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In Reply to: Re: Marantz SR-8000 direct mode posted by Mike on December 26, 2001 at 01:26:57:
Hmmm. If it was me I would be forced to use matching, (or higher quality), wire from the main amp to the sub if I was going to drive it this way, but that's just my own personal hang-up.I know what you're after. I had a SR8000 and updated to the SR19EX. The "direct mode" is wonderful with audio. Your only choice to drive sub, and use direct mode, is to wire into it's speaker terminal inputs and not the subs RCA. As we talked about switching at the sub is needed to pervent input signal collision. I have a M&K sub and it is like yours, has the two inputs, but M&K expects you to make a decision up frone on which you intend to use. I'll bet yours is the same.
This being the case, assuning your sub does NOT have automatic switching on teh input signal, and if this was me, and even though this solution is a pain, I would:
1 - Run wire from your main amps + - to the sub, (I would use the same wire type as on the main speakers). Connect this wire to the sub in the normal mannor offer by your sub. Connect the other end to your Marantz using banana connectors. Pull out the little flat plastic plug in the end of the female banana connector on the Marantz. This will allow you to "plug" the banana connector in while still using the Marantz banana connector to crimp hold the main speaker wire.
2 - Run an RCA from your sub out to the sub.
3 - How to use... When watching movies, reach around and unplug the subs banana connections to the Marantz. Quickly change the system software for THX 5.1... and enjoy the sub as it is driven by the RCA connection. When listening to movies reach around and plug in the banana connections and unplug the RCA, (either at the SR8000 or sub). Select "direct mode" and enjoy the sub driven off the main amps.
You will more than likely need to change crossover settings as you switch back & forth also. This may sound like a pain, but it will give you direct mode in the cleanest mannor possible.
What do you think, bad idea??? Also what are your main speakers?
FYI: I use direct mode almost always for music & the tuner into my Mangepans.
Follow Ups:
Jim, I think you hit the nail on the head. I thought about disconnecting the speaker level inputs from the sub for watching movies. It didn't occur to me to use banana plugs on the amp's end. Disconnecting from there would be a snap. I am using Boston's discontinued monitor speakers, CR-9. I had never heard a real hi-fi when I bought the home theater. For movie watching, I am perfectly content with my system. But with stereo music, much is to be desired (sigh). I plan on adding piece by piece, eventually having a dedicated stereo. What maggies are you using ? I've been considering MMGs. Would the marantz drive them decently until I get a dedicated power amp ?
I am using the MMGs. They work fantastic with the Marantz SR19EX! I had a SR8000 prior to my SR19EX and I believe the SR8000 would drive them just fine, (assuming you are not looking for ear bleeding levels and do not have your system in huge room).I did add a second amp, (used McIntosh MC2105), that I use to drive my MMGs, (using the front L/R preamp outputs), at the present. The amp is about the same power as my SR19EX. I did not add the amp because I was looking for more than the amps in the SR19EX would do. I added it because I wanted the 6.1 processing capabilities the SR19EX offered.
Make no mistake about it, I am extremely impressed with Marantz performance and sound. I have some "over the edge" audiophile friends and was allowed to borrow their high end, high priced, high current, highly praised, mega tube and solid state "audiophile" seperate amplifiers, used very high quality Mapleshade and Lincoln Mayorga recordings and did some direct comparisons. I'm telling you we all agree the Marantz performance was right on par and even better than two of the amps we were comparing against. I have found Marantz products may have a few less user features than others, but I believe it is because they put more effort, (and cost), into the sound related parts.
Our system is located in our basement. We finished it and dedicated it for HT & music listening. It is 15' wide X 28' long X 8' high. We have the system on one end, so the actual sitting & listening area is 15' wide and we sit abount 15' back from the big screen and speakers. We use a sub when watching movies, but generally use only the MMGs in direct mode when doing critical music listening. The MMGs sit 3.5' out from the back wall. MMGs sound better pulled out and allowed air space around them.
Don't think twice. The MMGs are a fantastic buy & performer. Magnepan offers a great return policy. They match well with the Marantz. We mainly listen to jazz and some classical. The MMGs work great from front L&R in our home theater. I would have to say however, the MMGs are not good for hard rock, "music in your face" type listening. I mention this only because I do not know what your music tastes are.
Jim
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