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Marantz UD9004 Universal player with Blu-ray - Page 6

post #151 of 207
7/12/10 at 7:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by edorr View Post

I think you are correct. He specifically mentions AC polarity. To invert polarity I think you would need a cheater plug or invert the wiring in your power plug. Probably best to get a cheater plug, listen, and if you hear any difference start messing with the cable.

Actually years ago in my "tweakaholic" days I had some short AC extensions that inverted polarity to use in the odd case that it sounded better. I haven't done this for years. Its just not safe, reversing the AC leads like that. I got rid of those cord extensions years ago - I didn't even try to sell them on Audiogon, again the theory being that reversing AC wires is asking for a safety problem.

Though I might also think that reversing the audio signal polarity might accomplish the same thing. The CB3 has a menu feature for this so long as you are not using analog bypass of the six shooter. I think my PS Audio Perfect Wave gear also allows doing this.
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post #152 of 207
7/12/10 at 8:13pm
I am always looking to improve my audio. Video (Blu Ray) I let my monitor take care of that.

What I am mainly interested in is how the UD9004 or UD8004 handles the Blu Ray audio formats (DTS HD MA, True HD) and downmix's these formats for analog 2Ch stereo out.
I have a BD-09 very nice with 2Ch CD's but the downmix is very two dimensional. I also have a Oppo BD-83SE Nuforce Edition and the downmix of DTS HD MA and True HD form BD's is very 3D using the Oppos 2Ch stereo dedicated RCA outs.
What does the UD9004 or UD8004 do for the downmix of these above formats?

ss
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post #153 of 207
7/12/10 at 9:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sillysally View Post

I am always looking to improve my audio. Video (Blu Ray) I let my monitor take care of that.

What I am mainly interested in is how the UD9004 or UD8004 handles the Blu Ray audio formats (DTS HD MA, True HD) and downmix's these formats for analog 2Ch stereo out.
I have a BD-09 very nice with 2Ch CD's but the downmix is very two dimensional. I also have a Oppo BD-83SE Nuforce Edition and the downmix of DTS HD MA and True HD form BD's is very 3D using the Oppos 2Ch stereo dedicated RCA outs.
What does the UD9004 or UD8004 do for the downmix of these above formats?

ss

Not sure, but I would expect the downmix to sound stellar because it runs through the dedicated balanced stereo analog output section, which is very good on 2 channel CD and SACD sources. Note that if your stereo analog preamp (which I assume you are using based on your explanation of what you are trying to achieve) does not have RCAs you need an RCA-XLR adaptor, becuase the Marantz 2 channel out is XLR only.
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post #154 of 207
7/12/10 at 9:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by edorr View Post

Not sure, but I would expect the downmix to sound stellar because it runs through the dedicated balanced stereo analog output section, which is very good on 2 channel CD and SACD sources. Note that if your stereo analog preamp (which I assume you are using based on your explanation of what you are trying to achieve) does not have RCAs you need an RCA-XLR adaptor, becuase the Marantz 2 channel out is XLR only.

Actually I specialize in 2ch analog outs for high end headphones and headphone amps. So not only is a neutral and excellent sonic rage important but also the 3D out-of-head soundstage important, so creating a high end surround speaker system using headphones.
By using a passive system like the BD-83NE hooked directly via interconnects to the right headphone amp and headphones I have come close to achieving this goal.
I am sure that the Marantz achieves a high end audio quality, but what I am really interested in is how well the Marantz achieves the analog stereo downmix and its illusion of 3D soundstage for 2Ch analog stereo.

So what you are saying is that the Marantz has only XLR analog 2Ch outs no 2Ch RCA outs?

ss
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post #155 of 207
7/13/10 at 6:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sillysally View Post

So what you are saying is that the Marantz has only XLR analog 2Ch outs no 2Ch RCA outs?

ss

Correct
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post #156 of 207
7/13/10 at 6:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by edorr View Post

I think you are correct. He specifically mentions AC polarity. To invert polarity I think you would need a cheater plug or invert the wiring in your power plug. Probably best to get a cheater plug, listen, and if you hear any difference start messing with the cable.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Bruzonsky View Post

Actually years ago in my "tweakaholic" days I had some short AC extensions that inverted polarity to use in the odd case that it sounded better. I haven't done this for years. Its just not safe, reversing the AC leads like that. I got rid of those cord extensions years ago - I didn't even try to sell them on Audiogon, again the theory being that reversing AC wires is asking for a safety problem.

Though I might also think that reversing the audio signal polarity might accomplish the same thing. The CB3 has a menu feature for this so long as you are not using analog bypass of the six shooter. I think my PS Audio Perfect Wave gear also allows doing this.

Well... Don't think I want to play around with power cords. However, I'm with Steve in that I suspect that reversing the positive and negative terminals on the XLRs through the menu may do the same thing.

It has just occurred to me that i should at the same time reverse the phase 180 on my subs, though, as they are RCA connections, and the menu only reverses the polarity on the XLRs.

Anyway, you guys should try the menu tweak and report back what you think--I'm definitely curious.

The guy who makes a big deal about absolute polarity--can't think of his name right now, but he's somewhat notorious-- says that some albums are recorded in reverse polarity and each should be listened to both ways. Before the other day, I had never really tried that. At any rate, I really did hear a difference, but it may just be that my subs were out of phase with the mains, and that explains the difference.
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post #157 of 207
8/7/10 at 1:36pm
Reversing AC polarity and reversing audio polarity ("absolute phase") are two completely different actions. Although most stateside audio components sound best in the AC polarity derived from plugging the unit into a standard-polarized AC plug, occasionally components sound better the other way. The "better" polarity typically results in a lower leak voltage measured on the chassis. It may also depend on what the said component is connected to up or downstream. My Herron preamp, and several other audio components, provided an AC polarity switch, certainly safer than using "cheater plugs" In a highly resolving (audio) setup the better setting is quite readily apparent.

Absolute phase switching is different, and can be accomplished in many ways, the simplest being switching (both) speaker inputs, or in the case of many components, such as preamps and a few digital sources, accomplished with a component switch (as with the Marantz SA-7 SACD player, which accomplishes this in the digital domain). In time-aligned systems with most decent recordings, the "correct" polarity is also quite apparent. More fleshed-out vocals, better front to back depth, less sibilant highs.

After reading the review, I reversed the AC polarity on my Marantz SACD player, and it definitely improves. More solid bass, more natural soundstage. I wont detail how I accomplished this since its probably against code...
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post #158 of 207
8/7/10 at 4:22pm
That's an interesting post, Tympani. Thanks.
Did you trty the polarity switch in the XLR menu. As I mentioned, I heard a noticeable difference. Don't have any easy way to switch AC polarity right now.

I'm assuming the menu item is what you refer to as "absolute phase"? I suppose if someone really wanted to experiment, he could try the 4 possible combinations of phase and polarity, or is there no relationship between the two? (i.e. AC will sound better one way regardless of phase, and vice versa)?
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post #159 of 207
8/7/10 at 9:15pm
Moonhawk,

Absolute phase will sound better one way or the other depending on the specific disc. AC Polarity has an optimal setting for the component, and once determined, does not need switching. The SA-7 does have the XLR pins reversed from the "conventional" US and European pin out. That means its balanced output is also reverse-phase from its single-ended output as well!There is no menu option to change this, although the player has an absolute phase switch that I use all the time. I have marked essentially all my disc cases with an "+" or "-" so I dont have to spend time re-auditioning for the best presentation each time I spin them. Neurotic? maybe. But the audio pay-off is worth it. By the way, that phase maven is R. Clark Johnson, his treatise is "The Wood Effect"

Pardon the sidetrack, don't mean to hijack the thread!
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post #160 of 207
8/7/10 at 10:42pm
Some good reading after Googling the wood effect.

Actually, though, this is the guy I'm thinking of: http://www.ultrabitplatinum.com/?page_id=88

I guess I'd assumed you owned a UD9004. Apparently not so, so you can't report on the change of polarity in the menu, but thanks for some very informative posts, and answering my question about absolute phase vs AC polarity. I'll try the menu tweak with various CDs and see if I hear a difference with more. If I recall, I only tried it with one album, assuming it was universal.

Thanks again.
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post #161 of 207
10/3/10 at 10:22pm
I was wondering with the UD9004 if I can configure the player to utilise the HDMI Output just for BD and the Multi-Channel Analog outputs for SACD? I cannot seem to find how to do this.

Any input welcome.

Blade
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post #162 of 207
10/4/10 at 2:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by BladeRnR View Post

I was wondering with the UD9004 if I can configure the player to utilise the HDMI Output just for BD and the Multi-Channel Analog outputs for SACD? I cannot seem to find how to do this.

Any input welcome.

Blade

AFAIK audio is sent to all outputs simultaneously. You can disable SACD output through HDMI in the HDMI menu but if you use the Pure Direct Mode for SACD then audio is only sent to the analogue outputs.
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post #163 of 207
10/9/10 at 5:04pm
Couldn't play "date Night" last night- Got a message that said I needed a firmware update. Can I download this and save it to a disc, then put the disc in the UD9004?

My computer is too far from the unit, and don't know if I want to trust the laptop connection.
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post #164 of 207
10/9/10 at 9:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by moonhawk View Post

Couldn't play "date Night" last night- Got a message that said I needed a firmware update. Can I download this and save it to a disc, then put the disc in the UD9004?

My computer is too far from the unit, and don't know if I want to trust the laptop connection.

When I got my UD9004, I quickly downloaded the firmware update. I recently played "Date Night" no problem.

My check indicates that either you call Marantz tech support for an update disc you can put in your player, or you download from the web. I did the download as I"m connected with a wireless network throughout my home and dedicated home theater room.
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post #165 of 207
10/10/10 at 1:25pm
Thanks, Steve.

I may try the laptop to Marantz via ethernet connection, and see if I can download directly.

Otherwise I'll call Marantz.
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post #166 of 207
1/10/11 at 12:32pm
Thanks eveyone for all the advise on properlly setting up the 9004 for analogue and SACD.
I just finished recalibrating my home theater this weeknd and decided to look at this forum for anything I missed as well as Alan Taffel's review in TAS issue 204. I was especially interested in the Source Direct set up questions.
In my dedicated home theater I am set up to optimize for 2 channel analogue. The 9004 is replacing my CD, DVD, SACD, DVDA, and BluRay players. My only concer is to properly use the analogue outputs. HDMI is only used to feed a video signal to my DLA-RS25.
My system consists of Bryston SP1.7 (5.1 analogue input), Bryston 4BSST and 9BSST. These power a 7.1 channel room with Usher Mini Dancer 2 DMD for L/R and DMD 616 Center, Energy Veritas 2.0R for 2 sides and 2 rears (not used until I get a new pre/pro) and Mirage BPS400 Sub.
I have had the 9004 since August and thought I had everything optimized until I set the Source Direct to ON 100khz. Playing Jen Chapin reVisions SACD in 2 channel with Source Direct On versus OFF was almost like swithcing from CD to SACD. It was that much better.
Here comes my question: I played Chapter 7 of Avatar and compared Source Direct ON versus OFF and it was also much better with Source Direct ON. It appeared far more open and spacious and the center was much fuller and richer.
Am I missing something? Why would I not leave Source Direct ON for both SACD and BluRay?
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post #167 of 207
1/10/11 at 3:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DRC View Post

Thanks eveyone for all the advise on properlly setting up the 9004 for analogue and SACD.
I just finished recalibrating my home theater this weeknd and decided to look at this forum for anything I missed as well as Alan Taffel's review in TAS issue 204. I was especially interested in the Source Direct set up questions.
In my dedicated home theater I am set up to optimize for 2 channel analogue. The 9004 is replacing my CD, DVD, SACD, DVDA, and BluRay players. My only concer is to properly use the analogue outputs. HDMI is only used to feed a video signal to my DLA-RS25.
My system consists of Bryston SP1.7 (5.1 analogue input), Bryston 4BSST and 9BSST. These power a 7.1 channel room with Usher Mini Dancer 2 DMD for L/R and DMD 616 Center, Energy Veritas 2.0R for 2 sides and 2 rears (not used until I get a new pre/pro) and Mirage BPS400 Sub.
I have had the 9004 since August and thought I had everything optimized until I set the Source Direct to ON 100khz. Playing Jen Chapin reVisions SACD in 2 channel with Source Direct On versus OFF was almost like swithcing from CD to SACD. It was that much better.
Here comes my question: I played Chapter 7 of Avatar and compared Source Direct ON versus OFF and it was also much better with Source Direct ON. It appeared far more open and spacious and the center was much fuller and richer.
Am I missing something? Why would I not leave Source Direct ON for both SACD and BluRay?

Source Direct not only disables bass crossovers for main channels and sub, but also using this means that SACD isn't first converted to PCM and instead is converted straight from SACD to analog out the Marantz' rear end!!! Clearly sounds better that way. Unless your room is so screwed up acoustically that you must use the crossover to the subs to get acceptable sonics.

On Blu Ray, you are not worried about sonic degradation of SACD being converted to PCM first. So using Source Direct vs crossover simply depends on how your room sounds, whic is better. If you have properly set up your sub and dialed in EQ if necessary odds are Blu Ray will sound better using crossovers, at least for movies, possibly for music.
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post #168 of 207
4/7/11 at 12:45pm
Hi,

I'm having problems playing 6.1 and 7.1 LPCM tracks, like 3:10 to Yuma Blu Ray and the Decent. Even when you select the track the UD9004 plays the track on 2CH Stereo.

Anybody knows how to fix this?

Thanks
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post #169 of 207
4/15/11 at 2:59am
Can anyone help:
i have the Marantz ud9004.
i try to play the blu ray 127 hours:
i get the "your blu ray player requires an update" Msg
i go to set up ...into firmware update:
i get the msg current firware...no update...

What is going on?????
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post #170 of 207
4/22/11 at 1:43pm
Hi guys
When using 2ch balanced out,is there any special changes that have to be made or just
Analog/pure direct?
It is the same with the 7.1/SACD,as this is what I use for BR.
The HDMI is for video only.
thanks
john
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post #171 of 207
4/22/11 at 5:10pm
So many questions, so little answers...
Can anyone please tell me if Marantz can be configured to automatically select between SACD and CD layer of Hybrid SACD disks, and between 2ch and M/ch. My Sony has these 2 settings, but going through 9004 manual it appears that no such setting exists. Instead you manually select between CD/2ch SACD/Mch SACD. Is this correct? What happens if I insert CD after listening to Mch SACD, will it refuse to play?

Can Marantz be configured to output high resolution PCM (LPCM) when playing DTS-Master? I would need this functionality since Marantz 8003 does not apply Audyssey to loss less codecs.
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post #172 of 207
4/22/11 at 6:55pm
It will still play--I'm pretty sure if you werre to put in a disc with different formats, it would play the one you selected last, but if there is only one choice it will--I think_ play that one.
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post #173 of 207
4/28/11 at 3:15pm
I was wondering if there is a trick to the resume/stop...I mean evertime i stop a disc it goes ALL the way backt to the disc loading stage.Is this normal or am I doing something wrong?
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post #174 of 207
4/28/11 at 3:39pm
I don't have the player, so just talking from general knowledge. If you are talking about stop/resume for BluRay titles - you can't do that because BD do not generally support that. For DVDs this feature was widely supported because DVD's did not hide their content from player like BR do.
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post #175 of 207
5/9/11 at 9:40am
Does anyone know if 9004 can do speakers distance (time delay) in pure analog mode for SACD? AV8003 pre does speaker level adjustment in pure analog, so I need the source to be able to do distance adjustment in analog domain as well to keep SACD to analog conversion PCM free.
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post #176 of 207
5/10/11 at 6:53am
I believe it does, but someone more knowlegeable than me, feel free to chime in.

You could look up the owner's manual online and find out perhaps.

I use mine in all analog, and I'm pretty sure there is no other conversion with SACD. I use it with a Parasound Halo P7.
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post #177 of 207
9/20/11 at 7:17am
Hi,
Reacent FW update in UK now plays Star Wars 9 disc set OK.

Brian.
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post #178 of 207
10/28/11 at 3:35am
Hi Guys
I have been experiencing some pixel blocks forming during some of my last few BR's.If I stop the movie and then hit play/resume they are gone.But my last movie I had to do this 3 different times and by the 4th it would not play???
Any help would be appreciated.It really has little use.
thanks
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post #179 of 207
10/28/11 at 12:33pm
yes the new Star Wars are bad for it and so was the latest Mummy movie!!
Anyone??
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post #180 of 207
11/21/11 at 5:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mclsound View Post

yes the new Star Wars are bad for it and so was the latest Mummy movie!!
Anyone??

Me too. At first I tought it was my projector, but is defenetly the ud9004. Anyone report this problem to marantz. This problem occurs most with Warner older bd, like dark night, batman begins, etc. i think it might be a problem with the video board or just disc codec.
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