http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DD6NQ8/ref=oss_product
The main thing to remember when putting it together is this;
1) assemble the entire outer portion of the rack before you attempt to hang the two super strong brackets that hold everything on the wall, and
2) pick your background (Black Glass or Cherry Wood) before you install the actual shelves and start putting your components on them and slide the decided upon background pieces in place, allowing them to slide down and rest on the floor. Otherwise you'll be undoing everything you did after you realize you can't fit the backgrounds in after your components are in place.
Summary: This hanging shelf unit really is worth the trouble it takes to install using such bad instructions. Don't allow my installation comments to discourage you from buying it, because you'll love it once installed. 5-Stars Plus!!! You might say a few choice words while trying to figure out where to place to brackets to hang this unit. Check this unit out before buying any other type of TV stand/ AV component shelf.
Additional Info: In order to keep all of the wires hidden from view, I installed an additional electrical outlet behind where the actual wall unit was going to be hung. This was to enable plugging in the Power Surge unit that would be hidden behind the wall unit because I didn't want this big heavy cord showing below my fancy new wall unit.
Showing posts with label Home Audio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home Audio. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Marantz SR8002 A/V Receiver Review
In Donny Darko, Drew Barrymore's character, Ms. Pomery, says that a famous linguist once proclaimed "cellar door" to be the most beautiful phrase in the English language. I'm here to recommend we consider "Marantz" for that title, because it reproduces the most beautiful sounds in any language. Be it Zoot Sims on JVC XRCD, Claudio Arrau playing Beethoven sonatas from a Philips CD, or that gawd-awful good Transformers movie on HD DVD, the Marantz is beauty personified! 
Features
The top-of-the-line SR8002 is a high-powered THX Select2-certified receiver whose Crystal 192kHz/24-bit DACs and output-stage amplification utilizing discrete components certainly contribute to its superb sound. Build quality is likewise exemplary°I was immediately impressed with the copper-plated chassis intended to block spurious RF radiation from itself or other nearby equipment. The receiver uses premium output capacitors, a monster toroidal transformer, and high-efficiency cast-aluminum heat sinks to develop 125 watts for each of its seven channels. All of this could be viewed as so much marketing bunting, were it not for the fact that the SR8002 really delivers.
In addition to powering your main home theater, the SR8002 provides two additional zones. Room A can receive two-channel audio, either line or speaker level (i.e., amplified) plus composite or component video, while room B is treated strictly to two-channel audio.
THX Select2 certification offers three facets of operation. First is THX Re-EQ, which tames soundtracks that were intentionally "brightened" for their theatrical debut. With the Definitive Technology Mythos speaker system, I set it to engage whenever THX was selected, but left it disengaged with the Martin Logans, which are more naturally rolled off.
Second is Timbre Matching, an integral and non-defeatable feature that tries to electronically compensate for the fleshy outer part of your ear called the pinna, so that your surrounds don't sound jarringly different than your front speakers. Third, THX Adaptive Decorrelation (also non-defeatable when THX is engaged) provides a subtle bit of time and phase manipulation for the rear channels that helps a 5.1 system sound as spacious as what you might hear at your local multiplex.
As with most modern AVRs, the SR8002 provides all the requisite codecs and surround modes. Also available are things like center-channel width for Pro Logic IIx and center gain for DTS Neo:6, which provide quite a bit of control over the whole silk-purse-from-a-sow's-ears aspect of two-channel analog audio sources.
There's even a dynamic-expansion feature called M-Dax, which is meant to breath life into MP3 or other highly compressed sources. It seemed to perform like an old-fashioned "loudness" button, goosing the bass and treble some, but usually with good results. If all the options confuse you, just let the SR8002's automatic-sensing mode make these decisions for you. Nine times out of ten, you'll like what it picks.
Of course, it wouldn't be 2008 if the 8002 didn't offer Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding via HDMI. I don't yet own any movies with DTS-HD MA soundtracks, but it's nice to know the SR8002 is ready for them, especially since I recently updated my Toshiba HD-XA2 HD DVD player's firmware to include Digital Direct Audio Mode, which enables the player to pass a Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD MA bitstream via HDMI to a receiver for decoding.
For audio purists, the Marantz can be set to run in one of two "direct" modes. Source Direct bypasses all tone controls, room equalization, and bass management; I used this mode mostly for CD listening. Pure Direct suspends all video output as well.
If your player can output SACD or DVD-A bitstreams via HDMI, the Marantz will gladly accept them. I made the mistake of purchasing a 40GB Sony Playstation 3 which apparently dropped the SACD playback found on the 80GB model, so I was unable to try this. Of course, the SR8002 also has 7.1-channel analog inputs, so your older multi-channel audio playback equipment can ride out its golden years.
The SR8002 has four HDMI 1.3a inputs and two outputs, although only one of the outputs can be active at any given time. The remote control offers "soft" buttons (labeled in its LCD screen) that select one of the two HDMI outputs, which is great for systems like mine with a projector and plasma TV.
When it comes to video processing, Marantz's philosophy is that less is more with AVRs, an attitude I'm learning to appreciate. The only video processing available on the SR8002 is simple deinterlacing to convert component 480i to 480p, and it's defeatable. The only other video processing is cross-format conversion. First, component, S-video, or composite inputs can be output in all three analog formats when Analog is selected in the video-conversion menu. Second, any analog source can be converted to digital and output over HDMI. These two cross-conversion modes (analog-to-analog and analog-to-digital) can be assigned separately, in combination, or not at all, on a source-by-source basis.
If your display has top-notch video processing, like the Gennum VXP chipset in Marantz's own $20K VP-11S1 front projector, that's where you'd want any scaling to occur, so the lack of it in the SR8002 is irrelevant. Working from the other end, your source component may feature upscaling that is superior. For instance, my Toshiba HD-XA2 does an excellent job of upconverting standard DVDs to 1080i or 1080p, so I have no need for the receiver to do anything more than just pass it on.
I like the simplicity of Marantz's approach to video processing in AVRs, and I think consumers are well served by not having to pay for processing that is likely superfluous at best. Any serious high-definition source is already capable of outputting 1080i, 1080p/60, and even 1080p/24, leaving your AVR delegated to acting as a simple switcher most of the time anyway.
User Interface
The SR8002's primary remote deserves special mention. Most of the AVR's functions are available from a dedicated button or one of the five "soft" buttons that flank the right side of the LCD window, which displays their context-sensitive labels. Those soft buttons offer a wealth of convenience and seem thoughtfully selected. As I mentioned earlier, my favorite feature on the remote let me switch between the two HDMI outputs with the push of a button. Also useful is the ability to cycle through all the various DTS and Dolby modes by pressing the corresponding button. As with all remotes, there's a learning curve, like remembering to press a source button twice, not just once, to switch to it, but the manual is excellent at showing you how everything works in plain English.
Marantz includes a second programmable learning remote for use in the other zones, making it easy to spread the joy. It's an IR model, so it needs an IR repeater system from the likes of Xantech or SpeakerCraft. Marantz's IS201 iPod dock also includes IR repeater capabilities.
According to the owner's manual, the receiver's onscreen display (OSD) is limited to its S-video and composite outputs, but as I was viewing the component connection to my plasma, I could see some basic settings when switching inputs on the AVR. For instance, when I switched to the TV input, I could momentarily see the source I'd selected, the video and audio connection, and the current surround mode. I could also see these settings by pressing the OSD button on the remote, but only via the component output.
According to Marantz, changes in volume should also be visible via component as well as S-video and composite, but they were not in my system. And none of this info is visible via HDMI, which Marantz confirmed. A truly useful OSD would display changes in volume and surround mode via all outputs. At least the setup menu was visible via all outputs I tried (S-video, component, and HDMI).
Setup & Testing
The SR8002's input setup menu is pretty basic and easy to understand. For each source, like TV or DVD, you can select whether the input is HDMI or component video with coaxial or optical digital audio.
I did run into a bug while setting up my DirecTV high-definition DVR. Initially, the Marantz refused to recognize the DVR's HDMI signal. I switched to component with optical digital audio, which worked, but I wasn't happy about it. A few weeks later, as I was messing around with the setup menu and trying again, I got it to work. Don't ask me how I did it, other than intentionally trying wrong settings and then switching back°like I said, "messing around." A call to Marantz confirmed that the HR20-100 DVR I use might not have wanted to accept the Marantz as a social partner in the HDCP dance. Why it finally did, I'm not certain, but it was the only bug I experienced and the problem never recurred.
The SR8002 employs the Audyssey room-correction system, which relies on test tones built into the receiver and the provided microphone to take readings from up to six listening positions in your room. The entire process is quite fast and easy to do, with onscreen prompts directing you each step of the way.
The measurement results are used to set the EQ in one of four ways. The first is Audyssey's attempt to find an EQ curve that provides uniform response at all six measured locations. Second is "Front," which uses the test results to equalize your center and surrounds to sound as close as possible to the front left and right speakers.
"Flat," the third option, attempts to do what the speaker designer and the laws of physics failed to°obtain a flat frequency response from all your speakers. The final mode is called "Preset," which gives you access to nine rather coarse frequency bands from 63Hz to 16kHz. I'd say the first mode was the best of the active EQ options, but my speakers are matched closely enough in timbre, and my room is only slightly toward the lively side of neutral, so my preferred EQ setting was generally "off."
I was very impressed with the Marantz's FM tuner design and performance with both analog and digital HD Radio stations. (Despite having a 14-foot yagi antenna mounted on the roof of my house, which sits at an elevation of 991 feet above sea level, many tuners I've tested have behaved like I had attached a 2-foot piece of corroded wire.)
The SR8002 brought in 30 analog and digital stations that I was interested in saving to its 60 available presets. Where it not for my well-bred taste in music, I'd doubtless be complaining that even 60 presets wasn't enough! Stations as far as 60 miles away in Islip, Long Island, came in clear enough to be received in stereo. The bonus is Marantz's remote, which has an extensive menu of soft-button options that made preset assignment and navigation a breeze.
Real-World Performance
Shane Buettner never mentioned this in his review of the Toshiba HD-XA2 HD DVD player, and I didn't even come around to this way of thinking until the Marantz showed up, but the XA2 is at least as good as the best-sounding CD transport I've had in my home theater. Many believe that "bits is bits," but the combination of the XA2 and the Marantz had that elusive jump factor you seldom get from audio equipment.
The Bill Holman Band's "Lightnin'" from the first JVC XRCD Sampler CD has layered horns and a tight rhythm section that comes through exceptionally well over the Marantz. Zoot Sims' Quietly There CD (also on JVC's XRCD label) and Steamin' with the Miles Davis Quintet (CD, Mobile Fidelity/Prestige 7200) were just two more of the many jazz selections that sounded absolutely majestic over the Martin Logans. The Marantz provided a powerful presentation, not at all dynamically shy or compressed. Tonally, the sound was precise and very analog-like, though I don't mean artificially sweet. Instruments had body and presence and left me feeling quite satisfied.
Turning to more subtle fare, the piano on Chopin's Greatest Hits (CD, Pro Arte) was pitch perfect, sounding every bit like a real piano. Even jumping up to something larger scale, like Claudio Arrau playing Beethoven sonatas, the SR8002 cast a magical spell over the room°excitingly dynamic and warm, but without any upper-frequency limiting. Only track 17 of Puccini's La Boheme (Erato ECD 75450) brought on a hint of strain.
To break in my recently purchased Sony PS3, I put on Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds Live at Radio City, a fine Blu-ray title with a 1080p/24 video presentation and a Dolby TrueHD soundtrack (96kHz/24-bit) that sounds great. For one thing, the instruments are sensibly placed in the front channels, so don't expect much other than crowd noise from the surrounds. The song "Gravedigger" comes closest to capturing the feel of a couple of guys with guitars and a story to tell, and the Marantz carried the emotion well. Unfortunately, I couldn't let the Marantz do the Dolby TrueHD decoding because the PS3 won't pass TrueHD as a bitstream over HDMI.
Watching movies with the SR8002 convinced me that modern receiver design needn't compromise audio quality in pursuit of the latest technology. The Marantz had the best sounding amplification of any receiver I've had in for review.
The opening horn blast of the ferry carrying sailors to their untimely death in D j Vu on Blu-ray is just the beginning salvo in a richly mixed, uncompressed PCM soundtrack (5.1 channel, 48kHz/16-bit) replete with subtle details. The Marantz easily poured on the film's thick orchestration while still letting me hear the practically inaudible click of Denzel Washington's cell phone when he flips it open. From the cry of seagulls to the clang of sea bells somewhere down river, the SR8002 was a vested accomplice in this underrated film.
One of my favorite movies is Christopher Nolan's first big hit, Memento. It's out on Blu-ray with an uncompressed PCM soundtrack (5.1 channel, 48kHz, bits unspecified, but likely 16). You might think that a score based on the repetition of a three-step chord progression would become tedious after a time, but it really drives the movie at key moments. When I heard it from the Marantz, it filled me with anticipation in true Pavlovian fashion. On top of that, the clarity of the center channel is chilling in the Memento mix. Voices are rich, incisive, and weighty, and the SR8002's sound is the opposite of sterile, providing a listening experience that's right up there with the best I've heard, but at a price that is within reach of most readers.
Regarding the power capabilities of the SR8002, it had no problem driving my four large Martin Logan electrostatic speakers full range at levels that shook the room. With nary a hint of compression, the Marantz is certainly powerful enough to drive most speakers to realistic theater levels, and then some.
I had no call to use the built-in deinterlacer, but I did let the Marantz cross-convert the component video output of my Xbox 360 to HDMI, and it did an excellent job with a steady diet of Mass Effect and Call of Duty 4. I was able to quickly switch my plasma from its component to HDMI input to see if the cross-conversion caused any artifacts, and I'd be hard pressed to say I saw any difference. The game sound was immersive and totally impressive. With its four HDMI inputs, the SR8002 guarantees your console a seat at the home theater table.
Conclusion
Like most modern receivers, there's so much to discover in the Marantz that this review could easily stretch to novella length. So let's just cut to the chase. The sound is superb, the feature set is extensive yet user friendly, and the $2000 price tag isn't going to land most folks in the poor house. If you don't need extensive video processing (and most people don't), then I strongly recommend the Marantz SR8002 above all others I've reviewed to date. It has earned a place in my heart.
"So will Freddie find his cellar door?"
Oh yes, I think he already has!
Highs
Powerful, musical amplification
Easy to use with a great remote
Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding
Two HDMI outputs for dual-display setups
Lows
No onscreen volume/source/surround mode display via HDMI or component
Specifications
Rated max power: 125Wpc (20Hz-20kHz, 8ߟ, no. of channels not specified); 160Wpc (20Hz-20kHz, 6ߟ, no. of channels not specified)
Max THD (at max rated power): <0.08%
Speaker impedance range: 4-16ߟ
No. of zones: 3 (A/V to zone 2, audio only to zone 3)
Analog audio inputs: 6 L/R, 1 7.1-channel
Digital audio inputs: 3 coax, 3 optical
Analog audio outputs: 4 L/R
Digital outputs: 1 coax, 1 optical
Video inputs: 4 HDMI (1.3a), 3 component, 4 S-Video, 4 composite
Video outputs: 2 HDMI (1.3a), 2 component, 3 S-video, 3 composite
Speaker outputs: 11 (5-way binding posts)
Other connections: AM/FM, XM satellite radio
Dimensions (WxHxD): 17.3" x 7.3" x 15.6"
Weight: 33 lbs
Price: $2000
Manufacturer Info
Marantz USA
us.marantz.com
Review system
Sources
Toshiba XA2 HD-DVD player
DirecTV HR20-700 HD DVR
Microsoft Xbox 360
Sony PS3 (40 GB)
Speakers
Martin Logan Prodigy
Martin Logan ReQuest
Martin Logan Theater-i
Velodyne FSR-18 subwoofer
Definitive Technology Mythos ST
Definitive Technology Ten center
Definitive Technology Gem XL
Cables
Interconnects: AudioQuest Jaguar
Speaker: AudioQuest Montblanc
Optical Digital: AudioQuest Opti-Link 3
Coaxial Digital: AudioQuest VDM-5, Straightwire Silverlink II
Video: AudioQuest YIQ-3 component, Monster HDMI
Measurements
This graph shows that the SR8002’s left channel, from CD input to speaker output with two channels driving 8-ohm loads, reaches 0.1% distortion at 174.1 watts and 1% distortion at 187.4 watts. Clearly, the distortion level is very flat across all power outputs until it gets to about 155 watts. Into 4 ohms, the amplifier reaches 0.1% distortion at 231.9 watts and 1% distortion at 271.5 watts.
With five channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads, the receiver reaches 0.1% distortion at 119.0 watts and 1% distortion at 133.8 watts. With all channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads, it reaches 0.1% distortion at 109.1 watts and 1% distortion at 117.7 watts. The power specs do not specify the number of channels driven, but at 125Wpc into 8 ohms with less than 0.08% THD, they are not far off the mark.
Features
The top-of-the-line SR8002 is a high-powered THX Select2-certified receiver whose Crystal 192kHz/24-bit DACs and output-stage amplification utilizing discrete components certainly contribute to its superb sound. Build quality is likewise exemplary°I was immediately impressed with the copper-plated chassis intended to block spurious RF radiation from itself or other nearby equipment. The receiver uses premium output capacitors, a monster toroidal transformer, and high-efficiency cast-aluminum heat sinks to develop 125 watts for each of its seven channels. All of this could be viewed as so much marketing bunting, were it not for the fact that the SR8002 really delivers.
In addition to powering your main home theater, the SR8002 provides two additional zones. Room A can receive two-channel audio, either line or speaker level (i.e., amplified) plus composite or component video, while room B is treated strictly to two-channel audio.
THX Select2 certification offers three facets of operation. First is THX Re-EQ, which tames soundtracks that were intentionally "brightened" for their theatrical debut. With the Definitive Technology Mythos speaker system, I set it to engage whenever THX was selected, but left it disengaged with the Martin Logans, which are more naturally rolled off.
Second is Timbre Matching, an integral and non-defeatable feature that tries to electronically compensate for the fleshy outer part of your ear called the pinna, so that your surrounds don't sound jarringly different than your front speakers. Third, THX Adaptive Decorrelation (also non-defeatable when THX is engaged) provides a subtle bit of time and phase manipulation for the rear channels that helps a 5.1 system sound as spacious as what you might hear at your local multiplex.
As with most modern AVRs, the SR8002 provides all the requisite codecs and surround modes. Also available are things like center-channel width for Pro Logic IIx and center gain for DTS Neo:6, which provide quite a bit of control over the whole silk-purse-from-a-sow's-ears aspect of two-channel analog audio sources.
There's even a dynamic-expansion feature called M-Dax, which is meant to breath life into MP3 or other highly compressed sources. It seemed to perform like an old-fashioned "loudness" button, goosing the bass and treble some, but usually with good results. If all the options confuse you, just let the SR8002's automatic-sensing mode make these decisions for you. Nine times out of ten, you'll like what it picks.
Of course, it wouldn't be 2008 if the 8002 didn't offer Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding via HDMI. I don't yet own any movies with DTS-HD MA soundtracks, but it's nice to know the SR8002 is ready for them, especially since I recently updated my Toshiba HD-XA2 HD DVD player's firmware to include Digital Direct Audio Mode, which enables the player to pass a Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD MA bitstream via HDMI to a receiver for decoding.
For audio purists, the Marantz can be set to run in one of two "direct" modes. Source Direct bypasses all tone controls, room equalization, and bass management; I used this mode mostly for CD listening. Pure Direct suspends all video output as well.
If your player can output SACD or DVD-A bitstreams via HDMI, the Marantz will gladly accept them. I made the mistake of purchasing a 40GB Sony Playstation 3 which apparently dropped the SACD playback found on the 80GB model, so I was unable to try this. Of course, the SR8002 also has 7.1-channel analog inputs, so your older multi-channel audio playback equipment can ride out its golden years.
The SR8002 has four HDMI 1.3a inputs and two outputs, although only one of the outputs can be active at any given time. The remote control offers "soft" buttons (labeled in its LCD screen) that select one of the two HDMI outputs, which is great for systems like mine with a projector and plasma TV.
When it comes to video processing, Marantz's philosophy is that less is more with AVRs, an attitude I'm learning to appreciate. The only video processing available on the SR8002 is simple deinterlacing to convert component 480i to 480p, and it's defeatable. The only other video processing is cross-format conversion. First, component, S-video, or composite inputs can be output in all three analog formats when Analog is selected in the video-conversion menu. Second, any analog source can be converted to digital and output over HDMI. These two cross-conversion modes (analog-to-analog and analog-to-digital) can be assigned separately, in combination, or not at all, on a source-by-source basis.
If your display has top-notch video processing, like the Gennum VXP chipset in Marantz's own $20K VP-11S1 front projector, that's where you'd want any scaling to occur, so the lack of it in the SR8002 is irrelevant. Working from the other end, your source component may feature upscaling that is superior. For instance, my Toshiba HD-XA2 does an excellent job of upconverting standard DVDs to 1080i or 1080p, so I have no need for the receiver to do anything more than just pass it on.
I like the simplicity of Marantz's approach to video processing in AVRs, and I think consumers are well served by not having to pay for processing that is likely superfluous at best. Any serious high-definition source is already capable of outputting 1080i, 1080p/60, and even 1080p/24, leaving your AVR delegated to acting as a simple switcher most of the time anyway.
User InterfaceThe SR8002's primary remote deserves special mention. Most of the AVR's functions are available from a dedicated button or one of the five "soft" buttons that flank the right side of the LCD window, which displays their context-sensitive labels. Those soft buttons offer a wealth of convenience and seem thoughtfully selected. As I mentioned earlier, my favorite feature on the remote let me switch between the two HDMI outputs with the push of a button. Also useful is the ability to cycle through all the various DTS and Dolby modes by pressing the corresponding button. As with all remotes, there's a learning curve, like remembering to press a source button twice, not just once, to switch to it, but the manual is excellent at showing you how everything works in plain English.
Marantz includes a second programmable learning remote for use in the other zones, making it easy to spread the joy. It's an IR model, so it needs an IR repeater system from the likes of Xantech or SpeakerCraft. Marantz's IS201 iPod dock also includes IR repeater capabilities.
According to the owner's manual, the receiver's onscreen display (OSD) is limited to its S-video and composite outputs, but as I was viewing the component connection to my plasma, I could see some basic settings when switching inputs on the AVR. For instance, when I switched to the TV input, I could momentarily see the source I'd selected, the video and audio connection, and the current surround mode. I could also see these settings by pressing the OSD button on the remote, but only via the component output.
According to Marantz, changes in volume should also be visible via component as well as S-video and composite, but they were not in my system. And none of this info is visible via HDMI, which Marantz confirmed. A truly useful OSD would display changes in volume and surround mode via all outputs. At least the setup menu was visible via all outputs I tried (S-video, component, and HDMI).
Setup & Testing
The SR8002's input setup menu is pretty basic and easy to understand. For each source, like TV or DVD, you can select whether the input is HDMI or component video with coaxial or optical digital audio.
I did run into a bug while setting up my DirecTV high-definition DVR. Initially, the Marantz refused to recognize the DVR's HDMI signal. I switched to component with optical digital audio, which worked, but I wasn't happy about it. A few weeks later, as I was messing around with the setup menu and trying again, I got it to work. Don't ask me how I did it, other than intentionally trying wrong settings and then switching back°like I said, "messing around." A call to Marantz confirmed that the HR20-100 DVR I use might not have wanted to accept the Marantz as a social partner in the HDCP dance. Why it finally did, I'm not certain, but it was the only bug I experienced and the problem never recurred.
The SR8002 employs the Audyssey room-correction system, which relies on test tones built into the receiver and the provided microphone to take readings from up to six listening positions in your room. The entire process is quite fast and easy to do, with onscreen prompts directing you each step of the way.
The measurement results are used to set the EQ in one of four ways. The first is Audyssey's attempt to find an EQ curve that provides uniform response at all six measured locations. Second is "Front," which uses the test results to equalize your center and surrounds to sound as close as possible to the front left and right speakers.
"Flat," the third option, attempts to do what the speaker designer and the laws of physics failed to°obtain a flat frequency response from all your speakers. The final mode is called "Preset," which gives you access to nine rather coarse frequency bands from 63Hz to 16kHz. I'd say the first mode was the best of the active EQ options, but my speakers are matched closely enough in timbre, and my room is only slightly toward the lively side of neutral, so my preferred EQ setting was generally "off."
I was very impressed with the Marantz's FM tuner design and performance with both analog and digital HD Radio stations. (Despite having a 14-foot yagi antenna mounted on the roof of my house, which sits at an elevation of 991 feet above sea level, many tuners I've tested have behaved like I had attached a 2-foot piece of corroded wire.)
The SR8002 brought in 30 analog and digital stations that I was interested in saving to its 60 available presets. Where it not for my well-bred taste in music, I'd doubtless be complaining that even 60 presets wasn't enough! Stations as far as 60 miles away in Islip, Long Island, came in clear enough to be received in stereo. The bonus is Marantz's remote, which has an extensive menu of soft-button options that made preset assignment and navigation a breeze.
Real-World Performance
Shane Buettner never mentioned this in his review of the Toshiba HD-XA2 HD DVD player, and I didn't even come around to this way of thinking until the Marantz showed up, but the XA2 is at least as good as the best-sounding CD transport I've had in my home theater. Many believe that "bits is bits," but the combination of the XA2 and the Marantz had that elusive jump factor you seldom get from audio equipment.
The Bill Holman Band's "Lightnin'" from the first JVC XRCD Sampler CD has layered horns and a tight rhythm section that comes through exceptionally well over the Marantz. Zoot Sims' Quietly There CD (also on JVC's XRCD label) and Steamin' with the Miles Davis Quintet (CD, Mobile Fidelity/Prestige 7200) were just two more of the many jazz selections that sounded absolutely majestic over the Martin Logans. The Marantz provided a powerful presentation, not at all dynamically shy or compressed. Tonally, the sound was precise and very analog-like, though I don't mean artificially sweet. Instruments had body and presence and left me feeling quite satisfied.
Turning to more subtle fare, the piano on Chopin's Greatest Hits (CD, Pro Arte) was pitch perfect, sounding every bit like a real piano. Even jumping up to something larger scale, like Claudio Arrau playing Beethoven sonatas, the SR8002 cast a magical spell over the room°excitingly dynamic and warm, but without any upper-frequency limiting. Only track 17 of Puccini's La Boheme (Erato ECD 75450) brought on a hint of strain.
To break in my recently purchased Sony PS3, I put on Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds Live at Radio City, a fine Blu-ray title with a 1080p/24 video presentation and a Dolby TrueHD soundtrack (96kHz/24-bit) that sounds great. For one thing, the instruments are sensibly placed in the front channels, so don't expect much other than crowd noise from the surrounds. The song "Gravedigger" comes closest to capturing the feel of a couple of guys with guitars and a story to tell, and the Marantz carried the emotion well. Unfortunately, I couldn't let the Marantz do the Dolby TrueHD decoding because the PS3 won't pass TrueHD as a bitstream over HDMI.
Watching movies with the SR8002 convinced me that modern receiver design needn't compromise audio quality in pursuit of the latest technology. The Marantz had the best sounding amplification of any receiver I've had in for review.
The opening horn blast of the ferry carrying sailors to their untimely death in D j Vu on Blu-ray is just the beginning salvo in a richly mixed, uncompressed PCM soundtrack (5.1 channel, 48kHz/16-bit) replete with subtle details. The Marantz easily poured on the film's thick orchestration while still letting me hear the practically inaudible click of Denzel Washington's cell phone when he flips it open. From the cry of seagulls to the clang of sea bells somewhere down river, the SR8002 was a vested accomplice in this underrated film.
One of my favorite movies is Christopher Nolan's first big hit, Memento. It's out on Blu-ray with an uncompressed PCM soundtrack (5.1 channel, 48kHz, bits unspecified, but likely 16). You might think that a score based on the repetition of a three-step chord progression would become tedious after a time, but it really drives the movie at key moments. When I heard it from the Marantz, it filled me with anticipation in true Pavlovian fashion. On top of that, the clarity of the center channel is chilling in the Memento mix. Voices are rich, incisive, and weighty, and the SR8002's sound is the opposite of sterile, providing a listening experience that's right up there with the best I've heard, but at a price that is within reach of most readers.
Regarding the power capabilities of the SR8002, it had no problem driving my four large Martin Logan electrostatic speakers full range at levels that shook the room. With nary a hint of compression, the Marantz is certainly powerful enough to drive most speakers to realistic theater levels, and then some.
I had no call to use the built-in deinterlacer, but I did let the Marantz cross-convert the component video output of my Xbox 360 to HDMI, and it did an excellent job with a steady diet of Mass Effect and Call of Duty 4. I was able to quickly switch my plasma from its component to HDMI input to see if the cross-conversion caused any artifacts, and I'd be hard pressed to say I saw any difference. The game sound was immersive and totally impressive. With its four HDMI inputs, the SR8002 guarantees your console a seat at the home theater table.
Conclusion
Like most modern receivers, there's so much to discover in the Marantz that this review could easily stretch to novella length. So let's just cut to the chase. The sound is superb, the feature set is extensive yet user friendly, and the $2000 price tag isn't going to land most folks in the poor house. If you don't need extensive video processing (and most people don't), then I strongly recommend the Marantz SR8002 above all others I've reviewed to date. It has earned a place in my heart.
"So will Freddie find his cellar door?"
Oh yes, I think he already has!
Highs
Powerful, musical amplification
Easy to use with a great remote
Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding
Two HDMI outputs for dual-display setups
Lows
No onscreen volume/source/surround mode display via HDMI or component
Specifications
Rated max power: 125Wpc (20Hz-20kHz, 8ߟ, no. of channels not specified); 160Wpc (20Hz-20kHz, 6ߟ, no. of channels not specified)
Max THD (at max rated power): <0.08%
Speaker impedance range: 4-16ߟ
No. of zones: 3 (A/V to zone 2, audio only to zone 3)
Analog audio inputs: 6 L/R, 1 7.1-channel
Digital audio inputs: 3 coax, 3 optical
Analog audio outputs: 4 L/R
Digital outputs: 1 coax, 1 optical
Video inputs: 4 HDMI (1.3a), 3 component, 4 S-Video, 4 composite
Video outputs: 2 HDMI (1.3a), 2 component, 3 S-video, 3 composite
Speaker outputs: 11 (5-way binding posts)
Other connections: AM/FM, XM satellite radio
Dimensions (WxHxD): 17.3" x 7.3" x 15.6"
Weight: 33 lbs
Price: $2000
Manufacturer Info
Marantz USA
us.marantz.com
Review system
Sources
Toshiba XA2 HD-DVD player
DirecTV HR20-700 HD DVR
Microsoft Xbox 360
Sony PS3 (40 GB)
Speakers
Martin Logan Prodigy
Martin Logan ReQuest
Martin Logan Theater-i
Velodyne FSR-18 subwoofer
Definitive Technology Mythos ST
Definitive Technology Ten center
Definitive Technology Gem XL
Cables
Interconnects: AudioQuest Jaguar
Speaker: AudioQuest Montblanc
Optical Digital: AudioQuest Opti-Link 3
Coaxial Digital: AudioQuest VDM-5, Straightwire Silverlink II
Video: AudioQuest YIQ-3 component, Monster HDMI
Measurements
This graph shows that the SR8002’s left channel, from CD input to speaker output with two channels driving 8-ohm loads, reaches 0.1% distortion at 174.1 watts and 1% distortion at 187.4 watts. Clearly, the distortion level is very flat across all power outputs until it gets to about 155 watts. Into 4 ohms, the amplifier reaches 0.1% distortion at 231.9 watts and 1% distortion at 271.5 watts.
With five channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads, the receiver reaches 0.1% distortion at 119.0 watts and 1% distortion at 133.8 watts. With all channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads, it reaches 0.1% distortion at 109.1 watts and 1% distortion at 117.7 watts. The power specs do not specify the number of channels driven, but at 125Wpc into 8 ohms with less than 0.08% THD, they are not far off the mark.
Marantz Support and information pages
http://us.marantz.com/689.asp?category=AV&model=SR8002&go.x=10&go.y=6
评Marantz SR8002放大器
影音扩音机除了讲规格、讲功能、讲芯片之外，尚有一项是对声效有著不可或缺的影响，那就是『供电』。不少人都知道，日系影音扩音机九成九都是使用方型变压器(俗称方牛)，而只有高级甚至旗舰级的影音扩音机才会使用环型变压器(俗称环牛)，不过凡事总有例外，售价万元多些少的影音扩音机，也有一员使用环牛，它就是Marantz SR8002了。
Marantz过去两三年都未有推出过旗舰影音扩音机，最高级的只是『8』系列的机款，踏入HDMI年代，例如上一代SR8001已经非常不错，售价不贵控制力特佳，加上声效全面改善，看电影时的刺激性大幅度提高，所以SR8001已经获得不少识货的发烧友垂青，至於SR8002呢?
HDMI四入二出
SR8002是Marantz的HDMI Verl.3a扩音机，最强卖点是功率管由环牛供电，同时还提供了HDMI及色差都是四人二出的设定，其余的功能都是相当平实，不会过於繁锁，也不会欠缺任何大家所需要的。
接过SR8002，手感十足，预料之内的重型，重量为15kg，机面采用高级机才有的活动暗门，所有较少用到的按键会收藏到活门之内。机背方面，有一点不得不赞的是所有接驳端子都进行了镀金处理，而且扬声器接驳端子亦采用了比较坚固重料的插头，可算是十分落本。
两声道器材级数的设计
拆开机壳，可以见到SR8002的心脏地带，那就是环牛一大只了，而且设计师亦都把环牛放置到机芯比较中央的位置，这样就可以令到器材的重量变得平均，而且这只环牛是独立有一个金属屏蔽保护罩，可以防止火牛运作时的干扰影响机内其他元件。
此外，SR8002亦继续保留了厂方在两声道器材的精点，例如使用黄铜机底，加强卸震功效，功率管的散热器亦都打横放置在机芯内，除了散热的同时，亦起著加固机架的作用，一举两得。
HDMI方面，可以看得到是使用Silicon lmage的接收及输出芯片，使用Silicon lmage的芯片虽然最贵，而且其他著名芯片厂也有推出类似功能但更为便宜的芯片，例如德州仪器及Analog Device都有，但讲到HDMI始终是选用TMDS发明者之一的Silicon lmage才是最稳阵及最可信赖的，所以一见到Silicon lmage的芯片，就让人放心了。还要多提一点，SR8002的HDMI输出更备有讯号放大功能，可以让用家接驳长线而减低讯号失真的机会。
环牛+西芹功率管+大水塘
DSP方面呢?由於收藏到线路板上，所以很难看得到，不过厂方资料就指SR8002其实是使用上Motorola的DSP TMS320DA708去进行最新声效格式的拆解及处理。声音解码方面呢?使用了厂方向来都选用的Cirrus Logic的CS4382A，这颗解码是较高价品种，而且最高能解读24bit／192kHz的声音讯号。另外不得不提的是，为了更进一步提高ADC(模拟转数码)的效能，今次厂方使用了同厂一样高规格的ADC芯片CS5361。
既然说到SR8002用环牛那么利害，那它又是选用什么功率管呢?细心看看，是选用了Sanken的STD03N及STD03P推挽式半对称功率管，再匹配上一对18，000uF的大水塘，相信力水都一定不会让人担心了。厂方表示，SR8002的整个模拟音频放大线路，参照了同厂的两声道Hi-End扩音机SM-11S1去设计，所以在音乐感上将会比其他对手更胜一筹。
影像升线功能
SR8002的设定也是很容易的，尤其是一目了然的输入及输出分配，更是让一向认为影音扩音机难搞的人用得开心。SR8002亦继续沿用旧代型号的『黑底白字』OSD屏幕设定显示，但操作介面易用及清晰，加上考虑到设定工作不是常常进行，我认为这一点比别厂来说较为『普通』也是收货的。
OSD没有『色彩化』，不代表SR8002在影像的处理上没有功能，首先，它内置了影像升频线路，比较有趣的是我无法查到究竟SR8002使用什么升频芯片，起初以为是DCDi，但看来看去都见不到它的存在，结果反而找到一块在989内出现过的Pioneer芯片，不过究竟这块芯片是否负责影像升频的工作呢?这个请恕我无法得悉了。虽然我无法得悉SR8002用什么芯片做升线及隔行转逐行工作，但我还是可以去测试一下它工作是否成功。SR8002只提供色差SD标清升1080p HDMI，所以只播放AVIA Pro的DVD去测试它的升线能力，结果电影Film处理成功，而Video的处理则偶有失误。
自动设定篇
Marantz采用Audyssey MULTEQ自动设定系统，也提供了相当有效的基本设定，当然，如果想真真正正发挥出扩音机的潜质，我还是建议用家使用手动设定扬声器、分频点及EQ等工作。SR8002也备有强大的多区音响，所以也设有子母遥控，两个遥控的反应都相当敏捷，主遥控全只都设有夜光功能，加上是采用珍珠白，所以在暗黑的家庭影院中，用起上来仍然是十分方便。至於其他设定方面，则跟一般日系影音扩音机相差无几，所以在此不再个别详谈了。PMC的OBl+是一只非常优质的座地喇叭，能营造出相当丰满的低频，用来匹配SR8002，非常夹声，令到整个测试事半功倍，用家不妨可以考虑这个组合。
爆得起吗?
首先选来测试的，我拣了一套警匪片《新警察故事》，目的就是要先试一试SR8002『可能』的弱项，因为不少人都认为Marantz的影音扩音机爆不起，但上次SR8001的爆炸力完全叫人刮目相看，今次试SR8002第一回合就是要再试枪声及爆炸场面。片中开首皇后大道中的枪战场面，『砰、砰…』在SR8001已经见证过它的动态，今次SR8002还要再靓—点!即使只是聆听DTS Core的声效，枪声的铿锵有劲已经叫人有身同感受，兼且那不是乾乾尖尖的声音，而是有质感、有厚度的声音，所以也不会感受刺耳恶顶。来到警车大爆炸，音压增大了但SR8002也一样推动得不费吹灰之力，力水之高可见一斑。
环绕效果好吗？
选用了DTS+ProLogic lix Movie 5.1变7.1，再试试蓝光碟的《明日之後》(The Day After Tomorrow)，手上器材所限只能听到DTS-Core的声效，目的是要看看SR8002处理环绕声效果及5.1转7.1的效果如何，选来了龙卷风侵袭一幕，风声包围感相当不错，连後置包围声效都感到力度。虽然它的效果不是最佳，但仍然是值回票价的。
夹PMC人声特靓
再试人声对白，拣了《如果·爱》的DVD，因为贪其有DTS 96/24声效，事实上，DTS 96/24的音质远比DTS-ES为好，可惜采用这个格式收录的软件非常之少，就算是Blu—Ray都是一样极少以96kHz方式收录，如果日後有多一点 96kHz(甚至是192kHz)收录的软件可听的话，将会是影音发烧友的福气。
言归正传，听一些学友的演唱部份，由SR8002推动PMC，人声一字记之日：『靓！』，老实说，不是亲耳听过都不会相信，原来Marantz跟 PMC真的很相配，当中尤以人声更是十分出色，需知道看一套电影，人声的重播对於整体的听感有著举足轻重的影响，所以人声如果播得出色，再加上吸引人的动态及速度，很容易就播出了高格调高质素的声音来。
而SR8002加PMC就以一个不高的索价做到了。
既然讲到听人声那么好，就一於试多两试音乐软件吧，先请来Elton John60大寿多捞一笔的『2007 Live At Madison Square Garden』的蓝光演唱会，这只碟真的抵听到晕，长逾三小时的演唱会，Elton唱足33首首本名曲，精彩绝伦。喜爱他的朋友不可不买一只傍身。
你漂亮的固执
声效方面，该碟有PCM 5．1(24bit／48kHz)，录音也是一流的，就听他首本名曲中的名曲厂Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word』， Elton的声又靓又正，听到人耳油都出埋，现场歌迷(还见到克林顿呢!)的欢呼声暖暖的包围著我，再加上1080p的画质，实在太容易的让自己置身到现场之中。
紧接听多一首《谙3 Live》DVD，这张DVD同样是顶级制作，除了画质非常不错之外，声轨尚有我首次见识的DTS-ES 96／24，以往DTS 6．1的话就没有96／24，有96／24的话就一定只有5.1，但今次在一只传统的DVD内竟然能播出带ES声轨的DTS 96／24声效，而且还要是香港人的制作，实在是值得高兴的一件事。
说回声效，就播『你漂亮的固执』听听，Danny把声真的是太有感情了，而且混音也真的太靓了，再加上SR8002及PMC中音特靓的配合下，实在是一次越级声效挑战的示范!
总结
有一点我一直都没有提过，就是这部SR8002的生产地继续是MIC(Made In ChiRi)，因为我一向都对原产地不太著紧，我关注的是大家付钞买回家的产品质素如何，所以不必要长篇大论地解说MIC如何如何的『无问题』。
好像今次，采用了比普通方牛成本更高的环牛，SR8002绝对能真真正正地播出高质素的声音!加上厂方在拿捏校声的平衡点上很出色，不单可以令追求刺激的朋友满意，而且用来听音乐听演唱会软件，更加是同级机种中最出色的。不信?即管试试看。
Marantz SR8002影音扩音机规格：
功率：125 Wattsx7(8Ω、RMS)
HDMI Ver.1.3a：四入二出
对应声效格式：Dolby TrueHD、Dolby Digital Plus、DTS-HD Master Audio
HDMI对应功能：Deep Color、x.v.Y.C.C.、SACD支援
影像升格：模拟480i／480p升频至HDMl 1080p
压缩音效改善功能：M-DAX(Marantz Dynamic Audio eXpander)
Neural THX技术
Audyssey MultiEQ自动声场系统
讯噪比105dB
尺寸(阔X高X深)：440x184×396mm
重量：15kg
Marantz过去两三年都未有推出过旗舰影音扩音机，最高级的只是『8』系列的机款，踏入HDMI年代，例如上一代SR8001已经非常不错，售价不贵控制力特佳，加上声效全面改善，看电影时的刺激性大幅度提高，所以SR8001已经获得不少识货的发烧友垂青，至於SR8002呢?
HDMI四入二出
SR8002是Marantz的HDMI Verl.3a扩音机，最强卖点是功率管由环牛供电，同时还提供了HDMI及色差都是四人二出的设定，其余的功能都是相当平实，不会过於繁锁，也不会欠缺任何大家所需要的。
接过SR8002，手感十足，预料之内的重型，重量为15kg，机面采用高级机才有的活动暗门，所有较少用到的按键会收藏到活门之内。机背方面，有一点不得不赞的是所有接驳端子都进行了镀金处理，而且扬声器接驳端子亦采用了比较坚固重料的插头，可算是十分落本。
两声道器材级数的设计
拆开机壳，可以见到SR8002的心脏地带，那就是环牛一大只了，而且设计师亦都把环牛放置到机芯比较中央的位置，这样就可以令到器材的重量变得平均，而且这只环牛是独立有一个金属屏蔽保护罩，可以防止火牛运作时的干扰影响机内其他元件。
此外，SR8002亦继续保留了厂方在两声道器材的精点，例如使用黄铜机底，加强卸震功效，功率管的散热器亦都打横放置在机芯内，除了散热的同时，亦起著加固机架的作用，一举两得。
HDMI方面，可以看得到是使用Silicon lmage的接收及输出芯片，使用Silicon lmage的芯片虽然最贵，而且其他著名芯片厂也有推出类似功能但更为便宜的芯片，例如德州仪器及Analog Device都有，但讲到HDMI始终是选用TMDS发明者之一的Silicon lmage才是最稳阵及最可信赖的，所以一见到Silicon lmage的芯片，就让人放心了。还要多提一点，SR8002的HDMI输出更备有讯号放大功能，可以让用家接驳长线而减低讯号失真的机会。
环牛+西芹功率管+大水塘
DSP方面呢?由於收藏到线路板上，所以很难看得到，不过厂方资料就指SR8002其实是使用上Motorola的DSP TMS320DA708去进行最新声效格式的拆解及处理。声音解码方面呢?使用了厂方向来都选用的Cirrus Logic的CS4382A，这颗解码是较高价品种，而且最高能解读24bit／192kHz的声音讯号。另外不得不提的是，为了更进一步提高ADC(模拟转数码)的效能，今次厂方使用了同厂一样高规格的ADC芯片CS5361。
既然说到SR8002用环牛那么利害，那它又是选用什么功率管呢?细心看看，是选用了Sanken的STD03N及STD03P推挽式半对称功率管，再匹配上一对18，000uF的大水塘，相信力水都一定不会让人担心了。厂方表示，SR8002的整个模拟音频放大线路，参照了同厂的两声道Hi-End扩音机SM-11S1去设计，所以在音乐感上将会比其他对手更胜一筹。
影像升线功能
SR8002的设定也是很容易的，尤其是一目了然的输入及输出分配，更是让一向认为影音扩音机难搞的人用得开心。SR8002亦继续沿用旧代型号的『黑底白字』OSD屏幕设定显示，但操作介面易用及清晰，加上考虑到设定工作不是常常进行，我认为这一点比别厂来说较为『普通』也是收货的。
OSD没有『色彩化』，不代表SR8002在影像的处理上没有功能，首先，它内置了影像升频线路，比较有趣的是我无法查到究竟SR8002使用什么升频芯片，起初以为是DCDi，但看来看去都见不到它的存在，结果反而找到一块在989内出现过的Pioneer芯片，不过究竟这块芯片是否负责影像升频的工作呢?这个请恕我无法得悉了。虽然我无法得悉SR8002用什么芯片做升线及隔行转逐行工作，但我还是可以去测试一下它工作是否成功。SR8002只提供色差SD标清升1080p HDMI，所以只播放AVIA Pro的DVD去测试它的升线能力，结果电影Film处理成功，而Video的处理则偶有失误。
自动设定篇
Marantz采用Audyssey MULTEQ自动设定系统，也提供了相当有效的基本设定，当然，如果想真真正正发挥出扩音机的潜质，我还是建议用家使用手动设定扬声器、分频点及EQ等工作。SR8002也备有强大的多区音响，所以也设有子母遥控，两个遥控的反应都相当敏捷，主遥控全只都设有夜光功能，加上是采用珍珠白，所以在暗黑的家庭影院中，用起上来仍然是十分方便。至於其他设定方面，则跟一般日系影音扩音机相差无几，所以在此不再个别详谈了。PMC的OBl+是一只非常优质的座地喇叭，能营造出相当丰满的低频，用来匹配SR8002，非常夹声，令到整个测试事半功倍，用家不妨可以考虑这个组合。
爆得起吗?
首先选来测试的，我拣了一套警匪片《新警察故事》，目的就是要先试一试SR8002『可能』的弱项，因为不少人都认为Marantz的影音扩音机爆不起，但上次SR8001的爆炸力完全叫人刮目相看，今次试SR8002第一回合就是要再试枪声及爆炸场面。片中开首皇后大道中的枪战场面，『砰、砰…』在SR8001已经见证过它的动态，今次SR8002还要再靓—点!即使只是聆听DTS Core的声效，枪声的铿锵有劲已经叫人有身同感受，兼且那不是乾乾尖尖的声音，而是有质感、有厚度的声音，所以也不会感受刺耳恶顶。来到警车大爆炸，音压增大了但SR8002也一样推动得不费吹灰之力，力水之高可见一斑。
环绕效果好吗？
选用了DTS+ProLogic lix Movie 5.1变7.1，再试试蓝光碟的《明日之後》(The Day After Tomorrow)，手上器材所限只能听到DTS-Core的声效，目的是要看看SR8002处理环绕声效果及5.1转7.1的效果如何，选来了龙卷风侵袭一幕，风声包围感相当不错，连後置包围声效都感到力度。虽然它的效果不是最佳，但仍然是值回票价的。
夹PMC人声特靓
再试人声对白，拣了《如果·爱》的DVD，因为贪其有DTS 96/24声效，事实上，DTS 96/24的音质远比DTS-ES为好，可惜采用这个格式收录的软件非常之少，就算是Blu—Ray都是一样极少以96kHz方式收录，如果日後有多一点 96kHz(甚至是192kHz)收录的软件可听的话，将会是影音发烧友的福气。
言归正传，听一些学友的演唱部份，由SR8002推动PMC，人声一字记之日：『靓！』，老实说，不是亲耳听过都不会相信，原来Marantz跟 PMC真的很相配，当中尤以人声更是十分出色，需知道看一套电影，人声的重播对於整体的听感有著举足轻重的影响，所以人声如果播得出色，再加上吸引人的动态及速度，很容易就播出了高格调高质素的声音来。
而SR8002加PMC就以一个不高的索价做到了。
既然讲到听人声那么好，就一於试多两试音乐软件吧，先请来Elton John60大寿多捞一笔的『2007 Live At Madison Square Garden』的蓝光演唱会，这只碟真的抵听到晕，长逾三小时的演唱会，Elton唱足33首首本名曲，精彩绝伦。喜爱他的朋友不可不买一只傍身。
你漂亮的固执
声效方面，该碟有PCM 5．1(24bit／48kHz)，录音也是一流的，就听他首本名曲中的名曲厂Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word』， Elton的声又靓又正，听到人耳油都出埋，现场歌迷(还见到克林顿呢!)的欢呼声暖暖的包围著我，再加上1080p的画质，实在太容易的让自己置身到现场之中。
紧接听多一首《谙3 Live》DVD，这张DVD同样是顶级制作，除了画质非常不错之外，声轨尚有我首次见识的DTS-ES 96／24，以往DTS 6．1的话就没有96／24，有96／24的话就一定只有5.1，但今次在一只传统的DVD内竟然能播出带ES声轨的DTS 96／24声效，而且还要是香港人的制作，实在是值得高兴的一件事。
说回声效，就播『你漂亮的固执』听听，Danny把声真的是太有感情了，而且混音也真的太靓了，再加上SR8002及PMC中音特靓的配合下，实在是一次越级声效挑战的示范!
总结
有一点我一直都没有提过，就是这部SR8002的生产地继续是MIC(Made In ChiRi)，因为我一向都对原产地不太著紧，我关注的是大家付钞买回家的产品质素如何，所以不必要长篇大论地解说MIC如何如何的『无问题』。
好像今次，采用了比普通方牛成本更高的环牛，SR8002绝对能真真正正地播出高质素的声音!加上厂方在拿捏校声的平衡点上很出色，不单可以令追求刺激的朋友满意，而且用来听音乐听演唱会软件，更加是同级机种中最出色的。不信?即管试试看。
Marantz SR8002影音扩音机规格：
功率：125 Wattsx7(8Ω、RMS)
HDMI Ver.1.3a：四入二出
对应声效格式：Dolby TrueHD、Dolby Digital Plus、DTS-HD Master Audio
HDMI对应功能：Deep Color、x.v.Y.C.C.、SACD支援
影像升格：模拟480i／480p升频至HDMl 1080p
压缩音效改善功能：M-DAX(Marantz Dynamic Audio eXpander)
Neural THX技术
Audyssey MultiEQ自动声场系统
讯噪比105dB
尺寸(阔X高X深)：440x184×396mm
重量：15kg
Thursday, August 12, 2010
马兰士 marantz SR8002 次世代高清AV功放
http://www.jdbbs.com/viewthread.php?tid=2334796
评Marantz SR8002放大器
日本马兰士（Marantz）公司计划于11月中旬发布两款AV功放机。这两款功放的型号分别为SR7002和SR8002，支持HDMI 1.3a标准，支持杜比BTrueHD和DTS-HD MA等解码。其中是SR7002的售价折合人民币约为9480元，而SR8002售价折合人民币约为12680元。
SR7002和SR8002 AV功入提供了四路HDMI输入、两路HDMI输，支持1080p，Deep Color，x.v.Color技术。功放采用了“TMS320DA708”DSP芯片，支持杜比BTrueHD，DTS-HD MA/HRA，杜比数字等音频解码。
这两款功放都支持7声道输出，其SR8002输出功率125W，SR7002输出功率110W(8Ω)。
这两款AV功放还支持Audyssey MultiEQ自动音场修正功能，附带两种遥控器，遥控器都支持学习功能。SR8002的各种接口都采用了镀金设计，底盘部分也采用了镀金技术，可以有效抑制高频噪音。
影音扩音机除了讲规格、讲功能、讲芯片之外，尚有一项是对声效有著不可或缺的影响，那就是『供电』。不少人都知道，日系影音扩音机九成九都是使用方型变压器(俗称方牛)，而只有高级甚至旗舰级的影音扩音机才会使用环型变压器(俗称环牛)，不过凡事总有例外，售价万元多些少的影音扩音机，也有一员使用环牛，它就是Marantz SR8002了。
[url=][/url]
Marantz过去两三年都未有推出过旗舰影音扩音机，最高级的只是『8』系列的机款，踏入HDMI年代，例如上一代SR8001已经非常不错，售价不贵控制力特佳，加上声效全面改善，看电影时的刺激性大幅度提高，所以SR8001已经获得不少识货的发烧友垂青，至於SR8002呢?
HDMI四入二出
SR8002是Marantz的HDMI Verl.3a扩音机，最强卖点是功率管由环牛供电，同时还提供了HDMI及色差都是四人二出的设定，其余的功能都是相当平实，不会过於繁锁，也不会欠缺任何大家所需要的。
[url=][/url]
接过SR8002，手感十足，预料之内的重型，重量为15kg，机面采用高级机才有的活动暗门，所有较少用到的按键会收藏到活门之内。机背方面，有一点不得不赞的是所有接驳端子都进行了镀金处理，而且扬声器接驳端子亦采用了比较坚固重料的插头，可算是十分落本。
两声道器材级数的设计
拆开机壳，可以见到SR8002的心脏地带，那就是环牛一大只了，而且设计师亦都把环牛放置到机芯比较中央的位置，这样就可以令到器材的重量变得平均，而且这只环牛是独立有一个金属屏蔽保护罩，可以防止火牛运作时的干扰影响机内其他元件。
此外，SR8002亦继续保留了厂方在两声道器材的精点，例如使用黄铜机底，加强卸震功效，功率管的散热器亦都打横放置在机芯内，除了散热的同时，亦起著加固机架的作用，一举两得。
HDMI方面，可以看得到是使用Silicon lmage的接收及输出芯片，使用Silicon lmage的芯片虽然最贵，而且其他著名芯片厂也有推出类似功能但更为便宜的芯片，例如德州仪器及Analog Device都有，但讲到HDMI始终是选用TMDS发明者之一的Silicon lmage才是最稳阵及最可信赖的，所以一见到Silicon lmage的芯片，就让人放心了。还要多提一点，SR8002的HDMI输出更备有讯号放大功能，可以让用家接驳长线而减低讯号失真的机会。
环牛+西芹功率管+大水塘
DSP方面呢?由於收藏到线路板上，所以很难看得到，不过厂方资料就指SR8002其实是使用上Motorola的DSP TMS320DA708去进行最新声效格式的拆解及处理。声音解码方面呢?使用了厂方向来都选用的Cirrus Logic的CS4382A，这颗解码是较高价品种，而且最高能解读24bit／192kHz的声音讯号。另外不得不提的是，为了更进一步提高ADC(模拟转数码)的效能，今次厂方使用了同厂一样高规格的ADC芯片CS5361。
既然说到SR8002用环牛那么利害，那它又是选用什么功率管呢?细心看看，是选用了Sanken的STD03N及STD03P推挽式半对称功率管，再匹配上一对18，000uF的大水塘，相信力水都一定不会让人担心了。厂方表示，SR8002的整个模拟音频放大线路，参照了同厂的两声道Hi-End扩音机SM-11S1去设计，所以在音乐感上将会比其他对手更胜一筹。
影像升线功能
SR8002的设定也是很容易的，尤其是一目了然的输入及输出分配，更是让一向认为影音扩音机难搞的人用得开心。SR8002亦继续沿用旧代型号的『黑底白字』OSD屏幕设定显示，但操作介面易用及清晰，加上考虑到设定工作不是常常进行，我认为这一点比别厂来说较为『普通』也是收货的。
OSD没有『色彩化』，不代表SR8002在影像的处理上没有功能，首先，它内置了影像升频线路，比较有趣的是我无法查到究竟SR8002使用什么升频芯片，起初以为是DCDi，但看来看去都见不到它的存在，结果反而找到一块在989内出现过的Pioneer芯片，不过究竟这块芯片是否负责影像升频的工作呢?这个请恕我无法得悉了。虽然我无法得悉SR8002用什么芯片做升线及隔行转逐行工作，但我还是可以去测试一下它工作是否成功。SR8002只提供色差SD标清升1080p HDMI，所以只播放AVIA Pro的DVD去测试它的升线能力，结果电影Film处理成功，而Video的处理则偶有失误。
自动设定篇
Marantz采用Audyssey MULTEQ自动设定系统，也提供了相当有效的基本设定，当然，如果想真真正正发挥出扩音机的潜质，我还是建议用家使用手动设定扬声器、分频点及EQ等工作。SR8002也备有强大的多区音响，所以也设有子母遥控，两个遥控的反应都相当敏捷，主遥控全只都设有夜光功能，加上是采用珍珠白，所以在暗黑的家庭影院中，用起上来仍然是十分方便。至於其他设定方面，则跟一般日系影音扩音机相差无几，所以在此不再个别详谈了。PMC的OBl+是一只非常优质的座地喇叭，能营造出相当丰满的低频，用来匹配SR8002，非常夹声，令到整个测试事半功倍，用家不妨可以考虑这个组合。
爆得起吗?
首先选来测试的，我拣了一套警匪片《新警察故事》，目的就是要先试一试SR8002『可能』的弱项，因为不少人都认为Marantz的影音扩音机爆不起，但上次SR8001的爆炸力完全叫人刮目相看，今次试SR8002第一回合就是要再试枪声及爆炸场面。片中开首皇后大道中的枪战场面，『砰、砰…』在SR8001已经见证过它的动态，今次SR8002还要再靓—点!即使只是聆听DTS Core的声效，枪声的铿锵有劲已经叫人有身同感受，兼且那不是乾乾尖尖的声音，而是有质感、有厚度的声音，所以也不会感受刺耳恶顶。来到警车大爆炸，音压增大了但SR8002也一样推动得不费吹灰之力，力水之高可见一斑。
环绕效果好吗？
选用了DTS+ProLogic lix Movie 5.1变7.1，再试试蓝光碟的《明日之後》(The Day After Tomorrow)，手上器材所限只能听到DTS-Core的声效，目的是要看看SR8002处理环绕声效果及5.1转7.1的效果如何，选来了龙卷风侵袭一幕，风声包围感相当不错，连後置包围声效都感到力度。虽然它的效果不是最佳，但仍然是值回票价的。
夹PMC人声特靓
再试人声对白，拣了《如果·爱》的DVD，因为贪其有DTS 96/24声效，事实上，DTS 96/24的音质远比DTS-ES为好，可惜采用这个格式收录的软件非常之少，就算是Blu—Ray都是一样极少以96kHz方式收录，如果日後有多一点96kHz(甚至是192kHz)收录的软件可听的话，将会是影音发烧友的福气。
言归正传，听一些学友的演唱部份，由SR8002推动PMC，人声一字记之日：『靓！』，老实说，不是亲耳听过都不会相信，原来Marantz跟PMC真的很相配，当中尤以人声更是十分出色，需知道看一套电影，人声的重播对於整体的听感有著举足轻重的影响，所以人声如果播得出色，再加上吸引人的动态及速度，很容易就播出了高格调高质素的声音来。
而SR8002加PMC就以一个不高的索价做到了。
既然讲到听人声那么好，就一於试多两试音乐软件吧，先请来Elton John60大寿多捞一笔的『2007 Live At Madison Square Garden』的蓝光演唱会，这只碟真的抵听到晕，长逾三小时的演唱会，Elton唱足33首首本名曲，精彩绝伦。喜爱他的朋友不可不买一只傍身。
你漂亮的固执
声效方面，该碟有PCM 5．1(24bit／48kHz)，录音也是一流的，就听他首本名曲中的名曲厂Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word』， Elton的声又靓又正，听到人耳油都出埋，现场歌迷(还见到克林顿呢!)的欢呼声暖暖的包围著我，再加上1080p的画质，实在太容易的让自己置身到现场之中。
紧接听多一首《谙3 Live》DVD，这张DVD同样是顶级制作，除了画质非常不错之外，声轨尚有我首次见识的DTS-ES 96／24，以往DTS 6．1的话就没有96／24，有96／24的话就一定只有5.1，但今次在一只传统的DVD内竟然能播出带ES声轨的DTS 96／24声效，而且还要是香港人的制作，实在是值得高兴的一件事。
说回声效，就播『你漂亮的固执』听听，Danny把声真的是太有感情了，而且混音也真的太靓了，再加上SR8002及PMC中音特靓的配合下，实在是一次越级声效挑战的示范!
总结
有一点我一直都没有提过，就是这部SR8002的生产地继续是MIC(Made In ChiRi)，因为我一向都对原产地不太著紧，我关注的是大家付钞买回家的产品质素如何，所以不必要长篇大论地解说MIC如何如何的『无问题』。
好像今次，采用了比普通方牛成本更高的环牛，SR8002绝对能真真正正地播出高质素的声音!加上厂方在拿捏校声的平衡点上很出色，不单可以令追求刺激的朋友满意，而且用来听音乐听演唱会软件，更加是同级机种中最出色的。不信?即管试试看。
Marantz SR8002影音扩音机规格：
功率：125 Wattsx7(8Ω、RMS)
HDMI Ver.1.3a：四入二出
对应声效格式：Dolby TrueHD、Dolby Digital Plus、DTS-HD Master Audio
HDMI对应功能：Deep Color、x.v.Y.C.C.、SACD支援
影像升格：模拟480i／480p升频至HDMl 1080p
压缩音效改善功能：M-DAX(Marantz Dynamic Audio eXpander)
Neural THX技术
Audyssey MultiEQ自动声场系统
讯噪比105dB
尺寸(阔X高X深)：440x184×396mm
重量：15kg
评Marantz SR8002放大器
日本马兰士（Marantz）公司计划于11月中旬发布两款AV功放机。这两款功放的型号分别为SR7002和SR8002，支持HDMI 1.3a标准，支持杜比BTrueHD和DTS-HD MA等解码。其中是SR7002的售价折合人民币约为9480元，而SR8002售价折合人民币约为12680元。
SR7002和SR8002 AV功入提供了四路HDMI输入、两路HDMI输，支持1080p，Deep Color，x.v.Color技术。功放采用了“TMS320DA708”DSP芯片，支持杜比BTrueHD，DTS-HD MA/HRA，杜比数字等音频解码。
这两款功放都支持7声道输出，其SR8002输出功率125W，SR7002输出功率110W(8Ω)。
这两款AV功放还支持Audyssey MultiEQ自动音场修正功能，附带两种遥控器，遥控器都支持学习功能。SR8002的各种接口都采用了镀金设计，底盘部分也采用了镀金技术，可以有效抑制高频噪音。
影音扩音机除了讲规格、讲功能、讲芯片之外，尚有一项是对声效有著不可或缺的影响，那就是『供电』。不少人都知道，日系影音扩音机九成九都是使用方型变压器(俗称方牛)，而只有高级甚至旗舰级的影音扩音机才会使用环型变压器(俗称环牛)，不过凡事总有例外，售价万元多些少的影音扩音机，也有一员使用环牛，它就是Marantz SR8002了。
[url=][/url]
Marantz过去两三年都未有推出过旗舰影音扩音机，最高级的只是『8』系列的机款，踏入HDMI年代，例如上一代SR8001已经非常不错，售价不贵控制力特佳，加上声效全面改善，看电影时的刺激性大幅度提高，所以SR8001已经获得不少识货的发烧友垂青，至於SR8002呢?
HDMI四入二出
SR8002是Marantz的HDMI Verl.3a扩音机，最强卖点是功率管由环牛供电，同时还提供了HDMI及色差都是四人二出的设定，其余的功能都是相当平实，不会过於繁锁，也不会欠缺任何大家所需要的。
[url=][/url]
接过SR8002，手感十足，预料之内的重型，重量为15kg，机面采用高级机才有的活动暗门，所有较少用到的按键会收藏到活门之内。机背方面，有一点不得不赞的是所有接驳端子都进行了镀金处理，而且扬声器接驳端子亦采用了比较坚固重料的插头，可算是十分落本。
两声道器材级数的设计
拆开机壳，可以见到SR8002的心脏地带，那就是环牛一大只了，而且设计师亦都把环牛放置到机芯比较中央的位置，这样就可以令到器材的重量变得平均，而且这只环牛是独立有一个金属屏蔽保护罩，可以防止火牛运作时的干扰影响机内其他元件。
此外，SR8002亦继续保留了厂方在两声道器材的精点，例如使用黄铜机底，加强卸震功效，功率管的散热器亦都打横放置在机芯内，除了散热的同时，亦起著加固机架的作用，一举两得。
HDMI方面，可以看得到是使用Silicon lmage的接收及输出芯片，使用Silicon lmage的芯片虽然最贵，而且其他著名芯片厂也有推出类似功能但更为便宜的芯片，例如德州仪器及Analog Device都有，但讲到HDMI始终是选用TMDS发明者之一的Silicon lmage才是最稳阵及最可信赖的，所以一见到Silicon lmage的芯片，就让人放心了。还要多提一点，SR8002的HDMI输出更备有讯号放大功能，可以让用家接驳长线而减低讯号失真的机会。
环牛+西芹功率管+大水塘
DSP方面呢?由於收藏到线路板上，所以很难看得到，不过厂方资料就指SR8002其实是使用上Motorola的DSP TMS320DA708去进行最新声效格式的拆解及处理。声音解码方面呢?使用了厂方向来都选用的Cirrus Logic的CS4382A，这颗解码是较高价品种，而且最高能解读24bit／192kHz的声音讯号。另外不得不提的是，为了更进一步提高ADC(模拟转数码)的效能，今次厂方使用了同厂一样高规格的ADC芯片CS5361。
既然说到SR8002用环牛那么利害，那它又是选用什么功率管呢?细心看看，是选用了Sanken的STD03N及STD03P推挽式半对称功率管，再匹配上一对18，000uF的大水塘，相信力水都一定不会让人担心了。厂方表示，SR8002的整个模拟音频放大线路，参照了同厂的两声道Hi-End扩音机SM-11S1去设计，所以在音乐感上将会比其他对手更胜一筹。
影像升线功能
SR8002的设定也是很容易的，尤其是一目了然的输入及输出分配，更是让一向认为影音扩音机难搞的人用得开心。SR8002亦继续沿用旧代型号的『黑底白字』OSD屏幕设定显示，但操作介面易用及清晰，加上考虑到设定工作不是常常进行，我认为这一点比别厂来说较为『普通』也是收货的。
OSD没有『色彩化』，不代表SR8002在影像的处理上没有功能，首先，它内置了影像升频线路，比较有趣的是我无法查到究竟SR8002使用什么升频芯片，起初以为是DCDi，但看来看去都见不到它的存在，结果反而找到一块在989内出现过的Pioneer芯片，不过究竟这块芯片是否负责影像升频的工作呢?这个请恕我无法得悉了。虽然我无法得悉SR8002用什么芯片做升线及隔行转逐行工作，但我还是可以去测试一下它工作是否成功。SR8002只提供色差SD标清升1080p HDMI，所以只播放AVIA Pro的DVD去测试它的升线能力，结果电影Film处理成功，而Video的处理则偶有失误。
自动设定篇
Marantz采用Audyssey MULTEQ自动设定系统，也提供了相当有效的基本设定，当然，如果想真真正正发挥出扩音机的潜质，我还是建议用家使用手动设定扬声器、分频点及EQ等工作。SR8002也备有强大的多区音响，所以也设有子母遥控，两个遥控的反应都相当敏捷，主遥控全只都设有夜光功能，加上是采用珍珠白，所以在暗黑的家庭影院中，用起上来仍然是十分方便。至於其他设定方面，则跟一般日系影音扩音机相差无几，所以在此不再个别详谈了。PMC的OBl+是一只非常优质的座地喇叭，能营造出相当丰满的低频，用来匹配SR8002，非常夹声，令到整个测试事半功倍，用家不妨可以考虑这个组合。
爆得起吗?
首先选来测试的，我拣了一套警匪片《新警察故事》，目的就是要先试一试SR8002『可能』的弱项，因为不少人都认为Marantz的影音扩音机爆不起，但上次SR8001的爆炸力完全叫人刮目相看，今次试SR8002第一回合就是要再试枪声及爆炸场面。片中开首皇后大道中的枪战场面，『砰、砰…』在SR8001已经见证过它的动态，今次SR8002还要再靓—点!即使只是聆听DTS Core的声效，枪声的铿锵有劲已经叫人有身同感受，兼且那不是乾乾尖尖的声音，而是有质感、有厚度的声音，所以也不会感受刺耳恶顶。来到警车大爆炸，音压增大了但SR8002也一样推动得不费吹灰之力，力水之高可见一斑。
环绕效果好吗？
选用了DTS+ProLogic lix Movie 5.1变7.1，再试试蓝光碟的《明日之後》(The Day After Tomorrow)，手上器材所限只能听到DTS-Core的声效，目的是要看看SR8002处理环绕声效果及5.1转7.1的效果如何，选来了龙卷风侵袭一幕，风声包围感相当不错，连後置包围声效都感到力度。虽然它的效果不是最佳，但仍然是值回票价的。
夹PMC人声特靓
再试人声对白，拣了《如果·爱》的DVD，因为贪其有DTS 96/24声效，事实上，DTS 96/24的音质远比DTS-ES为好，可惜采用这个格式收录的软件非常之少，就算是Blu—Ray都是一样极少以96kHz方式收录，如果日後有多一点96kHz(甚至是192kHz)收录的软件可听的话，将会是影音发烧友的福气。
言归正传，听一些学友的演唱部份，由SR8002推动PMC，人声一字记之日：『靓！』，老实说，不是亲耳听过都不会相信，原来Marantz跟PMC真的很相配，当中尤以人声更是十分出色，需知道看一套电影，人声的重播对於整体的听感有著举足轻重的影响，所以人声如果播得出色，再加上吸引人的动态及速度，很容易就播出了高格调高质素的声音来。
而SR8002加PMC就以一个不高的索价做到了。
既然讲到听人声那么好，就一於试多两试音乐软件吧，先请来Elton John60大寿多捞一笔的『2007 Live At Madison Square Garden』的蓝光演唱会，这只碟真的抵听到晕，长逾三小时的演唱会，Elton唱足33首首本名曲，精彩绝伦。喜爱他的朋友不可不买一只傍身。
你漂亮的固执
声效方面，该碟有PCM 5．1(24bit／48kHz)，录音也是一流的，就听他首本名曲中的名曲厂Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word』， Elton的声又靓又正，听到人耳油都出埋，现场歌迷(还见到克林顿呢!)的欢呼声暖暖的包围著我，再加上1080p的画质，实在太容易的让自己置身到现场之中。
紧接听多一首《谙3 Live》DVD，这张DVD同样是顶级制作，除了画质非常不错之外，声轨尚有我首次见识的DTS-ES 96／24，以往DTS 6．1的话就没有96／24，有96／24的话就一定只有5.1，但今次在一只传统的DVD内竟然能播出带ES声轨的DTS 96／24声效，而且还要是香港人的制作，实在是值得高兴的一件事。
说回声效，就播『你漂亮的固执』听听，Danny把声真的是太有感情了，而且混音也真的太靓了，再加上SR8002及PMC中音特靓的配合下，实在是一次越级声效挑战的示范!
总结
有一点我一直都没有提过，就是这部SR8002的生产地继续是MIC(Made In ChiRi)，因为我一向都对原产地不太著紧，我关注的是大家付钞买回家的产品质素如何，所以不必要长篇大论地解说MIC如何如何的『无问题』。
好像今次，采用了比普通方牛成本更高的环牛，SR8002绝对能真真正正地播出高质素的声音!加上厂方在拿捏校声的平衡点上很出色，不单可以令追求刺激的朋友满意，而且用来听音乐听演唱会软件，更加是同级机种中最出色的。不信?即管试试看。
Marantz SR8002影音扩音机规格：
功率：125 Wattsx7(8Ω、RMS)
HDMI Ver.1.3a：四入二出
对应声效格式：Dolby TrueHD、Dolby Digital Plus、DTS-HD Master Audio
HDMI对应功能：Deep Color、x.v.Y.C.C.、SACD支援
影像升格：模拟480i／480p升频至HDMl 1080p
压缩音效改善功能：M-DAX(Marantz Dynamic Audio eXpander)
Neural THX技术
Audyssey MultiEQ自动声场系统
讯噪比105dB
尺寸(阔X高X深)：440x184×396mm
重量：15kg
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Selecting Speaker Cable for Whole House Audio
There are many types of speaker cable on the market. Most are not suitable for whole house audio applications. We sell speaker cable designed specifically for in-wall wiring.
This is the old HomeTech Solutions website.
Please visit our new website here
- Rated Cables
- Gauge Selection
- Power Loss Budget Table
- Speaker Cable Comparisons
- Purchasing Information
This is the old HomeTech Solutions website.
Please visit our new website here
Speaker Cable Comparisons
Two speaker cables we recommend are the Monster Cable in-wall cable and new speaker cable from Belden in their New Generation® series.| Speaker Cable Comparisons | ||
| Manufacturer | Type | Characteristics |
| Monster Cable | S162 (16AWG, 2 Cond.) | Rated UL CL3 for premise wiring. Very fine strands (14AWG consists of 100 strands). Quite flexible. White outer jacket. East to strip and install. Monster Cable is a highly respected manufacturer of premium audio cables. |
| S164 (16AWG, 4 Cond.) | ||
| S142 (14AWG, 2 Cond.) | ||
| S144 (14AWG, 4Cond.) | ||
| Belden | 5102UE (14AWG, 4Cond) | Rated UL Type CL3R for premise and riser wiring. Fine strands (14 AWG consists of 27 strands.) Easier to connect to terminals than Monster Cable because of larger strands. Grey outer jacket. This New Generation® Speaker Cable by Belden is new on the market. Belden is a highly respected manufacturer of general use and speciality wires. |
Getting Wired: How to Choose the Right Speaker Wire for Your Home Audio System
With so many different brands and grades of speaker wire on the market, it can be tough to narrow down your choices. Believe it or not, your final decision doesn’t need to be based on a famous name or hefty price tag – on the contrary, it’s more important to look at specifications and characteristics. Not sure what to look for? Just read on: CableOrganizer.com shares tips on how to find the perfect speaker wire for your audio system.
How much distance does the speaker wire need to cover?
The distance of your speaker-wire run directly corresponds to the gauge (or thickness) of wire you’ll need to use. All speaker wire is based on the AmericanWire Gauge (AWG), a wire-sizing system that assigns numbers (which range from 0 to 40) to standardized wire thicknesses. In the AWG system, the higher the number is, the thinner the wire. Speaker wire typically falls within the 12 to 18-gauge range.
The farther an audio signal travels down a wire, the more resistance – and power loss – it encounters. Because thicker, lower-gauge wire offers the least resistance, it has the best capacity for carrying audio signals long distances – generally speaking, a 12 or 14-gauge speaker cable should give you great results. But don’t go on assumption alone – the best way to find the right wire gauge for your speakers is to know the exact length of the cable runs, then compare them to the chart below.
Will the wire need to go through a wall?
Because fire safety considerations come into play, choosing the right speaker wire for in-wall installation takes a little more consideration than is necessary when you’re picking out standard speaker cable. Start out by consulting local fire and building codes for exact specifications. If you’re going to be running speaker wire in-wall, you’ll need to select a type that is UL-rated and labeled either CL2 or CL3 (Class 2 or Class 3, respectively). These designations ensure that the wire has been tested extensively for current-based heat generation, flammability, and susceptibility to damage, and that Underwriters Laboratories has given it their stamp of approval for safe consumer use and in-wall installation. We recommend Monster XP® CI Compact Speaker Cable.
On the other hand, if your audio setup doesn’t require in-wall wire runs, any type of speaker wire will work, provided that you’re satisfied with its quality. One great all-around speaker wire to try is Monster XP® Speaker Wire by Monster Cable®.
What level of sound quality are you aiming for?If you’re choosing speaker cable based on the sound quality you want to achieve, you’ll need to take both conductor characteristics and shielding into consideration. When it comes to conductor material, look for speaker wire that’s based on high-purity copper, which is recognized as one of Earth’s finest conductive metals.
Next, think about gauge. If you have a high end, audiophile-quality system that’s geared toward finely nuanced sound reproduction, opt for a thicker gauge speaker wire, even if cable runs between the amp/receiver and speakers are on the short side. A thicker conductor (12 or 14-gauge) provides a wider, clearer path for audio signals to travel along, and allows every little detail to come through.
Shielding – a tightly woven metal braid that surrounds a cable’s conductor – can also improve overall sound quality by blocking interference from nearby power cords and fluorescent lighting. Shielded speaker cable is an especially smart choice for in-wall installations, which often run in close proximity to electrical wiring.
For a smaller scale, everyday audio system, high-grade speaker cable isn’t a necessity. In cases like this, basic 16-gauge copper speaker wire does the job just fine, and will help to keep your budget under control.
)
How much distance does the speaker wire need to cover?The distance of your speaker-wire run directly corresponds to the gauge (or thickness) of wire you’ll need to use. All speaker wire is based on the AmericanWire Gauge (AWG), a wire-sizing system that assigns numbers (which range from 0 to 40) to standardized wire thicknesses. In the AWG system, the higher the number is, the thinner the wire. Speaker wire typically falls within the 12 to 18-gauge range.
The farther an audio signal travels down a wire, the more resistance – and power loss – it encounters. Because thicker, lower-gauge wire offers the least resistance, it has the best capacity for carrying audio signals long distances – generally speaking, a 12 or 14-gauge speaker cable should give you great results. But don’t go on assumption alone – the best way to find the right wire gauge for your speakers is to know the exact length of the cable runs, then compare them to the chart below.
| Distance Between Amplifier/Receiver and Speaker | Wire Gauge Needed (AWG) |
| Up to 79 feet (24 meters or less) | 16 |
| 80 - 200 feet (24 - 61 meters) | 14 |
| Over 200 feet (longer than 61 meters) | 12 |
Will the wire need to go through a wall?
Because fire safety considerations come into play, choosing the right speaker wire for in-wall installation takes a little more consideration than is necessary when you’re picking out standard speaker cable. Start out by consulting local fire and building codes for exact specifications. If you’re going to be running speaker wire in-wall, you’ll need to select a type that is UL-rated and labeled either CL2 or CL3 (Class 2 or Class 3, respectively). These designations ensure that the wire has been tested extensively for current-based heat generation, flammability, and susceptibility to damage, and that Underwriters Laboratories has given it their stamp of approval for safe consumer use and in-wall installation. We recommend Monster XP® CI Compact Speaker Cable.
On the other hand, if your audio setup doesn’t require in-wall wire runs, any type of speaker wire will work, provided that you’re satisfied with its quality. One great all-around speaker wire to try is Monster XP® Speaker Wire by Monster Cable®.
)
What level of sound quality are you aiming for?Next, think about gauge. If you have a high end, audiophile-quality system that’s geared toward finely nuanced sound reproduction, opt for a thicker gauge speaker wire, even if cable runs between the amp/receiver and speakers are on the short side. A thicker conductor (12 or 14-gauge) provides a wider, clearer path for audio signals to travel along, and allows every little detail to come through.
Shielding – a tightly woven metal braid that surrounds a cable’s conductor – can also improve overall sound quality by blocking interference from nearby power cords and fluorescent lighting. Shielded speaker cable is an especially smart choice for in-wall installations, which often run in close proximity to electrical wiring.
For a smaller scale, everyday audio system, high-grade speaker cable isn’t a necessity. In cases like this, basic 16-gauge copper speaker wire does the job just fine, and will help to keep your budget under control.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)