Slim Compact AV AMP but with HIFI usage

Mr Bump

Mr Bump

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I am looking for a new AV AMP for the main AV setup. I have a not that old Yamaha but it was pretty cheap and I don't think the sound is up to much compared to my old Yamaha it seems like a step back.

The old Yamaha was a beast which I had given great service for quite a few years but lacked the decoding for newer codecs like DD5.1 PLUS and DTS:X etc so I moved forward to a budget newer Yamaha model and have never liked it.

I therefore have decided to bite the bullet and look at a better model but also want something that can double (in the future) as a HIFI AMP.

looking at this model

https://www.richersounds.com/tv-home-cinema/marantz-nr1608-blk.html

I would also like to keep it a bit more compact and slimline.
 
Really don't know about this particular A/V amp.

According to this review:

https://www.techradar.com/reviews/marantz-nr1608-dolby-atmos-av-receiver

It outputs 7 x 50watts per channel - but it doesn't specify into what loads - power output (all channels driven) is usually lower in real world dynamic conditions. Much depends on what speakers you use; whether they are a 'difficult' load for your amp and of course the size of your room.

I'm guessing the slim size is achieved by using switch mode power supplies. Personally; I prefer a good, sizeable and heavy linear power supply. It won't be slim, it won't be light but it will deliver the goods - just like your old Yamaha.

I'm guessing that it will be ok; but not a 'power house' - I'd contact Richer Sounds with your speaker details and confirm their opinion as to suitability. Try to see if you can return it if not happy.
 
Nice to see some 'proper' speakers being used for A/V.

Both speakers are sensitive enough; which is fine. Sensitivity isn't the whole picture though

The TDL speakers have a nominal impedance of 8 Ohms; which means they will dip lower in use. The Monitor Audio centre speaker has a nominal impedance 6 Ohms and that will also dip lower in use. Whilst the amplifier is 'seeing' lower impedance's; it is under greater strain.

I'm sure this Marantz amp will 'work' just fine; but I'm not sure that it has enough 'muscle' to get a grip of your speakers and drive them with total ease. I can envisage scenarios that with the 'wick turned up' bass might be a bit feeble. But I can't be certain of this, no one can really, without trying the amp with your speakers.

If I had those speakers I'd be looking at an amp with a greater power output; just to be on the safe side - particularly as you want to use it for Hi-Fi use as well. The other option is to look for an A/V amplifier with 'pre-outs' allowing you to use the amp with external power amplifiers if need be. I realise that possibility adds to the number of boxes, and means another set of interconnects but at least it means you don't ditch your amp if you find it doesn't work as well with your speakers as you hoped. I wouldn't worry about an external power amp for each channel. As long as the main Left and Right speakers have external amplification that should be sufficent as that is where most of the action will be happening.

Does your current Yamaha have 'pre-outs'? If that does; adding a stereo power amp to it may be the best and cheapest option open to you.

Sorry if my reply has generated more confusion rather than answered your question!
 
The speakers are really good although I might spend a bit more on a better centre as that seems to be the weak link but mainly I think the budget yamaha DSP is weak.
 
Mr Bump said:
@Uncle Fester what do you think of this model?

https://www.richersounds.com/tv-home-cinema/av-receivers/sony-strdn1080-blk.html
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It looks to be more substantial than the Marantz.

Here's a couple of reviews:

https://www.avforums.com/review/sony-str-dn1080-7-2-channel-av-receiver-review.14623

https://hometheaterreview.com/sony-str-dn1080-av-receiver-reviewed/

It would appear to be 100 Watts per channel into 6 Ohms; so it looks as if it has a bit more grunt to it than the Marantz. It should cope better with difficult loads. That said; it - like the Marantz - it is not a 'powerhouse' amp. But then again' for what you pay it looks like a good buy.

Like the Marantz it seems to lack 'pre-outs' so you can't add a external power amp should you want to. The second review mentions the lack of legacy ( i.e. Non HDMI) inputs. So make sure the amp has the right number of inputs for equipment.

Have a read of the reviews and see if it meets your needs.

If I had to choose between the two I'd choose the Sony. Though ideally I'd prefer something with more muscle to it, but of course, it's easy for me too spend your money!
 
My main grumble about the budget yamaha is the quality of output from the centre dialogue and I think that stems from the modern concept of loads more features but all down to a price. I appreciate people want Bluetooth airplay multi zone and all that jazz. But I mainly just want epic 5.1.
 
Mr Bump said:
My main grumble about the budget yamaha is the quality of output from the centre dialogue and I think that stems from the modern concept of loads more features but all down to a price. I appreciate people want Bluetooth airplay multi zone and all that jazz. But I mainly just want epic 5.1.
Click to expand...

Most of the extra features are integrated onto chips which tend to be used throughout a manufacturers range from base model to top end model. The higher models would have more features enabled and more sophisticated room set up routines. I would hazard a guess that the primary reason for the centre channel sounding below par is the amp's inability to drive the speaker properly.

If you want 'epic 5.1' and are not fussed about Dolby Atmos or DTS X (which require height speakers) then I would probably take a look at the classifieds over on AVForums and take a punt on a older but more substantial amplifier.

Something like this:

https://www.avforums.com/threads/yamaha-dsp-z9-thxultra2.2157919/

Which is in another league compared to the Sony or Marantz.

Fully understand if you'd rather buy new though and an amp of that quality would cost a lot more new. If you choose to buy new and stick to your budget; go for the Sony.
 
Cheers @Uncle Fester I would like to stick with new and I am not bothered about Dolby Atmos I will not be using the height speakers.
I would happily buy a new slightly older model but not as old as the one you linked to.

I agree about the poor centre performance, I also might spend a bit more on a better centre down the line.
 
You can buy top end £2k av amps from 10 years ago for less than £200 with plenty of juice but they won't be slim! A class-d model might bring the size down a bit. I can't see any spec on the marantz which is never a good thing. B&O build a powerful 7 channel chip.
 
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rjbell said:
You can buy top end £2k av amps from 10 years ago for less than £200 with plenty of juice but they won't be slim! A class-d model might bring the size down a bit. I can't see any spec on the marantz which is never a good thing. B&O build a powerful 7 channel chip.
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Not really for me the huge beasts also I do want some of the modern features, also low-ish power consumption.
I will go and have a look at the sony at my leeds Richer Sounds as it does seem to get rave reviews and be at my price point.
 
Mr Bump said:
Not really for me the huge beasts also I do want some of the modern features, also low-ish power consumption.
I will go and have a look at the sony at my leeds Richer Sounds as it does seem to get rave reviews and be at my price point.
Click to expand...

There is a reason why those amplifiers are big. Seven channels of amplification require a decent; sizeable power supplies. That takes room; particularly for ventilation.

The alternative as Robert mentions is an amplifier with Class D amplification. That said; I find decent class D amps need a certain standard of engineering to sound good. So the good ones tend to be pricier than traditional class a/b amps.

I'm sure the Sony will be fine; but it won't be comparable to the £2K a/v amps from ten years ago. Personally I'd rather put up with a large box and a slightly higher leccy bill; but I understand that isn't for everyone.

If you go for the Sony; see if Richer Sounds will let you change it if you're not happy or perhaps let you bring your left,centre, right speakers into the shop to try them with the Sony. It's hassle but at least you would know the Sony works with your speakers.

Any demo of the Sony amp should include material with lots of bass activity at volumes you would normally listen to at home; as this will be the most demanding test the amp will face.
 
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