MikeAK Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Hello Gents, My current receiver has a bad terminal so I have no choice but to get a new one. My current unit is a Denon 891 which I purchased from BestBuy. Doing my research I have read a lot about how some receivers can be warmer than others. I am wondering if this is a fact or is it just internet chatter? I am currently looking at the Marantz 7009 or the Pioneer Elite SC-89 but I've read a lot about how Pioneer can sound a bit harsh with Klipsch speakers and that Marantz might be better because it is a warmer sounding unit. My current speakers are the RF82s, RC62 with RS42s x 4. I also run an SVS PB12-NSD with the sledge amp. Does anyone have any opinion on the whole warm/cold sound? Is there a noticable difference in sound processing between Marantz and Pioneer? Cheers, Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mxr dad Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Either one of those receivers will sound nice and it really gets down to what your ears like. If you like the sound of your Denon, then Marantz would be the way to go in my opinion. If you havent tried a Pioneer in your current setup, it may sound a little different but not much. I do like the fact you can manually adjust MCAAC (or whatever its called) after running it. Not sure if you can do that with Audy. I have a Pioneer and Denon receiver and I swap them out from time to time and they both sound great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derrickdj1 Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 There are a lot of guys on this forum using Pioneer Elite avr's that are very happy with the sound. The thing I like about the Pioneer is the ultra clean sound and black floor. I use to have a couple of Deon's and they sounded great also but, I prefer the SQ of the Pioneer. I really like MCACC and what it does to get the overall sound right in the room. I know about Auddysee sub integration but, have never felt it was superior to Pioneer's reverb and standing wave correction in getting the bass to sound great. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 If you have the budget go with separates. Get the best possible amp you can live with for a long time. As technology changes you then only need to look at pre-pros. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zen Traveler Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 (edited) If you have the budget go with separates. Get the best possible amp you can live with for a long time. As technology changes you then only need to look at pre-pros. I dunno...I picked up a top of the line Denon AVR-4311ci to drive my 9.2 home theater for $1200 and outside of Dolby Atmos, I have an excellent processor with Audyssey XT-32 and 9 channels of amplification in one unit. Edited May 3, 2015 by tkdamerica Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zen Traveler Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Hello Gents, My current receiver has a bad terminal so I have no choice but to get a new one. My current unit is a Denon 891 which I purchased from BestBuy. Doing my research I have read a lot about how some receivers can be warmer than others. I am wondering if this is a fact or is it just internet chatter? I am currently looking at the Marantz 7009 or the Pioneer Elite SC-89 but I've read a lot about how Pioneer can sound a bit harsh with Klipsch speakers and that Marantz might be better because it is a warmer sounding unit. My current speakers are the RF82s, RC62 with RS42s x 4. I also run an SVS PB12-NSD with the sledge amp. Does anyone have any opinion on the whole warm/cold sound? Is there a noticable difference in sound processing between Marantz and Pioneer? Cheers, Mike If you aren't going to be going Dolby Atmos anytime soon I would pick up a Denon AVR-X4000, or better yet a AVR-5420ci (not refurbished) for around/less than $800 and have a 3 to 4 year warranty if purchased from an authorized dealer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tromprof Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 There are a lot of guys on this forum using Pioneer Elite avr's that are very happy with the sound. The thing I like about the Pioneer is the ultra clean sound and black floor. I use to have a couple of Deon's and they sounded great also but, I prefer the SQ of the Pioneer. I really like MCACC and what it does to get the overall sound right in the room. I know about Auddysee sub integration but, have never felt it was superior to Pioneer's reverb and standing wave correction in getting the bass to sound great. I love the super clean sound of the D3 amps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzydog Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 I started with a low end Marantz NR-1402 and upgraded to a Pioneer SC-1323. I found the Pioneer to be clearer sounding without adding any harshness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OO1 Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Hello Gents, My current receiver has a bad terminal so I have no choice but to get a new one. My current unit is a Denon 891 which I purchased from BestBuy. Doing my research I have read a lot about how some receivers can be warmer than others. I am wondering if this is a fact or is it just internet chatter? I am currently looking at the Marantz 7009 or the Pioneer Elite SC-89 but I've read a lot about how Pioneer can sound a bit harsh with Klipsch speakers and that Marantz might be better because it is a warmer sounding unit. My current speakers are the RF82s, RC62 with RS42s x 4. I also run an SVS PB12-NSD with the sledge amp. Does anyone have any opinion on the whole warm/cold sound? Is there a noticable difference in sound processing between Marantz and Pioneer? Cheers, Mike modern amps all pretty much sound the same - class D amps are not the best -however - try a class A and you will never go back - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gadgtfreek Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 (edited) I heard a difference with the Klipsch between Marantz/Denon (more "warm") and Onkyo. Slight, but the Onkyo was a little more "metallic", or "crisp" IMO. Onkyo sound is like my Outlaws IMO. No experience with Yammie or Pioneer. I also think some speakers may expose differences more than others, especially these horns. Edited May 3, 2015 by gadgtfreek Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzydog Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Hello Gents, My current receiver has a bad terminal so I have no choice but to get a new one. My current unit is a Denon 891 which I purchased from BestBuy. Doing my research I have read a lot about how some receivers can be warmer than others. I am wondering if this is a fact or is it just internet chatter? I am currently looking at the Marantz 7009 or the Pioneer Elite SC-89 but I've read a lot about how Pioneer can sound a bit harsh with Klipsch speakers and that Marantz might be better because it is a warmer sounding unit. My current speakers are the RF82s, RC62 with RS42s x 4. I also run an SVS PB12-NSD with the sledge amp. Does anyone have any opinion on the whole warm/cold sound? Is there a noticable difference in sound processing between Marantz and Pioneer? Cheers, Mike modern amps all pretty much sound the same - class D amps are not the best -however - try a class A and you will never go back - I don't know of any class A receivers. If you're comparing class A/B to class D; class D is supposed to be more efficient, run cooler, and stay closer to their rated wattage when running multiple channels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tromprof Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 modern amps all pretty much sound the same And all horns are shrill ... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeAK Posted May 3, 2015 Author Share Posted May 3, 2015 Thanks for the replies, everyone. In the past I have thought about going with separates but I like the idea of having everything in one unit. Separates might add more power but it also adds more hardware and I'm not really interested in that. I think I'm ok with an all-in-one AVR. One of you mentioned a "metallic" sound with an Onkyo unit. I have also heard this from a friends setup and it's something I really didn't enjoy. I found the highs to be rather harsh and fatiguing after a while. I'm sure environment plays a huge role in the sound but I would defintely prefer to avoid that sound. In saying that though, It sounds like the whole warm/cold debate is very much a subjective one. Much like speakers, everyone's ears are different and will hear different sound. I think my current Denon has matched well with our Klipsch. I am also starting to see some nice sales on the Marantz 7009. I think I'll probably go with a Marantz. I'm more familiar with Audessey and the sound should be siimliar to what I have now. I could see me going with the Pioneer and not being happy just simply because of the "new" sound and having to learn MCACC. I also find the Marantz aesthetically pleasing. I love the minimalist front display. Cheers. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 (edited) try a class A and you will never go back - I don't know of any class A receivers. Talk about "warmer", with class A, wouldn't it be "hotter"? Bill Edited May 3, 2015 by willland Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssh Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 To my ears, the Marantz mates better with Khorns, LaS, and Reference series Klipsch than does Pioneer. I had a top-of-the-line Pioneer when I bought my Khorns, and was very unhappy, to the point that I regretted buying the speakers. I listened as much as I could and purchased the then top-of-the-line Marantz. I've had several since, and have three, now. To my ears, the Pioneer isn't as compatable as Marantz. SSH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derrickdj1 Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 If you can purchase an avr's from Best Buy, you have 30 days to try it. This way you could compare a Pioneer and Marantz. It is true when you first switch from a Denon or Marantz that it may sound different but, after a little extended listening with the Pioneer you will be better able to determine which is right for you. Nothing super special about Class A except it is old tech, inefficient and, will warm your room, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schu Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 (edited) Its not warm or cold OP... I thnk people think more in terms of warm or clinical. Frankly I do not get the clinical comments from some "warm" lovers when speaking of class d... we all love warmth but with a class d I get a clean signal devoid of a lot of the "signatures" some amplifiers can impart. That gives me a very clean slate and a tremendous blackness with which to build the sound I personally want. Unlike many critical listeners, I do not listen to my 2 channel flat, I spend A LOT of time mixing my playback so very tiny increments +/- can destroy a set up... I think many listeners that make a strident preference of one over the other are using "flat" as a reference point. Saying that, we're all different and desire different things. Edited May 3, 2015 by Schu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gadgtfreek Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Clean, sterile, all good words. I like the Outlaw to me it is in between the Marantz and an Onkyo, but I wouldnt kick any of them out of bed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zen Traveler Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 (edited) It was in this thread where I learned that not all AVRs even with similar ratings were the same: http://www.avsforum.com/forum/90-receivers-amps-processors/1261548-new-onkyo-tx-nr5008-tx-nr3008-151.html#post20077322It was there they provided this link to the Onkyo tx nr5008: http://www.soundandvision.com/content/onkyo-tx-nr5008-av-receiver-ht-labs-measuresOnkyo TX-NR5008 A/V Receiver HT Labs MeasuresHT Labs MeasuresFive channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:0.1% distortion at 79.1 watts1% distortion at 95.5 wattsSeven channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:0.1% distortion at 78.7 watts1% distortion at 94.6 wattsAnd here was what I thought was a comparable Denon AVR 4806: http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12_4/denon-avr-4806-receiver-12-2005-part-5.htmlPower Amplifiers 2 Channel Maximum RMS Power Output 182 watts x 2; 0.14% THD; 2.44 volts RMS input7 Channel Maximum RMS Power Output 114 watts x 7; 0.06% THD; 2.44 volts RMS input Which I found had similar specs (amp-wise) to the Emotiva 5 and 7 channel amps that were so popular at the time. Edited May 3, 2015 by tkdamerica Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 It was in this thread where I learned that not all AVRs even with similar ratings were the same: http://www.avsforum.com/forum/90-receivers-amps-processors/1261548-new-onkyo-tx-nr5008-tx-nr3008-151.html#post20077322 It was there they provided this link to the Onkyo tx nr5008: http://www.soundandvision.com/content/onkyo-tx-nr5008-av-receiver-ht-labs-measures Onkyo TX-NR5008 A/V Receiver HT Labs Measures HT Labs Measures Five channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads: 0.1% distortion at 79.1 watts 1% distortion at 95.5 watts Seven channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads: 0.1% distortion at 78.7 watts 1% distortion at 94.6 watts And here was what I thought was a comparable Denon AVR 4806: http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12_4/denon-avr-4806-receiver-12-2005-part-5.html Power Amplifiers 2 Channel Maximum RMS Power Output 182 watts x 2; 0.14% THD; 2.44 volts RMS input 7 Channel Maximum RMS Power Output 114 watts x 7; 0.06% THD; 2.44 volts RMS input Which I found had similar specs (amp-wise) to the Emotiva 5 and 7 channel amps that were so popular at the time. One other more important thing to remember when comparing AVR's from different mfr's and power ratings, bench test ,etc. is that each have their own protection circuitry and the tolerances at which it cuts power(1/2 or less) to the unit to protect it. A flagship Onkyo AVR that weighs in at around 55 pounds and has AB amplifier topology, is most like going to test at or over a 45 pounds Denon AVR with AB amps. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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