Ripewave Connections - August 13, 2024
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- Ripewave Connections - August 13, 2024. In this session we talk about the new JBL Modern Audio "MA" Series again, challenges with the streaming Atmos Streaming, Marantz Cinema 30 vs. Denon A1H, Update Yamaha RX-2070 to a Yamaha RX-A8A?, Marantz Remote with LCD on older models, Minimum ventilation for Marantz AVR, Inconsistent test tones through Marantz Cinema 40?
#marantz #mcintosh #hometheater #JBL #ripewave
Even if you are open to some external amps. the A1H and C30 are not apples to apples. I wish I could make the C30 work. The Cinema 30 can not process 9.4.6 like the A1H can. Even using my existing 7-channel amp, the MRX 1140 is the only receiver under 5k that gives me 9.x.6 with some amplification (for heights and front-wide). The Anthem doesn't support Auro3d or DTS:X Pro so it gives me some pause to spend that kind of money and still be coming up short.
If I look at buying a processor, there isn't one with DTS:X Pro (Emotiva and HTP-1 do not) that supports 9.x.6 for less than 5k. Plus I would need to buy another amp. Picking up an A1H for $4,300, using some of the amps for half the channels and perhaps Zone 2, is the best deal for anyone looking at having 9.4.6 with all the latest audio/processing formats. Thoughts?
I think you have done a great job with your analysis. Despite these format (Atmos, DTS:X Pro, Auro 3D) being available for many years now, choices are limited - especially under $5,000. For those the do support all, it is hard to find one that will deliver 9.4.6. Marantz AV10 and Denon AVR-A1H are the most affordable that check these boxes but are $6,500-$7,000.
@@ripewave Thanks. I would love the AV10, beautiful, but that's definitely over my budget. Even the A1H at retail is out of the question. I wish the HTP-1 would get a refresh with 2.1 and DTS:X Pro!
I agree on both points. AV10 expensive and HTP-1 refresh with HDMi 2.1 and DTS-X Pro is overdue and supposedly coming soon for over a year. Emotiva + models are more likely hit first with the same enhancements. -Jon
I’d love to hear your review of the AVR-A1H and how it compares to the Cinema 30. Before the Cinema 30 was released, I tested the Cinema 50 and 40, eventually settling on the A1H. While I generally prefer Marantz, I was quite impressed with the AVR-A1H. I'm curious to hear your thoughts-does the Cinema 30 offer a more refined experience compared to the AVR-A1H, which I find to be spectacular?
Moreover, I feel like Masimo's marketing leans heavily towards the Cinema 30. While I don’t actually need 15 channels, they are useful for additional zones. My main interest lies in understanding whether the sound quality of the AVR-A1H is superior to that of the Cinema 30. Additionally, I’d like to know if adding Dirac can compensate for the absence of HDAMs
I am certainly becoming very curious myself about models between $5,000-$7,500. While out of scope for my first round, I want to know if the sound quality improves noticeably if you move into that higher price bracket. Clearly there is no other receiver that provides the channel count of the Denon AVR-A1H, but are there other reasons to pay more for that model? -Jon
Using spare channels for secondary zones is a good idea. However, I feel that I would prefer to use a lower cost second AVR or integrated amp for zones if the Cinema 30 sounded as good or better.
As for Dirac being able to compensate for a lack of hardware components like Marantz’s HDAM, i believe I won’t be able to match entirely. Whether you can hear the difference is the question. Dirac should be able to match the levels, phase and timing regardless of the receiver very well. The frequency response match may be okay as well but could be more challenging with certain frequencies. A difference in dynamics might be the most noticeable. Testing would reveal how true my statements above are. -Jon
@@ripewave I’ll stay tuned in case you share your thoughts-I’d love to hear your perspective on the Cinema 30 vs. the AVR A1H. There’s a significant weight difference between them, and the AVR A1H is built with assignable balanced XLR connections that can be used for subs or assigned to other channels. It also features XLR L/R inputs and uses 10 ESS Sabre ES9018K2M chips, which is highly unusual for an AVR. This architecture seems to align more closely with Marantz separates. I’d really appreciate your take on this.
In summary: more channels, more watts per channel, fully bi-ampable, more copper, bigger heat sinks, an aluminum chassis-but no HDAMs
@@ripewave 9.4.6 with DTS:X Pro
If he's using a Roku Ultra, he should put the audio on Passthrough in the Roku audio settings.
Thanks for that configuration tip. I have only a little experience with the Roku Ultra, but have one I could test out with and without passthrough. -Jon
The Roku Ultra is set to Passthrough. I still don't get sound out of the heights . Just 7.1 on Dolby Atmos content on Prime and Netflix. I have the premium Netflix and Amazon Roku Ultra to MX123 to Sony.
Also be sure that pass through is enabled in the TV settings if you’re using eARC (Roku -> TV -> Receiver). It was mentioned in the video as well, but this configuration requires that the TV support that specific codec in pass through mode and is why most recommend to go Roku -> Receiver -> TV instead so that this extra bit of configuration can be avoided.
It may also be worth checking the codec/upmix settings on the receiver input you’re using. I can’t think of a specific scenario off the top of my head but it may be possible that there is effectively some kind of down-mixing going on. I believe on Marantz (for example) you also need to be in a specific speaker configuration profile in order to allow these codecs to work as intended. For the Cinema 50, this is stated in the speaker layout page when setting up the height speakers. If disabled, you’ll notice that the mention of Atmos/DTS:X disappears in certain layouts.
These may sound obvious to check but I’ll have changed so many settings while configuring all of this that it can be easy to overlook something simple.
Best of luck.
@@edgyjorgensen3286 It's a Sony A95K T.V. 65" Mcintosh MX123 Processor Roku Ultra .. Roku going through MX123 to the Sony. The Sony is atop of the line tv.
@@edgyjorgensen3286 It's Roku Ultra going through Mcintosh MX123 Processor to a Sony A95K top of the line TV. The McIntosh is showing the speakers are active.
Audio is a male dominated hobby. JBL nailed how most women see audio. It was a parody of reality. Their ad reminded me of myself trying to explain audio to women.
Yeah its interesting, while most male dominated hobbies are 60/40 or 70/30, audio and home theater seems to be 90/10 for some reason. It also skews older (because of the cost of entry) so this just seems to be JBL playing to their base.....an older male audience who think Gen Z is generally annoying.
But I can understand Gen Z women getting kinda upset about it.
I haven't seen any women get upset by the ad. Most of them probably don't know it exists. The only ones that seem to care are virtue signalling males.
I haven't seen any women get upset with the ad. Most of them probably don't know it exists. The only ones that seem to care are virtue signalling males.
Gene had a lady on his video who was bothered by it. I can see how their aim was as a parody and could have been catering to their established base rather than trying to expand it. Just not for me. -Jon