2. amps-preamps
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Using Receiver as a Switcher?

I currently have a Marantz SR7002 receiver powering my Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Concert Grands. When I was at Best Buy Magnolia I decided to stop by and see what their VA Mozarts sounded like by comparison. To my chagrin, they sounded better/clearer to my ears in the mids and highs. I'm not sure how much of this may be due to the room acoustics, but I noticed they had a Denon DRA-CX3 integrated amp powering the Mozarts.

I really have three questions. First, is the DRA-CX3 really THAT much better than the Marantz SR7002? My dad seems to be under the impression that as long as an amp has the power to drive the speakers without distortion (and it's not a tube amp), then there should be an extremely negligible difference in sound quality between amplifiers, and that what I have is fine, and I'll be disappointed if I shell out the cash for an upgrade, and that room acoustics are way more important. I don't think he's very accurate in his assessment, but I'd rather ask you guys. I'm basically assuming he's wrong, but under this assumption, still is the difference really THAT big between the Marantz and the Denon?

Second, if I do get the DRA-CX3 (which for only 570 on listenup right now is a real temptation), is there a way to use my Marantz as simply a switcher, and use the pre and power amps on the Denon? Giving up my switching capabilities would be terrible.

Third, for the extremely reduced $570 price tag on the Denon at the moment, would I be better off getting a standalone power amp at that price, and using my Marantz as a pre (which I know I can do)?

Thanks for taking your time to read this post, and please help!
sweetnumb
Post removed 
sweetnumb OP
2 posts
 
All right Bob, I want to make sure I'm getting a good understanding of what you are saying. It seems that you're saying that my dad is correct, and the higher the wattage, the better, and room acoustics are much more important when it comes to the sound you'll actually hear.

All right, well I'm still pretty new in this realm, and I cannot personally attest to knowing otherwise. However, if this is the case, there is something that I don't understand. Why does something like my receiver, which puts out 110 watts per channel, on up to seven channels, cost only $600 (at least on sale at Amazon right now, $1400 retail)? I picked a random integrated amp to compare this to, the Primare 130. Why is that $2500 at retail when it only puts out 100 watts per channel, and only on TWO channels? Not to mention the lack of HD switching capabilities. I just don't understand why they would charge that price, and also why people would actually buy it, if there is no difference in sound quality.

Also I was incorrect, the price is $579 for the Denon DRA-CX3 right now. Not a huge difference, but I figured I'd clear that up.
mceljo
1,356 posts
 
My personal opinion is that the number of watts isn't always a true indicator of quality. I believe that an amplifiers ability to handle high current loads (i.e. low ohms) is more important. I recently stepped up from a Onkyo receiver that was rated for 90 watts per channel and a 6 ohm load to an Integra receiver that is rated for 135 watts per channel and a 4 ohm load. My Focal speakers have an 8 ohm nominal impedance, but have a low impedance of under under 3 ohms (I believe). High watts is only required at higher volumes. As long as you can get the volume that you're looking for you should be fine as long as the amplifier has adequate current handling capacity.

The Denon is a more 2 channel specific design which could allow it to sound significantly better, but nothings a given. The more simple the design of the amplifier the less things there are to degrade the signal.

You could use the pre-outs on the Marantz and run them into the Denon, I think, and just use the Denon as an amplifier. I'd consider packing up the Marantz and taking it to the store for a side by side comparison.

I say get the Denon IF you were considering a straight swap, but I doubt the addition of another component would be worth the additional cost and inconvience of having one more component. Marantz is a very respected name and they have quality products. I'd suspect it might sound more different than better/worse.
mceljo
1,356 posts
 
From what my electrical engineering buddy has told me, you can judge the power output on your amplifier to a certain degree if you have a volume that reads in minus dB. At 0 dB you are providing 100% amplifier power and something like -3dB is half power. I have a few CDs that I can listen to at, or near, zero, but the majority are at a volume lower than -10dB.

Maybe someone else will correct me on this or provide more insight.

Also, the Denon is listed as 4 ohm (high current) capable, but I'm sure the Marantz is as well. The specs should indicate the rated speaker range of either 4 ohms to 16 ohms or possibly 6 ohms to 16 ohms. If it isn't rated for 4 ohms I think you'll like the Denon.
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