Review in WHF Denon AVR-4810 and Marantz 8003 AV + MM?

[admin_exported]

Hallo,

I sold my Onkyo 606 and want to make a good upgrade. I want to use an AV-amplifier both for 5.1 home cinema and stereo. I am considering the Denon AVR-4810 or the Marantz AV/MM8003. When does WHF bring out a review of both amplifiers?

My speakers are Phonar P5 with Phonar center and subwoofer.

A few questions:

- I will also upgrade my speakercable from Chord Carnival Silverscreen to Odyssey 4 (bi-amping). Will this be a good move?

- are XLR-connections better than RCA (Marantz)?

- do I have to use the MM8003 with the AV8003?

Regards,

Bart

 

[Andrew Everard]

As far as I know, neither product is the subject of a forthcoming review.

I don't know your speakers, but in general biamping is beneficial.

XLR connections are less prone to interference than standard RCA-to-RCA cabling, but aren't inherently better-sounding.

No, you don't have to use the MM8003 with the processor - any multichannel power amplifier would be suitable.

 

[Anonymous]

Further to that: we reviewed the AV8003 and MM8003 in our November 2008 Ultimate Guide to Blu-ray. Came out very well: the chief criticisms were that it suffered some operational quirks, and we also commented that some rivals at its price have even more drive and scale. Four stars, if you're interested.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Ah right - will have to see whether we can get that one online at some point...

 

[Anonymous]

If not to use the Mm8003 with the Av8003, what multichannel power amp would you suggest? I've heard the NAD M25 (i think that's the model no.) is quite good. Also Emotiva seems to be getting a good wrap and are great bang for buck. Thoughts?

 

[Andrew Everard]

I see no reason not to use the Marantz power amp, but the NAD would be suitable. Have no experience of the Emotiva electronics.

 

[Anonymous]

Andrew Everard:I see no reason not to use the Marantz power amp, but the NAD would be suitable. Have no experience of the Emotiva electronics.

I just have felt and have read the MM8003 lacked a bit of oomph. I personally felt it was a bit lacking in dynamics for its price.
Pity about Emotiva--I'm researching into them as I might get some myself with, quite possibly the Av8003 as the pre/pro.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Just had a read of the Emotiva site. Hmmm, looks interesting - wonder whether the company would be up for shipping review samples...?

 

[Anonymous]

Andrew Everard:Just had a read of the Emotiva site. Hmmm, looks interesting - wonder whether the company would be up for shipping review samples...?

I hope so as I'd like a review from people I know and trust. I don't know how they can make the stuff so cheap. 500W XPA1 for US$999!!! Anyway, sorry to push this thread off-topic. DO let us know if you are going tp review them (in my existing Emotiva thread

.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Well, have dropped Emotiva a mail asking if it'd be interested in having products reviewed - let's see what it says...

 

[Anonymous]

Lovely. Hopefully they say yes!

 

[Boca]

Hi Andrew is their any chance that you will be able to get the review of the Marantz 8003 AV and MM up on the reviews page ?

thanks

 

[Andrew Everard]

There's always a chance, but at the moment we're involved in a switch between content management systems for the site, so we're a tad preoccupied.

 

[Anonymous]

Any chance that the Emotiva folk may one day say yes to a review? I'm seriously considering an all monoblock system of 7 x XPA-1s. (3500W into 8ohms and 7000W into 4ohms!!!)

 

[Andrew Everard]

Beta4Me:Any chance that the Emotiva folk may one day say yes to a review?

Again, there's always a chance, but still have had no response from the company.