Marantz SR8400 vs. HK AVR630?

[maseline_98]

I've been using my Marantz SR8400 for about an year now and absolutely love it, but I have a HK AVR630 laying around(never even hooked it up b4), which I was going to use for my ping pong room.

I hooked up the HK and immediately noticed a better bass management system compared to my marantz.

Here's the problem: My marantz doesn't seem to ever output to the sub in stereo mode and the HK freakin' rocks my SVS so much that the door knobs were shaking!!!!). The other problem is the HK doesn't have a A/B selector and I just got 2 pairs of Insignia NS-B2111 for xmas to put in my ping pong room(room is ~14x12). Would I be crazy to flip/flop my 2 receivers and use the HK for HomeTheater and the Marantz as my secondary?

P.S. On another note to consider. I don't have the remote for the HK, but I'm sure I could get around that...

Let me know what you guys think...

[alebonau]

I've been using my Marantz SR8400 for about an year now and absolutely love it, but I have a HK AVR630 laying around(never even hooked it up b4), which I was going to use for my ping pong room.

I hooked up the HK and immediately noticed a better bass management system compared to my marantz.

Here's the problem: My marantz doesn't seem to ever output to the sub in stereo mode and the HK freakin' rocks my SVS so much that the door knobs were shaking!!!!). The other problem is the HK doesn't have a A/B selector and I just got 2 pairs of Insignia NS-B2111 for xmas to put in my ping pong room(room is ~14x12). Would I be crazy to flip/flop my 2 receivers and use the HK for HomeTheater and the Marantz as my secondary?

P.S. On another note to consider. I don't have the remote for the HK, but I'm sure I could get around that...

Let me know what you guys think...

I have the HK630 and think it has some great processing including logic 7 onboard. The amps onboard and power supply feeding it is one of the gruntiest around for AVRs in its price range. Think it looks tops for styling, and the remote you must find it is a real looker and find it pretty easy to use as well. No question on the bass management which is about the best around in flexiblity in xovers and inputs etc.

ps not sure if you have doen the last firmware/soft ware update on the hk. easy to check what you have onbaord and against the HK website.

I'd be going the HK for your HT no question and flogging off the marantz for some spare cash.

should be no probs gettign a spare remote either through HK or the likes of remote central etc.

[maseline_98]

You might think this is crazy but I bought the Marantz about a year an half ago and check this out....I got the HK as an "Open Box" for $180 at Circuit City(which is why I don't have a current remote with it).....Maybe I'll give it a try in my HT for awhile and see how I like it...I can alway got back, but damn I'm going to hate messing with all those wires...lol

Ips not sure if you have doen the last firmware/soft ware update on the hk. easy to check what you have onbaord and against the HK website.

I knew about the update. I haven't done it yet, but how do I know what the current version is that I have? Also, I read the manual and it uses a 'serial port'.....there is a 'A-BUS' connection on the back of the receiver.....is that likea ethernet connection and would I be able to transfer the fireware update that way?



EDIT:....Funny...I did have the remote that came with it...I just didn't know...HA!...."IDIOT....GOSH"...lol

[alebonau]

You might think this is crazy but I bought the Marantz about a year an half ago and check this out....I got the HK as an "Open Box" for $180 at Circuit City(which is why I don't have a current remote with it).....Maybe I'll give it a try in my HT for awhile and see how I like it...I can alway got back, but damn I'm going to hate messing with all those wires...lol


I knew about the update. I haven't done it yet, but how do I know what the current version is that I have? Also, I read the manual and it uses a 'serial port'.....there is a 'A-BUS' connection on the back of the receiver.....is that likea ethernet connection and would I be able to transfer the fireware update that way?



EDIT:....Funny...I did have the remote that came with it...I just didn't know...HA!...."IDIOT....GOSH"...lol

good you have the remote. jsut check the hk site they explain how to check what version software its running.

[maseline_98]

it was a piece of cake :T

thanks....

[clearwaterms]

let us know what you think when you have it hooked up

thanks

[Azeke]

Based on the specs I have seen, I would use the Marantz as my primary and the HK as my secondary receiver, but all that really matters what sounds good to you. The remote issue is really a moot point since you can buy a inexpensive universal remote. Those are my quick thoughts.

Peace and blessings,

Azeke

[maseline_98]

Well...I hooked it up....it sounds great(though I don't think the midrange is as nice as the marantz)...but by far, the bass management is much better and my SVS hasn't sounded better for music. As I stated before, the marantz didn't allow the sub to be on in stereo mode, which gave it lacking. As far as movies goes, I think the marantz is better, but it's marginal. I think I'll run it this way for awhile and probably go back to the marantz(but I'm not going to go through the 3+ hour setup again...lol) We'll see what happens when I get my new Klipsch RF-7s