It depends what you want. Looking around the web for the SR-7000, it appears that the SR-7000 is a 5.1 Dolby Digital/DTS/Pro-Logic receiver.

The 7400/8400 adds:

- Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES (6.1 matrix and discrete)
- Dolby Pro-Logic IIx (7.1 matrix for all input sound formats, including Dolby Digital 5.1)
- a better remote
- one more coaxial digital input
- OSD (I think the 7000 probably doesn't have it)

So if you were thinking of sticking with 5.1 speakers, the only feature that's really added is Dolby Pro-Logic II (not IIx with 5.1 speakers though). This is a considerable upgrade over Pro-Logic if you use this soundfield a lot.

If you were thinking of upgrading to 7.1, then the 7400/8400 would be a great upgrade.

BTW my 7400 will be coming up for sale shortly.:)




When would it be up for sale and how much do you want for it, let me know.

Actually Dolby Surround almost ALWAYS means Dolby 2.0 with surround encoded material.

I think I know the problem. There are two versions of The Abyss Region 1. The widespread one comes with English 5.1 and English 2.0 - no French. Another version, meant for French speaking Canada (AKA Quebec), comes with English 2.0 and French 2.0. There's no 5.1 soundtrack.

The French version normally has "Bonus French Track" written on the front of the packaging, and the Dolby logo on the back switches from "Dolby Digital" to "Dolby Surround". If your case doesn't have that it sounds like you have the French version in English packaging (both packages are in English but you know what I mean). At any rate, the version with English 5.1 does not have French.

Well, I'm in front of my SR7400 and here's what I can tell you about the indicatons on the panel...

I have the red double-d digital indicator on. Above that, a white double-d surround indicator. Below those 2 in the speaker map area I have the front left and front right channels and a rear-center-surround.

I tried the French Dolby Surround track. Does the same thing except for the dialogue in French!

Back of the DVD case says: "AUDIO: English 5.1 Dolby Surround, English Dolby Surround". Nothing about a French track at all. There's even a Dolby DIGITAL trademark next to the PG-13 rating.

I'm going to chock this up to someone messing up at the factory.
Thanks folks for your help!
-T

I have the red double-d digital indicator on. Above that, a white double-d surround indicator.

This is 4.0 Dolby Surround delivered via a Dolby Digital 2.0 stream.

Below those 2 in the speaker map area I have the front left and front right channels and a rear-center-surround.

I just tried this out on my 8400. This is entirely normal for a Dolby Surround track. Yes, there should be a C channel, but there isn't on the diagram. Doesn't matter, your C channel should be working perfectly.

The "S" channel denotes surround. In a Dolby Surround 4.0 track, you have L, C, R and mono surrounds. Dolby Pro-Logic will decode the surrounds as mono. Dolby Pro-Logic II will decode the surrounds as stereo. Dolby Pro-Logic IIx will steer this sound over the 4 speakers. (SL, SBL, SBR, SR). So a Dolby Surround soundtrack decoded with the "original" decoder for Dolby Surround (Dolby Pro-Logic) would have the surrounds in mono - hence only one surround, "S".

This does not mean those speakers aren't active - this is just the data that's being read off the disc.

Back of the DVD case says: "AUDIO: English 5.1 Dolby Surround, English Dolby Surround". Nothing about a French track at all. There's even a Dolby DIGITAL trademark next to the PG-13 rating.

They are tricky, no doubt about that. But if they say "5.1 Dolby Surround" it's actually Dolby Surround, which can be decoded as 5.0 with Dolby Pro-Logic II and 7.0 with Pro-Logic IIx. Not discrete though, and there is no ".1" track with Dolby Surround.

Note they did not say "Dolby Digital 5.1". If they don't specifically say Dolby Digital 5.1 it isn't in DD 5.1.

It's considered Dolby Digital 2.0 - and in fact, your DVD player may label the track as such. It should say "ENG1 [double-D] 2.0 CH". That does mean you get to benefit from the increased dynamic range DD has to offer. And with a digital source, channel separation is VERY good.

So your receiver is operating fine, your DVD player is operating fine, but your DVD isn't quite what you expected.

I'll work on getting some digicam shots of my receiver display with different formats.

When would it be up for sale and how much do you want for it, let me know.

I'm having some minor warranty work done on it so it'll be in top shape when I sell it. The headphone output didn't work and one optical door is missing. Operationally and cosmetically it's flawless.

It's been in for 2 weeks now, it should be almost ready.

I haven't decided on price yet. I have to see what the going rate is. Put it this way, I do want to sell it, I don't want to hold on to it for months while I try to make an extra buck. So the price will be fair.

I'll PM you when I do some more research regarding price and when I get the unit back and test it for you.

This is of an 8400 - the 7400's display is identical. I apologize for the tilt. The camera was mounted on a tripod - I think the act of pressing the shutter pressed the tripod into the carpet, tipping it slightly. I also am not practiced enough with GIMP to be able to rotate an image and have a black background appear in the "new" section.

The first photo is of a Dolby Digital 2.0 stream that's NOT encoded with a Dolby Surround flag. This does not mean it's not in Dolby Surround as the matrixed-in tracks can be "snuck" (sneaked?) in there without the receiver being able to tell - and it doesn't matter since it's decoded in Dolby Pro-Logic IIx which will extract any matrixed data present. Note the presence of the red "double-D DIGITAL" icon and that the decoding format is "DOLBY PLIIx MV" (Dolby Pro-Logic IIx Movie).

The second photo is of a Dolby Digital 2.0 stream that's encoded with a Dolby Surround flag. Note the appearance of a blue "double-D SURROUND" icon above the red "double-D DIGITAL" icon and the addition of the "S" speaker, denoting the surround channels matrix-encoded in mono. But this "surround" matrix channel is decoded as stereo in Dolby Pro-Logic II and over 4 speakers with Dolby Pro-Logic IIx. Note that the decoding format is still "DOLBY PLIIx MV" - yours should be too, or "DOLBY PLII MV" if you don't have rear speakers. I incorrectly called this format Dolby Surround 4.0. There's no such thing since with Dolby Surround, the 3rd and 4th channels aren't discrete. Only the L and R channels are truly discrete, all the others are extracted from them. So it's all Dolby Digital 2.0, it's just that there may be additional matrix data there.

I suppose this is inconsistent - if the "C" isn't there, the "S" shouldn't be there either as only the L and R channels are discrete. Oh well.

The third photo is a Dolby Digital 5.1 stream decoded in Dolby Pro-Logic IIx. Again we have the "red double-D" icon but note the "C", "LFE" (in the centre), "SL" and "SR" channels. Also note that the decoding format has now switched to "DD+PLIIx MV" - Dolby Digital decoded with Dolby Pro-Logic IIx to add two rear channels. It could also be set to "DOLBY D" as an option or if you're operating in 5.1. Even though PLIIx is adding rear channels, they don't show up on the speaker diagram as the speaker diagram is attempting to show what's on the disc rather than what the receiver is doing.

The last photo is Dolby Digital EX, 6.1 matrix. The only differences between this and Dolby Digital 5.1 is the addition of the blue "EX" text to the right of the red "double-D DIGITAL" icon and the reappearance of the "S" speaker, this time meaning the rear surrounds. Dolby Digital EX is just like Dolby Digital 2.0 with a Dolby Surround flag. Only 5.1 channels are discrete, the 6th one is matrixed in and the receiver can properly decode it whether or not the EX flag is present.

Some discs are encoded in EX but don't have the flag. I'm sure there are some Dolby Digital 2.0 discs that don't have the Dolby Surround flag yet are encoded in Dolby Surround. Again, it doesn't matter if the discs are decoded in Dolby Pro-Logic IIx as it will extract any matrixed data if present.

DTS, DTS-ES discrete (sorry, no matrix), PCM and analog screenshots available on request.:)

In summary, the speaker diagram indicates the data on the disc, not what the receiver is decoding.

The full English only version of Abyss does have a true Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack - I listened to it tonight. And the fact that it says "5.1 Dolby Surround" is just the way they worded it, there's nothing underhanded going on.

The fact remains, you have a French Canadian disc in normal English packaging. A few other Canadian releases have also been butchered - I remember a disc (don't recall the title) where the US release had English 5.1 and English 2.0, while the Canadian release had English 2.0 and French 2.0.

Also, an easy way to tell whether your disc has discrete channels or merely decoded channels is to look at the THX mode. If it's "THX 4.0" you're working off a stereo source no matter what. If it's "THX 5.1" then there's more than 2 channels on there, no matter what they are. For instance, some old Disney cartoons have been released in Dolby Digital 4.0, which has discrete left, center, right and mono surround channels. This will show up as being processed in THX 5.1.

The full English only version of Abyss does have a true Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack - I listened to it tonight. And the fact that it says "5.1 Dolby Surround" is just the way they worded it, there's nothing underhanded going on.

There's nothing purposefully underhanded, it's a bit confusing and deceptive though.

They can say "Dolby Digital" when they mean Dolby Digital mono or Dolby Digital 2.0. However, it will only be Dolby Digital 5.1 when they specifically say "Dolby Digital 5.1." If they say "Dolby Surround 5.1" then it's Dolby Digital 2.0 with a matrix-encoded 4-channel surround track that can be decoded in 5-channel or 7-channel.

It's confusing.


Also, an easy way to tell whether your disc has discrete channels or merely decoded channels is to look at the THX mode. If it's "THX 4.0" you're working off a stereo source no matter what. If it's "THX 5.1" then there's more than 2 channels on there, no matter what they are. For instance, some old Disney cartoons have been released in Dolby Digital 4.0, which has discrete left, center, right and mono surround channels. This will show up as being processed in THX 5.1.

Good idea but note that the 7400 and 8400 are not THX certified and don't have these modes.:)

In summary, the speaker diagram indicates the data on the disc, not what the receiver is decoding.[/QUOTE]

__________________________________________________________
Fraoch, Daniel Tonks,

Excellent analysis by both of you. Fraoch, your explanation and the pics really help
others understand what's going on with the surround modes and displays. I understand where both of you are coming from--I've read up on all this stuff before but I just don't have the time to research much these days. I also try to keep up with video, power amp, and speaker tech talk but 10hr, alternating 6-day workweeks, kids, and a working spouse don't allow a lot of free time these days. Thanks to both of you for taking the time to explain things. :)

If they say "Dolby Surround 5.1" then it's Dolby Digital 2.0 with a matrix-encoded 4-channel surround track that can be decoded in 5-channel or 7-channel.
I've never heard of such a thing. Do you have any samples of discs that are so encoded and advertised? I have over 400 DVDs, and every single one that mentioned "5.1" no matter the wording around it had a true 5.1 discrete soundtrack. If a disc says anything like "Dolby 2.0 Surround" or "Dolby Surround" or "Dolby Digital Surround" or just "Dolby Digital", then chances are it's a mere 2.0 track.

Good idea but note that the 7400 and 8400 are not THX certified and don't have these modes.
Hmm, you're right, just the 7500 and 8500.

I've never heard of such a thing. Do you have any samples of discs that are so encoded and advertised? I have over 400 DVDs, and every single one that mentioned "5.1" no matter the wording around it had a true 5.1 discrete soundtrack. If a disc says anything like "Dolby 2.0 Surround" or "Dolby Surround" or "Dolby Digital Surround" or just "Dolby Digital", then chances are it's a mere 2.0 track.

To be honest, this is the first I've heard of the term "Dolby Surround 5.1" as it's really a misnomer - as soon as you insert the term "Surround" in there it means a stereo track (Dolby Digital 2.0) with matrix-encoded surround information.

Most discs encoded this way properly use just "Dolby Surround". I'm specifically thinking of Blade Runner: The Director's Cut which one of the very few major releases not in Dolby Digital 5.1.

They are still allowed to put the Dolby Digital logo on the package because it is Dolby Digital 2.0 (not sure if they do on Blade Runner), but they are not allowed to say "Dolby Digital 5.1" if it isn't Dolby Digital 5.1.

The full English only version of Abyss does have a true Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack - I listened to it tonight. And the fact that it says "5.1 Dolby Surround" is just the way they worded it, there's nothing underhanded going on.

The fact remains, you have a French Canadian disc in normal English packaging. A few other Canadian releases have also been butchered - I remember a disc (don't recall the title) where the US release had English 5.1 and English 2.0, while the Canadian release had English 2.0 and French 2.0.

Also, an easy way to tell whether your disc has discrete channels or merely decoded channels is to look at the THX mode. If it's "THX 4.0" you're working off a stereo source no matter what. If it's "THX 5.1" then there's more than 2 channels on there, no matter what they are. For instance, some old Disney cartoons have been released in Dolby Digital 4.0, which has discrete left, center, right and mono surround channels. This will show up as being processed in THX 5.1.

Daniel and Fraoch,

Thanks for the lesson in Dolby Sound! Very interesting !
What I found while playing this disk is that the "Mastered in THX" sound lites up the whole map, just about. Then the movie kicks in and all but 3 channels go away. You'd think that if they go to so much trouble to Master it nicely, they'd put in all the audio tracks! Buyer beware... :cool:

What I found while playing this disk is that the "Mastered in THX" sound lites up the whole map, just about. Then the movie kicks in and all but 3 channels go away. You'd think that if they go to so much trouble to Master it nicely, they'd put in all the audio tracks! Buyer beware... :cool:

The THX demo loop is usually in Dolby Digital 5.1. Your display should look like the DD 5.1 display.

I don't know if there are any Dolby Digital EX THX demos. They certainly aren't on the Star Wars Episodes 4-6 DVDs, which are in Dolby Digital EX. You'd think if the movie was in DD EX the demo would be too, so I'm guessing there aren't any DD EX THX demos right now.

I have an 8500...and when it is in Auto mode it fails to switch to 5.1 even though the display show that it is recieveing a 5.1 signal.

Its easy to remedy I just push the Dolby D button and its fine but I figured I shouldnt haveto do that.

I have an 8500...and when it is in Auto mode it fails to switch to 5.1 even though the display show that it is recieveing a 5.1 signal.

Its easy to remedy I just push the Dolby D button and its fine but I figured I shouldnt haveto do that.

I've found the Autosurround function rather useless on my 8400 (my 7400 was identical).

For example, with TV sources it defaults to STEREO. Kinda silly - why not DOLBY PLIIx MV?:rolleyes:

Since it remembers the last setting on each source, I don't have to play much with it anymore. I leave the TV input set to DOLBY PLIIx MV and the DVD to DD+PLIIx MV. The only automatic switching it does is during the transition from the DVD menu (usually in DD 2.0) to the movie in DD 5.1. It will switch from DOLBY PLIIx MV to DD+PLIIx MV when this happens.

I don't have to touch the double-D button anymore.

I have an 8500...and when it is in Auto mode it fails to switch to 5.1 even though the display show that it is recieveing a 5.1 signal.

Its easy to remedy I just push the Dolby D button and its fine but I figured I shouldnt haveto do that.
I also have a SR8500 (in a 5.1 configuration) but find the auto-surround to work correctly whenever it set an input to use auto-surround.

I think then its my fault for changing the setting. I did not know that it saved the last setting. So if I set it to DOLBY PLIIx and leave then I shouldnt have to push the button then...I will try that.

I think then its my fault for changing the setting. I did not know that it saved the last setting. So if I set it to DOLBY PLIIx and leave then I shouldnt have to push the button then...I will try that.

Both my 7400 and 8400 remember the last setting on each input.

cmexec - what does your 8500's auto-surround setting pick for:

- analog 2-channel sources? Is it DOLBY PLII MV (since the unit's in 5.1)?

- DD 2.0? DOLBY PLII MV?

- DD 5.1? DOLBY D?

The manual for my SR9600 shows that AUTO basically sticks with the original sound format. So an Analog Stereo input ouputs only as stereo. Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1 stays 5.1. The absolute only surround decoding AUTO seems to do is on a Dolby Digital 2.0 stream that has been properly marked with the Surround flag - it enters PLIIx Movie mode. If the stream has no surround tag (which they often forget to do) it stays stereo.

There are a lot more useful modes than AUTO though. And almost all of them are fully auto anyways...

...what daniel said. Although I only use auto-surround for 1 input that I share between 2 separate devices (2nd room Tivo=analog & media player=digital). In this case, the analog input is auto-detected as stereo. For the digital input, it indicates stereo for PCM source or DD for 2.0 or other DD encoded material and DTS for DTS material (the media player is a network media client with DVD player).

I'm not up to speed on the Marantz product release cycle and was wondering if anyone here was. Specifically, there are now SR 4600, 5600 and 9600 models out. So when might 7600 and 8600 models appear?

I wold guess the 7600 by the end of the year and the 8600 by spring.

hey just got a marantz 7500 and like it a lot. my speaker set up is sonus faber home concertino's and a sf home solo center. i'm using some old speakers for my surrounds.

I was wondering if I upgraded my l/r to sf grand piano homes would the 7500 be able to handle it or am I going to need a better a/v receiver. another option I have is to add a 2 channel amp to power the l/r grand piano and use the 7500 for a preamp

thanks for the help.

Sorry to jump in so late, but I'm afraid I'm another victim of Marantz LFE coarse. I live in Brazil (where electronics are very expensive) and I wanted to upgrade my HT system (Yamaha RXV-520 rcvr) so, as I was going to spend a few days in NJ in August, I bidded for the 8400 on Ubid in May and unfortunately I "won". :mad:

Upon arriving in NJ, I just tested the receiver with 2 channel. As it turned on and was "speaking", I thought it was OK, so I packed it back and brought it home (Rio de Janeiro).

How dispappointed I was to see that it could not drive my sub properly. It looks like the bass is fainting, farting or clipping (sorry I'm not native English speaker), weak and boomy. Even cranking the sub volume up, the LFE is weird. I kept trying settings of volume, surround modes etc, exchanging subs and cables to check if it was the sub, but now I found that other people in this forum have had the same problem. Besides, both my subs sound great with my old Yamaha.

I'd like to know what other victims like buchinmj and jdcohen (who reported this problem in this forum) got from Marantz. Is it worth complaining? My situation is critical because I'm out of the US and warranty might not apply here. So, I don't believe Marantz will honor their reputation, even though they have one representative in Brazil, cause it was not bought from them.

I guess it might be a problem of processing the LFE signal. What would the repair be, if any? Just replace one faulty module? Or would it be a project defect? Might it be a QC rejected lot that they sent out through Ubid?

Any help will be appreciated. :confused:

Do you get a proper signal when your in the menu adjusting the volume to each channel, on the test tone?

How dispappointed I was to see that it could not drive my sub properly. It looks like the bass is fainting, farting or clipping (sorry I'm not native English speaker), weak and boomy. Even cranking the sub volume up, the LFE is weird. I kept trying settings of volume, surround modes etc, exchanging subs and cables to check if it was the sub, but now I found that other people in this forum have had the same problem. Besides, both my subs sound great with my old Yamaha.

Any help will be appreciated. :confused:
Jorge: Unless you have a passive subwoofer or it is not connected correctly, I don't think you should really be expecting the Marantz to drive your sub. However, there have been some complaints from users about substandard subwoofer performance with the 8400 most problems are usually related to speaker setup in the receiver and the quality of the subwoofer used.

Over at Audioholics (www.audioholics.com) there is this article (http://www.audioholics.com/cedia/cedia2004/MarantzSRreceivers.php) about Marantz AVRs at CEDIA 2005. I doesn't appear to mention replacement pieces for the 7500/8500 but the last paragraph appears to state that the Marantz line is supplied with the RC3200 remote control. Is this correct? Has marantz revised the 7500 and 8500 package? It is a little confusing to say the least, since the URL actually has cedia2004 and the article mentions 4600/5600 (new) and 7500/8500 (old) products.

Sorry, cmexec,

Of course the Marantz is not driving the active sub. It just doesn't send a proper signal. Mine is a brand new Hsu STF-2. I also tested with a Polk sub and the result is also HORRIBLE. The test tone through the sub is weak too. My feeling is that the unit is defective. Since others have mentioned the same problem, I guess it might be a project mistake or a weak point in the model/brand.
Just for sake, I'll make some last calibration trials before I call Marantz. I can't believe how could such a reputable maker let blunders like this out of the factory....

Over at Audioholics (www.audioholics.com) there is this article (http://www.audioholics.com/cedia/cedia2004/MarantzSRreceivers.php) about Marantz AVRs at CEDIA 2005. I doesn't appear to mention replacement pieces for the 7500/8500 but the last paragraph appears to state that the Marantz line is supplied with the RC3200 remote control. Is this correct? Has marantz revised the 7500 and 8500 package? It is a little confusing to say the least, since the URL actually has cedia2004 and the article mentions 4600/5600 (new) and 7500/8500 (old) products.

For the life of me, I can't figure out what's "new" about the 5600. There seems to be a simple setup option. The website indicates a "variable crossover" (as opposed to the variable crossover in the 5500?). The crossover is actually 90, 100 and 120 Hz now, so IMHO that's a step backwards - no more 80 Hz option.:confused:

For the life of me, I can't figure out what's "new" about the 5600. There seems to be a simple setup option. The website indicates a "variable crossover" (as opposed to the variable crossover in the 5500?). The crossover is actually 90, 100 and 120 Hz now, so IMHO that's a step backwards - no more 80 Hz option.:confused:
Yes, whatever differences there are between the 5500 and 5600 are really hard to spot. The most obvious is that the 5600 has a HDCD decoder (like anyone really cares). According to the SR5600 user manual, the crossover frequencies are 80, 100 and 120 Hz, just like the previous models.

I had this question asked by email, but thought I may as well also post the information to this thread... the SR9600 supports subwoofer crossover frequencies of 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 175 and 200hz.

Yes, whatever differences there are between the 5500 and 5600 are really hard to spot. The most obvious is that the 5600 has a HDCD decoder (like anyone really cares). According to the SR5600 user manual, the crossover frequencies are 80, 100 and 120 Hz, just like the previous models.

Don't forget that big detachable Power cord!

Yes, whatever differences there are between the 5500 and 5600 are really hard to spot. The most obvious is that the 5600 has a HDCD decoder (like anyone really cares). According to the SR5600 user manual, the crossover frequencies are 80, 100 and 120 Hz, just like the previous models.

Oh yes...I was seeing the manual zoomed out. The "80 Hz" text looked like "90 Hz".

Makes sense now.

Still, I don't know why they are advertising "variable crossover points" when it had it before, as did the rest in the product line for several product generations now.

The variable cross over points may have been a marketing department gimmick, to make it sound like there are variable options for setting crossover independently for front/center/rear channels (which some AVRs do). I have no idea why they released a 5600, instead of updating the 75/8500 to feature-compete with the Yamaha, Pioneer and Denon of the same price bracket.

The variable cross over points may have been a marketing department gimmick, to make it sound like there are variable options for setting crossover independently for front/center/rear channels (which some AVRs do). I have no idea why they released a 5600, instead of updating the 75/8500 to feature-compete with the Yamaha, Pioneer and Denon of the same price bracket.

Yes, I would have assumed the next logical step would have been to include basic autosetup in the 4X00 and 5X00 series, and increased functionality autosetup/autoEQ in the 7X00 and 8X00 series. As you indicated in post 181 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5900506&&#post5900506), the current autosetup/autoEQ has no adjustable parameters.

Although personally I can take or leave this stuff, but it's what the competition is doing.

I would have liked to see:

- independent crossovers for every speaker
- ability to layer Dolby Pro-Logic IIx on DTS

The first request is asking a lot, but the second one isn't.

I concur, except to say that I have to "live with" the autoEQ (if any) that comes with my SR8500 as the user is not allowed the option to enable/disable it.

im thinking of upgrading my 7400 to 7500 or 8500, the reason being autoEQ coz my room does not have ideal acoustics. is there a fair difference in autoEQ sound? wut other features wud benefit frm apart frm tat? currently i have a 5.1 setup and it wud be nice if i could bi-amp fronts with rear channels
my only concern is, is it the right time to upgrade or shud i wait for new models to arrive in the market. im very pleased with the performance of marantz.

im thinking of upgrading my 7400 to 7500 or 8500, the reason being autoEQ coz my room does not have ideal acoustics. is there a fair difference in autoEQ sound? wut other features wud benefit frm apart frm tat? currently i have a 5.1 setup and it wud be nice if i could bi-amp fronts with rear channels
my only concern is, is it the right time to upgrade or shud i wait for new models to arrive in the market. im very pleased with the performance of marantz.
Despite your use of the language ;) I'll try to answer... The SR7500/8500 does not have autoEQ in the same sense as what would be found in the Yamaha, Pioneer or Denon receivers. It has the ability to automatically set speaker size and levels. However, as hinted in my previous post, whatever else it (M.R.A.C.) does is not user configurable or alterable. Obviously this is not the same for the flagship SR9600, which has a fully coinfigurable autoEQ facility. In terms of what difference MRAC makes, it's hard to say since I can not compare my setup with it off.

What do u guys think of the DVI switching on the 8500 any good ? I'm thinking about getting it for that reason .I have been useing marantz products for the last 5 years current set up is av9000pre mm9000amp powering linns 51 series speakers witch are 4ohms up front and klipsch rears 8ohms.

The DVI switching on my 8500 works perfectly. I've used around half a dozen DVI devices with it and it works as it should. I've heard some reports that it might not like to switch 1080p sources. I can attest that it handles 1080i, 720p, 480p, and 480i fine.

Some would say not to buy built-in DVI switching since it has really become a stepchild in the world of Digital video connections. For me though I wanted an integrated solution and liked the features of the Marantz. My Display is DVI and all my components are DVI. If you are looking for a full featured A/V receiver the 8500 will not disapoint. It is easy to setup and the audio quality is in my opinion fantastic.

The Marantz makes my Klipsch Cornwalls and Hereseys sound incredible.

Brian C. A.K.A. "CHIP"

my Marantz av9000 preamp does a nice job component switching. There just not assignable as far as DVI thats what my projector has wich is also a marantz 12s3. I am a marantz guy

I have a fairly recent 8400 that did a strange thing few days ago. We were watching a movie and all of a sudden the receiver clicks off and restarts by itself at Volume -15. We were watching at -25. It surprised us both. It did the same thing two more times during the movie. The top of the receiver was a tad hot, but not searing. Its connected to a Monster HTS-2000 powerbar and while the receiver clicked off the TV and the DVD player kept running.

This has never happened before and hasn't since. Only thing I can say is that my 4 yr-old left the receiver on for a few hours after he finished watching his cartoons. There was nothing feeding the receiver during that time.

Any clues as why this would have happened? Has anything similar happened to anyone else?

That's very strange.

It sounds like the overcurrent protection tripped, but at -25, that shouldn't be demanding with most speakers. I might also ask if you're using inefficient speakers, but if you're at a comfortable listening level at -25 they must be reasonably efficient.

Your speakers aren't 4-ohm, are they?

As for it restarting at -15, there's no explanation for that other than a DSP glitch, and if it's doing it repeatedly, it could mean trouble.

Check your speaker connections, both at the receiver and at the speaker. If you can't find anything amiss, unplug ALL your speakers and run the receiver for a few hours. If it doesn't trip, try reconnecting the speakers one at a time, testing each one.

My speakers are NHT (ST4, SC2, SB1)-- 8-ohm, 86-88db. They are a tad power hungry but this has never happened before even when I demoed my setup at close to 0 volume (calibrated to 75db).

I too felt it might have been a protection but we were watching a movie thats was primarily dailogue driven. Hardly anything dynamic happened, hence my concern.

*Knock wood* it hasn't happened since. I'd love my HT setup and would hate for something like this to happen to it. :(

I'll check my speaker connection. Hopefully I will find something amiss and can fix it and sleep easy.

My speakers are NHT (ST4, SC2, SB1)-- 8-ohm, 86-88db. They are a tad power hungry but this has never happened before even when I demoed my setup at close to 0 volume (calibrated to 75db).

Yes, those are fairly inefficient speakers.

I too felt it might have been a protection but we were watching a movie thats was primarily dailogue driven. Hardly anything dynamic happened, hence my concern.

Yeah, that only adds to the weirdness, but it could happen if you were experiencing an intermittent speaker short.

I just hooked up my SR8500 today and wanted to check out the DVI switching. I'm using a 35" Lindy cable to my HS51 using a DVI to HDMI adapter. I'm switching a Motie DCT6412 and a Bravo D1 DVD player. I'm termporarily using Dell DVI moitor cables. When I first hooked it up, I got a video signal into my HDMI input, then after playing with a variety of other setup choices, I get no more video I reset the SR8500 and the HS51. I'm thinking this might be a cable problem or a HDCP issue. Anybody have any ideas?

dartinbout

I have a DVI problem, too. I'm switching an Oppo DVD and Hughes HD STB. I get intemittent snow and flickering. I just sent it in for warranty replacement/repair. I've seen at least one other thread mentioning this, and I'm hoping it's no biggie - just a bad DVI board. I'll report back when it returns.

Hey I'm looking for a reference to serial commands for the SR7500 receiver. Basically, I want to use girder plugins to change inputs and modes on the receiver using the serial link. Some searching has come up with no information, but I could have missed something.

Thanks!

I have not looked through the whole thread but here is the link for commands

http://www.marantz.com/new/index.cfm?fuseaction=Products.ProductDL&cont=eu&bus=hf&prod_id=3197&single=1

I have not looked through the whole thread but here is the link for commands

http://www.marantz.com/new/index.cfm?fuseaction=Products.ProductDL&cont=eu&bus=hf&prod_id=3197&single=1

Good find!

Too bad the 7400 and 8400 links result in a 404. I'll have to assume that the 7400 and 8400 are similar to the 7500 and 8500 in terms of serial commands...

Another small fish to be added to the big pond.

I'm a proud 4500 owner. I've used the 4400 before that as well.

I love the sound the 4500 gives me for the price.

I've spent some time today reading up on proper settings and I'm going to try them out when I get home (thanks in most part to Fraoch).

I have noticed that when all 7 of my speakers are calibrated to 75 dB (using internal test tones), that the movie and music can drown out the Center Channel Dialogue. I've already started boosting up the Center Channel myself.

Otherwise, just another proud Marantz owner here.

Hey, hello there Finalheaven!

Glad to see you in our exclusive club.:D

Hey!

I just became a member of the Marantz club 3 days ago.after going through THREE Rotel 1056 receivers in a little over 2 months.

I did not want to go with Yamaha, Denon, or Integra which were the other receivers in the same range at my dealer, but thankfully they dropped Denon for Marantz about a month ago, so I was VERY pleased.

They traded for a new Marantz 8500, and I have finally found the sound (in a receiver that I can afford) that I've been looking for.

I have yet to read all of these posts, but I do see that Marantz needs a few more settings and a couple more features (5/7 ch stereo) as mentioned earlier.

However, I'll take the sound over the features any day.

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO satisfied. Music has never been better and 5.1 is glorious.

I upgraded from a Denon 3300 (had it for 5 years) almost 3 months ago to a Rotel 1056, which is not a bad piece of gear when it worked, but am glad I'm in this club now.

What I did like about the Rotel was the ability to set Sub Level settings for each surround mode. I like my sub a little hotter in stereo than in DD or DTS.

It also has different crossovers for L/R, C, SR&SL. (It has only 5 internal amps, but with a 2 channel amp addition, it has all of the 7.1 features.)

I'm sure I'll be back with questions.

Later!

Greg

Welcome!:)

What I did like about the Rotel was the ability to set Sub Level settings for each surround mode. I like my sub a little hotter in stereo than in DD or DTS.

Amazingly, this is a feature that the x400 series offer that the x500 series do not.:(

On my 8400 manual, page 20, you can have individual channel level settings in the SURROUND menu - you can cycle through all the sound modes and set them for each individually.

But the 7500/8500s do not appear to have any such menu.

Sorry...


It also has different crossovers for L/R, C, SR&SL. (It has only 5 internal amps, but with a 2 channel amp addition, it has all of the 7.1 features.)

Yes, that would be a neat feature as I use floorstanders as fronts and bookshelves as surrounds.

I wish the Marantz crossover could be set lower than 80 Hz as well...

I have the 7400 and was wondering if anyone has been able to find any codes that will work with the remote that comes with the 7400, that will allow me to control an Infocus 7205 FP and/or Lutron Space Saver Lighting?

So many remotes, so few batteries...

The remote has a learning function. It seemed to work on 75% of my remotes that the Marantz remote didn't have full codes for.

Or I should say it worked for all my remotes, the learning function worked for 75% of the remote functions that were not included with the pre-programmed functions.

When I run my MYHD120 card through the component of my 8500 I get these green and red scan line. They are less noticable as I bring down the resolution. i.e. 1920X1080i is the worst then 1280X720 and so on.

It would seem to indicate that the 8500 can not handle the bandwidth.

I dont get this when I play back HD material via my Sat box though....so I am not sure.

Has anyone see this before?

THX

Does anyone know if the 8500 could handle the AUTO-EQ setup that the 9600 has? I believe it has a 9 band parametric equalizer in its setup routine?

If the 8500 could, does anyone know if a software upgrade it is in the works?

In the Denon line, the Audyssey EQ is in the 5805, 4806, 4306, and the 3806.

The 3806 is less money than the 8500.

Anyone?

Welcome!:)



Amazingly, this is a feature that the x400 series offer that the x500 series do not.:(

On my 8400 manual, page 20, you can have individual channel level settings in the SURROUND menu - you can cycle through all the sound modes and set them for each individually.

But the 7500/8500s do not appear to have any such menu.

Sorry...



Yes, that would be a neat feature as I use floorstanders as fronts and bookshelves as surrounds.

I wish the Marantz crossover could be set lower than 80 Hz as well...

looks like the only 600 series that crosses lower than 80 is the 9600, I hope the 7600/8600 does it.

I'm looking to upgrade my old JVC RX-888 receiver to the Marantz SR-8500.

I see that some on this thread talk about Marantz is coming out with 7600or 8600. Is this true? If so when are they coming out? Should I wait for them or is it going to be another year or so?

I don't care about HDMI or up scaling. I just want 3 component In's one out.

Any help will be appreciated.

There was no announcement by Marantz at CEDIA for a 7600 or 8600, but my dealer says that they may very well announce those two at CES in January.

He says they have announced new products before at CES.

His estimate for delivery if they announce the models is around July here in Canada.

I have been thinking of getting a new receiver to match my speakers (Boston Acoustics VR2 towers) I have been told Marantz would be a good match up. I know sound is very subjective and people use all kind of adjectives to discribe it. My speakers depending on whom you talk to can be called either neutral/detailed/bright etc some say it's because of the aluminum tweeters. I have been told Marantz is said to be warm sounding vs. say a receiver like Yamaha which again depends who you talk to says it is bright/harsh etc. Right now I am using a Sony da4es. Anybody using boston/Marantz combo or any thoughts about the paring of these two?

I also have speakers with aluminum tweeters (Energy C). However it's my speaker placement that's affecting the sound more than anything. I had a Denon 1803 powering them in my old place.

Now with the Marantz 8400 in a new setup the sound is clearer but more bright. I attribute that to speaker positioning more than anything. I'm sitting quite close to the speakers and I have a coffee table in between my sitting position and the speakers, where the tweeter sound can reflect.

So unfortunately I can't say whether the Marantz can "tame" an aluminum-tweetered speaker or not, but I can say it does sound good to me. I only really notice the brightness at 85 db+.

One or two steps down on the treble adjustment can tame that "brightness" without affecting the overall sound too much.

Even just one step can take the edge off of the brightness.

IMHO.

Greg (8500 owner)

What do you think about matching the Marantz SR-8500 with Paradigm Studio 60s fronts, 40s rears CC-470 center and Seismic12 sub? This is what I think I'm going with.

I did hear the 8500 with Paradigm Monitor 11s and they were great. So I think that the Studio series should sound beautiful.

If you liked what you heard with the 11s, you'll be very, very happy with the setup you are considering. Paradigms can be a bit bright and the Marantz tends to tame that a wee bit while keeping the detail.

I am using Paradigms right now and couldn't be happier.

Greg

P.S. I'm not as happy with the Marantz / Paradigm Monitor line. The Performance or the Studio line seem to be better for me.

Obviously, the Studio line is the best of those two.

Let us know what you get and how you like it!

Hiya, everybody. This thread has been dormant for a while. I guess we've all been enjoying our Marantzes (sp?), eh?

I have too, but a little problem has started to bug me lately. It won't save some settings, by which I mean when either powering off/on, or switching to another input then back again to the first input. For example, it will save the Night setting. It won't save:
1) Video off;
2) surround setting for a particular input.

There might be more, but I can only think of these two right now.

The Video Off has never saved itself. Regarding the surround setting, I just hooked up an optical input from the DirecTV box. A stereo feed automatically defaults to DD 2.0. I switch on DPL II. When I later turn on the receiver again, it's back to stereo. Of course, a DD5.1 feed works fine.

I even tried going into the settings menu and making the change, but that doesn't work any differently. I assume the unit was just not designed to save certain settings.

Is this just a design flaw? If not, any suggestions?

Thanks.
Doug

Hiya, everybody. This thread has been dormant for a while. I guess we've all been enjoying our Marantzes (sp?), eh?

I have too, but a little problem has started to bug me lately. It won't save some settings, by which I mean when either powering off/on, or switching to another input then back again to the first input. For example, it will save the Night setting. It won't save:
1) Video off;
2) surround setting for a particular input.

There might be more, but I can only think of these two right now.

The Video Off has never saved itself. Regarding the surround setting, I just hooked up an optical input from the DirecTV box. A stereo feed automatically defaults to DD 2.0. I switch on DPL II. When I later turn on the receiver again, it's back to stereo. Of course, a DD5.1 feed works fine.

I even tried going into the settings menu and making the change, but that doesn't work any differently. I assume the unit was just not designed to save certain settings.

Is this just a design flaw? If not, any suggestions?

Thanks.
Doug

I do not use the night setting or the video off, so I am unsure if mine saves. I have the SR-8400. I do know that my surround settings do seem to save themselves just fine. I tend to keep it on auto most of the time, except when playing 2.0 video feeds such as VHS.

Overall, I really do like the unit.

Things I don't like:

1. The tuner sensitivity is terrible! I bought a tuned 1/2 ohm antenna called a tune trapper fro $20, which solved the problem.

2. does not output digital inputs to the zone 2 speakers. I am not quite sure why. To alleviate this, I wired my media player to the receiver with both analog and digital coax, switching back and forth.

3. I do seem to have some trouble getting the sub to work in CS, multi stereo, DTS music modes with a 2 channel input. I get 5.0 output in all these modes from a 2 channel source, but most of the time no sub. I am not sure why this is?

Pat

I would say check the settings of your 7400 carefully. I have a SR8500 and do not experience the problems you indicated.

I find that unless you set the surround mode to AUTO, each input will remember the specified surround mode permanently.

I don't use the video-off feature but there is no indication in the user manual as to whether it is a function that remains set off after standby.

I do not use the night setting or the video off, so I am unsure if mine saves. I have the SR-8400. I do know that my surround settings do seem to save themselves just fine. I tend to keep it on auto most of the time, except when playing 2.0 video feeds such as VHS.

Overall, I really do like the unit.

Things I don't like:

1. The tuner sensitivity is terrible! I bought a tuned 1/2 ohm antenna called a tune trapper fro $20, which solved the problem.

2. does not output digital inputs to the zone 2 speakers. I am not quite sure why. To alleviate this, I wired my media player to the receiver with both analog and digital coax, switching back and forth.

3. I do seem to have some trouble getting the sub to work in CS, multi stereo, DTS music modes with a 2 channel input. I get 5.0 output in all these modes from a 2 channel source, but most of the time no sub. I am not sure why this is?

Pat

I also had this problem with the SR8500 and had to use an aftermarket FM antenna - with good results
Most AVRs work this way. There are only a few of the more expensive AVRs that transmits digital audio to a second zone. One that springs to mind is the Denon AVR5805. Essentially it would require spearate DACs for each zone
Interestingly enough, a lot of people have complained about this issue, in particular, with the SR8400 (search this board or even this thread). Perhaps there was a design flaw in the BM department with some SR8400 models?

...3. I do seem to have some trouble getting the sub to work in CS, multi stereo, DTS music modes with a 2 channel input. I get 5.0 output in all these modes from a 2 channel source, but most of the time no sub. I am not sure why this is?

Pat

I fought with this issue too, but apparently those modes don't output to the sub w/ 2-channel input if your speakers are set to large (I wrote a previous post in this thread, but don't feel like looking for it now). See the manual page w/ the surround chart (p. 25 in the 7400 manual). But, if you set any of your speakers to small, the LF from those speakers will go to the sub. I set my center to small. When using DPL II it now outputs to the sub. I kept the mains at Large because they're towers w/ good bass response. Maybe I'll set the surrounds to small to see if more LF comes from the sub. Anyway, the manual is pretty cryptic about how this works.

Doug

I would say check the settings of your 7400 carefully. I have a SR8500 and do not experience the problems you indicated.

I find that unless you set the surround mode to AUTO, each input will remember the specified surround mode permanently.

I don't use the video-off feature but there is no indication in the user manual as to whether it is a function that remains set off after standby.

Do you mean setting that input to DPL II (or whatever I choose) in the settings menu? I'll try that again and report back.

Thanks.
Doug

PS Apparently, if I have the input set to DPL II, and the feed is DD 5.1, the DPL II is ignored or cancelled out. Am I right?

Do you mean setting that input to DPL II (or whatever I choose) in the settings menu? I'll try that again and report back.

Thanks.
Doug

PS Apparently, if I have the input set to DPL II, and the feed is DD 5.1, the DPL II is ignored or cancelled out. Am I right?
If you are using a 5.1 setup and you have an input source set to DPLII (movie/music/game), if the input signal is detected as DD 5.1, DPLII will be substituted for DD. However, if you are using a 7.1 setup, you may apply DPLIIx to matrix the DD 5.1 signal to your 7.1 speaker layout.

If you are using a 5.1 setup and you have an input source set to DPLII (movie/music/game), if the input signal is detected as DD 5.1, DPLII will be substituted for DD. However, if you are using a 7.1 setup, you may apply DPLIIx to matrix the DD 5.1 signal to your 7.1 speaker layout.

Thanks. After I posted, I went back to p. 25 of the 7400 manual. It says that if I have the default set to DPL II, a DD5.1 feed will stay as is, but DD2.0 or DD 2ch surround or PCM or Analog will convert to DPL II. That's exactly the way I want it for my TV sound. Thanks again.

Doug

I fought with this issue too, but apparently those modes don't output to the sub w/ 2-channel input if your speakers are set to large (I wrote a previous post in this thread, but don't feel like looking for it now). See the manual page w/ the surround chart (p. 25 in the 7400 manual). But, if you set any of your speakers to small, the LF from those speakers will go to the sub. I set my center to small. When using DPL II it now outputs to the sub. I kept the mains at Large because they're towers w/ good bass response. Maybe I'll set the surrounds to small to see if more LF comes from the sub. Anyway, the manual is pretty cryptic about how this works.

Doug

OK. I did read the manual, but missed that. I have old school 12 inch towers in front so I had them set to large. I did recently change them to small but have not tried the modes again. I will report back on what I find.

Thanks a lot for the info.

Pat

Thanks. After I posted, I went back to p. 25 of the 7400 manual. It says that if I have the default set to DPL II, a DD5.1 feed will stay as is, but DD2.0 or DD 2ch surround or PCM or Analog will convert to DPL II. That's exactly the way I want it for my TV sound. Thanks again.

Doug

I played with these settings last night and discovered the flaw that is causing my problem. The setting stays until, when that input is active, I press the 7.1 button (for SACD listening). That causes the setting for the active input to revert to "Auto." So, I have to remember to switch to another input before activating the 7.1 button, or reset the surround option afterward if I forget. This is a minor issue, but bothersome nonetheless.

Regards,
Doug

Hello fellow Marantz owners. Question:

I think I know the answer to this, but I'm starting to question myself. again. I'm having a problem understanding this whole flagging issue. For instance, with Star Wars III (most recently comes to mind), it's in DD EX, but wasn't flagged properly. This means the Marantz doesn't display the appropriate DD EX and also doesn't display the SB icon (for Surround Back). My question is, if I manually set the receiver to EX/ES, even thought it still doesn't display the DD EX and the SB icon, it's still playing in DD EX, is that correct? I.E. Even without the proper flagging, it's decoding the signal properly and I'm getting a matrixed back signal.

Sound right? Is there a way to force the Marantz to display that SB icon if it's getting the siganl, regardless of flagging? I don't think there is, but I'm just checking.

I think I know the answer to this, but I'm starting to question myself. again. I'm having a problem understanding this whole flagging issue. For instance, with Star Wars III (most recently comes to mind), it's in DD EX, but wasn't flagged properly. This means the Marantz doesn't display the appropriate DD EX and also doesn't display the SB icon (for Surround Back). My question is, if I manually set the receiver to EX/ES, even thought it still doesn't display the DD EX and the SB icon, it's still playing in DD EX, is that correct? I.E. Even without the proper flagging, it's decoding the signal properly and I'm getting a matrixed back signal.

Yes, if you enable DD EX, the EX matrix decoding algorithm is applied to the SL and SR, regardless of if it's encoded in EX or not.

This was the recommended playback method back in the 6-channel days. I know people will say "but that's not what the mixers intended" but Dolby themselves recommended EX playback on all DD material, even regular 5.1.

Nowadays it's PLIIx that's recommended.

Is there a way to force the Marantz to display that SB icon if it's getting the siganl, regardless of flagging? I don't think there is, but I'm just checking.

Beside the flag, there's no discrete code to tell the AVR that it's encoded in DD EX. If the flag isn't there, the SB icon won't be there. EX is not discrete, there's no way for the AVR to tell it's EX encoded as it just looks like a mismash of in-phase/out-of-phase material like any other 5.1 soundtrack.

There's no way to force the AVR to display SB if there's no EX flag.

A good example is the Star Wars "classic" silver boxed set that was out two summers ago. These are all EX-encoded, but Episode IV does not have the flag while V and VI do. However, if you play back Episode IV with EX (or even better, PLIIx), it's quite obvious it's encoded in EX, which would be consistent with the other releases in the set.

Nowadays it's PLIIx that's recommended.

Are you saying you set your receiver to PLIIx rather than EX/ES?

Just wondering.

Are you saying you set your receiver to PLIIx rather than EX/ES?

Just wondering.
Yes. Not only will you get your back channel, you'll get it in stereo instead of mono.

Ed

Does anyone out there have the sr9600? I recently got one and I have a few questions?
There seem to be four sets of parametric equalizer curves: two manual and two auto using the auto system. My question is how do I select one from the remote ? The manual does not have a lot of detail on how things work.

Thanks, Sandy

I have the SR9600. So far, it doesn't seem easy to switch between them... you have to go into the menu system. Personally, though, I just had it do an auto equalize and since then everything has sounded absolutely perfect with no need to switch. I don't think it's really meant to be the type of EQ you switch all the time, it's a "set it and forget it" type.

Daniel, It looks to me that the auto equalizer first corrects the main speakers for "flat room response" then it corrects the surrounds to sound "like" the mains. I dont see a way to tell it not to do the last part where it tried to timbre match the surrounds to the mains do you?

I also dont think the equalizer does anything to the sub. I dont see a way to use the equalizer on the sub do you?

Yes. Not only will you get your back channel, you'll get it in stereo instead of mono.

Ed

Hey Ed, how about for 5.1 audio? Hey, how about just telling me what setting you use for any sound format? ;) Sorry. It's just that with DD 2 channel, 5.1 channel, EX, and then DTS, etc. and DVD's and HDTV cable, and SD cable to worry about, it has gotten confusing as to which one I should use. Plain DD, PLIIx, EX/ES, etc.?

Hey Ed, how about for 5.1 audio? Hey, how about just telling me what setting you use for any sound format? ;) Sorry. It's just that with DD 2 channel, 5.1 channel, EX, and then DTS, etc. and DVD's and HDTV cable, and SD cable to worry about, it has gotten confusing as to which one I should use. Plain DD, PLIIx, EX/ES, etc.?

What he meant was with PLIIx you get SBL and SBR in stereo rather than mono as it would be for DD-EX.

Here are my recommendations. I say recommendations, YMMV and there are different modes you can choose.

For a 5.1 setup:

TV, mono (old movie): Mch STEREO
TV, stereo: PLII MV
CD, TV music: PLII MS
DVD (old Dolby Surround format like Blade Runner, a few TV show DVDs and DVD commentaries): PLII MV (may be automatically selected or you could force it)
DVD, DD: DOLBY D (should come on automatically and it may automatically set PLII MV when you are in the menu)
DVD, DTS: DTS (should come on automatically when you select it in the DVD menu)

For a 6.1 setup:

TV, mono (old movie): Mch STEREO
TV, stereo: PLIIx MV
CD, TV music: PLIIx MS
DVD (old Dolby Surround format like Blade Runner, a few TV show DVDs and DVD commentaries): PLIIx MV (may be automatically selected or you could force it)
DVD, DD: DD EX (DD should come on automatically, you need to set EX mode initially and it may automatically set PLIIx MV when you are in the menu)
DVD, DTS: DTS ES (matrix/discrete) (should come on automatically when you select it in the DVD menu, set ES mode initially)

For a 7.1 setup:

TV, mono (old movie): Mch STEREO
TV, stereo: PLIIx MV
CD, TV music: PLIIx MS
DVD (old Dolby Surround format like Blade Runner, a few TV show DVDs and DVD commentaries): PLIIx MV (may be automatically selected or you could force it)
DVD, DD: DD+PLIIx MV (DD should come on automatically, you need to set PLIIx MV mode initially and it may automatically set PLIIx MV when you are in the menu)
DVD, DTS: do not use as PLIIx mode can't be used with it on the Marantz receivers

There are other modes - in particular CSII MONO for mono recordings, but CSII mono never works well for me. PLII/PLIIx sounds bad with mono recordings as everything will come out the centre speaker. I don't have much DD 2.0 but you'd want to play this back in Mch STEREO too or else you won't have anything in your surrounds. I don't think PLIIx would do anything with DD 2.0.

DTS Neo:6 for TV, CD and Dolby Surround just doesn't sound as good as PLII, nor does CSII IMHO.

Thanks Fraoch!

That was one awesome post. I hope many more than just me find that useful and informative.

:thumbs up: kudos.

I recently purchased an SR-8500 and I am having some difficulty understanding the programming for the remote. The user manual isn't helping that much. Any advice on where I can get a more comprehensive guide that may help.
Thanks,
Kevin

Hi folks,
Anyone who owns this receiver and/or can shed some light here?

1. Volume knob too fine, takes many revolutions for something to change
When set on remote, it's too fast and in coarse steps, very fifficult to set
2. I link outputs only throbbing fixed frequency sounds following the music through the subwoofer output. Only on DVD-Audio discs! SACD is working OK.
Both sets (Pioneer DV-989 and SR-9600) are i-link 1.1 certified.

5.1 analog cabling works OK for both SACD and DVDA, but i link sounds better...

Thanks!
Barend

Some observations SR-9600

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi all,
Since August I own this receiver.
Here are some thoughts:

I cannot comment on the video stuff, as I am using a DVDO HD+ scaler for that.

WHAT I LIKE

Excellent sound, very engulfing on surround and really highend on Stereo.
The sound has warmth and a wonderful depth in Stereo (using a Project record player and a big "Original" Leonardo cd player from China.
One of the very few receivers that aus separate pre-outs and main-ins for all channels, which makes bi-amping a cinch and allows use of equalizers (which is a must for me because my room sports some very boomy room modes).
The built-in equalizers don't hack it, to suppress a strong 100 Hz standing wave you need a good DSP based parametric equalizer.
I am using a Behringer 2496 which does not seem to degrade the sound at all.

WHAT I DON'T LIKE

I hate these dim touch screen remotes, so I'm using a Pronto TSU7000 instead.
Volume control knob is much too fine while being in too coarse steps on the remote. Almost unusable.
The speaker outlets are below standard. Shame for such an expensive unit!
Printing on front impossible to read, especially behind the door.

I-LINK

Works fine on all digital signals including SACD and (partly) DVD-A. DVD oriiginating bass is not properly fed to the Sub Out - only garbled throbbing sounds. Tried with my Pioneer DV989 (v1.1 as on the SR9600).
Strange: bass is fine on SACD's!
Found that i-link sounds definitely clearer and less "bassy" than analog 5.1.

PAIRING for SACD

I found that it may not be a good idea to pair with a DV-9500 DVD player (which only boasts analog outputs, no i-link). Suppose it'll sound better through i-link.
The sound gets overly warm and veiled. Guess the new DV-9600 sounds better having i-link (but will it produce the same DVD-A bug my Pioneer does?).

QUESTIONS

I played around a lot with the monster.
Any questions welcome!

Cheers to all
Barend

I have a new 8500, and will be using it with some new Focal-JMLabs powered speakers. Since the speakers only have XLR inputs, I will have to run RCA-XLR cables from the pre-amp out.
Anyone have any ideas as to if this should work out OK, since I wont be outputting a "balanced" signal. Alot of folks have warned me to just get a pre-amp, but I am going to use the 8500 for alot of video switching, audio switching as well??

Hey everyone, I just got the Marantz SR7500

I've had it for about a week now and I love it.

Pros:
Awesome remote control--looks cool and is learning!
Really loud from what I've seen, took it up to +2 and my ears were hurting!
Looks nice, brushed aluminum face, I like it
MRAC (microphone setup) works wonders. Accurate for finding my speakers!
Pre-outs incase I want to upgrade to a 7.1 seperate amp someday
THX sounds awesome! Sounds better than the local theaters!
Sounds very warm with my Boston speakers.

Cons:
Dolby Headphones kind-of disappointing, adds too much echos and not enough placement
No HDCD support, although I don't have any it would have been nice to see support for it
HUGE! the thing is like 5 inches LONGER than my Panasonic was.
Tons of heat but I guess that's normal of any high current receiver
Digital and Analog audio inputs confusing at first (auto detect thing was strange)

Those are some highlights from what I've seen of it so far. I absolutely love it though. Much MUCH MUCH better than my 150 dollar Panasonic receiver.

-Ryan

P.S. I have one question though so please help me out in this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6819884#post6819884

I recently purchased an SR-8500 and I am having some difficulty understanding the programming for the remote. The user manual isn't helping that much. Any advice on where I can get a more comprehensive guide that may help.
Thanks,
Kevin

I certainly haven't seen any.

What aspect of programming are you having trouble with? I didn't have trouble for the built-in codes or the learning function by following the manual, so I can help you there.

If you're referring to the macro programming, yes, I agree with you. It's very, very hard to program macros. I had to give up after playing with it for several hours.

Hi folks,
Anyone who owns this receiver and/or can shed some light here?

1. Volume knob too fine, takes many revolutions for something to change
When set on remote, it's too fast and in coarse steps, very fifficult to set


The differences between the 9600 and my 8400 are huge, but for what it's worth, I do find that you really need to spin the volume knob to make a big change. 1 dB is about 5 or even 10 degrees on the knob.

The remote, however, works fine for me. A single press of the "+" button leads to a +1 dB change, a single press of the "-" button leads to a -1 dB change. Holding either button leads to a rapid change, as expected.

Again, the 9600 is so different that my statement doesn't mean much.

I have a new 8500, and will be using it with some new Focal-JMLabs powered speakers. Since the speakers only have XLR inputs, I will have to run RCA-XLR cables from the pre-amp out.
Anyone have any ideas as to if this should work out OK, since I wont be outputting a "balanced" signal. Alot of folks have warned me to just get a pre-amp, but I am going to use the 8500 for alot of video switching, audio switching as well??

From the "New amp is making me grin ear to ear" thread about pro amps, the consensus seems to be that the RCA-XLR conversion makes a connection equivalent to an RCA-RCA connection.

You won't have any of the ground loop and interference protection XLR offers, but it won't be worse than RCA-RCA, so it should work fine.

I certainly haven't seen any.

What aspect of programming are you having trouble with? I didn't have trouble for the built-in codes or the learning function by following the manual, so I can help you there.

If you're referring to the macro programming, yes, I agree with you. It's very, very hard to program macros. I had to give up after playing with it for several hours.

I gave up on the macros. It just wouldn't work for me.

Speaking of codes, anybody know the code for an RCA DirecTV Tivo? None of the RCA or DirecTV codes work. I don't want to use the learning function because that involves turning the unit off, and the Tivo stays on all the time.

Doug

I found the macros fairly decent to work with.

To have your remote "learn" the Tivo remote commands, go into a seperate room and teach it somewhere else so the Tivo doesn't respond.

I reprogram a new macros every day to turn on my Amp and CD player and to play a certain song from the CD. Then I program it with a timer to do this for wake up music in the morning. :)

Read the manual, and you should be all set!

Ryan

A question to Marantz owners...
I've been eyeing the SR7500 for about a year. It's now on "clearance" at Cambridge Soundworks for $800, new, full warranty. Is this the sweet spot of 7.1? Anything I need to know (that I'll regret) before I pull the trigger?

Thanx in advance

The only drawback that I see in the SR7500 and the SR8500 is the lack of HDMI. Blu Ray
and HD DVD have been saying that they will use HDMI to send the audio digitally.
Because of this, I bought their bigger brother the SR9600...

The 7xxx and 8xxx receivers cannot overlay PLIIx on DTS.

Autosetup/autoEQ isn't as advanced as other manufacturers.

Marantz is like NAD though, in that the lack of features is made up in sound quality.;)

I've often wondered when playing back a DVD on both my 7400 and my 8400 - what does the flashing PCM indicator mean?

When switching between the movie in DD/DTS and the menu in Dolby Surround or DD 2.0 you often get a flashing PCM indication.

"Autosetup/autoEQ isn't as advanced as other manufacturers."

This is true, it is not as fancy as the Pioneer Elite or Denon. Nevertheless, in my SR9600 it did a wonderful job. I tryed to do it myself with my own SPL meter and simply couldn't
get the same outcome as with MRAC..

The only drawback that I see in the SR7500 and the SR8500 is the lack of HDMI. Blu Ray
and HD DVD have been saying that they will use HDMI to send the audio digitally.
Because of this, I bought their bigger brother the SR9600...

I am certain they will not alienate everyone who does not have HDMI by making this the only way they send audio. I am also certain they will include digital coax, optical, or multichannel analog outputs on these players.

I see it as the same reason we have a gazillion unused analog video inputs on the back of our receivers.

Pat

Quick thoughts:

lack of HDMI -- doesn't bother me because I don't have a HDTV or any use for HDMI. Can't you just plug it in directly to the TV or Projector?

Auto Setup on my SR7500 worked wonders. Subwoofer is phased in just right, same as speakers. It did a great job.

Sounds marvalous. High quality. Turned it up to +3 dB the other day (can go up to +18 dB I believe) and my ears were hurting because of how loud it was and yet I couldn't hear any distortion and my speakers work fine at lower volumes since then (so I didn't damage the speakers doing that). They were just normal Boston 8 ohm speakers--nothing special. 89 and 90 dB sensitivity I believe.

Anyway, I think anyone who puts the money towards the SR7500 would be happy. Ultra good quality. THX good for movies, Marantz is just good for music. So you hit two birds with one stone on this one!

Hope that helps your decision.

Ryan

thanx for the all the information. I too do not need HDMI switching (LCD FP does not have HDMI inputs), so the component switching is key to me. Looks like almost a winner.

except... what does this really mean?
"The 7xxx and 8xxx receivers cannot overlay PLIIx on DTS." ??

would the SBR and SBL be silent during "regular" DTS?

except... what does this really mean?
"The 7xxx and 8xxx receivers cannot overlay PLIIx on DTS." ??

Based on your next comment, you know what PLIIx is.

Well Marantz can apply PLIIx to Dolby Digital, but not to DTS.

At first this really disappointed me, but when I did tests I found that on these receivers there isn't very much difference between DTS and Dolby Digital.

It seemed like there was a difference with Denon receivers I had previously.

would the SBR and SBL be silent during "regular" DTS?

No, if you turn on DTS-ES processing they won't be silent.

However they won't ever be stereo, they will always be in mono with DTS.

"I am certain they will not alienate everyone who does not have HDMI by making this the only way they send audio. I am also certain they will include digital coax, optical, or multichannel analog outputs on these players."

I don't know if you have read the statements on the CES 2006. Pioneer when they showed their Blu Ray player said that DTS HD would be sent through HDMI and it had to be decoded
in the receiver. Of course, it will have analogs or other digital conections such as optical or coaxial but they will be downgraded. On the other hand, Dolby Digital Tru HD can be decoded in the player and be sent through multichannel analogs to the receiver..

At least for me, it is an issue if they have HDMI or not..

"I am certain they will not alienate everyone who does not have HDMI by making this the only way they send audio. I am also certain they will include digital coax, optical, or multichannel analog outputs on these players."

I don't know if you have read the statements on the CES 2006. Pioneer when they showed their Blu Ray player said that DTS HD would be sent through HDMI and it had to be decoded
in the receiver. Of course, it will have analogs or other digital conections such as optical or coaxial but they will be downgraded. On the other hand, Dolby Digital Tru HD can be decoded in the player and be sent through multichannel analogs to the receiver..

At least for me, it is an issue if they have HDMI or not..

Note that Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD cannot be sent by S/PDIF anyway. It doesn't matter if a manufacturer wants to do it or not, it literally cannot be supported by the format. It doesn't have the bandwidth in its present configuration. The media does - optical fibre and coaxial cable have extremely high bandwidth, but the standard does not allow for it.

The new standards allow for a downrez standard DD or DTS stream to be sent through S/PDIF though. They would be foolish if they alienated the large installed base out there.

Yes, there can and should be multichannel analog, and all receivers will be compatible with it. This can be inferior to HDMI in many ways though.

Present-day HDMI 1.1 does allow for 8-channel PCM, so you can get multichannel digital sound using present-day HDMI, just not native DD+/DTS-HD/TrueHD. That requires HDMI 1.3.

This is all complicated by DRM. Media companies don't want people copying their high-definition media. So they will send it by a secure format like HDMI or multichannel analog, which cannot ordinarily be switched or passed to any other device connected to the receiver.

This is a little OT, but figured this was the best spot as you guys seem pretty up on Marantz...

I'm looking for suggestions for a used Marantz receiver. 5.1 is fine, average power is fine (kids & neighbors) - just looking for something with warm, liquid sound & is reliable. I just don't want to get stuck with a lemon of a model (I haven't heard of one yet), or one that lacks adjustability or is archaic. It will go in a rack, so color or looks are not important. (Although all the Marantz I have seen look great.)

What to choose? I'm eying a 4200, but there are so many models available. Circa 2000 is fine. I don't think I need component switching. I would think DTS would be good - what's yalls opinion? I looked for a matrix on the different models and features, no joy. Price? Bottom basement, so go easy please.

Plus, if anyone has a SR receiver sitting in the closet, please let me know!

Thanks all.

Marshall

This is a little OT, but figured this was the best spot as you guys seem pretty up on Marantz...

I'm looking for suggestions for a used Marantz receiver. 5.1 is fine, average power is fine (kids & neighbors) - just looking for something with warm, liquid sound & is reliable. I just don't want to get stuck with a lemon of a model (I haven't heard of one yet), or one that lacks adjustability or is archaic. It will go in a rack, so color or looks are not important. (Although all the Marantz I have seen look great.)

What to choose? I'm eying a 4200, but there are so many models available. Circa 2000 is fine. I don't think I need component switching. I would think DTS would be good - what's yalls opinion? I looked for a matrix on the different models and features, no joy. Price? Bottom basement, so go easy please.

Plus, if anyone has a SR receiver sitting in the closet, please let me know!

Thanks all.

Marshall

There are lots of older-model Marantz refurbs at ac4l.com. That is their factory-authorized refurb outlet.

If you're into 5.1 channel, you'd do well to get a Dolby Pro-Logic II-equipped model rather than a Pro-Logic (no II) model. Year 2000 models would be iffy for PLII.

The x200s were well-regarded in terms of sound. I believe there was some trip-up with the x300 models as I recall there are reports of some problems with the 7300.

I can't vouch for the 4400 and 5400, or the 4500/4600, 5500/5600, but I have had the 7400 and I now have the 8400 and I'm immensely pleased.

There are lots of older-model Marantz refurbs at ac4l.com. That is their factory-authorized refurb outlet.

If you're into 5.1 channel, you'd do well to get a Dolby Pro-Logic II-equipped model rather than a Pro-Logic (no II) model. Year 2000 models would be iffy for PLII.

The x200s were well-regarded in terms of sound. I believe there was some trip-up with the x300 models as I recall there are reports some problems with the 7300.

I can't vouch for the 4400 and 5400, or the 4500/4600, 5500/5600, but I have had the 7400 and I now have the 8400 and I'm immensely pleased.

Fraoch's knowledge and opinions are as good as gold. Let me just second one point and add another:
1) DPL II does a much better job than old DPL at matrixing (is that a verb?) Dolby Surround content and stereo content.
2) DTS is a plus. With a good mix, DTS and DD are very close, but I prefer DTS. It seems to have more air and fine detail resolution. So, I'd make sure the AVR has DTS capability. The x400 models definitely do, but I don't know about previous years' models.

Cheers,
Doug

Fraoch's knowledge and opinions are as good as gold.

Dang, my head's swelling so much my glasses don't fit anymore.:D Thanks for the compliment.


1) DPL II does a much better job than old DPL at matrixing (is that a verb?) Dolby Surround content and stereo content.

PL is really a 4-channel matrix decoder. The surrounds are mono. They are also not full-range. I guess it could also be called a 3.1 matrix decoder, since the 4th channel isn't full-range, much like the ".1" in "5.1".

PLII is a 5-channel matrix decoder. The surrounds are stereo. Channel separation is much, much better than PL as well. PL and PLII aren't really related much. PL was developed by Dolby (I think) while PLII was developed by Jim Fosgate. There's a very interesting story about him and this development work here (http://stereophile.com/interviews/1204fosgate/) - the most interesting part of the story being that PLII was an analog circuit. Dolby wanted it to be entirely digital and had a series of computers working non-stop for 3 months to develop a digital circuit!

But back to the point, PLII is a virtual necessity for 5.1 systems when listening to stereo sources like CDs and Dolby Surround sources like analog TV...or even digital TV with sound encoded in Dolby Digital 2.0.


2) DTS is a plus. With a good mix, DTS and DD are very close, but I prefer DTS. It seems to have more air and fine detail resolution. So, I'd make sure the AVR has DTS capability. The x400 models definitely do, but I don't know about previous years' models.


For 7.1 users, as I mentioned, Marantz receivers do not apply PLIIx to DTS. So if you want stereo back surrounds you can't use DTS.

This is, of course, irrelevant if you're using 5.1.

Thanks for the suggestions! I've checked the ac4l site a few times - they have nice stuff, but I'm going to have to go the used route. So, what I need to look for is a receiver with minimum DPL II, and possibly DTS as a bonus. Sounds like some of the newer (2001 & up?) have this. I guess the X2XX and X4XX systems have this. I've yet to decipher the logic behind the model #'s themselves - any clues?

Another poster mentioned that some models don't have adjustments to raise or lower the power going to the front speakers. I would think not having this could be an issue.

I'll be checking the adds and usual places online. I've also started a separate thread HERE (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=630359) , if anyone has a receiver either to suggest or offer FS.

I also have another question - If I end up feeding my PJ an HDMI video signal - would it cause problems if receiver does not have DVI audio input?

Thank You,

Marshall

I've yet to decipher the logic behind the model #'s themselves - any clues?

It seems like these are model year designations. Like cars, they come out a year ahead - so the 7400 and 8400 I got were released in 2003 for the 2004 model year, the x500s were released mid-to-late 2004 for the 2005 model year, and they introduced the x600s a few months ago.


Another poster mentioned that some models don't have adjustments to raise or lower the power going to the front speakers. I would think not having this could be an issue.

?

The "power"? Did he mean volume adjustments by any chance?

I certainly haven't seen this in my 7400 and 8400, but if it wasn't there it wouldn't be the end of the world. The intention with volume adjustments for each channel is to have them all even. So if you couldn't adjust the front channels (I assume left and right), you'd just adjust everything else to match them.

The problem would be if the left channel volume doesn't match the right channel volume. Setting them differently will be required if your setup is not spaced exactly centred in the room.


I also have another question - If I end up feeding my PJ an HDMI video signal - would it cause problems if receiver does not have DVI audio input?

DVI is a video-only format. It's been replaced by HDMI.

If you were to feed a projector an HDMI signal, all you need to do is feed your receiver a digital audio signal through optical or coaxial.

This requirement changes for the new 7.1 discrete formats like I mentioned, but if you're sticking with 5.1 you will not use these anyway.

If you ever upgrade to 7.1, you can use the external analog inputs on the receiver. The 7400 and 8400 all have 8-channel (i.e. 7.1) inputs, so they will be fully compatible. Check earlier 7.1 models though as they may or may not have full 8-channel inputs but may be using 6-channel (5.1) inputs. However analog inputs will usually be inferior to HDMI for 7.1 discrete sound.

I can't vouch for the 4400 and 5400, or the 4500/4600, 5500/5600, but I have had the 7400 and I now have the 8400 and I'm immensely pleased.

I've had both the 4400, in a 5.1 setup, and a 4500 in a 7.1 setup. If anyone has questions about either, I can help.

I'm currently using the 4500 with 7.1, and I love it.

In fact, I got my 4400 packaged up and back in it's original box with all it's original materials. It could use a new home.

Hi Fraouch,

Yes, by power, I meant volume. I mean I'd like to be able to raise or lower the volume of the fronts (together, not necessarily L-R) from the centers and rears.

Thanks for the clarifications on the HDMI & DVI. My pj is a CRT, so all of the digital talk is new to me. Sounds like it won't be an issue.

Thanks, Final. You also answered another question I had... If I get a 6.1 receiver, can I use it OK with 5.1 speaker setup. Sounds like I can, as you did this with your 4400.

Here's another tip from another THREAD (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=629130)
I used to own an SR7000. They have excellent sound quality when used in Source Direct mode, but note that SD disables the sub out. The other main limitations are the lack of Component/HDMI video and no Prologic II. Still, I'd probably get an SR8000 over just about anything else at that price!

Chris

Sounds like SD selection provides nice sound. Does the 4400 disable subout with SD selection? IF so, is that really an issue?

Thanks, all. You have been very helpful.

Regards,

Marshall

Yes, by power, I meant volume. I mean I'd like to be able to raise or lower the volume of the fronts (together, not necessarily L-R) from the centers and rears.

Should still work fine. If your L&R are fixed, adjust the centre and the surrounds up and down to match.

It's if you need to balance L&R with each other that you have a problem.

Hi Fraouch,
Here's another tip from another THREAD (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=629130)


Sounds like SD selection provides nice sound. Does the 4400 disable subout with SD selection? IF so, is that really an issue?


Marshall, by definition, Source Direct has to disable subwoofer signal for a stereo signal. Source Direct disables any monkeying with the original signal, so 2-ch goes only to the front L/R.

However, if the signal includes a dedicated LFE track going to the sub (e.g. DD5.1 or SACD 5.1), then Source Direct will continue to pass it unsullied.

Doug

Thanks, Doug. that makes sense.

On a related note, apparently some Marantz, including the 4400 have "limited bass management filtering is limited to 100hz." according to THIS (http://www.homecinemachoice.com/cgi-bin/outputpdf.php?file=HCC/200402/114_HCC_0204.pdf) review.

If you asked me what that meant - I'm not sure. Is this saying that the 4400 has a preset and unadjustable crossover frequency for the sub? If so, does that mean that one cannot adjust the frequency at which the sub kicks in?

If that is true, I guess the sound would be a bit bass heavy with speakers able to produce a lot of bass, but just fine with smaller speakers, say bookshelfs...

Seriously, I don't think this issue will be a concern. I'm just trying to understand some of the terms & theories

Oh, Final - I sent a PM. Let me know & thanks.

Marshall

On a related note, apparently some Marantz, including the 4400 have "limited bass management filtering is limited to 100hz." according to THIS (http://www.homecinemachoice.com/cgi-bin/outputpdf.php?file=HCC/200402/114_HCC_0204.pdf) review.

If you asked me what that meant - I'm not sure. Is this saying that the 4400 has a preset and unadjustable crossover frequency for the sub? If so, does that mean that one cannot adjust the frequency at which the sub kicks in?

That's a very interesting review you found.

I believe what they are saying is that yes, the crossover's minimum is 100 Hz. They didn't state whether it could be set at 120 Hz though.

This kind of makes sense, the 7400 and 8400 only have 3 options: 80, 100 and 120 Hz, which is another slight drawback for me.


If that is true, I guess the sound would be a bit bass heavy with speakers able to produce a lot of bass, but just fine with smaller speakers, say bookshelfs...


Actually the lower your speakers can go, the better. Sending 100 Hz material to your sub is approaching the localization point (i.e. you will start to be able to tell where your sub is in your room).

100 Hz means you will not be able to take full advantage of big floorstanders. Bookshelves usually go down to 50-60 Hz - therefore an 80 Hz crossover takes full advantage of them, but a 100 Hz crossover would be OK too. 100 Hz is fine for small bookshelves or larger satellites. Tiny satellites should probably be set at 120 Hz.

I know that some of the earlier and lower level models had the xover fixed at 100hz. I have a model SR5500 and it has the 80, 100, 120hz xovers which is ok, although I wish it would be lower. This receiver also has adjustable levels on all channels as will as the 7.1 channel levels (SACD, DVD-A) You can usually find the SR5500 and some very decent prices. I think it's a great unit, although wading thru the manual can be a pain!

my new sr7500, I have all component cables connected to the rear from dvd, satelitte, tape, cd, and 50inch plasma. I am connected to component out and connect to component in on the TV. I get no signal at the plasma. What am I doing wrong, could this be a programming issue? Help please!!!!!

Kevin

my new sr7500, I have all component cables connected to the rear from dvd, satelitte, tape, cd, and 50inch plasma. I am connected to component out and connect to component in on the TV. I get no signal at the plasma. What am I doing wrong, could this be a programming issue? Help please!!!!!

Kevin

There isn't very much that can go wrong with this.

Are you using proper component video or regular video cables? You don't have to use expensive ones, but they must be video or component video cables.

The inputs are connected to the receiver inputs, and the output is connected to the TV, right?

You're doing the switching properly? See manual, page 24.

You may have some bad cables. Since you can't get picture on any input, that leaves only one that would be bad in all possibilities - the cable set from the receiver to the TV. Swap this out with one of your input cable sets.

Are there any settings you need to do on the TV?

I don't use the video functions on my receiver so I'm not entirely sure, but it looks to me from reading the manual that there are no settings you have to change to get component to work. There are a few conversion settings that will enable conversion from video or S-video to component, but no settings that will enable or disable component entirely.

thanks for the help. I used a belden component cable utilizing blue , red and green of the five conductors. I agree that I should send video straight to the Panasonic 50phd8ux. What do I do in the case of a rear projector switching the input digital video to the rear?
I will ring the cables out and re-check my connections. Thanks for the help!
Kevin

thanks for the help. I used a belden component cable utilizing blue , red and green of the five conductors. I agree that I should send video straight to the Panasonic 50phd8ux. What do I do in the case of a rear projector switching the input digital video to the rear?

I'm not sure what you mean by this. Do you mean that your projector has several component inputs and that you can go directly to it?

If you can, that's certainly something you should try.

my new sr7500, I have all component cables connected to the rear from dvd, satelitte, tape, cd, and 50inch plasma. I am connected to component out and connect to component in on the TV. I get no signal at the plasma. What am I doing wrong, could this be a programming issue? Help please!!!!!

Kevin
Kevin,
Forgive me, but your post seems a little confusing. I have the SR8500, which is the same as the 7500, with regards to component video connectivity. There are 4 component video inputs and 1 output. As far as I know, you cannot assign the component inputs to non-video input sources (eg. tape/CD) so you must be referring to some other kind of cable when you mention CD and Tape?

Basically if you connect your input video devices via composite video, s-video or componenet video, you may have them all display on your plasma if:
you connect the component video monitor-out from the SR7500 to the plasma +
you set Video Conversion to enabled (see page 22 or see the Preference menu) +
you ensure Video Off is not enabled (see page 29 of the user manual)

Froach and cmexec,
Thanks for your help and suggestions. The wiring and sr7500 is fin for now. The problem was the monitor. I was attempting to change the input signal at the monitor with the remote but the second I changed the input using the buttons on the monitor itself the picture appeared.
I will however need your help when I attempt to program the 7500. Keep your fingers crossed.
Thanks again

Some questions. Have a 8500. Does anyone know if there is a crossover setting for speakers even when they are set to large? I know they are suppose to get a full range signal but I was told that some receivers have a crossover setting even for large. ALso, On listening to DD or DTS and wanting 7.1 is the best setting for DD PLIIX or just EX? What are the differences? What do you do on DTS tracks? PLIIX doesnt work for that correct? Thanks alot

Does anyone know if there is a crossover setting for speakers even when they are set to large?

There certainly isn't anything specific for the 8400.


ALso, On listening to DD or DTS and wanting 7.1 is the best setting for DD PLIIX or just EX? What are the differences?

If you want 7.1, you want PLIIx.

EX is a 6.1 decoder. Both your rear speakers will be active, but they will be in mono, whereas with PLIIx they'll be in stereo.

Also PLIIx can be applied to any source, analog or digital, in any format. EX can only be applied to Dolby Digital on most receivers.

What do you do on DTS tracks? PLIIX doesnt work for that correct?

Yes, unfortuntely it doesn't. I just use the DD track with PLIIx. I haven't encountered a DTS-only DVD yet. I suppose if I did the next best thing would be to turn on ES processing for 6.1.

Some questions. Have a 8500. Does anyone know if there is a crossover setting for speakers even when they are set to large? I know they are suppose to get a full range signal but I was told that some receivers have a crossover setting even for large. ALso, On listening to DD or DTS and wanting 7.1 is the best setting for DD PLIIX or just EX? What are the differences? What do you do on DTS tracks? PLIIX doesnt work for that correct? Thanks alot

There is no crossover for speakers set to large in the 7500/8500. They will get a full range signal that either includes or does not include the LFE signal depending on the bass setting. And you want to watch with PLIIX rather than EX because it will give everything EX does plus stereo back channels versus mono back channel in EX. I believe DTS has its own version of PLIIX called DTS Neo something or other but I could be wrong (I don't use a 7.1 setup). The manual has a chart that will let you know what all the different formats can do.

I believe DTS has its own version of PLIIX called DTS Neo something or other but I could be wrong (I don't use a 7.1 setup).

That would be DTS Neo:6. It's the DTS equivalent of PLII (as opposed to 7-channel PLIIx), but for 6 channels rather than 5. It can be applied to any source.

If you apply DTS Neo:6 to a DTS track, you have DTS-ES matrix. But again, this is 6-channel while PLIIx is 7-channel.

In summary:

PLII: 5-channel, can be applied to any source except DD/DTS

DTS:Neo 6: 6-channel, can be applied to any source, applying to DTS is equivalent to DTS-ES matrix

PLIIx, 7-channel, can be applied to any source including DD, but not DTS on these receivers.

How do you keep the L/R that are set to large, how do you keep the LFE out of the signal? So I guess what I am trying to say is I have two LARGE powered towers and a seperate sub for LFE.

I believe if the sub is set to YES, LFE will always play through the subwoofer regardless of how the speakers are set.

LFE will only play through the fronts if they are set to large and no subwoofer is connected.

I believe if the sub is set to YES, LFE will always play through the subwoofer regardless of how the speakers are set.

LFE will only play through the fronts if they are set to large and no subwoofer is connected.

Fraoch, you're right. I forgot the bass mix setting is only for stereo or pcm inputs. In those cases you can have bass play through both the sub and fronts if you set the bass mix to 'BOTH', but of course there is no LFE signal. I thought you could apply that setting to all sources, which you can't.

So, anyone else have a lead for a used Marantz receiver they are willing to part with?

5.1 & up
DTS & DPL II

Thanks again for the input above and the nice offer by Finalheaven.


On another note, does anyone here have one of the older Marantz quadradial receivers? I think one version of this was the 4400 (not to be confused with the newer home thater version models SR 4XXX). Just curious how they sound.

Thanks,

Marshall

So, anyone else have a lead for a used Marantz receiver they are willing to part with?

5.1 & up
DTS & DPL II

Thanks again for the input above and the nice offer by Finalheaven.


On another note, does anyone here have one of the older Marantz quadradial receivers? I think one version of this was the 4400 (not to be confused with the newer home thater version models SR 4XXX). Just curious how they sound.

Thanks,

Marshall

http://www.parkavenueaudio.com/data/clearance.pdf

Has anyone heard of when the 7600 and 8600 will be coming? Any specs?

Has anyone heard of when the 7600 and 8600 will be coming? Any specs?

Not quite sure why they would want to come out with a 7600 or 8600. Both are up-to-date in features and have plenty of power. Both feature 7.1, component video switching (HDMI might be the only problem), dolby headphones, THX, all kinds of DSP effects including PLII, PLIIx, Neo 6, etc..., and not to mention the coolest remote control I have ever seen! I don't know why anybody would want a 7600 or 8600 to come out so soon.

Ryan

I don't know why anybody would want a 7600 or 8600 to come out so soon.

Ryan

I might, could be able to get a better price on an 8500.

marantz 7400 question.

what does LFE level settings (under surround settings in the menu) affect? -10db, 0 db or OFF? i have it currently on off.

my SUB W in the menu is set to - 8 db and ive turned the sub level dial on the subwoofer way beyond half, near maximum. shud i keep the SUB W level on the menu to - 0 - and set the dial on subwoofer ?

Hi all,

I just got good dela on SR 7500 cambridge soundworks . I own a 50 inch NEC palsma .
Just wanted to know is this the right receiver .
lack of digital video output in 7500 a huge problem .
Also the bluray issue .
I still can return and upgrade to 8500 .
Suggestions please .
Thanks

Hi all,

I just got good dela on SR 7500 cambridge soundworks . I own a 50 inch NEC palsma .
Just wanted to know is this the right receiver .
lack of digital video output in 7500 a huge problem .
Also the bluray issue .
I still can return and upgrade to 8500 .
Suggestions please .
Thanks

If you think that DVI switching, additional 20 watts per channel, and HDCD features are worth 500 dollars (almost 50% of the value of the SR7500), then you might want to consider the SR8500; otherwise you would be wasting money.

If you got a good deal on the SR7500, then it sounds like you are trying to go low cost (as opposed to just going out and buying it) and don't want to spend more than you have to (thus, you might not need the SR8500). The only reason I see the SR8500 as a must is if you MUST have DVI switching. If you are okay with component video, then stay with the SR7500.

Hope that helps your decision.

Ryan

Not quite sure why they would want to come out with a 7600 or 8600. Both are up-to-date in features and have plenty of power. Both feature 7.1, component video switching (HDMI might be the only problem), dolby headphones, THX, all kinds of DSP effects including PLII, PLIIx, Neo 6, etc..., and not to mention the coolest remote control I have ever seen! I don't know why anybody would want a 7600 or 8600 to come out so soon.

Ryan

I agree with CORVETTEZ06, I personally can't see anything even the 8400 doesn't have that I'd use, except for PLIIx on DTS, but they didn't change this for the x500 series, so why for the x600s?

They may want to put all the (usless to me) bells, whistles and doo-dads the competition has: HDMI, XM-ready, etc. I don't want it or need it, but it may even up the playing field with the competition.

marantz 7400 question.

what does LFE level settings (under surround settings in the menu) affect? -10db, 0 db or OFF? i have it currently on off.

my SUB W in the menu is set to - 8 db and ive turned the sub level dial on the subwoofer way beyond half, near maximum. shud i keep the SUB W level on the menu to - 0 - and set the dial on subwoofer ?

I'm a little fuzzy on this, but this has to do with how LFE is mastered on DD/DTS tracks. It should be automatically equalized on studio mixing to be -10 dB so it's at the intended level. Should you encounter a disc where this is not equalized at the studio, you can adjust the level by 10 dB.

I'm not sure what the difference between 0 and OFF is - if one means don't do any adjustment (OFF) and the other means always set it at 0, but I never touched it from factory default.

I remember seeing a thread about this many months ago on the Audio Theory, Setup and Chat forum dealing with LFE mastering. I'd search for it but I have no idea what to look for...

My advice: leave it alone and set your sub as you normally would.

If you think that DVI switching, additional 20 watts per channel, and HDCD features are worth 500 dollars (almost 50% of the value of the SR7500), then you might want to consider the SR8500; otherwise you would be wasting money.

If you got a good deal on the SR7500, then it sounds like you are trying to go low cost (as opposed to just going out and buying it) and don't want to spend more than you have to (thus, you might not need the SR8500). The only reason I see the SR8500 as a must is if you MUST have DVI switching. If you are okay with component video, then stay with the SR7500.

Hope that helps your decision.

Ryan


Thanks Ryan,
I did get a great deal from cambridge soundworks using a hundo coupon, besides there sale price and free shipping.
This is an awesome receiver. I hooked up my DVD player using DVI and connected my receiver using component . Works great !!
Bluray will take few years to go live . I will at that time buy a new receiver and use the extra $$ saved at that time.
Also this will become my receiver for the old TV in family room.

Not quite sure why they would want to come out with a 7600 or 8600. Both are up-to-date in features and have plenty of power. Both feature 7.1, component video switching (HDMI might be the only problem), dolby headphones, THX, all kinds of DSP effects including PLII, PLIIx, Neo 6, etc..., and not to mention the coolest remote control I have ever seen! I don't know why anybody would want a 7600 or 8600 to come out so soon.

Ryan

Because of features the others already have or have already announced.

AutoEQ/Manual EQ is a big one. The newer ones are getting to be very good. And this is where the ROOM comes in, which is probably the biggest variable in sound. If you can't have a dedicated theater room, then the ability to do the "best" that you can with the room you have is important. Why have the possibility of great sound if the room is killing or severely reducing the quality of the sound.

The Denon 2807 at $1100 has even better HDMI than the 3806, able to upsample to 1080p (although the 1080p isn't that important now).

Denon's Audyssey EQ is seen by many as the one to beat.

The Marantz 9600 has AutoEQ. My friend bought one last spring, and never used it. I asked him about it at Christmas, and he ran it and found that his midrange was where he thought it should be, but it had not occurred to him to run the EQ. Now he is even happier with his Marantz.

Different things are important to different people, I 'spose!

Greg

Hi,

What if i use my SR7500 just for audio signals.
That 's what i am doing right now .
My oppo uses dvi to HDMI and i have the dish hooked to the TV using component cable.
I am however using the receiver for home theater audio sound . Works great .
So the HDMI features of SR 8500 are not that attractive to me.
As far as Blu ray , PS3 will do the trick.
Will save 700 $$ for the PS3 or blu ray DVD player.
Thoughts ...

Hi,

What if i use my SR7500 just for audio signals.
That 's what i am doing right now .
My oppo uses dvi to HDMI and i have the dish hooked to the TV using component cable.
I am however using the receiver for home theater audio sound . Works great .
So the HDMI features of SR 8500 are not that attractive to me.
As far as Blu ray , PS3 will do the trick.
Will save 700 $$ for the PS3 or blu ray DVD player.
Thoughts ...

SR7500 works great for audio signals. Heck, that's basically what I'm using it for. Some TV's have multiple video/audio inputs so you could just plug it straight in to there. I checked and the SR8500 doesn't even have HDMI; it has DVI which is HDMI minus the built in audio (as well as the cool, small interface).

One thing that I would like to know is the scoop on Blu Ray as well as HD-DVD. Will each have individual audio and video outputs or do they have to use HDMI as an interface?

Ryan

One thing that I would like to know is the scoop on Blu Ray as well as HD-DVD. Will each have individual audio and video outputs or do they have to use HDMI as an interface?

One thing's for sure: the new formats will be decoded in the player initially. This is because no current transmission media can carry the native formats. So all this talk about "can my receiver decode TrueHD" is kind of moot. Only HDMI 1.3 will be able to send the native formats, and the specification isn't out yet.

There are two methods for carrying the decoded audio signal to the receiver:

1. HDMI 1.0 - 1.2 (i.e. present-day HDMI) can carry 8 channels of PCM audio. This offers significant advantages as the signal remains digital so that EQ, channel adjustment and post-processing can be applied, and the final D/A conversion takes place in the receiver.

2. Multichannel analog, like SACD and DVD-A except with 8 channels. This has the advantage of being compatible with every 7.1 receiver with an 8-channel analog input, but the disadvantages of depending on the player for D/A conversion and limiting or eliminating processing options in the receiver.

Manufacturers must offer multichannel analog as a minimum, so every 7.1 receiver with 8-channel analog inputs is "compatible".

One thing's for sure: the new formats will be decoded in the player initially. This is because no current transmission media can carry the native formats. So all this talk about "can my receiver decode TrueHD" is kind of moot. Only HDMI 1.3 will be able to send the native formats, and the specification isn't out yet.

There are two methods for carrying the decoded audio signal to the receiver:

1. HDMI 1.0 - 1.2 (i.e. present-day HDMI) can carry 8 channels of PCM audio. This offers significant advantages as the signal remains digital so that EQ, channel adjustment and post-processing can be applied, and the final D/A conversion takes place in the receiver.

2. Multichannel analog, like SACD and DVD-A except with 8 channels. This has the advantage of being compatible with every 7.1 receiver with an 8-channel analog input, but the disadvantages of depending on the player for D/A conversion and limiting or eliminating processing options in the receiver.

Manufacturers must offer multichannel analog as a minimum, so every 7.1 receiver with 8-channel analog inputs is "compatible".


Well shoot. Maybe I need to start checking the market for a 7.1 switch to help out my receiver which only has one set of 7.1 for inputs.

Well shoot. Maybe I need to start checking the market for a 7.1 switch to help out my receiver which only has one set of 7.1 for inputs.

One set of inputs is just about standard - I assume yours is being used?

One set of inputs is just about standard - I assume yours is being used?

Yes my 7.1 inputs is being used by my DVD Audio player. (which is my computer)

Hi,
Cambridge Soundwork's tech and I decided that rather than a gound loop, something defective in my new Onkyo was causing the hum from my speakers. So, I'll be taking it back in (I'm w/in the 45 day window) and my question is should I "upgrade" to the 8500 or stick w/ Onkyo? I don't use DVI or HDMI.

Hi,
Cambridge Soundwork's tech and I decided that rather than a gound loop, something defective in my new Onkyo was causing the hum from my speakers. So, I'll be taking it back in (I'm w/in the 45 day window) and my question is should I "upgrade" to the 8500 or stick w/ Onkyo? I don't use DVI or HDMI.

Well, can you work out with the tech to try them both out? i.e. demo them both and purchase the best-sounding one?

The real test will be how it sounds in your room with your speakers. Without taking this into consideration, you shouldn't accept any "oh yeah, X will be better than Y" from forum people. :)

One thing's for sure: the new formats will be decoded in the player initially. This is because no current transmission media can carry the native formats. So all this talk about "can my receiver decode TrueHD" is kind of moot. Only HDMI 1.3 will be able to send the native formats, and the specification isn't out yet.

There are two methods for carrying the decoded audio signal to the receiver:

1. HDMI 1.0 - 1.2 (i.e. present-day HDMI) can carry 8 channels of PCM audio. This offers significant advantages as the signal remains digital so that EQ, channel adjustment and post-processing can be applied, and the final D/A conversion takes place in the receiver.

2. Multichannel analog, like SACD and DVD-A except with 8 channels. This has the advantage of being compatible with every 7.1 receiver with an 8-channel analog input, but the disadvantages of depending on the player for D/A conversion and limiting or eliminating processing options in the receiver.

Manufacturers must offer multichannel analog as a minimum, so every 7.1 receiver with 8-channel analog inputs is "compatible".

I would also think that their would be an option to use the digital coax and/or the optical cables with these players. They would alienate too many people with not allowing for this. The question is, what are the limitations of these cables? I have an SR-8400 and plan to use it with a Blue Ray player when more mainstream. I hope I can :confused:

Pat

I would also think that their would be an option to use the digital coax and/or the optical cables with these players. They would alienate too many people with not allowing for this. The question is, what are the limitations of these cables? I have an SR-8400 and plan to use it with a Blue Ray player when more mainstream. I hope I can :confused:

Pat

Initial info was that ordinary Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1 would be output by digital coax/optical.

So if you want 5.1 like in a present system, you don't have to change anything. If you want 7.1 discrete or the new high-resolution Dolby TrueHD, you need to use HDMI or 8-channel analog.

Initial info was that ordinary Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1 would be output by digital coax/optical.

So if you want 5.1 like in a present system, you don't have to change anything. If you want 7.1 discrete or the new high-resolution Dolby TrueHD, you need to use HDMI or 8-channel analog.


Thanks. I suspect that DD and DTS will still be available on the new HD discs. I am happy with the sound of those to tell you the truth. I don't plan to run 7.1 or 8.1 for a long time anyway.

Pat

Thanks. I suspect that DD and DTS will still be available on the new HD discs. I am happy with the sound of those to tell you the truth. I don't plan to run 7.1 or 8.1 for a long time anyway.

Pat

In fact, there doesn't have to be a separate 5.1 stream! The 5.1 data is embedded in the 7.1 stream. A 7.1 stream sent to a 5.1 decoder will be decoded as an ordinary 5.1 stream. Not that the new formats can be sent via coaxial digital or optical though - they can't. (Which I find a little confusing - the physical media can't send it, but the format can be interpreted as 5.1...so what's being sent down optical/coaxial anyway?)

Now this is for Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD. I'm not sure about Dolby TrueHD.

So you won't need a separate track - the 7.1 track will be backwards-compatible.

They did think of the massive installed base of existing decoders when designing the new formats.

In fact, there doesn't have to be a separate 5.1 stream! The 5.1 data is embedded in the 7.1 stream. A 7.1 stream sent to a 5.1 decoder will be decoded as an ordinary 5.1 stream. Not that the new formats can be sent via coaxial digital or optical though - they can't. (Which I find a little confusing - the physical media can't send it, but the format can be interpreted as 5.1...so what's being sent down optical/coaxial anyway?)

Now this is for Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD. I'm not sure about Dolby TrueHD.

So you won't need a separate track - the 7.1 track will be backwards-compatible.

They did think of the massive installed base of existing decoders when designing the new formats.


Great, if the audio can be sent via coax or optical, I am set. Thanks a lot for the info.

I will be getting a true 1080p TV in fall (hopefully more that can take 1080p inputs will be out by then) so I will at least be up to date there (for a month or so:D).

Pat

Well, can you work out with the tech to try them both out? i.e. demo them both and purchase the best-sounding one?

The real test will be how it sounds in your room with your speakers. Without taking this into consideration, you shouldn't accept any "oh yeah, X will be better than Y" from forum people. :)

Well, I'm a Marantz owner from way back. I've got a 4300 in my attic so I'm glad to see them come back, so it wouldn't be hard to make the move. The real test is if that @#$%^%$ hum goes away.

The "hum" was the problem I had with THREE Rotel 1056's. That's when I went with Marantz. Luckily, the dealer that I had dealt with had just dropped Denon and gone with Marantz, so I went with the 8500.

They stopped selling the 1056 until Rotel gets its act together.

Denon is being sold by SOOOO many dealers that my more mid to upscale dealer decided to move on to Marantz.

The 8500 has NO HUM at all, unless you turn it to MAX and put your ear about 3 inches away and I can barely hear it.

FYI!

The hum I had heard about is with NAD. There is no hum on my 8400, smooth as silk.

Pat

No noises coming from my SR7500!

My pany makes noises if you plug something into its switched outlet though...

I am trying to decide whether it is worth the extra $$ for the 8500 over the 7500. It looks like the main difference to me is that the 8500 has the DVI inputs. Thanks

I am trying to decide whether it is worth the extra $$ for the 8500 over the 7500. It looks like the main difference to me is that the 8500 has the DVI inputs. Thanks

The differences between the 7500 and the 8500 are similar to the differences between the 7400 and the 8400, covered here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5962402&&#post5962402), except that the 8500 has DVI and the difference between the rated power is 20W/ch (7500: 105 W/ch, 8500, 125 W/ch).

The main difference IMHO is the toroidal power supply. These hold up a lot better with all channels powered than EI transformers.

Thanks Fraoch.

I guess my real question is how improtant is HDMI/DVI. How much better is the quality than component video?

Thanks Fraoch.

I guess my real question is how improtant is HDMI/DVI. How much better is the quality than component video?

Apparently it depends on the scaler circuitry in the display. Sometimes there's no difference from component, and in fact it could be worse should the circuit be very poor.

I'm not a video guy so I might be wrong in this.

However HDMI might be fairly problematic in itself. Note that the 8500 with DVI (video only) will not accept the next-generation HD-DVD and Blu-Ray HDMI for audio, which is the only way the 7.1-channel sound can be transmitted digitally. Also with new HDCP copyright protection schemes, the conversion from HDMI to DVI and back again may mess up the HDCP bits, which will disable full-resolution playback.

Finally, with HDMI evolving so quickly, you might want to get an external HDMI switcher instead. They are economical and the passive ones are merely an electrical switch - there's no digital conversion to mess up the HDCP flags. And a passive switcher shouldn't have any incompatibilities with future HDMI formats liks 1.3 - there's no silicon in there to do any decoding.

Any thoughts or suggestions on pairing my Marantz SR4500 with an Equalizer?

This idea was recently brought to my attention, and it sounds like a fun one. :D

Any thoughts or suggestions on pairing my Marantz SR4500 with an Equalizer?

This idea was recently brought to my attention, and it sounds like a fun one. :D

Do you mean a parametric equalizer to smooth out bass response, or did you have another use in mind?

Smoothing out bass response can help in nearly every room, but take a look at room treatments first if possible. Room treatments actually address the problem, equalization puts a bandaid on it.

Still, if room treatments are out of the question, equalization is a lot better than nothing.

Do you mean a parametric equalizer to smooth out bass response, or did you have another use in mind?

Smoothing out bass response can help in nearly every room, but take a look at room treatments first if possible. Room treatments actually address the problem, equalization puts a bandaid on it.

Still, if room treatments are out of the question, equalization is a lot better than nothing.

Yes, parametric.

Good point with the room treatments though. Thanks Fraoch. :thumbs up:

The "hum" was the problem I had with THREE Rotel 1056's. That's when I went with Marantz. Luckily, the dealer that I had dealt with had just dropped Denon and gone with Marantz, so I went with the 8500.

They stopped selling the 1056 until Rotel gets its act together.

Denon is being sold by SOOOO many dealers that my more mid to upscale dealer decided to move on to Marantz.

The 8500 has NO HUM at all, unless you turn it to MAX and put your ear about 3 inches away and I can barely hear it.

FYI!

Greg,

Quite a lot of changes for you since the Rotel days! I still run the RSP1066 & RMB1095 in the theatre room.

My family room has a USED (yes from Advance though it was supposed to be a new one) Denon 2106 (LONG story on that one) and I am considering replacing it with a SR7500.

How has your exp with the 8500 been and how do you find the remote? One thing I need to do is replace on of my failing MX500 remotes and wonder in the Marantz remote will do as a stop gap. Have you played with the macros?

Any other suggestions on the Marantz advantages/short comings?

Greg,

Quite a lot of changes for you since the Rotel days! I still run the RSP1066 & RMB1095 in the theatre room.

My family room has a USED (yes from Advance though it was supposed to be a new one) Denon 2106 (LONG story on that one) and I am considering replacing it with a SR7500.

How has your exp with the 8500 been and how do you find the remote? One thing I need to do is replace on of my failing MX500 remotes and wonder in the Marantz remote will do as a stop gap. Have you played with the macros?

Any other suggestions on the Marantz advantages/short comings?

First off, the remote that the SR7500 and SR8500 comes with is AWESOME. I love it. The macros feature are a struggle to program at first but they are simple to use after you get used to it. I think it's a great deal getting such a nice receiver with a really nice remote. The remote sells for 150 dollars if gotten seperately I believe. The blue back-light is a nice touch. I absolutely love it.

As for considering replacing your Denon 2106 with the Marantz SR7500, I compared the two units when I went to a Magnolia Audio Video in Tacoma, Washinton. I was very impressed with how the Marantz sounded. You could hear all the instruments in the songs rather than just the lead vocals which is all I basically heard when listening to the Denon 2106. At the time, I really liked the Denon 2106 based on stats, but overall: even the Marantz 5600 is better than the Denon I think. The Marantz lines sound better I think.

If you have any questions at all, please say something and based on my experiences, I'll tell you how the SR7500 performs.

Ryan

First off, the remote that the SR7500 and SR8500 comes with is AWESOME. I love it. The macros feature are a struggle to program at first but they are simple to use after you get used to it. I think it's a great deal getting such a nice receiver with a really nice remote. The remote sells for 150 dollars if gotten seperately I believe. The blue back-light is a nice touch. I absolutely love it.

As for considering replacing your Denon 2106 with the Marantz SR7500, I compared the two units when I went to a Magnolia Audio Video in Tacoma, Washinton. I was very impressed with how the Marantz sounded. You could hear all the instruments in the songs rather than just the lead vocals which is all I basically heard when listening to the Denon 2106. At the time, I really liked the Denon 2106 based on stats, but overall: even the Marantz 5600 is better than the Denon I think. The Marantz lines sound better I think.

If you have any questions at all, please say something and based on my experiences, I'll tell you how the SR7500 performs.

Ryan

The reason I compare the 2106 and the SR7500 (instead of the SR5600) is a funny one...video inputs are equivelant! I need a min of five video inputs.

I have the following:
Dish IRD (TV)
Bell IRD (VCR2)
Shaw cable box
DVD Player (DVD)
DVD Recorder (VCR1)

That is five video inputs required. I also have a third Satellite IRD, but I can work around that issue!

When I originally ordered the Denon it was way cheaper than the Marantz and as this is for a family room vs. my theatre room, I figured it would do the job.

To make a long story short the dealer gave me a box as new with a used unit in it. So I had the shipper/receiver mark the bill/del slip as "On loan until new unit is received". Now they gave me a price on the Marantz than totals $200 more than the Denon which I shall be returning.

This thread is incredibly useful. Partly because of the positive comments in this forum I plan to buy an SR-8500 for my first home theater. It will be used about 50-50 for movies on DVD and for music. I have two questions about issues that have been discussed here and elsewhere.

1. Multi Room Out Issue:

I will have a 5.1 surround system in the home theater room and a pair of stereo speakers in the dining room. Page 35 of the manual says that for multiroom use analog inputs must be used. The system will be controlled by an MX-850 Universal Remote Control.

I want to be able to listen simultaneously to CDs in the home theater and the dining room. These will be played on a Denon DVD-2910 DVD player that I had planned to hook up via one of the digital inputs. Can I hook up both digital and analog inputs, or does the multiroom use limit me to the analog? If so, will the analog connection compromise the 5.1 surround sound? Bottom line: what are my best options for the multiroom setup?

2. No subwoofer in Pure Direct Mode?

Is it true, as I have read, that the Pure Direct Mode does not use the subwoofer? I will have the new PSB VisionSound VS 400 towers plus a center speaker and two surrounds. The towers have four 4.5" woofers and a 1" Neodymium magnet tweeter. Am I correct that in Pure Direct Mode all of the sound will be sent to these two floorstanding towers?

Here are the speaker data:

Frequency Range:
On Axis @ 0° ±1.5dB 65-18,000Hz
On Axis @ 0° ±3dB 59-23,000Hz
Off Axis @ 30° ±3dB 59-15,000Hz
Lf Cutoff -10dB 43Hz

Sensitivity
(1w (2.83V) @ 1m,
IEC-filtered Pink Noise,
C-weighted)
Anechoic Chamber 88dB

Nominal 6 Ohms
Minimum 4 Ohms

Based on the data above, are these speakers sufficiently full range to produce reasonably good sound in Pure Direct? (I have not yet found a way to hear these speakers connected to the Marantz, although I am trying...)

Thanks very much for your help.

This thread is incredibly useful. Partly because of the positive comments in this forum I plan to buy an SR-8500 for my first home theater. It will be used about 50-50 for movies on DVD and for music. I have two questions about issues that have been discussed here and elsewhere.

1. Multi Room Out Issue:

I will have a 5.1 surround system in the home theater room and a pair of stereo speakers in the dining room. Page 35 of the manual says that for multiroom use analog inputs must be used. The system will be controlled by an MX-850 Universal Remote Control.

I want to be able to listen simultaneously to CDs in the home theater and the dining room. These will be played on a Denon DVD-2910 DVD player that I had planned to hook up via one of the digital inputs. Can I hook up both digital and analog inputs, or does the multiroom use limit me to the analog? If so, will the analog connection compromise the 5.1 surround sound? Bottom line: what are my best options for the multiroom setup?

2. No subwoofer in Pure Direct Mode?

Is it true, as I have read, that the Pure Direct Mode does not use the subwoofer? I will have the new PSB VisionSound VS 400 towers plus a center speaker and two surrounds. The towers have four 4.5" woofers and a 1" Neodymium magnet tweeter. Am I correct that in Pure Direct Mode all of the sound will be sent to these two floorstanding towers?

Here are the speaker data:

Frequency Range:
On Axis @ 0° ±1.5dB 65-18,000Hz
On Axis @ 0° ±3dB 59-23,000Hz
Off Axis @ 30° ±3dB 59-15,000Hz
Lf Cutoff -10dB 43Hz

Sensitivity
(1w (2.83V) @ 1m,
IEC-filtered Pink Noise,
C-weighted)
Anechoic Chamber 88dB

Nominal 6 Ohms
Minimum 4 Ohms

Based on the data above, are these speakers sufficiently full range to produce reasonably good sound in Pure Direct? (I have not yet found a way to hear these speakers connected to the Marantz, although I am trying...)

Thanks very much for your help.

I haven't explored the multiroom idea yet with my SR7500 so I have no comment on that.

Pure Direct is basically taking a stereo signal and putting it like the old times: into stereo speakers. No subwoofer, no surrounds and no center. Apparantly the Marantz doesn't do anything to the signal (no equalization or anything that a preamp would normally do); it simply amplifies for ultra pure power. The problem I see is you really need full size stereo speakers to listen to music loud like this. You would need a minimum of probably 6.5" woofers to get any bass and would recommend a minimum of 8" to get a mostly full sounding spectrum.

Here's what I'd do: put it to "stereo" setting on the Marantz rather than the Pure Direct. That way, it'll do the crossover and give your subwoofer some stuff to do and send most of the Marantz's power for the higher pitched stuff. That's what I do, and it sounds great. In quality, I can't tell a difference; mainly because this receiver is high quality in the first place!

Hope that helps!

Ryan

EDIT: I now notice that basically what Pure Direct will do: take the origional signal and output it as the origional signal amplified. So a CD will play in stereo, movies and music DVDs encoded in DTS or Dolby Digital in Pure Direct will do surround sound.

1. Multi Room Out Issue:

I will have a 5.1 surround system in the home theater room and a pair of stereo speakers in the dining room. Page 35 of the manual says that for multiroom use analog inputs must be used. The system will be controlled by an MX-850 Universal Remote Control.

I want to be able to listen simultaneously to CDs in the home theater and the dining room. These will be played on a Denon DVD-2910 DVD player that I had planned to hook up via one of the digital inputs. Can I hook up both digital and analog inputs, or does the multiroom use limit me to the analog? If so, will the analog connection compromise the 5.1 surround sound? Bottom line: what are my best options for the multiroom setup?

Unfortunately, yes, multiroom is limited to analog sources only.

Note that a regular CD will never be in true 5.1 surround sound - you'd have to use one of the matrix decoders (Dolby Pro-Logic II) to get a surround effect.

PLII can be applied to either analog or digital sources. Generally digital sounds better with this receiver, but the Denon's DACs are no slouch - you may want to experiment. And seeing that you'd have to apply PLII to get 5.1 sound anyway, it doesn't matter whether it's analog or digital.

Note there are three ways to do this:

1. Use the "Speaker B" outputs, which is possible since you're powering only two other speakers. You can use this with digital sources just fine, but I would doubt if there would be enough power for both speaker sets simultaneously. Your speakers are 6 ohm nominal, when powering two in parallel, halve it, so that's 3 ohms...too low! That's a very hard load. You'd overheat the amps, distortion would be high and it would probably shutdown. Also note that you'll just hear what's in the L/R speakers in the second zone. With multichannel stereo, stereo and pure direct modes this would be fine, but for any other mode (PLII for example) this wouldn't. Saves you buying an amp for the second zone though.

2. Use the SBL/SBR amps as Zone 2 amps. See manual, page 17. You can do this since you have 5.1 in the main zone, and it saves you buying an amp for the second zone. Analog only, but see below.

3. Use the multiroom preouts. Analog only, Zone 2 amp required.

Now there's a trick to using the analog inputs for points 2 and 3. Connect the DVD player digital output to one of the Marantz' digital inputs, and connect the DVD player analog outputs to one of the Marantz' analog inputs. You'd have to use a different analog input. Assign the digital input to "CD" and then plug the analog input into "CDR" or whatever suits you. Now you can have both digital for the main zone and analog for the second zone simultaneously, although the receiver will think they are different inputs.

N.B. The DVD player has to be capable of using both analog and digital outputs simultaneously. I believe most do.


2. No subwoofer in Pure Direct Mode?

Is it true, as I have read, that the Pure Direct Mode does not use the subwoofer? I will have the new PSB VisionSound VS 400 towers plus a center speaker and two surrounds. The towers have four 4.5" woofers and a 1" Neodymium magnet tweeter. Am I correct that in Pure Direct Mode all of the sound will be sent to these two floorstanding towers?


Ryan answered most of your questions here, I have just one thing to add. In Pure Direct mode, the signal bypasses the DSP, the chip which does all the processing and applies all the sound decoding formats. A digital signal will merely be converted to analog and amplified with only volume control. An analog signal will merely be amplified with volume control. This can be good because the signal is altered as little as possible: the DSP requires digital inputs only, so normally an analog signal would be converted to digital in an ADC, mucked around with the DSP, then converted back to analog with the DACs, so it gets significantly altered. A digital signal fares a little better, it doesn't have to be converted to digital to go through the DSP. This is why Pure Direct is sometimes called Bypass in other receivers.

The drawback though, is no processing is possible. Not even tone control IIRC, no surround modes, and no bass management (i.e. no subwoofer) since the DSP does this work as well.

3. Use the multiroom preouts. Analog only, Zone 2 amp required.

Now there's a trick to using the analog inputs for points 2 and 3. Connect the DVD player digital output to one of the Marantz' digital inputs, and connect the DVD player analog outputs to one of the Marantz' analog inputs. You'd have to use a different analog input. Assign the digital input to "CD" and then plug the analog input into "CDR" or whatever suits you. Now you can have both digital for the main zone and analog for the second zone simultaneously, although the receiver will think they are different inputs.

N.B. The DVD player has to be capable of using both analog and digital outputs simultaneously. I believe most do..

This is what I do; it works quite well. I put the digital input to DVD and the analog to CD since I use 1 player for bot. Less confusion that way.

I usually use the pure direct function if I am listening in zone two, which is my patio, since I don't have a sub out there anyway to keep the signal as unaltered as possible. The DAC's in my player aren't very good though, so I always use the digital input if I am listening in the main room.

Thanks to Ryan, Fraoch, and N8G. Each of you provided important advice that I will use in setting up my SR-8500.

I have two additional questions.

1. Length of speaker wire to Zone 2:

My Zone 2 could be either the dining room or the living room. The dining room would require a speaker wire of about 65 feet, while the living room would only require 25 feet. I plan to use Fraoch’s suggestion of using the SBL/SBR amps as Zone 2 amps. I want to be able to play the same CD simultaneously in the home theater room and in Zone 2 (mainly for parties).

Will the Marantz easily power two 8 ohm Zone 2 speakers at 65 feet simultaneously with the home theater room? My home theater front speakers are 6 ohm nominal. I would prefer the dining room 65 foot location, but if that is problematic I can live with the 25 foot Zone 2 in the living room.

2. Lipsync

Somewhere online there is a post stating that on the SR-8500 Lipsync is global and not per-input. I’ll have both component and HDMI going to the plasma display so that I can try each to determine which works best with my cable box and display. It is possible that I will end up with the cable box connected to the plasma display with component video through the 8500 while the DVD player is directly connected to the display through HDMI.

Would this cause a Lipsync problem that would be aggravated by the SR-8500’s global rather than per-input Lipsync function?

Thanks again. You are really helping. I can hardly wait to get the SR-8500.

Bob

1. Length of speaker wire to Zone 2:

My Zone 2 could be either the dining room or the living room. The dining room would require a speaker wire of about 65 feet, while the living room would only require 25 feet. I plan to use Fraoch’s suggestion of using the SBL/SBR amps as Zone 2 amps. I want to be able to play the same CD simultaneously in the home theater room and in Zone 2 (mainly for parties).

Will the Marantz easily power two 8 ohm Zone 2 speakers at 65 feet simultaneously with the home theater room?
You should be OK, but use 12 gauge wire.


2. Lipsync

Somewhere online there is a post stating that on the SR-8500 Lipsync is global and not per-input. I’ll have both component and HDMI going to the plasma display so that I can try each to determine which works best with my cable box and display. It is possible that I will end up with the cable box connected to the plasma display with component video through the 8500 while the DVD player is directly connected to the display through HDMI.

Would this cause a Lipsync problem that would be aggravated by the SR-8500’s global rather than per-input Lipsync function?
All I can say is if this turns out to be a problem so bad you don't mind spending two hundred dollars more, dedicate a Felston (http://www.felston.com/) lip synch delay box into one of the inputs. The Felston units also have a greater delay range than what's in most receivers.

2. Lipsync

Somewhere online there is a post stating that on the SR-8500 Lipsync is global and not per-input. I’ll have both component and HDMI going to the plasma display so that I can try each to determine which works best with my cable box and display. It is possible that I will end up with the cable box connected to the plasma display with component video through the 8500 while the DVD player is directly connected to the display through HDMI.

Would this cause a Lipsync problem that would be aggravated by the SR-8500’s global rather than per-input Lipsync function?

You may have some lipsync issues with the setup, but I wouldn't let the per-input feature bother you. I have some lipsync issues with certain channels and not with others from my cable box. Don't know why this is the case, but it is especially noticeable with On-Demand stuff. Anyway, a per-input setting wouldn't help me at all, but I don't find it particularly bothersome to set on the fly when you need it. If you rememeber how much delay you need it is quite easy (single hard-button on the remote) to access the feature and then one other button to toggle to the value. Takes about 4 seconds tops.

This has been mentioned previously..
But here goes...

The video stream can be delayed for many reasons..
Such as video processing during the broadcasting processing such as uplink or downlink..
Or video processing within a component such as a video display with scaling..
Or the original source media has delays included from the mastering/production side...

Regardless of its origination or source...
It tends to be more prevalent with digital processing and HD broadcasting.. Therefore..
A/V Sync Delay it is a required feature in mid to higher quality HT system..
And it should be easily accessible by the remote control..

Just my $.02 worth.......

Just got my Marantz 5600. May post if I have any questions.

I have made my decision I am going marantz refurb but I still don't know which model. Either a 7500 or an 8400. The 8400 is $50 more so money isn't a factor here. I will be using this for 100% HT in 7.1 . What features does the 7500 have that the 8400 doesnt? I am assuming the 8400 probably has a slightly better sound due to the transformer but other then that what are the differences (I know about the chassis and gold connectors woopedy doo :) )

The 7500 is THX Select certified. To resuse your quote, "woopedy doo". ;)

The 7500 has lip synch, the 8400 doesn't.

The 8400 has an HDCD decoder, the 7500 doesn't.

The difference in power is small, but based on the 8400's power supply, it's more likely to approach the quoted rated power, at least with two channels active.

The 7500 can bi-wire speakers, the 8400 can't.

The 7500 has auto-setup, although it's not as advanced as the competition, the 8400 doesn't.

The 7500 has lip synch, the 8400 doesn't.


Oddly enough this might be the swing. I have an oppo and a PE7700 and the oppo isnt exactly known for its great lip synch fix. They are working on it but it can still be a problem.


The 8400 has an HDCD decoder, the 7500 doesn't.

So it will scale composit and s-video to 720p? Anyone want to chime in on how good it looks.



The 7500 has auto-setup, although it's not as advanced as the competition, the 8400 doesn't.

Is the 7500 auto setup more advanced them me, my avia disk, and a rat shack spl meter?


Is there anything more supstantialy different? Like the better DACs or surround modes?

HDCD refers to the higher bit rate encoding for CDs. It has nothing to do with video.

The auto setup in my 8500 is convenient, but is no better than an Avia disk and a Radio Shack meter.

I went with the 8500 over the 7500 primarily for the toroidal power supply. The sound just seemed a wee bit sweeter than the 7500.

Either of the two will do well for you in HT since your sub will have its own power supply, so the wattage isn't crucial.

But, if I had a display with lipsynch probs, it would drive me nuts!

My 2 cents.....

Hi all,

My first post. Found this site while searching for my problem.

I've recently bought an 8500, and am quite happy with it. I am having this weird problem though.

I have an old Toshiba projector which is connected to the 8500 using SVideo. When playing a SVideo source - fine. When playing a coposite source - it looses sync (picture) for about a 1/2 a second every so often. I've noticed it's usually (but not always) when there's a big change on the screen, like a another shot.

Is this a common problem? Does it sound like a problem with upconversion on the 8500? Or does it sound more of a problem with my projector (which is fine on svideo sources)?

Thanks in advanced.

Puunda

HDCD refers to the higher bit rate encoding for CDs. It has nothing to do with video.


I was thinking DCDi (Faroudja) for some reason. Thanks for setting me straight. I was realy considering the 8400 if it had a Faroudja scaler.

I think I will go with the 7500. If the 8500 was only $50 more that would be a no brainer I would like to have the dvi switching. Well I would rather have the HDMI switching but Marantz doesn't offer it yet.

Blake:

I think you have made a wise decision. Enjoy!!!

The 7500 is THX Select certified. To resuse your quote, "woopedy doo". ;)

The 7500 has lip synch, the 8400 doesn't.

The 8400 has an HDCD decoder, the 7500 doesn't.

The difference in power is small, but based on the 8400's power supply, it's more likely to approach the quoted rated power, at least with two channels active.

The 7500 can bi-wire speakers, the 8400 can't.

The 7500 has auto-setup, although it's not as advanced as the competition, the 8400 doesn't.

Do you mean bi amp? I thought you could biwire with just about any avr as long as you had the correct wire. I also thought you could biamp the 8400 with speaker b, is that incorrect?

Do you mean bi amp? I thought you could biwire with just about any avr as long as you had the correct wire. I also thought you could biamp the 8400 with speaker b, is that incorrect?

I don't think you can bi-amp with the 8400 using the speaker b output. At least you can't with the 7500/8500. They can bi-amp using the multi-zone/rear speaker outputs by flipping a switch if you aren't using them for a 6(7).1 setup or multi-zone. I don't know if the 8400 has that option, but it sounds like it doesn't from the previous post.

I don't know about the marantz specifically but speaker "B" usually just puts the 2nd set of speakers in series with speaker "A" its not a different amp. This would be more like bi wiring which IMHO is voodoo. Bi Amping requires a 2nd amp or in the case of a 7.1 avr the rear channels. Not quite as good as a 2nd amp but still effectively giving more power.

but speaker "B" usually just puts the 2nd set of speakers in series with speaker "A" Actually it puts them in parallel.

Ed

I always though it was series at least with old recievers because if you turned on "B" and didn't have any speakers installed on "b" then the "a" speakers would stop functioning. If it was in parallel they would. Also the resistance would drop to 4 ohm when using 8 ohm speakers. But I could be wrong

I always though it was series at least with old recievers because if you turned on "B" and didn't have any speakers installed on "b" then the "a" speakers would stop functioning. If it was in parallel they would. Also the resistance would drop to 4 ohm when using 8 ohm speakers. But I could be wrongUsually there were 3 settings: just A, just B, and A+B. So if you put on "just B" the A will turn off no matter what. It's the A+B setting that we're talking about. I believe that on the A+B setting, the A will play whether or not there is a B set of speakers. Also, the receivers usually have a warning about the impedance dropping in half with the A+B setting which is consistent with parallel.

Besides, parrallel is the only connection that makes sense since a series connection alters the frequency response of the speakers while parallel does not.

Ed

I wonder if I can get some opinions on the bass response of the 7400/8400 & 7500/8500 for two-channel listening (subwoofer NOT engaged).

I recently bought a used 7300 OSE to replace my 6200, and the OSE is superior in mid-range punch, high-end detail, separation, dynamics, and just about any other adjective you care to throw around.

Except for the bass in two-channel.

Hard to believe, but after extensive testing, the 7300 does not have the low-end the 6200 had while listening in plain stereo (with and without Source Direct engaged). That is not to say the OSE is weak; quite the contrary, it has power to spare, just not as much in the low end as I would like. This is true for both analogue and digital connections from my CD player.

I am considering a refurbished 8400. I am wondering how the bass response might be compared to the older units (or newer 8500). I have read the 7400 has the detail and dynamics of the 7300 but also isn't so great for bass for stereo music. Is the 8400 better in this regard?

I'd especially like to hear from users that have experience with several Marantz receiver models.

Hopefully you will get some responses because not many run it in that mode.

I had the 7400 and currently have the 8400. Bass response is fine - with a sub, of course.

The 8400 adds some additional power, headroom and clarity. IMHO it's not worth the price difference of the units when they were new, but at the refurb or ubid prices they're a steal.

Chris, the only Marantz I've ever owned is my current 7400. I do listen to music in 2-channel. The bass sounds wonderful to me - deep, round, yet well-defined. However, my mains are KEF Q11s, which are towers. So, I never feel the need for a sub for music!

Regards,
Doug

Thanks Doug, Fraoch,

I have Mordaunt-Short 906 towers... they are a 3-way design, and produce decent bass when hooked up to the right equipment. I like to run things flat, with no bass or treble adjustments (these are defeated in Source Direct anyway). Still, with the 7300 it feels like I'm running bookshelf speakers sometimes.

I guess what I'm looking for is some kind of reassurance that the newer Marantz units are fine for bass. The 7300 is great for home theatre and soundstage but there is that small disappointment in the bass department when the sub is off for music.

I'm puzzled as to why the 6200 (and the even older SR7000 that belongs to a friend) seems to have better bass for 2 Ch. than some of the newer units.

... I like to run things flat, with no bass or treble adjustments (these are defeated in Source Direct anyway)...

Me too! Sorry I can't help you with the comparison to other units. Good luck.

Doug

I finally got HDCD working today!

Someone posted this list of HDCDs: http://www.hitbutiken.com/hdcd/index.php?p=base The only one I have is Beck - Mutations, which I don't really like :p. I'm playing back all my music on my Squeezebox (http://www.slimdevices.com), which should pass HDCD data along provided you're using a digital output (I'm using optical) and a lossless file format (I'm using FLAC).

It didn't show anything at first, so disabled ReplayGain (thinking it was altering the volume by bit manipulation) but that didn't seem to be it. I almost gave up when I started playing around with surround formats.

HDCD works in either Stereo or Source Direct. There's a bright red HDCD logo that lights up under the PCM indicator on the display.

So it's unfortunate that HDCD doesn't work in Dolby Pro-Logic IIx Music mode, and I don't understand why it doesn't, but at least I got it to work.

Hopefully you will get some responses because not many run it in that mode.

I had the 7400 and currently have the 8400. Bass response is fine - with a sub, of course.

The 8400 adds some additional power, headroom and clarity. IMHO it's not worth the price difference of the units when they were new, but at the refurb or ubid prices they're a steal.


I do 2.1 all the time, never 2.0. I have the 8400. I think the bass is just fine. I agree that the unit is quite nice, but hardly worth the MSRP of $1200. I got mine brand new off ubid last year for $500. Amazing deal for anything under $800 IMHO.

Pat

While we are talking about bass, does anybody run the 8400 in multichannel stereo? I like it, but I have problems getting the sub to kick on. It seems it runs signal equally to all the speakers, but not the sub. Anybody else have an issue like this? In 2.1 stereo, it works great.

Pat

While we are talking about bass, does anybody run the 8400 in multichannel stereo? I like it, but I have problems getting the sub to kick on. It seems it runs signal equally to all the speakers, but not the sub. Anybody else have an issue like this? In 2.1 stereo, it works great.

Pat

I run it in multichannel mode frequently and I've never had this problem. Did you level-match the sub with the rest of the speakers using the internal test tone?

My suggestion is that if you want to run your main towers in 2.0 is to invest in a good 200 watt 2-channel amp, or 2 mono blocks, that works well with your speakers. A 3-channel (or 3 mono blocks) would even be better since HT sound would be balanced across the front.

Then you will get the oomph you need to power those towers.

Yes, I know, I know.... it's easy to spend someone else's money!!! :rolleyes:

I'm late to this thread but why doesn't Marantz make a HT processor anymore? I have an older AV9000 and man it rocks. Is it because Denon bought them and they just don't do separates? Thanks J.H.

I'm late to this thread but why doesn't Marantz make a HT processor anymore? I have an older AV9000 and man it rocks. Is it because Denon bought them and they just don't do separates? Thanks J.H.

They also own McIntosh. I am guessing that they are trying to figure out what products belong in what lines.

Hopefully we will see Marantz amps/preamps/pre-pros again.

Yeah I don't get it the AV/9000 is absolutely incredible. Denon for that matter with thier name should have a line of separates. There are snobs like me ;) that will only buy separates. Why not give us something from Denon to buy. J.H.

My suggestion is that if you want to run your main towers in 2.0 is to invest in a good 200 watt 2-channel amp, or 2 mono blocks, that works well with your speakers. A 3-channel (or 3 mono blocks) would even be better since HT sound would be balanced across the front.

I've often thought of that... but I was fairly satisfied with the bass from the SR6200 alone. I was hoping an 8400 would give at least as much as the 6200, but since the 7300 (and probably 7400) don't, I have my doubts. My thinking is that a decent receiver should be able to produce satisfying bass, but maybe I'm asking too much.

Cost is a factor, but used MM9000's sometimes shows up on ebay...

Yeah I don't get it the AV/9000 is absolutely incredible. Denon for that matter with thier name should have a line of separates. There are snobs like me ;) that will only buy separates. Why not give us something from Denon to buy. J.H.


A prepro with Audyssey from Marantz or Denon would be most welcome.

I bet you 100% we will see a new Marantz HT processor. J.H.

A prepro with Audyssey from Marantz or Denon would be most welcome.

As far as I know, Denon already has it in the works, but it will be very pricey! :eek:

I run it in multichannel mode frequently and I've never had this problem. Did you level-match the sub with the rest of the speakers using the internal test tone?


So your sub always works? My sub works fine in all DD and DTS modes, but does not seem to kick on while in multichannel stereo most of the time. I even turn on the sub from auto and it still doesn't work all the time. My fronts are set to large (12 inch woofers), all others are small.

Pat

So your sub always works? My sub works fine in all DD and DTS modes, but does not seem to kick on while in multichannel stereo most of the time. I even turn on the sub from auto and it still doesn't work all the time. My fronts are set to large (12 inch woofers), all others are small.

Pat

Yes, my sub always works.

Again, did you equalize your sub level with the rest of your speakers?

Yes sir, it's even boosted a bit for effect to my liking.

Pat

How do you have your gain structure set up? Some subs need a fairly hot signal to get them started - plus if it's hotter at the source you need less gain at the amp which leads to less noise.

Mine is set at around 0 with the sub-mounted volume control at about 40%. This leads to a 72 dB signal playing back the receiver test tone at volume 0. I equalize to 75 but it's 72 because the RS meter is non-linear in the bass region, underestimating by 3 dB or so.

With bassy music it's active in all modes. With TV, it's active if there's bass and I've turned it up loud. If I have the TV turned down or there's no bass, it goes off sometimes.

What is the crossover point set to on your subwoofer? Its possible its set too low. It should be either off or right above 100Hz. My speakers are set to large and the xover point on my 7500 is set to 100Hz so anything lower goes to the sub. I will try mine when I get home tonight and make sure its working but I am pretty sure it is.

What is the crossover point set to on your subwoofer? Its possible its set too low. It should be either off or right above 100Hz. My speakers are set to large and the xover point on my 7500 is set to 100Hz so anything lower goes to the sub. I will try mine when I get home tonight and make sure its working but I am pretty sure it is.

It's set as high as it goes, the receiver is set to 80.

Pat

How do you have your gain structure set up? Some subs need a fairly hot signal to get them started - plus if it's hotter at the source you need less gain at the amp which leads to less noise.

Mine is set at around 0 with the sub-mounted volume control at about 40%. This leads to a 72 dB signal playing back the receiver test tone at volume 0. I equalize to 75 but it's 72 because the RS meter is non-linear in the bass region, underestimating by 3 dB or so.

With bassy music it's active in all modes. With TV, it's active if there's bass and I've turned it up loud. If I have the TV turned down or there's no bass, it goes off sometimes.

The receiver is set to "zero", the sub is maybe 50% if I recall. It plays at 80 with the tones at zero with pink noise.

I appreciate the feedback. It's a little distressing as it is a mode I like otherwise. I like it for parties and the like, but with no bass it kind of sucks:(

Pat

The receiver is set to "zero", the sub is maybe 50% if I recall. It plays at 80 with the tones at zero with pink noise.

I appreciate the feedback. It's a little distressing as it is a mode I like otherwise. I like it for parties and the like, but with no bass it kind of sucks:(

Pat

Hmm, that should be plenty.

Setting your fronts to small will greatly increase the bass going to the sub. In Multichannel Stereo mode, the SL/SR/SBL/SBR should have the same content as the L/R but in practice I find them much quieter.

If you don't want to set your fronts to small, try setting BASS MIX: BOTH which will direct all the bass from your fronts to your sub as well.

Look on page 25 of your manual it tells you exactly what channels are active in every possible mode. It looks like there are some modes with LFE and some with out. You can also download the manual from marantz in the support section if you can't find yours.

If you don't want to set your fronts to small, try setting BASS MIX: BOTH which will direct all the bass from your fronts to your sub as well.

I forgot to mention, that is what I do. I like the bass from both the mains and the sub. I think I am going to try and recalibrate everything again. If that doesn't work, I will call marantz. I will post back when and if I get it figured out.

I just wonder why the bass is fine in DD and DTS using the same input.
For example: the same song streamed off my prismiq, switching processing on the fly, still results in good bass on DD music, DTS music, stereo etc., but not in multichannel stereo.

Thanks much,

Pat

Look on page 25 of your manual it tells you exactly what channels are active in every possible mode. It looks like there are some modes with LFE and some with out. You can also download the manual from marantz in the support section if you can't find yours.


I just took a look, it's page 28, but whatever:D

It seems to say that the SW is not outputted in multichannel stereo mode with an analog or PCM stereo input. I'd be OK with that if not for the fact that it also says that for plain stereo input not having the SW active. I can confirm that my SW is quite active while in plain stereo mode. Maybe I just don't understand the chart?

Pat

Thats how I was reading it too. Even my old craptastic yamaha outputed to sub in 2 channel stereo I don't know what the deal is. Its possible when you go below your xover point it might override and output to sub but it doesnt look like it according to the chart.

Hi, I'll be a new member of the Marantz group as I just got a SR8500 at a sweet deal here in the UK. There's something I like to ask you pros here. I'm looking to connect a cd player to the amp. However, the guys on the cd forum have kindly informed me that using the digital interconnects would bypass the DAC of the CD player and processing would be done in the reciever instead. If I want the CD player to process the sound I gotta use the analogue RCA interconnects. The question is the Pure Direct Mode an analogue process that only amps the analogue signal or does the amp have to do A to D conversion? I'm pretty sure that in the stereo mode it has to do the A to D.

Pat I think using "CS II Music" over multi stereo is going to give you the output you are looking for. Try that and tell me how it sounds. I am at work or I would try it myself.

Pat, I've never used multichannel stereo, but other surround modes (DPL II, DTS ES) won't output anything to the sub unless you have at least one set of speakers set to small. I have the center set to small. Try that.

Doug

Hi, I'll be a new member of the Marantz group as I just got a SR8500 at a sweet deal here in the UK. There's something I like to ask you pros here. I'm looking to connect a cd player to the amp. However, the guys on the cd forum have kindly informed me that using the digital interconnects would bypass the DAC of the CD player and processing would be done in the reciever instead. If I want the CD player to process the sound I gotta use the analogue RCA interconnects. The question is the Pure Direct Mode an analogue process that only amps the analogue signal or does the amp have to do A to D conversion? I'm pretty sure that in the stereo mode it has to do the A to D.

Welcome. We assume there's no A/D monkeying around when using Pure Direct, but I think only the engineers at Marantz know for sure. I think it's a universal problem - most AVR brands won't tell you what's going on under the hood.

If anyone has any definitive info, I'd love to be proven wrong!

Doug

I have the 8000 (I know, it's old!) and am wondering if a 7400/7500 would be a step down in overall sound quality? I'd like the features of the newer models, but don't have the $$ for the 8400/8500.

-Mike

Pat I think using "CS II Music" over multi stereo is going to give you the output you are looking for. Try that and tell me how it sounds. I am at work or I would try it myself.


I might have to try that. The problem is that it actually has more settings than just the normal spl adjustments. I will have to read about how to tweak those a bit further.

Thanks,

Pat

Pat, I've never used multichannel stereo, but other surround modes (DPL II, DTS ES) won't output anything to the sub unless you have at least one set of speakers set to small. I have the center set to small. Try that.

Doug

Sorry if I wasn't clear, they are all small except the L & R.

Pat

If you don't mind refurb you could get one from http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/category/AVReceiver they are authorized marantz refurbs with 1 year warranty. It will save you a bucket of cash.

I have the 8000 (I know, it's old!) and am wondering if a 7400/7500 would be a step down in overall sound quality? I'd like the features of the newer models, but don't have the $$ for the 8400/8500.

-Mike


I really doubt it would be a step down. www.ac4l.com has factory refurbed 8400's for a nice price.

Pat

Ok I got home and tested out my sr7500 with sub. In stereo and cs II the sub is active during 2 channel audio in all others its off. IMHO I don't think I would listen to music in any mode other then stereo unless I was using my avr in a "party" room. You loose all imaging in any of the matrixed surround modes.

My SR-8400 has been giving me frequent troubles now, a year after purchase. It would reset itself randomly and the last reset cycle was constant. Just kept going thru the reset and would never stop even after I left it unplugged completely for a few hours.

Took it in to a authorized service center and they tell me they had to do a hard reset to the processor. They also recommended I use a battery backup to avoid future issues like this.

So my question is... how do I select a battery backup device? I don't know the first thing about battery backups. I'm assuming I'll have to select something that can handle the receiver's power consumption right? Any suggestions would be extremely helpful.

I'm also looking for a battery backup. APC has a variety of backups. I think this is how to figure it I may be wrong. If I am please correct me.
Check out the power consumption of the receiver. I have the SR-8500. Power consumption 700w. Power requirements AC 120/60Hz. I'm looking for one that will Handel my HDTV as well.
I also need help on setup remote codes for a Directv HR 10-250. I tried all the codes for Directv and nothing worked.
Any help would be appreciated

Guys,

I was waffling back and forth between a refurb Denon 3806 and a refurb SR7500. I don't care about digital video switching and for less money, I think the 7500 will work great for me - so I decided to go with the Marantz. I see they also offer an SR8400 for $100 more, though it's not in stock right now. I prefer the looks of the 7500, but the 8400 looks like a really nice piece of kit for a great price. What are your opinions? Newer/lower-end or last year's higher-end?

They also offer a Warrantech 3-year warranty for only $50 - extends the Marantz 1-year to 3 years. That seems very reasonable for a piece of equipment like this - considering it's refurb and what it probably costs to get repairs. Thoughts?

UPS question is a good one, too. My first impression would be that putting a high-end piece of audio equipment on a run-of-the-mill computer UPS couldn't be good - a UPS with a pure sine-wave output would have to a better solution (albeit at much higher price), but I'm all ears to see what others have to say about it.

SC

I would do the warranty for the 50. 7500 vs 8400 tough call.

I recently debated the same thing. I did not go with the warranty. I did some research on warrantech and just didn't want to go through the hassle of using the warranty even if I had to and usually if a piece of hardware works for a year it will work for 3. $50 isn't that much money though so its not a bad idea to get it.

Here are the differences from a few pages back

The 7500 is THX Select certified.

The 7500 has lip synch, the 8400 doesn't.

The 8400 has an HDCD decoder, the 7500 doesn't.

The difference in power is small, but based on the 8400's power supply, it's more likely to approach the quoted rated power, at least with two channels active.

The 7500 can bi-wire speakers, the 8400 can't.

The 7500 has auto-setup, although it's not as advanced as the competition, the 8400 doesn't.

The 8400 also has gold plate and a copper lined case.

Now I went with the 7500 because of the lip sync and auto config (even though I ended up using my spl meter anyway). I have got to say I like the THX overlay as well even though when I bought the 7500 I didn't think I would use it. I am using mine for 99% HT use.

If you plan on using it for mostly music or even 50/50 the the toroidal transformer and HDCD of the 8400 might be a better option for you. I never plan on using HDCD and it was the only option of the 8400 over the 7500 that I could see spending the extra money for.




On a side note does anyone know the code for an oppo dvd player for the marantz remote?

Yesterday I was leaning toward the 8400 but after thinking about it, I think I'm going to save myself $100 and go for the 7500.

- I too would like to have the option of the THX processing even if I don't use it every day.
- The THX Select "certification" isn't really important to me, but the logo on the front might help with resale if I decide to sell in a few years.
- Even though I'm sure the amp in the 8400 is better, I'll always have the option of moving to separate amps to satisfy upgrade-itis, and the internal amp would be a waste in that case. Might as well save the money, then.
- HDCD would be nice, but in my collection of 700 CDs, do I even have a dozen of them?
- Lip sync could be a really good thing if that causes trouble anywhere.

I agree with the "if it doesn't break in year 1, it probably won't" rationale - and I don't certainly don't need any more "paperwork" in my life.

Thanks!

SC

FYI, I think Marantz also made the move to Cirrus Logic DACs in the x500 vs the Crystal DACs in x400 series.

Feature-wise the 7500 does one-up the 8400 and the bi-wire is a feature that pretty much any receiver can do with 2 pairs of cable running to the speakers. Bi-AMPing is something that is more useful as a feature, but that's a feature provided by the SR-8500. I'm pulling this info from memory so someone correct me if i'm wrong.

Cheers! :-)

Well, I decided to pull the trigger on the refurbished 7500 today. I'm in the same part of the country as the vendor so I should have it Monday.

I think it's an amazing value for the money - especially with a full 1-year warranty. Compare that to others' 90-day refurb warranty. I can't find anything for even close to the same money that's in the same league - if there IS something out there, I don't know about it. Price worked out to about what you'd pay for an upper-mid-range mass-market receiver in a big-box store. Think Denon 2106 ballpark. Not quite half of new retail, but not far off either - even with additional warranty and shipping.

The 2-year Warrantech warranty is transferrable if I decide to sell the receiver at some point. I figured with the complexity of these receivers and the fact that my room won't be finished for several months, there could be something wrong that I wouldn't even find out about until after the 1-year warranty expired.

I'll post again after I take delivery to relay my impressions and experience with the "refurb" - which I'm little wary of and haven't tried in quite a few years. We'll see...

Thanks for the input and opinions.

SC

I'm sorry, I didn't catch what price you got your refurb SR7500 for. It is a great unit. I bet you'll love it. I know I'm going to keep mine until it actually burns up (which will probably be the rest of my lifetime).

The SR8x00 series doesn't seem to have that much more for being so much more money and yet, the new SR7500's look really really nice I think.

Congrats!

Ryan

AVS rules are no street prices, but I think it was a really good deal. I can PM the price if anyone is interested. I'll PM you Ryan.

SC

Anyone interested in Marantz receivers etc., let me know.
Adz

ecrabb: I'd at least open the box and fire up the receiver and test whether sound is coming out of each speaker. You don't have to hook the whole thing up, but at least be sure that you're not wasting half of the first year of the warranty.

IMHO! :)

Greg

Greg - Trust me, I don't have the discipline to leave it in the box until the room is done! I'll be opening the box, connecting the speakers, listening to some music, probably some movie scenes, a couple THX trailers... whatever. I have a room we listen to music in - I'll put it into duty there until the theater is finished.

The 8500 certainly has some nice features and would be well worth it for some. But at about $400 more (refurb), it didn't make sense for me - especially since I'd like to upgrade to separate amps eventually.

SC

Hey! The 7500 is a great receiver. I hummed and hawed over the two for a month before I went with the 8500!

You are going to enjoy it immensely!

Marantz doesn't put out crappy receivers... period!

Have fun!

Hello guys,

I have a 7500 and got a problem when using PLII during movie and playstation 2 playback. The subwoofer isn't getting a channel when using PLII. There is a subwoofer channel when i playback with Dolby 5.1 on a dvd player though.
Would anyone else have experienced this problem? The only alternative on a ps2 is going back to stereo, no dolby option.

any help would be great!

if it works on the dvd player then I would bet it is a setting on the ps2, to make sure switch the connections to reverse inputs, if that solves the problem then it is the settings menu on the marantz if not, it is a output problem on the ps2

kayoubi, for PLII you must have at least one set of speakers set to Small for anything to go to the sub. Search this thread for several posts on this topic. Also, you might have to play with the Both/Mix setting for the sub. Good luck.

Doug

I've tried as you suggested and it works! :)

I set the center to small and then it diverted one channel to the sub. perfect! Thank you so much.