Upgraded from Denon X3400 to Marantz AV7706 and have issue with emphasized sibilance that Denon did not have in the same system.
Have tested seemingly everything Audessey on/off, Tone control, GEQ but does not really cure the focus on sibilance. Otherwise sounds great and a big upgrade from Denon but highs ruins it.
Did not expect that as usually it is stated that Marantz has warmer sound.
For sources using streamers Atv4k and Shield Pro for speakers Genelec actives with using treble -2db and also have acoustic panels in room.
Only thing on top of prepro change was using XLR outputs directly. Previously used same XLR cables with XLR to RCA adapter cables.
Any recommendations to try before I give up on Marantz?
Summarizing my Marantz AV7706 outcome:
Was tempted to return AV7706 couple of times during first couple of weeks but wanted to make it work as some things indicated that it would be a worthwhile upgrade for me.
First thing I noticed after connecting using all channels through XLR how sub channel was much more articulate. I do use Behringer DCX2496 to EQ my dual subs so maybe higher voltage from XLR helped here toward professional gear.
Another thing was surround sound that was on another level. Much more atmospheric and precise in object positioning. The best surround I have heard in my system up to now,
Main issue really was vocal sibilance like mentioned in my first post.
Things that contributed sibilance in my view:
- AV7706 has seemingly more resolution/detail that might be higher treble level compared to Denon, have not measured. That might come out bright depending on your speakers.
- Genelec 80xx are revealing speakers and can sound bright on top end. I did use -2db Treble tilt already before. So combination with previous point did no add up so well.
- It seems my ears are more sensitive to high freq. than average.
- No Burn-in of probably both Marantz and my ears. Wrong forum to state device burn-in probably but I believe the sound character has changed slightly after couple of weeks. More so for my ears probably.
So combining all of this the sibilance was harsh in the beginning. Seemingly nothing seemed to help out to tame it like: Tone control (btw usable and appreciate that it exists), Audessey, GEQ, etc.
Mostly used Stereo or Atmos mode without any additional correction (Genelec dip switches and Behringer externally only) All additional processing turned off except Speaker Virtualizer for surround. Positive note on Speaker Virtualizer as it might be the reason why in 5.1 setup surround is more atmosperic as well but objects are more clearly positioned as well so like this feature. Saying that in the Stereo mode the soundstage is more open as well compared to Denon X3400.
Long story short couple of days ago sound appeared a little smoother (sibilance heard but more rounded and not harsh) but still a little more sibilance than I like. Activated again Tone control with Treble -2db. And things sounded better. Better then previous times I tested it. Then thought to try to activate Audessey again with full frequency correction using app, mind you with same calibration from the App that I did in the beginning. Now things sounded quite balanced, open, detailed, etc. After this decided AV7706 being a keeper. Was a surprise really as in the beginning Audessey did not sound so good at all. I was also convinced that I will not go back to full range Audessey calibration but AV7706 proved me wrong.
Some of fine tuning in App that I used to dial it in for me:
- Manual volume check with internal test tones. Previously used external Dolby Atmos Demo disc Test tones to balance volume but internal tones seem to give better balance. Might test it out with Audessey engaged as well later as previously it was off.
- Slight bass boost for Speakers (not using DEQ).
- From 4kHz to 20kHz -1db tilt changing Audessey standard Reference curve.
- All Audessey other options turned off
Putting it all together the overall sound now is well balanced and sounds really great in Stereo and Surround.
Source sibilance is still there of course but it is smoother and not harsh anymore. So happy for now ;-)