Marantz AV10 AV Processor Review

[seashell]

??? Thankfully my AV20 seems perfect so far. One of the the worst things that can happen is to stretch your budget for something only to be unsatisfied with the result.

I'm sadly used to this type of thing, I just have poor mail order karma in general.

My current AVR is an Integra DRX 3.4 and the first unit had constant video glitching when displaying its setup GUI, so I had to swap it for a replacement. The dealer made it super easy though so I happily chose them again, and they're making it super easy again. New unit is on the way and return label for the one going back was sent before I even got off the phone. 60 day eval/return window re-starts when the new one arrives.

Hopefully the new one is all good. I've always had Denon or Marantz prior to the Integra, and for various issues (not sonic) I was never really happy with the Integra.

If it doesn't go well with new AV10 I don't know where else to go. Trinnov Altitude-CI? Hopefuly I don't have to find out.

 

[Sal1950]

If it doesn't go well with new AV10 I don't know where else to go.

I've used Marantz gear for decades without issue. It' been a rock solid performer for me. I had to replace my Marantz 7703 after a lightning strike but can't blame them for that.
If I had to replace my AV20 it I'd be in trouble, unless I hit a lotto don't know how I would afford a Storm, Trinnov, or JBL ?

 

[seashell]

I've used Marantz gear for decades without issue. It' been a rock solid performer for me. I had to replace my Marantz 7703 after a lightning strike but can't blame them for that.
If I had to replace my AV20 it I'd be in trouble, unless I hit a lotto don't know how I would afford a Storm, Trinnov, or JBL ?

I used Marantz for years until I had to deal with their engineering department over what would have been nothing but a firmware fix. I'll just say the experience was so bad I had to go elsewhere, which was Denon. Of course a few years later they became the same company and now they're really just badges.

I don't know a lot about the JBL nor Trinnov products, only recently hearing about the Alititude-CI, but Storm is not an option to me based on multiple reports that it's not uncommon for them to take 5 seconds to sync to bitsream audio streams which is one of the things I've found most annoying about the Integra. People indicate the current DM products still sync pretty quick, I really hopes that's true.

 

[Sal1950]

I don't know a lot about the JBL nor Trinnov products, only recently hearing about the Alititude-CI, but Storm is not an option to me based on multiple reports that it's not uncommon for them to take 5 seconds to sync to bitsream audio streams which is one of the things I've found most annoying about the Integra.

?? Not sure about sync to bitstream times but yes Storm AVR's are computer based so they take a while to "boot" up and such.
As for Denon, Marantz, and JBL, they are all now the children of Samsung's subsidiary Harman International when they acquired the Sound United company,
Yea I know, it sucks.

 

[seashell]

Yeah consolidation rarely helps the consumer. Fewer options, no competition.

 

[Everett T]

Yeah consolidation rarely helps the consumer. Fewer options, no competition.

I agree, I think from the manufacturer's standpoint its survival mode.

 

[seashell]

The replacement AV 10 arrived today. Happily this one doesn't squeak when I touch it.

 

[Sal1950]

The replacement AV 10 arrived today. Happily this one doesn't squeak when I touch it.

First one must have had a Japanese mouse caught inside.

 

[seashell]

First one must have had a Japanese mouse caught inside.

Amazing they can survive so long on just circuit components.

 

[Descartes]

I sometimes listen at fairly high volumes, so I was a bit worried whether the height channels could keep up.
However, even at a total level of around 115 dB, I didn’t hear any noise or signs of distress from the height speakers.
It seems there’s no need to upgrade them for now.
View attachment 491772
View attachment 491773

How did you attach the LS50 to the ceiling?

 

[kawauso]

How did you attach the LS50 to the ceiling?

The LS50 Meta speakers were mounted in the ceiling after holes were cut into the speaker cabinets.

 

[Descartes]

The LS50 Meta speakers were mounted in the ceiling after holes were cut into the speaker cabinets.

Where did you drill holes in the cabinet? Can you please post pictures

 

[kawauso]

Where did you drill holes in the cabinet? Can you please post pictures

 

[Descartes]

View attachment 498256

Thank you, could you please tell us what size drill bit did you use and what kind of brackets?

 

[RobMedina]

My AV10 was squeaking and rattling. I had never really noticed it until I got my JTR Captivators and had to reconfigure my setup. I tried tightening all the screws and that didn't work. I also stripped one of the screws for the feet because I guess everything is soft copper. I ended up removing all the feet and raising it up on sorbathane pads and it seems that has eliminated the rattle. I guess the bottom plate of the chassis doesn't like the higher pressure from the small feet versus the sorbathane pads. In my case it was so bad when the bass would hit you could hear it RING, I'm really hoping I don't hear it anymore. Dismantling the whole unit to fix it is most likely a huge chore.

 

[Oddball]

My AV10 was squeaking and rattling. I had never really noticed it until I got my JTR Captivators and had to reconfigure my setup. I tried tightening all the screws and that didn't work. I also stripped one of the screws for the feet because I guess everything is soft copper. I ended up removing all the feet and raising it up on sorbathane pads and it seems that has eliminated the rattle. I guess the bottom plate of the chassis doesn't like the higher pressure from the small feet versus the sorbathane pads. In my case it was so bad when the bass would hit you could hear it RING, I'm really hoping I don't hear it anymore. Dismantling the whole unit to fix it is most likely a huge chore.

Where did you position your AV10 compared to the subs? I don't really have rattling issues even at extreme volumes - recently just tried +5dB to reference with subs at 80% instead of calibrated 50% - but the AV10 is kind of sideways from the main setup (in a hallway) and roll of bass at 20hz.

It is a bit worrying that this happens even if the placement is not ideal. My 98" TV if flanked between two subs and I feel sorry for it in some respect, but it does never rattle or move. It does have 80kg though so that probably helps.

 

[seashell]

My AV10 was squeaking and rattling. I had never really noticed it until I got my JTR Captivators and had to reconfigure my setup. I tried tightening all the screws and that didn't work. I also stripped one of the screws for the feet because I guess everything is soft copper. I ended up removing all the feet and raising it up on sorbathane pads and it seems that has eliminated the rattle. I guess the bottom plate of the chassis doesn't like the higher pressure from the small feet versus the sorbathane pads. In my case it was so bad when the bass would hit you could hear it RING, I'm really hoping I don't hear it anymore. Dismantling the whole unit to fix it is most likely a huge chore.

My first unit squeaked basically anytime I touched the back. Fortunately the replacement doesn't have the issue. Seems this is some fundamental underlying problem though and not just a one off. Sigh.

 

[Oddball]

My first unit squeaked basically anytime I touched the back. Fortunately the replacement doesn't have the issue. Seems this is some fundamental underlying problem though and not just a one off. Sigh.

The problem is quality control. These units are supposed to be hand checked before shipment. What you describe would be easily caught if the unit was properly inspected. I guess nothing is perfect nowadays...

 

[seashell]

The problem is quality control. These units are supposed to be hand checked before shipment. What you describe would be easily caught if the unit was properly inspected. I guess nothing is perfect nowadays...

It might be quality control, and I really hope that's the case, but I think it's more likely poor design. It shouldn't be prone to squeaking or ringing even if not perfectly assembled or handled. Given RobMedina didn't notice his squeaking during unboxing and installation it's quite possible it has broken due to vibration in use as he stated, and my first one broke during transit somewhere between Japan and me.

These should be built like tanks like AVRs have been for years, but it's probably some penny saving part creating a failure point. Disappointing, but not surprising. Quality is hard to find these days even at premium prices.

 

[Oddball]

Definitively not poor design. This particular piece of equipment is probably the most over-engineered AVP ever to come to our world. Design of this unit, and its benchmark tests put Storm and Trinnov processors to shame. This unit sets the new standards in engineering excellence for the AVP world - by all means.

I can understand your frustration, but your unit has nothing to do with poor design - only poor execution and lack of quality control.

If I can give some advice to the members that don't want to take any risks, I would pick a demo unit from a reputable dealer. Proven to work well and price should also be right. I got EUR 2.5K discount for my unit along these lines. Was 6 mos in the showroom, and came as perfect as I was expecting.