Marantz NR1200

[Rock0324]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum and looking forward to participating in a meaningful way. My name is Stewart, I'm 64 ( to put it context ) and a life long music lover. The first stereo I bought maybe1974 or so was a Marantz 2220, Dual 1218 turntable and Bose speakers. I saved up for months to afford it. When I went to college, it was my most prized possession. I have hundreds and hundreds of albums from the 60's, 70's and 80's, then of course replaced them all with CDs. I haven't listened to an album in about 25 years. About 3 months ago I bought a inexpensive turntable to see if I would get into my collection and found I did. Well that started the ball rolling. Last month I bought a Marantz NR1200 receiver and at first loved it, but after about 3 weeks I turned it on and it made a loud clank and died, no power etc... I returned it to Best Buy and they are sending me a new one. Today I cancelled it and am on the lookout for a receiver under $1000. This would be for music mostly. I don't think I would hook it up to a TV for surround sound, so just a receiver. I am now looking at a Denon. I understand they are Alexa compatible where I can talk to it to listen to what I want. Any thoughts?? I am also looking to upgrade my inexpensive Audio-Tech turntable. This is my second post, BTW. My first was my 3 desert Island albums which were The Who's Tommy, The Beatles White Album and Derek and The Dominos Lalya.

 

[DCarmi]

Sorry to hear your problems with the NR1200.

For what it is worth, my advice would be, if you don't need AV, spend on a good stereo amp, with a decent phono input. Many modern amps have optical inputs which would allow you to plug a TV in for enhanced stereo sound.

It is not clear if you make much use of a streaming service. I have both Google and Alexa devices a rarely "ask" them to play music. Radio yes, but music I usually select and cast from my phone. I'd look for a separate streaming option depending on how much stuff you stream.

My downstairs setup is basically amp, CD player, turntable and chromecast audio (CCA) and the TV has a soundbar (not into cinematic quality sound myself). The CCA gives me music streaming and radio, normally via phone. I do have a Nest hub max in the kitchen so I can stream in both rooms, simultaneously or switch from one to the other. I can also do this with the upstairs equipment, so technically I can really annoy the whole house!

 

[Rock0324]

Sorry to hear your problems with the NR1200.

For what it is worth, my advice would be, if you don't need AV, spend on a good stereo amp, with a decent phono input. Many modern amps have optical inputs which would allow you to plug a TV in for enhanced stereo sound.

It is not clear if you make much use of a streaming service. I have both Google and Alexa devices a rarely "ask" them to play music. Radio yes, but music I usually select and cast from my phone. I'd look for a separate streaming option depending on how much stuff you stream.

My downstairs setup is basically amp, CD player, turntable and chromecast audio (CCA) and the TV has a soundbar (not into cinematic quality sound myself). The CCA gives me music streaming and radio, normally via phone. I do have a Nest hub max in the kitchen so I can stream in both rooms, simultaneously or switch from one to the other. I can also do this with the upstairs equipment, so technically I can really annoy the whole house!

Man, I must be old, can you give me a brief summary of the difference between an AV and a stereo amp. I think of them as one and the same. I think I am going for the Denon x1700H, BTW. I was going to buy it right from them, their customer support seems to be very good.

 

[DCarmi]

AV stands for Audio Visual, so you'd expect hdmi inputs. Stereo or traditional audio amp does not typically have these.

 

[Al ears]

As above, if you don't need a multi channel A/V amp then don't buy one, stick to a two channel stereo amp otherwise all you are doing is wasting your money.
However, if that's what youngest to do ...