I did a similar experiment once over here and found that if I just turned up the treble a tad on the CD player, the CD player DAC ended up having a better overall quality of sound to my ears than the other unit that "seemed like" it was better.. Generally, people will pick brightness and clarity when comparing similar volumes, just like they'll usually pick the louder source when the quality is comparable..
I liked the Rotel more. It is well balanced on the whole frequency spectrum while the Marantz ist way more V-shaped. So I think it depends on taste. If you like it more neutral/warm - than Rotel, if more analytic and V-shaped the Marantz.
Sounds like the Marantz dac is a couple DB louder, which the human ear will almost always chose as better. Generally, built in dac's in AVR's are cheap, good enough, but cheap. It's the output stage in the dac that's equally as important as the sampling frequency. The Rotel sounds dull, which is surprising. I have an Arcam which sounds amazing but is also a few years old. Not sure why that Rotel sounds dull, possibly an internal issue. It is possible the Marantz has a $2K dac built in. Unlikely. More likely is the Rotel has issues. No reason that makes sense that the Rotel has a compressed top end. I'd want to hear the two side by side on my system as opposed to on TH-cam compressed audio. Much better test this time though. Kudo's for that.
![Marantz DAC Controversy. Where's the AK4490 DAC? [Part 1]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/v7kdz77iSgI/mqdefault.jpg)
Hi ! thanks for the test. I vote for the Marantz, clearer and as you say, punchier.
The Marantz had slightly more sparkle. Enjoying all your videos so keep them coming. 👍🏽
Very different, I preferred B like most folk seem to. It's possibly a tad too sparkly, but that's the way DAC's seem to be going just now.
AV amp was so much better, especially with the treble. The drums and ride cymbals are clearer,the rotel much more woolly,not detailed at all.
Loving that Marantz, but not cheap here in U.S.
Have to wait for the youngest to finish high school to buy a new a/v receiver, 18 month countdown.
Agreed. Marantz (to my ears and vis you tube) sounded better.
Marantz sounds better, you can see how the treble and bass sounds more imposing and firm
I did a similar experiment once over here and found that if I just turned up the treble a tad on the CD player, the CD player DAC ended up having a better overall quality of sound to my ears than the other unit that "seemed like" it was better.. Generally, people will pick brightness and clarity when comparing similar volumes, just like they'll usually pick the louder source when the quality is comparable..
Both really similar Marty, would say the marantz has more definition.. great little sound test. 💪💪🔥🔥🔥
I liked the Rotel more. It is well balanced on the whole frequency spectrum while the Marantz ist way more V-shaped. So I think it depends on taste. If you like it more neutral/warm - than Rotel, if more analytic and V-shaped the Marantz.
I love a good A B test 👍
Marantz sounds noticeably more interesting, the detail is very good.
I agree the marantaz edged it
Both dacs sound good, though the treble is more pronounced on Marantz, so the winner is definitely.......the Linton speakers.
Sounds like the Marantz dac is a couple DB louder, which the human ear will almost always chose as better.
Generally, built in dac's in AVR's are cheap, good enough, but cheap. It's the output stage in the dac that's equally as important as the sampling frequency.
The Rotel sounds dull, which is surprising. I have an Arcam which sounds amazing but is also a few years old. Not sure why that Rotel sounds dull, possibly an internal issue. It is possible the Marantz has a $2K dac built in. Unlikely. More likely is the Rotel has issues. No reason that makes sense that the Rotel has a compressed top end.
I'd want to hear the two side by side on my system as opposed to on TH-cam compressed audio.
Much better test this time though. Kudo's for that.
My Rotel is good 😊 👍
How anyone can think a DAC in a CD can sound better to the Marantz latest tech is so funny 😂😂😂
They both sounded bass heavy...
Oh wait never mind I'm listening to Skull crusher ANC headphones
AV DAC was much better I say all day 🥊🥊
Marantz
B is better
B is better. More open, clear, detailed.
Rotel
Marantz has more prat.
...............AV DAC........By A Mile..........Easy.............To Me..........Rotel Go's To The Grand Kids
The Marantz is way better
A
My UHD DVD 4k Sony payer sounds better. : )
Baggers HIFI channel, reviewing utter garbage Low-fi equipment, there is no end to your shamelessness.
Says the guy who has to like his own comment because nobody else will. 😊
B is better.