust me on this.

 

[gcmarshall]

that being said, why not err on the side of having slightly more power than slightly less power? if you plan to make this an investment to last until the thing dies, why not buy one slighlty higher on the ladder? obviously, if one is on a tight budget, then my advice does not make sense. but, if you are in a position to treat yourself to something nice and still have plenty of cushion for more necessary financial commitments, then by all means.....

 

[JPW]

I agree with markw.

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

Will I notice a big difference between 10 watts of power.

No. Save some money.

 

[jcPanny]

After reading everyone's repsonse to my questions (thank you for the invaluable advice) I have decided to go with a Marantz receiver. I am looking at the 4600 and 5600. Will I notice a big difference between 10 watts of power. I do not need tons of features...just basic sound. Do I need to move up higher in the line to notice a difference????

To put your question into perspective, an audible 3dB increase in volume (SPL) would require double the amplifier power. To double the SPL would require 10 times the amplifier power.

 

[j_garcia]

I always say opt for the higher model, however in this case, even the 4600 has preamp outputs, so you could add an amp down the road if needed. My brother has a 4200 and I bought my dad a 4400 and they both have plenty of power. What really matters is what speakers you are running - if they need decent power, I'd say go with the 5600. If you are going to run smaller satellites, the 4600 should be fine.

 

[MDS]

I would say only go for the higher model if the extra features it has over the lower model are things that you want or need and you feel that the price difference is acceptable. I would not buy the higher model solely because it has an extra 10 watts per channel as that difference will be inaudible (~ .4 dB).