Marantz NR1200 or Denon DRA800H

OptimusPrime9

connecting to my computer via optical

i dont know if to go for the Marantz NR1200 or Denon DRA800H

anyone can advise me to go for marantz or denon?

what to listen to music and also videos/movies, streams

i have dali spector 2 speakers

which give me better clarity in voices for movies?

gibbsy

Honestly, toss a coin in the air. Both are very similar but the Denon has the edge of power. Marantz tend to be warmer than Denon, the Denon being more neutral. Can you find a dealer that stocks both to audition, I don't think there's going to be a lot in it. I've just bought a Denon SACD player, as well as owning a Marantz SACD player and I much prefer the Denon.

OptimusPrime9

i cant get to a dealer unfortunately
how you mean by marantz being warmer?

id like amp that has clearer vocals for movies, videos
which tend to have better clarity in voices denon or marantz or will that be same?

gibbsy

The Denon is more neutral, the Marantz will sound more rounded, the detail will be there certainly but with what you are wanting then the Denon may be the better choice.

OptimusPrime9

soz how u mean by neutral and rounded?

gibbsy

I have both Denon and Marantz products among others. Each have their own particular sound signature. The Denon I find is quite neutral, it does nothing badly and is detailed with good depth but lacks the musicality that the Marantz can impart. The Denon makes a fine amp for film and TV whereas the Marantz is certainly more musical. On the other hand I have a Rega stereo amp that is far more dynamic than both the Denon and Marantz.

It's all down to personal taste. I could very well steer you towards the Denon as it sounds from your comments that, with how I hear it, it could be the amp for you. I may very well be wrong as we are different and perceive audio in different ways. What ever anyone tells you it is just a recommendation and that is why auditions are really essential and buying blind is something of a gamble.

OptimusPrime9

does the marantz being musical means its not so good for movies?
i dont get how people mean the marantz is musical? this just mean the music just sound alot better?

i thought that the better sounding system should be able to do music and movies better but it seems notbe case that 1 is better for certain things

am looking for a system to do both music and video as its for my computer not sure what do both best

yes its really difficult buying online but its only way i can do it

Rambles

Buy both and return the one you like the least?

Digital Jive

I was trying to make the same decision. Apart from the look and the power, they appear to be identical.. even their manuals are the same. I wouldn't be surprised if most of the parts are identical. The Marantz is $100 more here in Canada... I'm not sure that gets you anything extra except a smaller, prettier box (debatably) and less power. Does anyone know otherwise?

gibbsy

Almost traditionally Marantz have been more expensive than Denon with Marantz trading on the their hifi pedigree. Who knows. They do share the same parts being owned by the same company. I've always favoured Marantz music wise, until I bought a new Denon SACD player, now my thoughts have completely changed.

Still don't rate Denon receivers for music though, that's a bridge too far.