Marantz Separates or AVR

Aziz Ismail

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Hi,
I have been looking at going down the separate route for some time now and have been advised on using my current receivers HT bypass to achieve what it is that i am wanting to do however,
I have come across these two Marantz Separates but want to know if buying: (Marantz NR1711 Slim 7.2Ch 8K AV Receiver) this as an up to date av receiver but then adding something like this: (MM7055 140W 5-Channel Current Feedback Power Amplifier AV Separates | Marantz) as a separate power amplifier would give me better results than simply buying just a AVR such as: (Marantz SR7015 9.2ch 8K AV Amplifier)

I know a member advised on simply adding something like the Musical Fidelity to mu current setup but i want something that also matches if that makes sense.

I have upgraded my 5.1 to the B&W 603 S2 Anniversary Edition Fronts, 606 S2 & HTM6 S2 and currently use an Onkyo TX-NR828.

Thanks in advance.
 
have come across these two Marantz Separates but want to know if buying: (Marantz NR1711 Slim 7.2Ch 8K AV Receiver) this as an up to date av receiver but then adding something like this: (MM7055 140W 5-Channel Current Feedback Power Amplifier AV Separates | Marantz) as a separate power amplifier would give me better results than simply buying just a AVR such as: (Marantz SR7015 9.2ch 8K AV Amplifier)
these are not really separates, you have your AVR and adding a marantz multichannel power amp. you are still limited with your AVR and to be honest those marantz multichannel power amps are not that great...ie a bit like AVR power stage in a seperate box. the other problem you have is the nr1711 has no multichannel pre outs to speak off so sorry but you cant actually run an external multichannel power amp with it

the SR7015 will get you a better pre and processing stage than the nr1711 slim jobbie and a better power amp stage as well. so that would be the preferred option id suggest

I know a member advised on simply adding something like the Musical Fidelity to mu current setup but i want something that also matches if that makes sense.

I have upgraded my 5.1 to the B&W 603 S2 Anniversary Edition Fronts, 606 S2 & HTM6 S2 and currently use an Onkyo TX-NR828.

if your current avr is the nr828... it makes no sense at all to be changing to the marantz nr1711 ? definitely the SR7015 would be a better option. if you are keen to add a 2ch integrated with ht bypass to the SR7015... marantz do make these ...some you can consider is marantz 8006 and above... this would be a perfect sonic match with your marantz AVR if what you are considering...

1618663668721.png
 
The NR1711 only has pre outs for the front left and right channels (exclusing the subwoofer and second audio zone pre outs). You'd not be able to utilise all 5 channels of amplification onboard the MM7055 power amp if using the NR1711. If wanting to use all 5 amplification channel onboard the power amp then you need an AV receiver or pre processor that has a full set of pre outs, one for every channel the AV receiver is able to process. The cheapest Marantz AV receiver to include anything more than just the front left and right pre outs would be the 9 channel SR6015. This is a less powerful and slighly less well spec'd model than the SR7015.



Note that HT Bypass is something you find on higher end stereo integrated amplifiers. It enables you to use the stereo inyegrated amp as a power amp while this mode is engaged or still use them as a standalone stereo integrated amp while the HT Bypass mode is disengaged.


 
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The NR1711 only has pre outs for the front left and right channels (exclusing the subwoofer and second audio zone pre outs). You'd not be able to utilise all 5 channels of amplification onboard the MM7055 power amp if using the NR1711. If wanting to use all 5 amplification channel onboard the power amp then you need an AV receiver or pre processor that has a full set of pre outs, one for every channel the AV receiver is able to process. The cheapest Marantz AV receiver to include anything more than just the front left and right pre outs would be the 9 channel SR6015. This is a less powerful and slighly less well spec'd model than the SR7015.



Note that HT Bypass is something you find on higher end stereo integrated amplifiers. It enables you to use the stereo inyegrated amp as a power amp while this mode is engaged or still use them as a standalone stereo integrated amp while the HT Bypass mode is disengaged.


Thanks for your reply.

I have read the article and it just seems like a lot of headache trying to use the HT bypass feature. I would prefer to just switch the tv on, watch a movie in 5.1 & then literally switch the tv off, switch to stereo mode & stream some lossless music in stereo to the floor standers and sub. I'm not that good with messing with equipment unfortunately.

I do like the Marantz SR6015 & 7015 (think the 7015 has more power) but are there any other high end av receivers that will give me stereo sound or similar to a stereo amplifier but in an AVR?

Thank you.
 
Unfortunately the marantz 7015 pre outs are lousy, 0.7v! So I would choose another avr with better pre outs
 
If wanting better stereo performance then you are looking at the likes of Arcam which come with a higher price tag attached to them.

AV receivers don't perform well relative to stereo sources and will not prtray music sources as well as any comparably priced dedicated stereo intergrated amplifier.

The best you can do is use an AV receiver that has pre outs and then add a stereo integrated amplifier that include HT Bypass to power the front 2 channels.
 
If wanting better stereo performance then you are looking at the likes of Arcam which come with a higher price tag attached to them.

AV receivers don't perform well relative to stereo sources and will not prtray music sources as well as any comparably priced dedicated stereo intergrated amplifier.

The best you can do is use an AV receiver that has pre outs and then add a stereo integrated amplifier that include HT Bypass to power the front 2 channels.
I have been reading about the Arcam and also the Anthem Receivers. Both seem to be experiencing a lot of issues from what i have read. I know the price reflects the product but would you say that the Arcam AVR10 is miles apart in sounds quality from the likes of say the Marantz SR7015?
 
The Arcam signature sound is above average. Whether this actually tickles your fancy is another matter though and you'd really need to listen to one in order to ascertain whether it is to your personal liking?
 
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I have read the article and it just seems like a lot of headache trying to use the HT bypass feature. I would prefer to just switch the tv on, watch a movie in 5.1 & then literally switch the tv off, switch to stereo mode & stream some lossless music in stereo to the floor standers and sub. I'm not that good with messing with equipment unfortunately.

I do like the Marantz SR6015 & 7015 (think the 7015 has more power) but are there any other high end av receivers that will give me stereo sound or similar to a stereo amplifier but in an AVR?

Thank you.
head further up the marantz tree.. something like 8012... as you go up the marantz ranks the quality of 2ch, dacs, analog, power supples pre stages everything gets better...

marantz has a music matters approach with their gear and are bug free. for a many folk thats quite good enough... you can always down track if want ... add a 2ch integrated with ht bypass... if want that is...
 
head further up the marantz tree.. something like 8012... as you go up the marantz ranks the quality of 2ch, dacs, analog, power supples pre stages everything gets better...

marantz has a music matters approach with their gear and are bug free. for a many folk thats quite good enough... you can always down track if want ... add a 2ch integrated with ht bypass... if want that is...
I have looked at the differences between the two. I believe the 8012 allows for 11 channels where as the SR7015 is 9 channels. The 8012 also has slightly more power 125w to 140w.

I have read that Marantz are more inclined towards music and Denon are more for home theatre so it's something i will consider. I just want something that will last me a while and will drive my speakers well enough. I would love to go down the HT bypass route but watching videos online and reading about this setup gives me anxiety lol.
 
I have been reading about the Arcam and also the Anthem Receivers. Both seem to be experiencing a lot of issues from what i have read. I know the price reflects the product but would you say that the Arcam AVR10 is miles apart in sounds quality afrom the likes of say the Marantz SR7015?
The Arcam AV10 will imo musically sound better than a Marantz for example. But as you've already established Arcam & Anthem aren't without their issues/bugs.

From a personal point of view, I run a Stereo integrated amp with HT Bypass (Audiolab 6000A) into the front pre-outs of a Denon X4500H AVR. It's a simple setup:

2x Shielded RCA cables from the Audiolabs "Power In" jacks ➡️ Front L&R Pre-outs on the Denon.

Front speakers are connected to the Audiolab. Every stereo source is plugged directly into the Audiolab.

When watching movies:

Set the Audiolabs "Mode" to "Pre-Power" - This essentially turns the 6000A into a Power Amp for your front speakers. Volume control is done via the AVR. The volume dial on the Audiolab has no effect.

For stereo/music sources (connected to Audiolab). Set the "Mode" to "Integrated". Volume is then controlled by the Audiolab and the AVR can be switched off.

All these Mode changes can be done with the amps remote btw.

The Audiolab 6000A is, I believe the cheapest Stereo Integrated amp with HT Bypass: (RRP £599 - Black or Silver)


The cheapest AVR new, (with a full set of pre-outs) is the Denon 3700: (RRP £1099)


The combined price of these 2 amps is Still less than an Arcam or Anthem. Yet the Denon is much more stable in terms of bugs/software imo.
 
have looked at the differences between the two. I believe the 8012 allows for 11 channels where as the SR7015 is 9 channels. The 8012 also has slightly more power 125w to 140w.

It’s not just channels and power ... with every step up Marantz put more effort all around as I described . It is flagship after all
 
The Arcam AV10 will imo musically sound better than a Marantz for example. But as you've already established Arcam & Anthem aren't without their issues/bugs.

From a personal point of view, I run a Stereo integrated amp with HT Bypass (Audiolab 6000A) into the front pre-outs of a Denon X4500H AVR. It's a simple setup:

2x Shielded RCA cables from the Audiolabs "Power In" jacks ➡️ Front L&R Pre-outs on the Denon.

Front speakers are connected to the Audiolab. Every stereo source is plugged directly into the Audiolab.

When watching movies:

Set the Audiolabs "Mode" to "Pre-Power" - This essentially turns the 6000A into a Power Amp for your front speakers. Volume control is done via the AVR. The volume dial on the Audiolab has no effect.

For stereo/music sources (connected to Audiolab). Set the "Mode" to "Integrated". Volume is then controlled by the Audiolab and the AVR can be switched off.

All these Mode changes can be done with the amps remote btw.

The Audiolab 6000A is, I believe the cheapest Stereo Integrated amp with HT Bypass: (RRP £599 - Black or Silver)


The cheapest AVR new, (with a full set of pre-outs) is the Denon 3700: (RRP £1099)


The combined price of these 2 amps is Still less than an Arcam or Anthem. Yet the Denon is much more stable in terms of bugs/software imo.
Thanks for this explanation Jester.

I tried to explain this to a Richer Sounds and he seems to be clueless as to what i was trying to explain. He advised to just simply invest in an AVR ie Marantz SR7105.

I have just had a quick look at the Audiolab and realised that it doesn't allow me to bi-amp my front speakers. Currently i have x4 cables from each floor stander going into my receiver. I noticed a huge difference when bi-amping my front B&W. Are there any other power amps like this audiolab that allow for bi-amping would you know?

Ta
 
Thanks for this explanation Jester.

I tried to explain this to a Richer Sounds and he seems to be clueless as to what i was trying to explain. He advised to just simply invest in an AVR ie Marantz SR7105.

I have just had a quick look at the Audiolab and realised that it doesn't allow me to bi-amp my front speakers. Currently i have x4 cables from each floor stander going into my receiver. I noticed a huge difference when bi-amping my front B&W. Are there any other power amps like this audiolab that allow for bi-amping would you know?

Ta
You can add a power amp to the 6000A by using it's own "Pre-out" jacks. The preouts on the Audiolab are "live" regardless of the mode the amps in.

Another alternative is the slightly.more expensive Audiolab 8300A. This has 2 sets of speaker terminals, so you could bi-amp in the same way you do with your current receiver. You do, though lose the onboard (very good) DAC with the 8300A - it's a pure analogue amp. Specs here:


*Although. What you're currently doing is passive biamping, which imo makes little to no difference in sound quality and probably won't be needed if you had a dedicated stereo Amp. Why not see if you can get a demo of the 6000A/Denon 3700 combo?

Meant to ask what speakers are you currently using?
 
You can add a power amp to the 6000A by using it's own "Pre-out" jacks. The preouts on the Audiolab are "live" regardless of the mode the amps in.

Another alternative is the slightly.more expensive Audiolab 8300A. This has 2 sets of speaker terminals, so you could bi-amp in the same way you do with your current receiver. You do, though lose the onboard (very good) DAC with the 8300A - it's a pure analogue amp. Specs here:


*Although. What you're currently doing is passive biamping, which imo makes little to no difference in sound quality and probably won't be needed if you had a dedicated stereo Amp. Why not see if you can get a demo of the 6000A/Denon 3700 combo?

Meant to ask what speakers are you currently using?

On older audiolab you couldn't use pre power av and bi amp speakers as pre outs were muted. I had a audiolab 8000s.

Good they added that feature however older audiolab are better. I have old 8000q and picked up new 8000q, the former had cheaper feeling input, power, and volume control
 
You can add a power amp to the 6000A by using it's own "Pre-out" jacks. The preouts on the Audiolab are "live" regardless of the mode the amps in.

Another alternative is the slightly.more expensive Audiolab 8300A. This has 2 sets of speaker terminals, so you could bi-amp in the same way you do with your current receiver. You do, though lose the onboard (very good) DAC with the 8300A - it's a pure analogue amp. Specs here:


*Although. What you're currently doing is passive biamping, which imo makes little to no difference in sound quality and probably won't be needed if you had a dedicated stereo Amp. Why not see if you can get a demo of the 6000A/Denon 3700 combo?

Meant to ask what speakers are you currently using?
The only store close to me is Richer Sounds and after the few times that i have spoken to them (hopefully not being disrespectful) but some of them just aren't clued up. I may have to travel to an independent as they seem to know much more.

I have the B&W 603 s2 Anniversary edition floor standers, 606 s2 bookshelf for my rears & HTM6 S2 as my centre.
 
Thanks for this explanation Jester.

I tried to explain this to a Richer Sounds and he seems to be clueless as to what i was trying to explain. He advised to just simply invest in an AVR ie Marantz SR7105.

I have just had a quick look at the Audiolab and realised that it doesn't allow me to bi-amp my front speakers. Currently i have x4 cables from each floor stander going into my receiver. I noticed a huge difference when bi-amping my front B&W. Are there any other power amps like this audiolab that allow for bi-amping would you know?

Ta


I'd not bother with bi-amping. It has marginal benefits if only passive bi-amping as opposed to active bi-amping. THe latter is very, very expensive and needs very specialised hardware and speakers.

Simply concentrate on the power available per channel being enough to be able to power your speakers with. This negates the marginal benefits associated with passive bi-amping. The active sub deals with the harder to amplify lower frequencies anyway, so it will only be while in a dedicated stereo mode where you'd really need additional power to drive the lower end drivers in the speakers.


Just look for a nice 2 channel stereo integrated amp with lots of clean power and a HT Bypass feature. Hook this up to a multichannel AVR and just use it to drive your front stereo pair.
 
Thanks for your reply.

I have read the article and it just seems like a lot of headache trying to use the HT bypass feature. I would prefer to just switch the tv on, watch a movie in 5.1 & then literally switch the tv off, switch to stereo mode & stream some lossless music in stereo to the floor standers and sub. I'm not that good with messing with equipment unfortunately.

I do like the Marantz SR6015 & 7015 (think the 7015 has more power) but are there any other high end av receivers that will give me stereo sound or similar to a stereo amplifier but in an AVR?

Thank you.
With the right HT capable stereo amp it is very straight forward and easy to use. It's how I have my Denon AV amp connected.
 
On older audiolab you couldn't use pre power av and bi amp speakers as pre outs were muted. I had a audiolab 8000s.

Good they added that feature however older audiolab are better. I have old 8000q and picked up new 8000q, the former had cheaper feeling input, power, and volume control
This kind of proves the point I made in the (pointless) pm you started with me. 🤣🤣🤣

I don't care what the older Audiolabs did or didn't do re their Pre-outs! The OP asked how he could Bi-amp with the current 6000A or 83000A. The pre-outs in these amps are "live" in any mode - as I said!

Your second statement re the older version being better, is at best subjective imo, but the way you've written it, comes across as fact.

I can't compare the build quality between older & newer Audiolab stuff. But I can compare features. By your own statement that would therefore (imo only), make the newer Audiolabs better as the pre-outs are more useful as they remain "live" regardless of mode or configuration.

Edit: What I can say is that (imo) my 6000A doesn't in anyway feel cheap. In either build quality or features.
 
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Not needed ... the anxiety that is ... my daughter been using since she was a toddler ...
@Aziz Ismail - I cannot stress how simple it is to to use HT bypass. If you lived a little closer - I'd be happy to show you just how simple! (Once Covid rules allowed 🤣)
 
@Aziz Ismail - I cannot stress how simple it is to to use HT bypass. If you lived a little closer - I'd be happy to show you just how simple! (Once Covid rules allowed 🤣)


It's not difficult to use in HT amp, just select input, and alter Vol
One without HT bypass..
 
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It's not difficult to use in HT amp, just select input, and alter Vol
Not quite as you describe, not with the 6000A. On the 6000A it's not an input that determines the HT Bypass setting, but the "Mode" button.

The modes of the Audiolab are:

Screenshot_20210417-185731_Word.jpg


Edit: As far as @Aziz Ismail is concerned. The 2 modes he'd be using are:

Integrated
For when he's listening to any source connected (digitally or via analogue) to the 6000A. Volume is controlled by the Audiolab & the AVR can be switched off.

Pre-Power
For when he's using the AVR/HT Setup. In this mode, the volume is controlled by the AVR and the volume dial on the audiolab has no effect on levels. Obviously both Amp & AVR need to be on in this scenario! 🤣

The Input(s) of the 6000A are:
2x Optical, 2x Coaxial (digital)
3x RCA (analogue)
Built in Bluetooth

Any of the above inputs are selected by using either the "Source" button on the remote or the "Sel" dial on the amp itself.

Edit: @rccarguy2 - You'll note the 6000A's "Pre-Outs" are active regardless of the Mode selected (see table in picture). 👍🏼
 
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Yeah, I use a 8000q in home theatre, that lacks HT bypass so have to alter volume and input. Not really a chore considering it improves 2ch.
 
@Aziz Ismail - I cannot stress how simple it is to to use HT bypass. If you lived a little closer - I'd be happy to show you just how simple! (Once Covid rules allowed 🤣)
Seconded. Can't be any simpler to operate.
 

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