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Decision Time - Marantz AV7705/MM7055 vs. Denon 4520ci vs AV7701

post #1 of 17
12/4/12 at 11:44am
Thread Starter 
Hello Audio guides out there!

I am pulling my hair out and reading endlessly from thread to thread absorbing as much as I can. But I am still torn with which is the best approach. This is my scenario.

I am building a home theater - primary usage is HT; secondary is Music. My current setup that has been set are the following:

Speakers
- B&W CM9 - FL + FR
- B&W 602 S2 RR + RL
- B&W HT61M Center
- B&W ASW610XP Sub

Projector & Display
- Epson 6020
- Vutec EasyVu BriteWhite Screen

Now I have to drive the sound with the setup. The following are the scenarios:

- I can use my existing Denon Receiver (AVR-3802) as a power amp and purchase an AV7005 or AV7701 as a Pre/Pro.
- Get a deal on an AV7005/MM7055 package
- Get a Denon 4520ci and take advantage of Audyssey MultiEQ XT32

Which route to go? My questions are as follows:

- should I just save the money and use my amp with an AV7701?
- Is there a significant difference between AV7005 and AV7701?
- I read on the forums there is significant improvementing with XT32....would I really hear the difference?
- I am stepping into a junction - should I go separates or just keep using AVR like the 4520ci?

I don't know what to do...and any advice from people on this forum would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance....

From a dazed and confused person!

e4
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post #2 of 17
12/4/12 at 12:08pm
1.Get a deal on an AV7005/MM7055 package
2. Get a AV7701 and find some used amps on craigslist or ebay that will power your speakers.

Looks like you need 200 watts/ channel or more for the fronts.
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post #3 of 17
12/4/12 at 12:28pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by gferrell View Post

1.Get a deal on an AV7005/MM7055 package
2. Get a AV7701 and find some used amps on craigslist or ebay that will power your speakers.
Looks like you need 200 watts/ channel or more for the fronts.

So you would get the AV7005/MM7055 pairing first and your second choice would be AV7701? Do you know if there is any significant difference between AV7005 and AV7701? I know that AV7701 is made in China and the AV7005 is made in Japan.

Looks like, all in all, you would go with separates.

Thanks,
E4
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post #4 of 17
12/4/12 at 1:43pm
I would go with separates that way you have more flexibility in the future. It seems too me the 7701 is better if you plan to go with 2 subs some day. I plan to do that when I get the cash and the 7701 price comes down.
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post #5 of 17
12/4/12 at 3:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by e4chan View Post

I know that AV7701 is made in China and the AV7005 is made in Japan.
Thanks,
E4

My 7005 I got in June was made in China -- I have no idea why since the website pic obviously shows a made in Japan label.

I think maybe they moved final assembly due to the earthquake but not 100% sure...
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post #6 of 17
12/4/12 at 4:15pm
Thread Starter 
I checked my retailer, and they still have ones from Japan. I am not sure how much difference it really makes now.

How do you like your AV7005?
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post #7 of 17
12/5/12 at 1:52am
If your primary usage is HT, I would go for the Denon 4520. The Denon's power is about the same as the Marantz MM7055, and the Denon has XT32. The Denon is more closely based on the Marantz AV8801. I don't think the AV7701 offers much over the AV7005

I own the Marantz AV7005 and MM7055 combo, and I think it's great. But to tell the truth, for HT, I can't really see much difference from my previous setup, which was an Onkyo 805 and emotiva XPA-3 amp. For music, though, I find the Marantz to be much more enjoyable.
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post #8 of 17
12/5/12 at 2:03am
The 4520CI with XT32 will provide much better audio fidelity over only XT in either the 7005 or 7701. Also with the 4520CI, it's unlikely you would need an external amp. If possible, also look for it's predecessor on clearance (4311CI) as it offers XT32 as well.
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post #9 of 17
12/5/12 at 5:01am
^^^ this...

the 4520 (or 4311) will "sound better"...
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post #10 of 17
12/5/12 at 5:05am
+1
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post #11 of 17
12/5/12 at 7:15am
Thread Starter 
Darn...now I am really torn. I know feature and functionality, I can't beat 4520. Last night I was going to go with this configuration -

- Marantz AV7701
- My old Denon 3802 as power amp (upgrade amp later)

But hearing from you all...seems that's the Denon 4520 might be a better beat.

Any critiques on my current approach?

Or should I quickly change my order?

Thanks all...great feedback so far. Just at a junction on going separates vs. AVR route.

E4
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post #12 of 17
12/5/12 at 7:23am
^^^

if you want the best "sound quality", you will cancel the order and find a 4311 or a 4520...

the 4520 is streeting at a reasonable price... give mike at avs a call... smile.gif

there really is no "benefit" to separates... i had an av7005/bryston 9b-st combination... not in a million years would i trade my 4520 (or previous a100) for that combination...

"features" are what you are looking for when you buy electronics today...
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post #13 of 17
12/5/12 at 10:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ccotenj View Post

^^^
if you want the best "sound quality", you will cancel the order and find a 4311 or a 4520...
the 4520 is streeting at a reasonable price... give mike at avs a call... smile.gif
there really is no "benefit" to separates... i had an av7005/bryston 9b-st combination... not in a million years would i trade my 4520 (or previous a100) for that combination...
"features" are what you are looking for when you buy electronics today...
Wow the 4520 must be a beast cause the 7005/bryston combo is a good one. Did you feel that the upgraded xt32 was main reason?
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post #14 of 17
12/5/12 at 1:09pm
^^^

yup... the only reason, really... wink.gif i switched from the av7005 to the a100 just to get xt32, and was not disappointed that i did...
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post #15 of 17
5/12/13 at 7:08am
How about the Denon latest X4000? would that be a better choice?
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post #16 of 17
5/12/13 at 7:38am
Yup as it also has the more advanced Audyssey MultEQ XT32 although note that the successors to the Marantz 7007 and 7701 will both also likely feature XT32 as well when released later this summer.
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post #17 of 17
5/14/13 at 4:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jdsmoothie View Post

The 4520CI with XT32 will provide much better audio fidelity over only XT in either the 7005 or 7701. Also with the 4520CI, it's unlikely you would need an external amp. If possible, also look for it's predecessor on clearance (4311CI) as it offers XT32 as well.

If I plan to stay 5.1, would you recommend the X4000 over the 7701, i.e., would a 5.1 system even benefit from XT32 vs. XT. I was ready to pull the trigger on the Marantz 7701 but now that the Denon X4000 is released, I'm wondering if I should just get 2 mono blocks for my L&R and use the X4000 for CC and surrounds. This would be used for 70% HT & 30% 2.1 stereo listening in a 24' x 20' x 9' room. I do like XLR on the 7701. Thanks.
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AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Receivers, Amps, and Processors › Decision Time - Marantz AV7705/MM7055 vs. Denon 4520ci vs AV7701