Marantz AV7005 worth upgrade from Pioneer VSX-1121-k?

[KoolestQ]

I currently have the Pioneer VSX-1121-k and was wondering if the Marantz AV7005 worth the upgrade? One of the main features the Marantz AV7005 has over the VSX-1121-k is the balanced inputs. Are there any significant differences in sound quality between XLR and RCA?

[zane77]

XLR only has an advatage over a long distance, although thet look pretty cool.

[polkfarmboy]

I would think the main advantage of the av7005 is the electrical circuits layout and dedicated power supply for low noise add this to the XLR and your going places in the HT

[Face]

I'd worry about the other features more than which has XLR connections or not.

[KoolestQ]

I would think the main advantage of the av7005 is the electrical circuits layout and dedicated power supply for low noise add this to the XLR and your going places in the HT

Power wont be an issue since I will be connecting to a Parasound Halo A51. So I guess I should be good with running RCA preouts with the Pioneer--1121-K, right?

[KoolestQ]

XLR only has an advatage over a long distance, although thet look pretty cool.

How far of a distance are we talking about for the XLR to have the advantage over RCA?

[polkfarmboy]

Power wont be an issue since I will be connecting to a Parasound Halo A51. So I guess I should be good with running RCA preouts with the Pioneer--1121-K, right?

I meant power supply to to the board being isolated as the Marantz is a pre and its all dedicated to just the sound and not to the amps like the pioneer. The xlr only get the benifit if your distance is over 10ft

[Syndil]

FYI, Outlaw Audio offers a few combo deals with the AV7005. Just in case you are also looking for a new sub or amp.

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/av7005.html

IMO a dedicated pre is always preferable to an AVR being used as a pre.

[tonyb]

The only difference I see, is the Marantz will be a tad warmer sounding, and most likely a tad better in the SQ dept. Balanced will be meaningless unless everything is balanced from the pre down. Balanced will lower your noise floor, give you a blacker background, more noticeable on music than movies in my opinion.

2 different animals, but I agree with Syndil, anytime a dedicated pre can be used, it's a good thing over an AVR.

Downside ?- If the amp somehow goes down, your out of buisness, as with an avr, you still have the internal amps to keep the music/movies going until the amp gets fixed.

[Face]

Upgrading from an Onkyo 707 to a AV7005 was a big jump in sound quality. Movies and games are much more coherent and the AV7005's room correction is far superior when it comes to bass.

[Lietuvis91]

Upgrading from an Onkyo 707 to a AV7005 was a big jump in sound quality. Movies and games are much more coherent and the AV7005's room correction is far superior when it comes to bass.

Good to know. Was it just the 707 running the show or did you have an amplifier with it?

I have seen such nice improvements in the sound of my system as I get better gear that now I am also looking into a pre for HT.

[Face]

Both units were hooked up to a Wyred 4 Sound Mini MC-5 amp.

[Lietuvis91]

Both units were hooked up to a Wyred 4 Sound Mini MC-5 amp.

Oh, nice! Good to know... only knowing it makes it that much harder to hold off on the next upgrade...

What other options are there at a comperable price?

[KoolestQ]

I meant power supply to to the board being isolated as the Marantz is a pre and its all dedicated to just the sound and not to the amps like the pioneer. The xlr only get the benifit if your distance is over 10ft

That makes sense. Man tough call. I just dropped $$$ on the Parasound A51 amplifier. I don't know if I can dropped another $1200-$1400 on the AV7005. Maybe I'll bump into a used one for ~$800 and then I would consider.

[EndersShadow]

That makes sense. Man tough call. I just dropped $$$ on the Parasound A51 amplifier. I don't know if I can dropped another $1200-$1400 on the AV7005. Maybe I'll bump into a used one for ~$800 and then I would consider.

Accessories4less.com is an authorized reseller of refurbished units. They have the AV7005 for about 1k (link)

[KoolestQ]

Accessories4less.com is an authorized reseller of refurbished units. They have the AV7005 for about 1k (link)

Dang, very tempting. Thanks for the link. Decisions, decisions.

[EndersShadow]

Dang, very tempting. Thanks for the link. Decisions, decisions.

I say do it now. Do it once, do it right, enjoy the music

The Marantz has some additional features your Pio doesnt and I think it would be a very nice step up. That site also has the SR7005 as well, that way if your amp dies you at least can hook something up to listen to....

[playback]

How far of a distance are we talking about for the XLR to have the advantage over RCA?

I have a 1 meter XLR run between my processor and my A21, and can tell you between RCA and Xlr the difference is not small and well worth the consideration. If you have the A51 manual on hand, that is clearly stated and not just for long runs.

[KoolestQ]

I have a 1 meter XLR run between my processor and my A21, and can tell you between RCA and Xlr the difference is not small and well worth the consideration. If you have the A51 manual on hand, that is clearly stated and not just for long runs.

I spoke to a couple dealers and XLR seemed to preferred, but I don't know if they were trying to sell me cables I don't really need. I guess I will have to audition a system with both XLR and RCA and listen for myself.

[playback]

I spoke to a couple dealers and XLR seemed to preferred, but I don't know if they were trying to sell me cables I don't really need. I guess I will have to audition a system with both XLR and RCA and listen for myself.

You should take advice from yourself more often! post back your findings!

[Face]

Since your amp is fully balanced, I'd consider balanced cables.

Mogami aren't bad if you're on a budget.

[KoolestQ]

Since your amp is fully balanced, I'd consider balanced cables.

Mogami aren't bad if you're on a budget.

At this point I've definitely exhausted my funds in audio equipment. I wanna save where I can, are there huge differences from name brand or hifi XLR cables over $100 than cheaper under $25 XLR cables from Amazon.com or Monoprice?

[polkfarmboy]

At this point I've definitely exhausted my funds in audio equipment. I wanna save where I can, are there huge differences from name brand or hifi XLR cables over $100 than cheaper under $25 XLR cables from Amazon.com or Monoprice?

Big diff in quality of sound and manufacturing. Right now you can snag some MIT for a fraction of the usual cost. These cables like the marantz av7005 may seem spendy but will same you money in the long term. Check em out for some quality balanced cables

http://www.mitcablesexpress.com/inde...mart&Itemid=14

[Face]

IMO, differences are less subtle with XLR cables than single ended.

FYI, they're sold individually: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...ogami+gold+xlr

[KoolestQ]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I would love to upgrade to the AV7005 but I'm going to have to sell my unopened Pioneer VSZ-1121-K. I may have to post on the classifieds. Also if and when I upgrade, I think I'm gonna go with the Mogami XLR cables. They seem to have a reasonable price with solid quality and reputation. Thanks Face for the recommendation.