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Yamaha A820 or Marantz SR5007 now, or wait for upcoming RX-V775WA

post #1 of 25
3/7/13 at 2:12pm
Thread Starter 
Hello,

I have been absent from the receiver's world for a while, and I need advice on purchasing a new receiver.

I currently have a Marantz SR5004 which drives two Paradigm Signature S1s in Stereo mode. I got it back in 2009, and I thought I use it mainly for music, which we actually watch more movies nowadays! Anyways, it sounds perfect and I never had any hardware issues. However, my needs has changed a bit, and I need a receiver with HDMI pass-through, and of course, more of them (5004 only has 3 HDMIs).

I narrowed down my purchase to sub $900 receivers. In this range I can either get a SR-5007 or Yamaha Aventage A820, or if I push really hard maybe A1020. There is also a new RX-V775WA which is going to be available next month in April, and it seems to have more bells and whistles and also wireless internet. My local Paradigm ad does not sell Yamaha, so I've never been able to listen to them with Paradigm. My local ad also suggests Anthems now, and he says Marantz is not as good as before, which really complicates the situation.

So, which of these 3 would make a better receiver for a small apartment? I appreciate any help/insight from both Marantz and Yamaha owners.

Regards...

PS: Although it seems to have better specs than any of the above receivers and MEQ XT32, I did not consider the Onkyo NR818 due to the reviews about it running hot and also the longer depth. I have a closed enclosure in my TV console which is about 16" deep, and I don't want to get into any problem with overheating and altering.
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post #2 of 25
3/7/13 at 3:21pm
Also keep in mind that an HDMI switch could also be used to resolve your issue if you need more time.
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post #3 of 25
3/8/13 at 5:00am
Thread Starter 
Thanks, but I need a receiver to pass through all AV signals, from all HDMIs, while it is in standby mode. My wife has trouble operating the receiver so the best option is to get one that will send the signals back to TV when it is off.
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post #4 of 25
3/8/13 at 1:03pm
You could try and find the 773WA at a discount. Pretty much identical to the 775WA.
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post #5 of 25
3/9/13 at 2:43pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the comments. I bought the 5007 today. I was so close to pull the trigger on Anthem MRX-500, but a little bit of will power saved me there. At the end, I was considering both Anthem 300 and 500, but couldn't resist SR5007 functions.
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post #6 of 25
3/9/13 at 3:14pm
Good Call! Although the Anthem with the room correction software is really nice though.
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post #7 of 25
3/9/13 at 4:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lost! View Post

Thanks for the comments. I bought the 5007 today. I was so close to pull the trigger on Anthem MRX-500, but a little bit of will power saved me there. At the end, I was considering both Anthem 300 and 500, but couldn't resist SR5007 functions.
Can i ask what made you go with the SR5007. I am also trying to decide between the Marantz SR5007, Anthem MRX300 and Integra DTR-30.4 or 40.4. Right now i am leaning towards the Anthem. thanks
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post #8 of 25
3/9/13 at 5:20pm
If audio quality is important, both the 30.4 and 40.4 only feature the most basic version of Audyssey 2EQ which n addition to not being able to EQ a subwoofer also has 16x fewer EQ speaker control points then the more advanced version of Audyssey MultEQ XT in the 5007.
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post #9 of 25
3/9/13 at 5:48pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by RKSKYDANCER View Post

Can i ask what made you go with the SR5007. I am also trying to decide between the Marantz SR5007, Anthem MRX300 and Integra DTR-30.4 or 40.4. Right now i am leaning towards the Anthem. thanks

Hi!

I really wanted to get Anthem, because of the ARC, but I just realized it only has 4 HDMIs, it doesn't support 4K pass-through, it doesn't look as nice, and overall it seems like an older technology compared to Marantz, but I am paying a lot more for it. Everywhere I looked, Anthem is compared to x005 models of Marantz, which shows that it has been around for a while without any updates.

On the good side, they sound really nice, and the GUI is catchy. I also tested the HDMI pass-through while it was OFF and it worked like a charm (after enabling HDMI CEC in the menu). Too bad all these devices only pass-through the last watched device though.

Lastly, I have had 5004 for about 4 years, and I never had any problems. I like the sound, and it matched my S1s pretty well. I sold it today on Craig’s for $125, and the guy was super happy with his deal! My ad did not even want to give me $100 for it in trade-in!

You cannot go wrong with either Anthem or Marantz. If you can get a loaner from your ad, you can also test it inside your own room.

Good luck on your purchase.
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post #10 of 25
3/9/13 at 5:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lost! View Post

Too bad all these devices only pass-through the last watched device though.

As noted on p. 113 in your Owner's manual, although the HDMI Standby Source defaults to "Last" source used, it can also be set to a specific HDMI source (eg. CBL/SAT).

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post #11 of 25
3/9/13 at 5:55pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by stangdriverdoug View Post

Good Call! Although the Anthem with the room correction software is really nice though.

Thanks smile.gif

Yes ARC is cool, but I had to purchase a Serial-to-USB convertor ($39) for my laptop in order to be able to use it! It's shame that Anthem does not include a convertor worth $10 (or less) in their box, and they charge so much for everything else.
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post #12 of 25
3/9/13 at 5:57pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jdsmoothie View Post

As noted on p. 113 in your Owner's manual, although the HDMI Standby Source defaults to "Last" source used, it can also be set to a specific HDMI source (eg. CBL/SAT).


Yes you can fix it to a particular source, but my point was it doesn't switch automatically between active HDMI sources. They should come up with a solution for this. In my opinion, the last device you turn on, the receiver should switch to that automatically.
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post #13 of 25
3/9/13 at 6:03pm
If you want to change the HDMI Standby Source, it doesn't take much to simply power on the AVR and change it. However, the vast majority likely only want to ever pass through the CBL/SAT source which is why the new 2013 D&M models will default to the HDMI Standby set to ON and to the CBL/SAT source by default. If you want the AVR to power on to the last source selected prior to being turned off, then set the HDMI-CEC feature on your TV to OFF.
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post #14 of 25
3/9/13 at 6:12pm
Thread Starter 
Yes, that is true. For advanced users like us it is nothing to operate the AV. However, it intimidates my wife so much, that she doesn’t even touch it!

I probably will keep the Cable on pass-through, and get a HDMI splitter for Apple TV and Blu-ray. That way, everything can go to TV without AV needing to be turned on.

I am not familiar with HDMI protocol, but how hard it is to just have a mode to change the source to last device that has been turned on. I mean if you turn Blu-ray, it goes to BD, if you turn cable after that, it changes to Cable. Of course, when receiver is off.
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post #15 of 25
3/9/13 at 6:22pm
Then you should buy her a Harmony remote which can be programmed to power ON/OFF and select each device in your setup with a single button push. smile.gif
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post #16 of 25
3/9/13 at 6:43pm
Thread Starter 
smile.gif

It is funny, my ad also suggested that, and I checked both Harmony 900 and Harmony touch last night. I don't get why it is close to $400 (MSRP) though.
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post #17 of 25
3/9/13 at 6:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lost! View Post

Hi!

I really wanted to get Anthem, because of the ARC, but I just realized it only has 4 HDMIs, it doesn't support 4K pass-through, it doesn't look as nice, and overall it seems like an older technology compared to Marantz, but I am paying a lot more for it. Everywhere I looked, Anthem is compared to x005 models of Marantz, which shows that it has been around for a while without any updates.

On the good side, they sound really nice, and the GUI is catchy. I also tested the HDMI pass-through while it was OFF and it worked like a charm (after enabling HDMI CEC in the menu). Too bad all these devices only pass-through the last watched device though.

Lastly, I have had 5004 for about 4 years, and I never had any problems. I like the sound, and it matched my S1s pretty well. I sold it today on Craig’s for $125, and the guy was super happy with his deal! My ad did not even want to give me $100 for it in trade-in!

You cannot go wrong with either Anthem or Marantz. If you can get a loaner from your ad, you can also test it inside your own room.

Good luck on your purchase.
Thank you for the input. Last weekend i went and checked out the Anthem, next weekend i will go check out the Marantz and Integra. I really liked the ARC feature on the Anthem's and the amp ratings on the receiver with all channels driven. I won't be using external amps anytime soon.( at least i don't think so).Th 4 HDMI's is enough for me. I agree they sound really nice playing music. I am hoping the Marantz does to.
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post #18 of 25
3/9/13 at 6:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lost! View Post

Yes you can fix it to a particular source, but my point was it doesn't switch automatically between active HDMI sources. They should come up with a solution for this. In my opinion, the last device you turn on, the receiver should switch to that automatically.

I am really "Lost" here?! The info on p.113 of the OM reads:
Last: Enters standby with the previously used input sources

Is it exactly what you expect "the last device you turn on, the receiver should switch to that automatically"?

Hope there is no stupid question smile.gif!

Edit: I suspect your wife may not be aware of the TV remote "source" control? I don't know about your Panny, my Samsung remote (HDMI CEC control set), shows the last device turned on when I press Source, as expected. Then I have to go one more step: select the source the TV is supposed to display, if the source is now different from previously used. Just a thought.
Edited by dta721 - 3/9/13 at 7:08pm
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post #19 of 25
3/9/13 at 7:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jdsmoothie View Post

If audio quality is important, both the 30.4 and 40.4 only feature the most basic version of Audyssey 2EQ which n addition to not being able to EQ a subwoofer also has 16x fewer EQ speaker control points then the more advanced version of Audyssey MultEQ XT in the 5007.
Thanks for that info. Yes Audio quality is most important to me as i have a terrible room to deal with for a 5.1 sound set up. That's why i was really leaning torwards the Anthem with it's ARC system. I was informed by 2 different Hi-Fi stores that the ARC room calibration is really nice and works well. I have a Yamaha RX-V673 right now and i am not having much luck with the YPAO system or to get the receiver to produce good sounding music.
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post #20 of 25
3/9/13 at 7:20pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by dta721 View Post

I am really "Lost" here?! The info on p.113 of the OM reads:
Last: Enters standby with the previously used input sources

Is it exactly what you expect "the last device you turn on, the receiver should switch to that automatically"?

.

Not exactly. It will switch to last used, not last turned on. For example, if you turn off the receiver on Blu-ray, it will pass-through BD, but while the receiver is off, if you turn on cable, it won't switch to cable.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dta721 View Post


Edit: I suspect your wife may not be aware of the TV remote "source" control? I don't know about your Panny, my Samsung remote (HDMI CEC control set), shows the last device turned on when I press Source, as expected. Then I have to go one more step: select the source the TV is supposed to display, if the source is now different from previously used. Just a thought.

When your devices connect to the receiver, and receiver to TV, the source button on TV is of no help, since all of them are actually connected to HDMI 1 for example. At least on my TV it is like that.
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post #21 of 25
3/9/13 at 8:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lost! View Post

Not exactly. It will switch to last used, not last turned on. For example, if you turn off the receiver on Blu-ray, it will pass-through BD, but while the receiver is off, if you turn on cable, it won't switch to cable.
Thanks for clarifying your point! I am also new to HDMI, would like to understand this feature, or bug smile.gif correctly. I am not able to test my setup for this at the moment, will get back to you later. For now, here is all I can say: I connect the STB (a Bell TV 6131) to the sr5007 as instructed by the OM for non-HDMI compatible device. This means CBL/SAT is assigned to have component video as COMP1, digital audio as OPT1. This way, the wife turns on the TV, then AVR, then select CBL/SAT and the way it goes (assuming the STB is already ON).
Quote:
When your devices connect to the receiver, and receiver to TV, the source button on TV is of no help, since all of them are actually connected to HDMI 1 for example. At least on my TV it is like that.

I see, because I also have OTA HDTV connected by an antenna directly to the TV coax input, I have some fumbling moments trying to do AVR setup. When I did not see the OSD, selecting AVR (HDMI2) did the trick. That said, I don't remember having issues turning on TV, including the TV Audio automatically turns on when the AVR is turned on.
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post #22 of 25
3/10/13 at 3:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lost! View Post

smile.gif

It is funny, my ad also suggested that, and I checked both Harmony 900 and Harmony touch last night. I don't get why it is close to $400 (MSRP) though.

There's no reason to go with the top end models as the low end models (~$50) will work too, alhthough the model most often recommended in this forum is likely the Harmony ONE which can generally be had for $100 (sale) to $150 or so.
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post #23 of 25
3/10/13 at 11:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lost! View Post

I am not familiar with HDMI protocol, but how hard it is to just have a mode to change the source to last device that has been turned on. I mean if you turn Blu-ray, it goes to BD, if you turn cable after that, it changes to Cable. Of course, when receiver is off.

Yamaha receivers support this, but only with HDMI CEC (HDMI Control) enabled. This means that your source devices would also need to support CEC and issue the appropriate CEC command when turned on. If so, then the TV should also turn on and switch to the correct input (on the TV), assuming it supports this.

Unfortunately, enabling CEC can cause other undesired behaviours. Even if all of your devices support it, you may find you rather have it disabled in order to prevent the receiver from switching inputs when you don't want it to.

Yamaha receivers also support using the buttons on the remote to switch HDMI inputs while in standby mode without turning the receiver fully on. This works regardless of whether HDMI CEC is enabled.

I wouldn't get a 2013 Yamaha receiver over a cheaper 2012 version. As far as I can tell, the only feature added in the 2013 models is MHL which isn't useful for many people.
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post #24 of 25
3/10/13 at 12:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lost! View Post

Not exactly. It will switch to last used, not last turned on. For example, if you turn off the receiver on Blu-ray, it will pass-through BD, but while the receiver is off, if you turn on cable, it won't switch to cable.
...

Let me have another kick at the can smile.gif!

I'd say the point of discussions is all about HDMI-CEC control, a new concept and may not be perfected (yet)! I don't know about other TV brands, but Samsung TV HDMI-CEC certainly assumes control of all HDMI devices -which they call Anynet+, those are connected to the receiver, itself being one. I said this because when the TV is turned off, it in turn, turns off all Anynet+ devices (receiver, Blu-ray, STB if connected as a HDMI device...).

My HDMI setup is rather simple, a TV (Samsung 7100 series), a receiver (sr5007) and a Blu-ray (another Samsung product). The STB in my setup is not considered as a true HDMI device, when I tried connected to the CBL/SAT HDMI input of the receiver before. The TV Anynet+ "network" only recognized the sr5007 and the BD, no STB in its network. Thus, I followed the OM instructions to set the CBL/SAT input as non-HDMI, with OPT1 audio and COMP1 video. (I have another non HDMI DVD connection, but find it irrelevant for this discussion)

Because of this non-HDMI connection, your question/comment "while the receiver is off, if you turn on cable, it won't switch to cable" becomes moot, or irrelevant. I turn on the TV, the STB (managed to configure the TV remote to take over the STB remote), then the receiver. Once all 3 are on, I observed that the default "TV Audio" is on; if I watch OTA HDTV (or Hulu for that matter), TV audio is on as a result of ARC connection and enabled at both ends (TV and receiver). Then I need to select CBL/SAT on the receiver remote, and it works. I do observe some time required to switch the source, a second or so, as prompted by the port hole display.

After watching CBL/SAT TV, when I turn off the receiver, the OTA TV takes over, as expected.

Not much more to add, I am afraid!
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post #25 of 25
3/11/13 at 10:28pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by dta721 View Post

Let me have another kick at the can smile.gif!

I'd say the point of discussions is all about HDMI-CEC control, a new concept and may not be perfected (yet)! I don't know about other TV brands, but Samsung TV HDMI-CEC certainly assumes control of all HDMI devices -which they call Anynet+, those are connected to the receiver, itself being one. I said this because when the TV is turned off, it in turn, turns off all Anynet+ devices (receiver, Blu-ray, STB if connected as a HDMI device...).

My HDMI setup is rather simple, a TV (Samsung 7100 series), a receiver (sr5007) and a Blu-ray (another Samsung product). The STB in my setup is not considered as a true HDMI device, when I tried connected to the CBL/SAT HDMI input of the receiver before. The TV Anynet+ "network" only recognized the sr5007 and the BD, no STB in its network. Thus, I followed the OM instructions to set the CBL/SAT input as non-HDMI, with OPT1 audio and COMP1 video. (I have another non HDMI DVD connection, but find it irrelevant for this discussion)

Because of this non-HDMI connection, your question/comment "while the receiver is off, if you turn on cable, it won't switch to cable" becomes moot, or irrelevant. I turn on the TV, the STB (managed to configure the TV remote to take over the STB remote), then the receiver. Once all 3 are on, I observed that the default "TV Audio" is on; if I watch OTA HDTV (or Hulu for that matter), TV audio is on as a result of ARC connection and enabled at both ends (TV and receiver). Then I need to select CBL/SAT on the receiver remote, and it works. I do observe some time required to switch the source, a second or so, as prompted by the port hole display.

After watching CBL/SAT TV, when I turn off the receiver, the OTA TV takes over, as expected.

Not much more to add, I am afraid!

Thank you for the detailed explanation. When I tested the receiver, I made sure CEC was enabled, and TV had CEC enabled too. I don't think I have registered the BD player. So, maybe that is the problem in my test. We are moving to a new place this week, so unfortunately I cannot check this right away. But, I will test and report back by end of next week. Maybe this saves me a couple of hundreds on Harmony remotes too smile.gif I would love to get a cheap Sony VLZ-620!
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AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Receivers, Amps, and Processors › Yamaha A820 or Marantz SR5007 now, or wait for upcoming RX-V775WA