new marantz sr7002, sr8002 receivers - Page 99

I'm going to be the broken record on this particular topic but there IS a work-around for the DTS bomb. Don't bitstream DTS MA and the issue goes away. Decoding in the player will sound no different than in the receiver.

I am NOT defending Marantz's CS or their firmware policy. I'm only re-stating that if you have a player that can decode the HD codecs the DTS bomb issue disappears.

Marantz, Onkyo, Integra and Yamaha didn't know about this problem and it got by ALL of their R+D departments. To me, the problem lies with TI not getting it right in the first place.


Finally, with all of the different stories coming from Marantz CS, why are we so quick to believe the nastiest of them all and then get all worked up over it? Maramp was told it was a nasty soldering job and arkasi55 was told the DTS bomb was a simple software fix. Which one is true? Even if it's the soldering job, if you choose to send it in then you're without it for a week or two and it comes back fixed. Is it really worth getting so angry about? Again, this issue got by 4 major R+D departments. I have a real hard time blaming Marantz for this problem with the TI chip.

RolandOG,

We are pissed off by Marantz not because there is no work around or if we blame Marantz for the DTS MA bomb issue.
People are unhappy with Marantz because we can't get one consistant answer regarding the issue with Audyssey EQ and DTS MA.
You said so yourself, there are different stories coming from Marantz CS. To me, that's the root of all the problems.
We can't even get the truth from Marantz and they have failed to offer any real solution to fix the problems.
If it's a simple firmware fix, then point us to service center that can do the update,
if it's more complicated and require sending unit back to Marantz, give us the pre-paid tag and we will deal w/ the lead time.

Unfortunately, Marantz has decided to play deaf and when we get different answer from different Marantz CS,
In my own case, 1st CS at Marantz flatly denied there are problems,
2nd CS acknowledge there are fimware updates availble, but want me to contact service center to setup appoinment.
When I did, the service center turned me back to Marantz claiming they don't do the firmware update only repair.
I refer the problem back ot the Marantz CS and it's 48 hrs and counting, no further word from Marantz regarding my problem.

We know there are problems, why can't Marantz simply acknowledge publicly there are problems and let us know how they are going to respond?

the 7002/8002 were only released in Australia in the 1st quarter 2008.
I ordered mine in February and waited 6-7 weeks for it to be shipped.

I doubt that they are being built differently, but Marantz are now running updated firmware, Maramp has an earlier version than me.

is anyone having a problem with the tightness of the connection of the hdmi in's and out's on the back of the receiver? none of my cables will stay in tightly and the connection keeps going out. VERY FRUSTRATING! i have tried three different brands of hdmi cables and the problem lies with the receiver. please tell me someone is sharing this problem with me...

thats good to know - but that means getting or having a player that does the decoding first - alot of people dont have players that decode and i was looking at getting blu ray myself - and the player dosnt decode - keeps cost down - figured the 7002 decodes so why spend more money on a player - i can get a player that decodes - spend $200 more for it - and by pass the problem -

but wouldnt it be nice if marantz just fixes it with new firmware if it can be done that way -

just hate the idea of getting the run around - i emailed marantz - curious to see what they say about it -

thats strange that no cable you used stays put - i dont think they fit snug either - not as good as i would like - but i havnt had any fall out on its own unless the unit is touched or moved on its stand etc. - have you tried cables from monoprice ? those are the ones i use and been working fine - but i know what your talking about - i felt that the power cable wasnt snug enough either and changed it for a better one - i would have liked a snugger fit and also with the HDMI also -

Did you try in the bright open work space ?

You're correct that there should be a unified answer coming from CS and the fact that there isn't one is the fault of Marantz. Even with the fact that they are providing support across the planet it should just be a matter of an email to each support location. It's inexcusable from that POV and I have never thought otherwise.

All I'm trying to get across is that rather than working ourselves up to a fevered pitch we should each look at our options and make the decision that makes the most sense. Getting angry won't do anything but make said person feel bad.

this may not be the right place to ask this - but would anyone know whats a decent blu ray player that can decode also in order to by pass the DTS bomb from the AVR ?


does anyone here own a blu ray that decodes also ?

i may be will to just get one of those and put this behind me - i just want to enjoy it - and i agree - its no use to get all hot headed about it - have to deal with it - thats all we can do - marantz is not the only one with the issue - but i do wish we could do the firmware upgrades in the near future - i am more disappointed about not being able to do it ourselves then the issue itself -

I don't want to start a war here. But I've been happy with PS3. It decodes all the HD-audio formats. No issue so far. And it also decodes SACD, if you care.

If everyone here can take a few minutes to register on Marantz's Owner Circle and fire off individual request for "Firmware update info" and ask about the "DTS bomb" issue, it may help. The more people shaking the tree, the more the tree will notice, I hope .

Expresso and others who use PS3, can you please give us your impression of HD decoding sound quality using the PS3? More detail description?

I do not want to cause more angst for all of us, but decoding in a mass-market DVD player is not always the best solution. The player has to have top quality decoding circuit to preserve the uncompressed data on the HD disc, the cables from the player to the 8002 has to be really good and 8002 has to not mangle the input signals. I believe 8002 will do fine, just not looking forward to purchasing hi-end expensive player. HDMI was my work-around in terms of preserving quality and reducing cable-mess.

HD uncompressed sound is spectacular. It kills the old thin-sounding Dolby Digital 100 times over, may be 1000 times. I want every drop of that signal off that disc and all the way through the speakers to my ears . Anything less defeats the purpose of using BluRay or having the 8002.

I have a Sony DVD player that sounds real good playing CD, may be I will go for a PS3 if push comes to shove. It seems Sony knows how to do a decent decoding job.

I've never had a problem with the HDMI connections. They've been solid. Using Monster and Wireworld cables.

CD

[quote=Caaudiophile;13985093]If everyone here can take a few minutes to register on Marantz's Owner Circle and fire off individual request for "Firmware update info" and ask about the "DTS bomb" issue, it may help. The more people shaking the tree, the more the tree will notice, I hope .

Done!

CD

Hello,

I posted awhile back and said forget about Marantz fixing bugs via updates. Well I was wrong. I do not understand all the posts. Forum members know THERE IS A UPDATE! for DTS bomb LFE bug to name a few. I called Marantz they will send a call tag free of charge to pick up your unit update it and send it back. I do agree that this not not as easy as a Denon update where no shipping needed. But at least Marantz is fixing something for a change. This is coming from someone that has had too many Marantz pieces to mention in the last 15 years. Mine should be back here end of next week.

rmlowz

I have yet to hear that any one has had their speakers destroyed with the Marantz reciever with the so-called DTS bomb, so at the end of the day what is the big deal if you encounter an occasional low thud?

Hi,

Information from Sweden.
I can confirm the new SW with officiall id = MZ08-23 includes the following fixes:
1. Correction of LFE/Sub -9 db fault
2. Correction of DTS bomb issue
3. Resoldering of HDMI-switch ( don't have any info why )

Got mine fixed, took 8 days from door to door including 60 km shipping <=>.
Can only confirm that fault #1 is corrected.

If you need to get your fixed ask for MZ08-23 when you talk to Marantz.

The Big Deal is that this is a 2k unit and when I lay down a wad of cash like that I expect a little customer service with reasonable correction of problems and clear information. I also expect a product to work as advertised. (Heresy!)

CD

i dont use the PS3 - i dont own one - so i dont know how it works or sounds - i am deciding which blu ray to get - one that decodes or dosnt - i rather get one that dosnt - since its cheaper and the 7002 should be doing that anyway - i am not sure which player to get now -

i have emailed marantz from the owners circle - waiting to hear back - i agree - everyone who owns one should email them and see what they say -

but since this is a known issue now - marantz should just post it on there site with instructions or a number to call and set up a pickup return - fix it and ship it back -

that would solve the issue and make all the users happy with there service -

CAcudiophile and Expresso712,
PS3 has no Analog circuitry to potentially contaminate the HD audio. It decodes per the Algorithm. Everything happens in digital SW domain. At the end of the day, the Excellent DACs and Analog circuits in 8002/7002 will deliver the sounds.

The arguments that $2,000 receiver should decode better than $400 PS3 is rather silly. Every PC unzips the ZIP files the same way regardless of the price. However, if anyone wants to debate the QUALITY of the decoding SW, I would pick PS3 over 8002. Think about this. 8001/7001 used to be in the same price range with 8002/7002 now. What extra cost went into the receiver to have the TrueHD and DTSHDMA decoding and fully test the SW ? For Marantz, they had to squeeze in the SW development and testing without increasing the overall cost of the receiver. I bet SONY put much more sw development and testing cost to PS3. And the proof is that PS3 decoding doesn't have this DTS bomb SW bug.

rmlowz,

Do you have the SR7002 or the SR8002? Also, care to share the name of the CSR you talked to?

Uh... you misread our posts? I am actually considering getting a PS3 if it decodes HD format and if Marantz is unable to solve the "DTS bomb" issue. I have contacted Marantz to ask for "Warranty Service" instructions . I have heard that the PS3 is quite good but do not know if it handles DTS-HD and Dolby HD.

My comment on "mass-market" player refers to companies that just slop together some BluRay pieces to sell at current BluRay price. It will not be long now before everyone jumps on the bandwagon to start selling BluRay players. These companies will cut corners to bring down the price and the decoding will not be good. So yes, in such a case, the 8002 will decode better than a relatively el-cheapo BluRay player. I did not say PS3 is such a player .

If I were to buy a BluRay player today, I will try to buy one from Sony because it is a staunch BluRay proponent and it has established a reputation as being attentive to sound quality. The only problem is that they are selling for $1200 each!

I've got a PS3 and the 7002 and I can tell you that there doesn't appear to be any problems with PS3 decoding the HBR codecs and sending them to the player. I've got the old version of the firmware on my 7002 so I have the audyssey bug, but I've watched several movies now with DTS-HD and I've had no problems whatsoever. Since the receiver is still doing the digital to analog conversion with the PCM signal sent from the PS3, the sound quality is amazing. And even though I don't use the audyssey settings, you can apply those to the PCM'ed HBR audio soundtracks unlike when sending the native encoded versions of those soundtracks. In my opinion, the PS3 is the best blu-ray player on the market and I wouldn't hesitate pairing one with a marantz A/V receiver.

here is what i wrote to them from the owners circle and there response - which really isnt a answer - ..


Customer (Claudio D'Arezzo) - 05/30/2008 11:27 PM
Hi - i have the SR7002 - and this unit like many AVR's are having issues with HD movies with DTS master audio - the term thats been used is the 'bomb' effect - where for no reason there would be a loud pop from the speakers - can happen at any time - any type of movie with DTS master audio in it - also its been know for some time about the LFE which needs to be adjusted since it dosnt give out the proper settings when using the EQ - does marantz have a firmware fix for these issues ? and how do i go about getting this fix - ? marantz will cover the costs for shipping ?

thank you
claudio


there response was



Discussion Thread
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Response (Ean Levy) - 05/31/2008 04:45 PM
You would need to send the receiver to an authorized Marantz service center. Here is a link to find a service center.

http://us.marantz.com/162.asp



i wrote back asking for a answer to my first guestion - i dont want to just call a service center - i want to know from marantz that - yes there is a issue and a fix or there is not a fix yet - i dont want to call a service center - and get the round around - or send it in and then not have all the issues fixed - its like pulling teeth -

everyone would be just fine if they were told the truth -

Quote :
Do you have the SR7002 or the SR8002? Also, care to share the name of the CSR you talked to?.

I have the 8002. I talked to Chuck. It Is not going to matter who you talk to they are aware of the update.

rmlowz

i have the 7002 and didnt speak to anyone yet -

just email

[quote=Caaudiophile;13985093]If everyone here can take a few minutes to register on Marantz's Owner Circle and fire off individual request for "Firmware update info" and ask about the "DTS bomb" issue, it may help. The more people shaking the tree, the more the tree will notice, I hope .

I already e-mailed Marantz a few times still no real answer the problems exist. heres my reply from them ..

I e-mailed marantz today on the frimware ? 's here'My ? & thier reply, So they are saying there is no updates at this time on the SR-7002. Any one else hear different? Let us know okay ,,

---------------------------------------------------------------
Response (Christopher Sprague) - 05/19/2008 12:39 AM
At this time there is no firmware upgrades. I am sorry firmware updates are only available thru our factory repair department or our authorized service centers.

Customer (jeff) - 05/18/2008 08:44 PM
Hi ? on frim ware version , I just bought the SR-7002 and I have read about some of the issues with some things ,as persay the 9db on the audyssey sub setting & the DTS bomb as they call it on DTS Master Audio, here is my version I have in my SR-7002 and I'm asking if there is a new frim ware update for this model and how to obtain it. When I bought the SR-7002 one of the reason was the RS 232 port for upgrades by the user, Is this going to be possible? or like I hear the unit has to be sent in for the upgrade? please LMk thanks very concerned owner,,


Sr-7002
V0709192U
********* SERL.#
B1 10708201
B2 20708231
HDMI Ver.h33

thanks for your time jeff

I have Samsung 1400 and PS3 (and Toshiba XA2). I watch all my BD movies on the 1400 and HD/SD movies on the XA2. Never really had any issues. I like my PS3 but the following two things prevent its use as a mainstay BD player

1) Lack of IR for my MX900 remote
2) Fan noise can get very loud. It's almost as loud as Xbox360s (which I also have).

PS3 can decode all HD audio formats including Master Audio. But the lack of IR really blows.

But people have confirmed equipment damage (on the master audio bomb thread) Are you comfortable with that? I wouldn't be.

My secondary AVR 8001 isn't affected so it's not a big deal for me. And my Denon 3808 doesn't seem to be affect so again, it's no big deal. But if I still had my 8002, I would be worried.

Did you see the post down a bit that talks about HDMI switch work (service center update)?

They have? I've skimmed that thread nearly every day. I admit I haven't read every post, but I only remember people stating that they were concerned about damage, and those were owners of brands other than Marantz. I haven't read about any actual damage. In fact, a few posts from Marantz owners state the pop isn't very loud.

I'm not challenging you; if there really is the possibility of damage, I might be more worried than I am now. I only just yesterday have a player that will actually bitstream DTS-HD MA (Samsung 5000 just posted a FW fix), so I haven't had a chance to experience the event.

Thanks,
Doug