Yamaha RX-V3900 vrs Marantz SR8002

[Phil Indeblanc]

Comparing Marantz to Denon is a waste of time. They are the same company with the same amps in the receivers. If your hearing things then you are hearing things. If you give me 2 hours with you in a room I can make you believe things that are totally not true. the mind is a powerful thing. If you want to measure a difference I suggest you use scientific measurements instead.

Chart the different FRs and see if their is more than a 1db deviance at any point.

make sure they are level matched.

i want to agree with you and I know they are from the same mfg, but how come the Denon noticably sounded the furtherest from the bunch? I am about to setup for doing a "test" today.


I don't know how to chart differnt frequencies as I dont have a way to do readings. What instrument do I purchase so I can read all the frequencies the ear is able to hears?

I will use the direct stereo, if that is what you mean by level matched.


(If they all sound the same, I would get the Pioneer as it has Windows networking, and all the other logos. The yam would be second in line).

 

[lsiberian]

i want to agree with you and I know they are from the same mfg, but how come the Denon noticably sounded the furtherest from the bunch? I am about to setup for doing a "test" today.


I don't know how to chart differnt frequencies as I dont have a way to do readings. What instrument do I purchase so I can read all the frequencies the ear is able to hears?

I will use the direct stereo, if that is what you mean by level matched.


(If they all sound the same, I would get the Pioneer as it has Windows networking, and all the other logos. The yam would be second in line).

You'd need an SPL Meter with the specific correction values for that meter.

You'd need to take several readings and not move the speakers at all.

Lot's of thing can influence sound. Even they way we sit. LOL.

I've got an external amp for my LR channels and the euphoric effect is very obvious to me. Placement of your speakers has a far greater effect on the sound than your receiver.

I'm not sure your electrical engineering background either, but PENG is a professional in that area. I believe he's an electrical engineer. IOTW he really knows what he's talking about. A study of basic physics is a great idea for anyone undertaking this hobby. I suggest you put your effort into proper speaker placement and improving room conditions.

I want you to understand what your saying so I'll give you an easy to understand example.

Consider a light bulb.

Does a light bulb shine differently with a different light socket. Even if it does have you ever noticed light bulbs shining differently in different light sockets.
Even if you change light socket brands the bulb still shines the same. So as long as you have an adequate power source a light bulb shines just fine. Sound is a lot like light so just like hooking up a different power source won't change the light bulb changing it for a speaker doesn't change the sound.

 

[Phil Indeblanc]

Consider a light bulb.

Does a light bulb shine differently with a different light socket. Even if it does have you ever noticed light bulbs shining differently in different light sockets.
Even if you change light socket brands the bulb still shines the same. So as long as you have an adequate power source a light bulb shines just fine. Sound is a lot like light so just like hooking up a different power source won't change the light bulb changing it for a speaker doesn't change the sound.

Yes, I agree...to an extent..If the power of light is 100w and you are setting output at 100w, a amp that has 98w will light the bulb a bit different when set to 100w coming from a weaker source, vs the bulb that has 140w of power fed. I guess the reserve and comfort of that sound is maybe at play, and perhaps the way things are filtered? Is the comfort of a Rotel amp that makes it sound the way it does? Or is there something else, like filters and such?

Funny enough when I was setting up car audio years back, since the amp being seperate, I knew that it had "no" influence on sound. But the recieivers different components did... but now that the receiver is also involved with the amp, I think there is some difference in sound quality that the DAC, and the other components have. Im not sure how I let my previuos understanding get so tossed...I think it was the stereo sales rep, that played 2 different amps, that sounded way different as I thought they were at the same direct level...hmmm..I have been thrown off a bit...but I have no fallen. thanks for putting it back into perspective. But now I will do one more test, and reconsider a Denon.

So how does one check for a AVReceiver's true output power? as I have some 4ohm speakers to feed.

Also how does one test or judge for other quality circuitry and electronics to expect a clean output from the receiver duty of things?

I remember in cars, Alpine higher end units would have 12v out and other features, then you would add a crossover, and maybe EQ...so which AV receiver has these? Thats when long Precision Power amps were the ticket. Or the older HiFonics that now make very low grade. I also had some Orion gear, and those were powerful under rated. So it looks like a game of the underrated? is it true? is that back in the mix?

So we need to look at the damping factor and such? oofff

Feel free to reply here, but I think I have a new post.

 

[PENG]

I like to listen loud, about -12db. My speaker I want to use are the ADS 4ohms. Using the CD source for Audio in.

-12 and ADS combination raises a red flag for me. I don't know your room acoustic condition but for a fair comparison you need to make sure the receivers are going to be operating within their design limit. I would like to see you volume control closer to -20. Hopefully in your room at -20 you can still listen to around 70 dB SPL with frequent peaks of up to 80 dB. You should use a sound meter to verify that in each case you are in fact getting the same SPL. You cannot rely on the volume settings of 3 different receivers. They may get you within the ball park but not accurate enough for a fair comparison. I am sure you know that the louder one will win regardless.

So with this setup, they should all sound the same, correct?

Only if the receivers are all operating within their design limits.

What do you recommend I do for this test to be as worthwhile as a comparison between the 3? I will see if I can have a couple people so I can switch out quick without distractions as I think the key is to remember how something sounded.

Again, don't go crazy with the volume. I know I am repeating myself but you are talking about ADS, they are all 4 ohm rated and are of the acoustic suspension design so for them to play loud and full you need powerful amps. I suggest you stick with 2 channel music that don't have exceptionally high dynamics for this test.

 

[Phil Indeblanc]

maybe I should be using the Infinity RSv3 which I think is 8ohm.
(I have not listened to these in years, so I better see how they play vs the ADS, as they are much larger).

And how do I know if the receiver is working within design limit?
Perhaps buy from mfg that is consistant to rule out bad batches?



my room is a 30x18 very little in it. the floors are concrete very little sound absorbtion, so things bounce around. I can't change that too much, as I am looking for a large shaggy rug, and still to put up some pictures on the walls that will not make much difference. Also the room opens up into another room with large opening. but the speakers are on the ceiling and they are surrounded by the corner, and about a foor off the corner wall.


Good points and will be applying them.

 

[Anima]

Well I dont know if it matters to anyone but I thought Id post anyways in case someone reads this in the future and wanted to know what I end up with. There was a delay in getting the SR8002 So Ive only had a week with it so far but I had a couple days off work so I was able to get some good time comparing it to the RXV1900. I know its had to compare directly since I had to switch everything up but I took notes on certain tracks with the Yamaha to see if the marantz would output the same. I compared some quality cd and some sacd's and I know it's a burnt cd but I put in a 30 second pink noise test tone as the first track so I could play the cd at the same levels (50db and 80db). I like to listen LOUD sometimes. at 80 db some female vocals sounded a little harsh on high notes with the yamaha and high pitched instruments kind of made me want to lower the volume at times. This was the first thing I looked for with the marantz. With the same tracks and at the same level (80db) the vocals sounded much smoother and I didn't get that feeling like i needed to grab the remote to turn it down a few notches. The midrange to me was the biggest difference and just a very full sound with the marantz. Bass was good with both receivers. and I know some hate hearing the whole"brighter " or "warmer" terms but to me the marantz did sound "warmer" than the yamaha. I still have three weeks and still have some movies and a lot of music to test out but so far I am really liking the Marantz.
This is my first real setup and have had the yamaha for less than a year with Polk RTI speakers then the Paradigm studios for a couple of months. I am not very experienced but have done a lot of research and auditioning so these are just my thoughts on my personal experience. Others can say the complete opposite about speakers or receivers so its all your ears that can really tell so please don't take anything I have posted as advice or as an expert review. I will decide in a couple of weeks if I will keep or return the Marantz. So far I would say it is worth the extra money.
FYI Im using a paradigm studio 7.1 setup, my room is acoustically treated and I was/am using an Emotiva XPA-3 with both receivers.

Well, it sure matters to me!

You see, i was googling Yamaha v1900 vs Marantz SR8002, and luckily, i found this thread. I can buy the SR8002 FOR LESS than what i would pay for a V1900. I save around 100-200 USD.

Any other comments on the SR8002? - I will mostly use it as a prepro for the fronts, as i also have an amp to take care of that department. I only care about the sound quality - all my videosources are 1080P.

 

[DSANTI]

Well, it sure matters to me!

You see, i was googling Yamaha v1900 vs Marantz SR8002, and luckily, i found this thread. I can buy the SR8002 FOR LESS than what i would pay for a V1900. I save around 100-200 USD.

Any other comments on the SR8002? - I will mostly use it as a prepro for the fronts, as i also have an amp to take care of that department. I only care about the sound quality - all my videosources are 1080P.

Glad my post was useful but remember it's all subjective tests were just done by my ears and not very proper at all considering all the switching back and fourth I did. All I know is that after a few weeks, several movies and a lot of 2 channel sessions I know I prefer the sound of the marantz over the Yamaha. Dont know how to describe it exactly but but it just sounds thicker... if I could compare it to something else it's like going from drinking skim milk to homo milk. Does that make sense? I feel like I get alot more from the marantz just a satisfying, relaxing feeling.
I actually just sold the 1900 to my brother in law the other day and hes really enjoying it..hasnt been over since. Hes using it with my old polk speakers I sold him as well so hes got a great system for especially for what he paid! In the end we are both very happy and I guess thats all that matters!

 

[Anima]

Glad my post was useful but remember it's all subjective tests were just done by my ears and not very proper at all considering all the switching back and fourth I did. All I know is that after a few weeks, several movies and a lot of 2 channel sessions I know I prefer the sound of the marantz over the Yamaha. Dont know how to describe it exactly but but it just sounds thicker... if I could compare it to something else it's like going from drinking skim milk to homo milk. Does that make sense? I feel like I get alot more from the marantz just a satisfying, relaxing feeling.
I actually just sold the 1900 to my brother in law the other day and hes really enjoying it..hasnt been over since. Hes using it with my old polk speakers I sold him as well so hes got a great system for especially for what he paid! In the end we are both very happy and I guess thats all that matters!

All that holds me back is i'm concerned about the fact, that the newer models may have something that i would like. I only use it for watching blu-rays and listening to music, so the sr8002's sub-par videoupscaling is not of concern.

I have 3 candidates listed from the cheapest to the most expensive:

Marantz sr8002
Yahama RX-V-1900
Marantz sr6003/4

Like you, i have an amps to aid the AVR (2 ch. rated at 450W each). Have you auditioned any if the newer products from Marantz before pulling the trigger on the sr8002?

 

[lsiberian]

All that holds me back is i'm concerned about the fact, that the newer models may have something that i would like. I only use it for watching blu-rays and listening to music, so the sr8002's sub-par videoupscaling is not of concern.

I have 3 candidates listed from the cheapest to the most expensive:

Marantz sr8002
Yahama RX-V-1900
Marantz sr6003/4

Like you, i have an amps to aid the AVR (2 ch. rated at 450W each). Have you auditioned any if the newer products from Marantz before pulling the trigger on the sr8002?

If you already have an amp why not get a pre-pro and then amp the other channels. You'll get a lot more features that way.

 

[Anima]

If you already have an amp why not get a pre-pro and then amp the other channels. You'll get a lot more features that way.

That's an idea i had in the beginning, but the Marantz is only 929 EUR, and i can't find any pre-pros for the same. The Emo UMC-1 has been postponed several times, and i think the Marantz willl do justice - but i don't know it for sure. It's an avr getting old, however, it was not exactly cheap when it was launched..

 

[lsiberian]

That's an idea i had in the beginning, but the Marantz is only 929 EUR, and i can't find any pre-pros for the same. The Emo UMC-1 has been postponed several times, and i think the Marantz willl do justice - but i don't know it for sure. It's an avr getting old, however, it was not exactly cheap when it was launched..

Do you not have Onkyo's over there. the Onkyo STS is a very awesome pre-pro.

 

[Anima]

We have onkyo's over here in Denmark, but they are very expensive - 15k danish kroner, or about 2000 EUR.

 

[lsiberian]

We have onkyo's over here in Denmark, but they are very expensive - 15k danish kroner, or about 2000 EUR.

Yeah but you have damn good cheese(Havarti). That stuff is amazing.

Does the cheaper Marantz have pre-amp outs?

If so get that. You can run your speakers through your amp still.

 

[Anima]

Yeah but you have damn good cheese(Havarti). That stuff is amazing.

Does the cheaper Marantz have pre-amp outs?

If so get that. You can run your speakers through your amp still.

AUDIO
Analogue In/Out 6/4
Digital Optical In/Out 3/1
Digital Coaxial In/Out 3/1
Gold plated In/Out yes
Preamp Out yes
Main Amp in no
Multichannel Input yes

So yeah, conclusion must be that the 8002 will be good!

And by the way, you should try out the danish version of the chocolate chip cookie - it's with brown sugar and Hazelnuts, and they never get cold, because you can't stop eating them