Video Asylum

Posted by ROBERT G on January 15, 2000 at 22:38:21:

In Reply to: Denon 2800 vs. Marantz 7000 posted by New York City Guy on January 15, 2000 at 09:23:27:

I would choose the Marantz (though I have never heard it). I have the Denon AVR2400 (a previous model without DD/DTS decoding but with 5.1) and a friend of mine has the AVR95 (same as the 2700) and though they both are great, the main reasons that I noticed that people upgrade for is due to the fact they want to 1) more power, 2) newer/additional processing (like people going from DD to one with DD/DTS), and 3) going to separates.

The Marantz would make this transition easier as it has pre-outs for all channels. In addition, it also has a digital out (notice that the Denon 2800/3300 doesn't) and if I remember correctly component video switching. The 2800 only has one composite digital input (but 3 of the lower quality opticals) and if I remember correctly the Marantz has 2 of each. When you make your next upgrade to separates, this could be used for a pre-amp until you can afford a pre-amp (and then it could be downgraded to either another bedroom, second room, or even a generic 6.1 by doing 3 channel Dolby and running your rear outputs of your potential pre-amp). I think that Denon missed the boat by not including a digital out or rear pre-outs.