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Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
I'm looking for some receiver recommendations for the Sierra-2 speakers. I've gotten stuck in the "never ending research loop" before and thought it might be easier to take a look at a few of the top recommendations. Hopefully this thread will help others as well. Thanks!
*my particular viewing is going to be movies and only 2.0 for now, but eventually 5.0 or 5.1 depending upon the bass on these. I was very impressed with the Sierra-1s. You could actually hear what the guttural alien dudes in The Fifth Element were saying! I never knew they were saying actual words!
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
What price range?
What's your room size? (Length x Width x Height)
How far away are you sitting?
Any desire to add separate amps later?
Any preferences for a certain room correction/auto EQ setup program?
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Good questions. I was looking for general recommendations as I may be moving shortly. I wasn't sure that the receiver had much to do with room size, but here you go:
"What price range?"
Less than $1k. I do want something that will do the Sierra justice and have longevity.
"What's your room size? (Length x Width x Height)"
Something like 15x13x10
"How far away are you sitting?"
11'
"Any desire to add separate amps later?"
I do not. I went that route with my fancy headphones and for my purposes, I don't think it's worth the cost.
"Any preferences for a certain room correction/auto EQ setup program?"
No.
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GrandMasterJ
Good questions. I was looking for general recommendations as I may be moving shortly. I wasn't sure that the receiver had much to do with room size, but here you go:
"What price range?"
Less than $1k. I do want something that will do the Sierra justice and have longevity.
"What's your room size? (Length x Width x Height)"
Something like 15x13x10
"How far away are you sitting?"
11'
"Any desire to add separate amps later?"
I do not. I went that route with my fancy headphones and for my purposes, I don't think it's worth the cost.
"Any preferences for a certain room correction/auto EQ setup program?"
No.
I always have the same recommendation. Denon X4000 for Audyssey XT32 and sub-$1K street price.
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kisakuku
I always have the same recommendation. Denon X4000 for Audyssey XT32 and sub-$1K street price.
Thank you, I will take a look. Other recommendations are still welcome. Is Onkyo still decent?
I think I had a Denon driving my brother's Sierra-1s. He didn't appreciate either and sold them when he moved (I would've bought them if he had offered a reasonable price). I was quite impressed, however.
Any thoughts on the heat output of the Denon X4000?
Quick additional question: Why the X4000 over the X3000 or X2000?
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
I've heard that Emotiva's new, surprise receiver the Fusion 8100 will start shipping in about 2 weeks. Price is $700 and shipping is free in the US. Reviews for the slim beast should come in pretty fast when that happens. My guess is that it will outclass the Denon in sound quality.
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Quote:
Originally Posted by
markie
I've heard that Emotiva's new, surprise receiver the Fusion 8100 will start shipping in about 2 weeks. Price is $700 and shipping is free in the US. Reviews for the slim beast should come in pretty fast when that happens. My guess is that it will outclass the Denon in sound quality.
I'll take a look, thanks. How is Emotiva's quality track record?
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
I can certainly second the recommendation for the Denon X4000.
One reason for suggesting that model over the X3000 or lower models is because it includes the highest consumer level of Audyssey, which is Audyssey MultEQ XT32 + Sub EQ HT. Not everyone is a fan of auto EQ/"room correction", but XT32 + Sub EQ HT, in my experience, has been a very impressive system.
The X4000 can also drive a maximum of 9 speakers. It can only power 7 itself, but you can add an additional 2-channel amp and make use of a 9 speaker setup if you ever want to. Personally, I've grown very fond of DTS Neo:X and the Front Wide channels. I haven't found any of the Front Height programs particularly compelling, but that's strictly one man's opinion ;) But with the X4000, you'd have the option of having a standard 7 speaker setup plus the Front Wide channels to make 9 speakers in total, and you could then use the DTS Neo:X or Audyssey DSX listening modes. You can also configure those 9 channels however you'd like: standard 5 speakers plus Front Wides and Front Heights, standard 7 speakers plus Front Heights, or standard 7 speakers plus Front Wides, like I mentioned.
If you buy a refurbished unit from accessories4less.com : http://www.accessories4less.com/make...airplay/1.html , then you're well within your budget.
In case you're not familiar, A4L is a fully authorized refurbished retailer for quite a few brands. And they get their stock directly from the manufacturers. There's no shady dealings going on - no buying excess stock from stores. As such, you get a full manufacturer's 1 year warranty on all products sold at accessories4less. No 90 day warranty BS. And you've got the full backing of the manufacturers since it is their stock and their professional refurbishments. You'll also often find that the products sold at A4L are actually completely brand new - not even refurbished or ever opened - and the manufacturer is simply clearing out stock. So A4L is a great place from which to buy :)
Since you mentioned Onkyo - I've been an Onkyo fan for many years, but I'm becoming less and less of a fan every year as they continue to drop the features that interest me the most in favour of more and more wireless features that don't particularly interest me.
That said, if you go back a couple of years to models from 2 or 3 years ago, there are some really nice offerings:
The TX-NR818 is still feature-packed in all the ways that *I would want, and it's very affordable these days: http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html
Much like the Denon X4000, you can add a 2-channel amp and run 9 speakers. The 818 remains one of the least expensive AV Receivers with Audyssey MultEQ XT32 onboard, although it does NOT have SubEQ HT. SubEQ HT gives you independent automatic setup and EQ of 2 subwoofer, in case you're wondering what it's all about. On the 818, the subwoofer channels are just set up in mono as usual.
The TX-NR1010: http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html bumps you up to THX Ultra2 Certification and dual independent HDMI outputs if you want to feed two displays two different sources simultaneously. I used to dig a couple of the THX Listening Modes, and Onkyo/Integra are about the only consumer brand still bothering to pay THX for their certification (although they appear to be dropping that, too, in 2014). But I've pretty much transitioned over to DTS Neo:X for everything these days. That's just me, though :)
I use an Onkyo TX-NR5010 myself. If you want to run 11 speakers like I do, you'll need to go over your $1000 budget. Top choices there would be the Denon AVR-4510CI and the Onkyo TX-NR3010. They're both around $1400 these days, which is a darn good price, but certainly over your budget.
Overall, though, I'd say the X4000 from Denon is the easiest recommendation. Unless you REALLY want THX certification for those THX Listening Modes, the X4000 has every other feature that I would personally want or recommend to anyone else :)
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Quote:
Originally Posted by
FirstReflect
If you buy a refurbished unit from accessories4less.com :
http://www.accessories4less.com/make...airplay/1.html , then you're well within your budget.
In case you're not familiar, A4L is a fully authorized refurbished retailer for quite a few brands. And they get their stock directly from the manufacturers. There's no shady dealings going on - no buying excess stock from stores. As such, you get a full manufacturer's 1 year warranty on all products sold at accessories4less. No 90 day warranty BS. And you've got the full backing of the manufacturers since it is their stock and their professional refurbishments. You'll also often find that the products sold at A4L are actually completely brand new - not even refurbished or ever opened - and the manufacturer is simply clearing out stock. So A4L is a great place from which to buy :)
In my experience, AVS prices on new receivers are very competitive with A4L refurb prices. No need to give up that 3 year warranty.
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Quote:
Originally Posted by
markie
I've heard that Emotiva's new, surprise receiver the Fusion 8100 will start shipping in about 2 weeks. Price is $700 and shipping is free in the US. Reviews for the slim beast should come in pretty fast when that happens. My guess is that it will outclass the Denon in sound quality.
My guess is that when the two are operating within their normal parameters, the only difference will be their RC algorithms.
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GrandMasterJ
I'll take a look, thanks. How is Emotiva's quality track record?
The UMC 1 processor had it's problems. I think they have about fully recovered from that now. Also, they have Outlaw people working with them now if I recall correctly. I'm looking forward to the upcoming reviews because it's a product I myself am now eyeing, instead of going separates.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kisakuku
My guess is that when the two are operating within their normal parameters, the only difference will be their RC algorithms.
Yes, yes, why does that not surprise me? :) I suspect that even with room correction off there will be very audible differences in sound presentation, probably in Emotiva's favour. But the room correction of the Denon may level the playing field. We'll soon see!
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
That Emotiva is definitely intriguing. Looks like a ship date is now April 1st.
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Quote:
Originally Posted by
markie
I suspect that even with room correction off there will be very audible differences in sound presentation, probably in Emotiva's favour.
And I suspect those differences would immediately vanish in an ABX.
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Is Denon still produced in Japan with Japanese components? Where does Emotiva produce and source their units?
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GrandMasterJ
Is Denon still produced in Japan with Japanese components? Where does Emotiva produce and source their units?
China for both, except Denon flagship models (4311, 4520).
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
I have a Denon 4311 and it drives my Sierra towers great. If I were in the market today, I'd probably go with the X4000. It has Audyssey XT32 and can do 4K.
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kisakuku
And I suspect those differences would immediately vanish in an ABX.
I agree with this assessment, although in a sighted test I'd probably prefer the Denon. :cool:
Jay
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Emotiva better than the Denon for something other than amps? Have you kept up with all the issues - one broken promise after another and all the FUD posted by their employees in their forums. Then there are the bans for those trying to get answers to legitimate questions. If someone is saying that their room correction - EmoQ - system is better than Audyssey then that is a post of a fanboy, not someone who has researched the two techs. Audible difference in favor of the Emotiva vs. Denon with or without room correction is the statement I am basing that comment on. Sorry I don't mean to be rude but come on - seriously? That's almost like saying their speakers are better than Dave's :)
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
I never owned Emotiva products, but they are known to have a very good bang for buck factor, with good customer satisfaction, which is why I am interested. I visit the Emotiva forum only occasionally so no I'm not that familiar with all the issues. On the other hand I'm also attracted to Marantz and Denon for sound quality reputation and relative reliability. I know, I know, some people say there are no differences in sound between receivers which are level matched and with digital sound processing off. But with different power supply, dac, capacitors, preamp stage, amplifier, output stage, etc, there is ample room for receivers to sound differently ime.
In short I believe the testimony of experienced listeners and reviewers who have compared the sound of receivers over lengthy listening sessions. Same goes for other comparisons like the sound of an Oppo Blu ray player compared to lower end players, etc.
But enter in things like room correction and (perhaps especially) dynamic equalization and the goalposts can change drastically. What Audyssey multiEQ brings to the table may well make it more desirable than the Emotiva Fusion and its (in all likelihood) lesser EmoQ system.
But ignoring that particular feature, yes I still predict that, for the money, the Emotiva receiver will outclass the Denon in the sound department. If that has made anyone upset, sorry. My fists are not clenched, I have no horse in this race. This relative dummy would be just as happy to be proven wrong than right, that's who I am.
Mark
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Mark - thanks for the civil response about the Fusion 8100 being superior to the other receivers discussed - at least your honest enough to say you haven't owned one. Emotiva products like the UMC-1 have been very buggy and there are a heck of a lot more pro reviews that give Denon and Marantz high scores for more than just sound. To me it goes back to customer support - thumbs up on Emo's amps, but with their attempts to compete on the pre or receiver end they leave a lot to be desired in both support and quality. One reason I do business with Ascend is for customer support and quality products. Heck I am even willing to wait 3 months (maybe more?) to get my speaker from Ascend - HINT!!! - Dave. You can't make decisions on Emo products by reading their forums, Emo has the reputation of deleting negative posts and banning posters who question or post a less then positive experience with their products. Venture over to AVS (one example) and do some reading, it is entertaining to say the least. Please note that isn't saying the amps aren't good - because they are.
As an owner of 4 Oppo blu-ray players (not a typo) I can tell you when passing a digital signal they all sound the same - yes even compared to those lower end blu-ray players - and any reviewer worth their salt would say the same. If you are talking about analog that is a whole different beast since you have superior DAC in the 95/105. The benefits of that DAC would only be audible when listing to 2 channel material via analog inputs. The 105 also offers improved performance for headphones. Please note this info is available on Oppo's website. Their CSRs will tell you what I have said, plus other owners of Oppo products. Don't confuse their price with superior sound under all circumstances, people like myself buy Oppo for many reasons - like that superior customer service I mentioned above and their ability to do many other things other than just play a blu-ray.
Key is do your homework and buy what makes you happy. In the end it's the buyer who has to listen to it :)
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Sm, please be aware that the supposed sound difference in the Oppo's DAC and implementation would vanish in an ABX over my $100 Sony player. ;)
But seriously, what a fine choice in the Oppo 105. You have probably already read it, that the Modwright mod of the Oppo 105 takes even the great stock 105 to the next level.
I just visited AVS to read about Emotiva's problems with their processors. Here is what I came away with: despite some irritants with the UMC200 (really dumb problems on Emotiva's part imo), in terms of raw sound capability in Direct mode and manually tweaking the EQ settings it is unmatched at its price point. A post at AVS linked to a homecinemaguru article, which summarizes thusly:
Quote:
Overall the UMC-200 is an outstanding performer in the home theater preamplifier processor category. It has excellent sound quality and exceptional flexibility. Assuming you can live with it’s limitations and calibrate it manually you would be hard pressed to find a unit that can sound this good for anything close to this price point.
I'm figuring that the upcoming Emotiva Fusion 8100 will essentially combine a 'fixed' version of the UMC200 processor with a somewhat diluted version of their UPA700 amplifier, in one slim package. We'll see how it pans out in a couple of weeks.
Mark
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Quote:
Originally Posted by
markie
The UMC 1 processor had it's problems. I think they have about fully recovered from that now. Also, they have Outlaw people working with them now if I recall correctly. I'm looking forward to the upcoming reviews because it's a product I myself am now eyeing, instead of going separates.
Yes, yes, why does that not surprise me? :) I suspect that even with room correction off there will be very audible differences in sound presentation, probably in Emotiva's favour. But the room correction of the Denon may level the playing field. We'll soon see!
Outlaw people working with Emotiva?? Please elaborate. I loved my old Outlaw 1050 receiver.
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Markie - I assume you are joking regarding the first two paragraphs. When one of my staff says "i figured" that is always an indicator of a less then desirable outcome. Since you have this under control I am out and good luck with the Fusion, hope it works for you.
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Quote:
Originally Posted by
markie
Sm, please be aware that the supposed sound difference in the Oppo's DAC and implementation would vanish in an ABX over my $100 Sony player. ;)
This not nearly as ridiculous as you make it sound. Better question is why would you give up RC in order to use Oppo's DACs.
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
For 2 channel? I really enjoy listening to my Sierra 2s in Pure Direct when listening to music whether it is 2 channel or a multi channel SACD like Roxy Music Avalon. For HT - room correction (XT32 right now) always and no benefit to the DAC on the 105. By the way I only own a lowly 103, and pass things on to my Denon 4311 or Pioneer SC-07 via HDMI.
Where did I make it sound ridiculous? I just took exception to the Sony/Oppo comparison via analog. Either way it is no big deal for me and I don't believe in snake oil mods or make assumptions before buying. Before spending money on a DAC I am going to invest in improving my speakers, sub and receiver in that order. One reason I have a Horizon center on order and upgraded my 1s to 2s.
I am just a happy Ascend customer who tried to point out that I wouldn't make an assumption on a Emotiva product (outside their amps) until a few more facts are known. How easy it is to get off track. Thanks. Steve
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mag_Neato
Outlaw people working with Emotiva?? Please elaborate. I loved my old Outlaw 1050 receiver.
My apologies Ed, I misremembered and confused Outlaw with Sherbourn. :o Emotiva (or its parent company Jade) purchased Sherbourn a couple of years ago I think. On top of that, I had heard Emotiva recently partnered with Carver, but I have just now read that in fact it turned out to be only a very short relationship. My memory has more glitches than a new Emotiva processor!
Mark
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Quote:
Originally Posted by
markie
My apologies Ed, I misremembered and confused Outlaw with Sherbourn. :o Emotiva (or its parent company Jade) purchased Sherbourn a couple of years ago I think. On top of that, I had heard Emotiva recently partnered with Carver, but I have just now read that in fact it turned out to be only a very short relationship. My memory has more glitches than a new Emotiva processor!
Mark
Mark, no harm, no foul! The two companies are direct rivals and I know that Scott left Outlaw a while back so just wondered.
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
I was just watching a podcast on AVS with guest superstar theater designer Keith Yates. I can't help but thinking about his comment about how some people get way too bogged down in relatively unimportant minutia, and miss the big picture. Differences in modern electronics, amps, pre-amps, DACs, speaker cables, and interconnects all fall directly smack dab in the middle of this category.
For those interested in the truth, watch this video produced by real audio experts whom have been in the know for decades:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvireu2SGZM
Jay
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Quote:
Originally Posted by
smurraybhm
Where did I make it sound ridiculous?
You didn't. My post was quoting Markie.
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Quote:
Originally Posted by
petmotel
I was just watching a podcast on AVS with guest superstar theater designer Keith Yates. I can't help but thinking about his comment about how some people get way too bogged down in relatively unimportant minutia, and miss the big picture. Differences in modern electronics, amps, pre-amps, DACs, speaker cables, and interconnects all fall directly smack dab in the middle of this category.
For those interested in the truth, watch this video produced by real audio experts whom have been in the know for decades:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvireu2SGZM
Thank you Jay for an excellent and very informative video!. As long as the video was, one gets the impression that Ethan Winer was greatly truncating what he knew. Even so, it did delve into the 'minutia' which left me thinking that they *are* important. For instance there is distortion but there are various types of distortion, with different volume levels, etc, etc, the measurements of which we are likely never to see in manufacturers specs. Way too much paper! There are a lot of trees in the forest, and the trees define the forest. But if your point is that some trees stand out much more than others, I entirely agree.
I would like to point out some of Winer's views from the video:
Quote:
3:35 "One common myth is that fidelity is not fully understood so two devices may measure the same but sound very different. This is not true. Of course you have to measure everything and at different volume levels ... Modern test methods are complete ..."
The practical fact of the matter is that our measurements are very incomplete. So it is entirely possible, and has shown to be the case, that two devices may apparently measure the same and yet sound differently. That is because we are *not* measuring everything - something that to me is just about practically impossible.
Quote:
"If there really was some aspect of audio fidelity that science was unaware of, it would have been revealed years ago by nulling".
While I agree with Winer that nulling guarantees fidelity in a particular device, let's get practical: In a working environment, a device is not in isolation; it interacts with, and its operation is influenced by other devices to which it is connected. This just underlines the point that measurements must be taken for what they are - limited to the context in which they are taken. Real world environments alter that context. So while measurements can no doubt be very informing and useful they should not be construed as absolute nor guaranteeing a real world result.
Quote:
5:50 "However there is a difference between high fidelity - accuracy of reproduction - and the pleasing character of sound". The former is easily measured, but the latter is subjective and must be accessed by listening."
Yes it comes down to listening. Yet I agree with what Winer said earlier, that listening may not catch all the defects that measurement devices can measure. However on the flip side, listening serves as an excellent holistic *summation* of information which only sifting through a mountain full of measurements might reveal.
In closing, given Winer's firm conviction that we already know everything about sound fidelity we can, I would like him to put that to practical use, and correlate particular measurements to what we subjectively perceive. For instance, what specific set of measurements would reveal specific characteristics which causes one preamp to present a soundstage that POPS in 3D, with a clear perception of space between instruments, and another preamp that sounds flat and 2D?
Those are the types of answers I would like to hear, and frankly I don't think I'll be hearing them anytime soon.
How's that for a receiver recommendation hehe!
Mark
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Markie, as convinced as you are about the differences that exist in modern electronics, you should certainly take the Richard Clark challenge, and take home the $10,000 he offers to anyone whom can actually reliably hear the difference between any two given amps, within the confines of his rather generous rules. Thousands have tried, no one has yet taken the prize. The above video also mentions that as modern technology is now producing even inexpensive gear that measures with distortion, frequency response, and time based errors well below the threshold of audibility, they will sound the same.
http://tom-morrow-land.com/tests/ampchall/
Now I'm sure you have plenty of reasons why this challenge is not applicable, but eventually that stance becomes simply unsustainable. In fact, I really don't even know how to respond to someone whom will routinely argue against the virtue of an ABX test because it does not conform to their preconceived notions. I do hope many of the neophytes here take the time to educate themselves without being talked into taking that blind leap of faith into the world of high end mysticism, which offers nothing but an empty wallet.
To take the discussion back on track, features, durability, power output, a good room correction implementation, good bass management, and aesthetic appeal are probably more important considerations than "sound quality".
Jay
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Well, there's the biggest factor of all in terms of what we hear: psychology. And we don't understand or have very good or complete measurements for that.
You should not have to see a product, know its price tag, or know what brand made it in order to compare its sound. My favourite situation is when there are two products in a room under comparison, the person making the comparison is told which one is more expensive or which brand is which, and then they listen and compare. The person will almost always pick out some differences and most often say that the more expensive unit or the more prestigious brand sounded best. And only after all of that is it revealed that only one of the products was ever actually playing. The 2nd unit in the "comparison" was never even connected!
So how do people explain THAT? Are they going to try and claim that micro environmental changes in air pressure made them hear a difference? I've seen BS like that -- haha
Nope, it's that all important factor: psychology. Why do two products that measure extremely similarly sound different? They don't. And if you didn't know which was which, or better yet, if you weren't even aware that any change was being made what-so-ever, you'd never be able to tell them apart. But the second you're made aware that a change in equipment was made, suddenly you'll swear up and down that you heard the difference.
We need to be more reasonable about this stuff. If we ever want to talk about value and actually getting our money's worth, we shouldn't be concerned with differences that are so small that we can easily be tricked as to whether there really was or was not a difference by a simple psychological nudging. You should be able to tell the difference "blind". You shouldn't need to be aware that a change in equipment is being made; the difference in sound ought to be real and noticeable enough that you pick up on it even when you had no idea that someone swapped out one piece of gear for another! Otherwise, how can you possibly justify the expenditure?
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Hi Jay,
I don't dispute that Richard Clark challenge, in its context. First, it is about amps, not receivers. Amps by themselves are much harder to distinguish than receivers of course, especially when their performance is constrained the way the test dictates.
In real world conditions things change quite dramatically. For instance, a few weeks ago I took (and completed) the Golden Ears Challenge at https://www.goldenears.philips.com. I found that for some tests I had to crank the volume to start hearing a difference in some sonic attributes. From that I conclude that my hearing is more discriminating at somewhat louder volumes. Yet it would be those volumes which are prohibited by Clark's test for clipping reasons. Just saying.
I should point out that in the article you linked, it reported Clark's test as an ABX. But when I read a link to the actual test, I could only glean that it was an AB test, not an ABX. Big difference ime.
Mark
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Hi FR,
Psychology, namely expectation bias, is for real. But for experienced, grounded and objective reviewers that effect is very minimal, at best. I've read too much from reviewers who were frankly disappointed at products they expected more from for the price.
I agree about noting differences without having to be told. I've heard stories where a guy has stealthily swapped out items in his system, only later to have his wife comment on how something sounded better (or worse) in the sound. Now that's the real deal!
Mark
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
While I don't mind the tangents into the theoretical, my primary purpose for this thread was to give some guidance into selecting a good match-up for the Sierra-2 speakers by providing viable selections. The purpose was not only for me, but also for any future users looking for the same information.
While I am not looking for an abundance of choices, recommendations remain at:
Emotiva Fusion 8100
Denon AVR-x4000
No other contenders?
*Personally, I am not in favor of products made in China which these both appear to be.
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GrandMasterJ
While I don't mind the tangents into the theoretical, my primary purpose for this thread was to give some guidance into selecting a good match-up for the Sierra-2 speakers by providing viable selections. The purpose was not only for me, but also for any future users looking for the same information.
While I am not looking for an abundance of choices, recommendations remain at:
Emotiva Fusion 8100
Denon AVR-x4000
No other contenders?
*Personally, I am not in favor of products made in China which these both appear to be.
Personally have had good luck with Anthem products, which used to be built in Canada, but they are also built in China now. I really like the Anthem room correction, and their processors have great configurability options.
http://www.anthemav.com/products-cur...ies=mrx-series
Jay
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GrandMasterJ
While I don't mind the tangents into the theoretical, my primary purpose for this thread was to give some guidance into selecting a good match-up for the Sierra-2 speakers by providing viable selections. The purpose was not only for me, but also for any future users looking for the same information.
While I am not looking for an abundance of choices, recommendations remain at:
Emotiva Fusion 8100
Denon AVR-x4000
No other contenders?
*Personally, I am not in favor of products made in China which these both appear to be.
If that's the case, see if you can source a Denon 4311. It's made in Japan I believe and is a great performer.
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GrandMasterJ
*Personally, I am not in favor of products made in China which these both appear to be.
You would have to up you budget a bit then and get a Denon 4520 (or the older 4311 if you can find a new one for sale).
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
If the "I don't want a made in China product" stance is a political or moral thing, I can understand and respect that. But if it's an expectation of quality thing, then that is going to be much tougher to agree with.
In truth, even if the Receiver is billed as being "made in..." whatever other country, there are going to be a whole bunch of components inside that were made in China. It's just inescapable. There's no brand that is literally mining and refining all of the raw materials, and then manufacturing their own electrical components without any involvement from China at some point in the process. So if your objection is a political and/or moral one, I'm sorry to break it to you, but China's involvement in some portion of any Receiver is unavoidable.
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Re: Receiver Recommendations for Sierra-2
If the Emotiva Fusion doesn't pan out, I'm eying the slimline Marantz line, specifically the NR1604. With three year warranty its about $700.
I've heard that after the earthquake in Japan Denon moved much of its manufacturing to China.
It's encouraging though that some companies are bringing some manufacturing back to the USA, notably Apple. Even Emotiva will be assembling their upcoming high end XMC-1 processor in the USA.
Mark