Question Denon RCD-N9 or Marantz MCR-611 with Dali Zensor 3

[cesarleeds]

Hi guys

Lately I´ve been doing my internet research on several options for a micro hifi system i´m planning to install on our living room.

I end up with these 2 setups that I will be checking on local dealers by next week:


1) Denon RCD-N9, paired with one of these gentlemen : Dali Zensor 1-Wharfedale Diamond 220-Kef Q100B . I will also check the Monitor Audio Bronze 2, but due to its slightly bigger size and being a bit more expensive it is not my first choice (but I gotta tell you, if they blow up my mind, I won´t think it twice and will plug the trigger)

2) Pioneer XC HM86D + Q Acoustics 3020, i´ve been offered this on a very good deal , problem is the retailer offering it is 300kms away, while option 1 is located on my town, there are a few things about this Pioneer unit that I like a lot, 2 usb ports (1 for hdd´s), that nice screen at the front, the materials…and I´ve read very good reviews about the Q Acoustics (although some people complain about lack of bass and recommend adding a subwoofer).

My priority of course is the sound quality, I need to feel that desire of arriving at home and play my music, I need that huge smile when the sound quality is that good, a well spaced and balanced sound, clear, detailed, bass when it is needed.

When it comes to connectivity, I need the standard these days, USB (better if a 2.5” HDD is supported instead of just USB memories), network play for my NAS, Bluetooth, NFC, DAB...I think both units do fairly well on that regard.

So if you guys know that feeling, and u have finally found it with one of these options please let me know and share your advice and experience.

 

[Member 778069]

My pick of that bunch would be the N9 - Zensor 1 combo. The Pioneer is not quite as sweet sounding as the Denon.

We sell a heap of these units, and with good reason.

Russell - Audible Fidelity

 

[cesarleeds]

My pick of that bunch would be the N9 - Zensor 1 combo. The Pioneer is not quite as sweet sounding as the Denon.

We sell a heap of these units, and with good reason.

Russell - Audible Fidelity

Hi Russell

Thanks for your comments.

Regarding the Denon unit, do you know if the USB port will be capable of playing music from an 2.5" HDD?

 

[Member 778069]

Is it USB powered or does it have its own power supply?

This is from the namual...

Denon does not guarantee that all USB memory devices will operate or receive power. When using a portable USB hard disk drive (HDD) which came with an AC adapter, use that device’s supplied AC adapter.



USB memory devices will not work via a USB hub.


It is not possible to use this unit by connecting the unit’s USB port to a PC via a USB cable.


Do not use an extension cable when connecting a USB memory device. This may cause radio interference with other devices.

Probably going to be hard to get a definite answer to this question, unless someone has the exact sam HDD and an N9... Might be woth giving Denon a call.

 

[cesarleeds]

I went to a local dealer and i can confirm a 64GB USB pendrive, formatted as FAT32, works perfectly, an 500GB 2.5" HDD formatted as EXFAT won´t work though, tryed on a Marantz M CR611 and behaviour is the same.

Had the chance to try too the Dali Zensor 1 & 3, and some other speakers, i really enjoyed the Zensor 3, loved the sound when paired with a small micro hifi system, it could very well do it for me.

So at this point i´m just trying to decide on which box i shall choose, the Marantz M CR611 or the Denon RCD N9, i´m aware of the differences and the more possibilities the Marantz offers,i´ve been recommended this one over the Denon by a friend who owns it, but the Denon is cheaper and that price difference would help me buy some stands straightaway which i need.

Ultimately i will decide on the sound quality, which one will work better with Zensor 3?

@AudibleFidelity
I´m specifically looking at those sets u offer on your site, so your advice would be much appreciated.

 

[Member 778069]

My personal preference is the MCR611 over the N9, that’s in terms of sound quality, what features they do or dont have is a more personal choice, and depends on how you will use the unit?

I would say go for the better unit, and save for the stands and get them at a later date, I wouldn’t compromise on the amplifier just to be able to buy stands right away.

Easy for me to say that though, as I wont be the one that is living without the stands for however long... But that is what I would do.

Russell - Audible Fidelity