 Advice choosing receiver / pre-pro
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Following from my previous thread, I'm planning on buying a new receiver or pre-processor to replace my current Outlaw 990 pre-processor (which is coupled with an Outlaw 7125 7-channel amplifier @ 125w/ch). I'd like to upgrade to a new processor that supports HDMI, 1080p24 video processing, new HD audio (Dolby/DTS), new wide/height surround formats (PLiiz, DSX), network connectivity and, most importantly, room correction such as Audyssey MultEQ XT/XT32.
I'm considering the Denon AVR-4311CI versus the Marantz AV7005 pre-processor. Outlaw is currently offering a promotion whereby I can purchase the Marantz @ $1500 US with free US shipping (I'd have to pay the difference to ship to Canada) with a $300 buy-back option on my current 990 pre-pro - for a total cost of $1200 US plus CDN shipping.
The Denon 4311 is relatively new and hasn't arrived on the shelves of Canadian retailers but I suspect that I can get it for approximately $1700-1800 CDN. Or I can purchase it from the US for $1500 USD plus shipping. Purchasing from the US might (will?) negate the manufacturer's warranty, however.
I'm leaning towards the Denon 4311 as it has the latest Audyssey implementation (MultEQ XT32 plus SubEQ for 2 subwoofers) and seems to have a couple more features that I may use - such as a Denon iPhone app to control it which may come in handy. Plus, I might be able to use it as a receiver and re-purpose or sell my 7-channel Outlaw 7125 amplifier (might save a few bucks). But I'm not sure what the final cost will be and it will definitely be more expensive than the Marantz.
The Marantz is obviously cheaper and is a pre-pro vs. a receiver. And it pretty much has all the features I need minus the latest Audyssey implementation (not XT32).
I've not owned either brand - the Outlaw was my first "real" home theater processor.
Any opinions on which would be better? I'm primarily interested in home theater setup - watching movies and TV. But I do listen to music (in multi-channel mode i.e. PL2x Music) and would like to stream music from a networked server. I will only have the capacity to run it as 7.2 (fronts, center, heights, sides).
I happily await your comments...
Thanks!
Bryan
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Re: Advice choosing receiver / pre-pro
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Joined: May 2002
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Bryan, my comment would be that of those two alternatives I'd prefer the 4311(primarily because of XT32)and I'd consider changing the overall amplification setup along the lines that you mention. The 4311 should do the job just fine by itself.
-----------------------------------
Enjoy the music, not the equipment.
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Re: Advice choosing receiver / pre-pro
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Joined: Dec 2003
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shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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I would also recommend the Denon but before selling off the 7125, WE have to try the Denon with and with out it 
Jason
M80 v2
VP160 v3
QS8 v2
PB13 Ultra
Denon 3808
Samsung 85" Q70
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Re: Advice choosing receiver / pre-pro
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Founder, Axiom Upgrade Club shareholder in the making
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Founder, Axiom Upgrade Club shareholder in the making
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You're about to knock JohnK off the Top Posters list.
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Re: Advice choosing receiver / pre-pro
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axiomite
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axiomite
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Na na na na, Na na NA na, HEY hey hey, goodbye ...
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Re: Advice choosing receiver / pre-pro
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shareholder in the making
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I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Advice choosing receiver / pre-pro
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connoisseur
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Does the 4311 have independent sub set for both subs or is it a common setting like previous models? I haven't bothered to keep up recently.
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Re: Advice choosing receiver / pre-pro
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michael_d - the 4311 employs Audyssey MultEQ XT32 which independently sets the level and distance settings for two subs. It then treats them as one subwoofer channel when applying the EQ filters. At least that is how I understand it. jakewash - I was thinking of you when I posted all of these questions How's your new shack? I hope you and the family are enjoying it. I was thinking that we could get together to test things out when I get it all set up. For that matter, I could use someone with your strength to help me move my CRT rear projection TV to the basement If you're interested, WE could play around with the new equipment when I've purchased and received everything. I'm interested in comparing the Denon as a receiver versus running it as a pre/pro and feeding my 7125 amplifier. I'm also considering purchasing the VP180 and a second EP500 to trial to see if they make an improvement over my VP150 and single EP500 (but don't tell my wife). BTW - The Marantz deal is apparently not available to Canadians. Marantz won't allow Outlaw to sell out of country. Guess I didn't see that in the promotion. So I'm going to purchase the 4311 when I find the right deal.
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Re: Advice choosing receiver / pre-pro
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 912 Likes: 4
aficionado
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aficionado
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Following from my previous thread, I'm planning on buying a new receiver or pre-processor to replace my current Outlaw 990 pre-processor (which is coupled with an Outlaw 7125 7-channel amplifier @ 125w/ch). I'd like to upgrade to a new processor that supports HDMI, 1080p24 video processing, new HD audio (Dolby/DTS), new wide/height surround formats (PLiiz, DSX), network connectivity and, most importantly, room correction such as Audyssey MultEQ XT/XT32.
I'm considering the Denon AVR-4311CI versus the Marantz AV7005 pre-processor. Outlaw is currently offering a promotion whereby I can purchase the Marantz @ $1500 US with free US shipping (I'd have to pay the difference to ship to Canada) with a $300 buy-back option on my current 990 pre-pro - for a total cost of $1200 US plus CDN shipping.
The Denon 4311 is relatively new and hasn't arrived on the shelves of Canadian retailers but I suspect that I can get it for approximately $1700-1800 CDN. Or I can purchase it from the US for $1500 USD plus shipping. Purchasing from the US might (will?) negate the manufacturer's warranty, however.
I'm leaning towards the Denon 4311 as it has the latest Audyssey implementation (MultEQ XT32 plus SubEQ for 2 subwoofers) and seems to have a couple more features that I may use - such as a Denon iPhone app to control it which may come in handy. Plus, I might be able to use it as a receiver and re-purpose or sell my 7-channel Outlaw 7125 amplifier (might save a few bucks). But I'm not sure what the final cost will be and it will definitely be more expensive than the Marantz.
The Marantz is obviously cheaper and is a pre-pro vs. a receiver. And it pretty much has all the features I need minus the latest Audyssey implementation (not XT32).
I've not owned either brand - the Outlaw was my first "real" home theater processor.
Any opinions on which would be better? I'm primarily interested in home theater setup - watching movies and TV. But I do listen to music (in multi-channel mode i.e. PL2x Music) and would like to stream music from a networked server. I will only have the capacity to run it as 7.2 (fronts, center, heights, sides).
I happily await your comments...
Thanks!
Bryan I have TWO 7125s and no matter what I buy in the future I would never get rid of them. Unlike AVR's, power amps aren't subject to obsolescence and they deal with the various speaker resistant issues generally better. With few exceptions, outboard power amps will provide the actual "all-channels driven" power output better and more accurately than an AVR. Also, should you wish the option of going to a strictly a Pre-Pro in the future, then you are all set. I have used both a high-end and mid range AVR as a Pre-Pro in the last couple of years and although I can't really say the sound is audibly superior than the AVRs amps on their own, it does give me a flexibility now and in in the future that I otherwise wouldn't have without them.
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Re: Advice choosing receiver / pre-pro
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10,420
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: Dec 2003
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jakewash - I was thinking of you when I posted all of these questions How's your new shack? I hope you and the family are enjoying it. I was thinking that we could get together to test things out when I get it all set up. For that matter, I could use someone with your strength to help me move my CRT rear projection TV to the basement If you're interested, WE could play around with the new equipment when I've purchased and received everything. I'm interested in comparing the Denon as a receiver versus running it as a pre/pro and feeding my 7125 amplifier. I'm also considering purchasing the VP180 and a second EP500 to trial to see if they make an improvement over my VP150 and single EP500 (but don't tell my wife). Just let me know when and I will do my best to help out I sent you a PM
Jason
M80 v2
VP160 v3
QS8 v2
PB13 Ultra
Denon 3808
Samsung 85" Q70
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