Sopra Center, First impression
The center is elevated in the front. The first thing I noticed is how close the timbre match is compared to the Polk 706 it replaced. Now, when a voice pans from the center to the main, the tone is unchanged, something I had learned to ignore with the 706.
The Sopra is a different series from the Kanta, but the timbre is so much closer now. Music through the Sopra has been elevated, clean and articulate. It's the same with dialogue.
All in all, the upgrade has been worth the wait. I feel like the front stage is at end game level.
Next up is a DAC for the CD player in 2ch mode. It's been ordered, just waiting for delivery from China.
If you've read this, thank you for taking the time!!
The Sopra is a different series from the Kanta, but the timbre is so much closer now. Music through the Sopra has been elevated, clean and articulate. It's the same with dialogue.
All in all, the upgrade has been worth the wait. I feel like the front stage is at end game level.
Next up is a DAC for the CD player in 2ch mode. It's been ordered, just waiting for delivery from China.
If you've read this, thank you for taking the time!!
Set up:
Marantz AV8802A - Sources: BRP Panasonic 9000/CDP Emotiva ERC 3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-6, XPA-2 x 2 - Speakers: Focal/PolkAudio, Mains/2ch - Kanta No2, C - LSiM706, SS - LSiM702, WS - RTiA9, RS - RTiA9, FH - RTiA3 - Subs: Epik Empires x 2
Cables: AQ McKenzie XLR's from CDP to AVP to amp for 2ch, Emotiva XLR's for the rest - Douglasconnection: Furutech Alpha 36 12g speaker wire for 2ch, Furez 10g speaker wire for the rest - AQ Forest48 HDMI for the display, AQ Carbon48 HDMI from BRP to AVP - VR3 filtered power cables for CDP, BRP and AVP, Emotiva power cables for the amps - AudioQuest 505 power conditioner.
EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
Marantz AV8802A - Sources: BRP Panasonic 9000/CDP Emotiva ERC 3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-6, XPA-2 x 2 - Speakers: Focal/PolkAudio, Mains/2ch - Kanta No2, C - LSiM706, SS - LSiM702, WS - RTiA9, RS - RTiA9, FH - RTiA3 - Subs: Epik Empires x 2
Cables: AQ McKenzie XLR's from CDP to AVP to amp for 2ch, Emotiva XLR's for the rest - Douglasconnection: Furutech Alpha 36 12g speaker wire for 2ch, Furez 10g speaker wire for the rest - AQ Forest48 HDMI for the display, AQ Carbon48 HDMI from BRP to AVP - VR3 filtered power cables for CDP, BRP and AVP, Emotiva power cables for the amps - AudioQuest 505 power conditioner.
EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
Comments
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Nice. Having a timbre matched center is definitely a game changer. IMO, if the center doesn't match, you are better off with just running a stereo front image.
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Next up is a DAC for the CD player in 2ch mode. It's been ordered, just waiting for delivery from China.
If you've read this, thank you for taking the time!!
Which Dac would that be?2ch rig: Speakers: Magnepan LRS w/Magna Riser stands Preamplifier: Parasound P5 Amplifier: Parasound A23 CDP: Pioneer DV-563A Cables: Wireworld Equinox 7 XLR ICs, Wireworld Ultraviolet 7 USB, AudioQuest Q2s, AudioQuest NRG X(preamp)
Standby: LSi9s with VR3's Fortress mods -
Thank you for asking. I had my eyes on the Denafrips Pontus but called an audible and ordered the Venus. My CDP has an AES port, so I'll connect it that way and run my XLR's to the Marantz.Set up:
Marantz AV8802A - Sources: BRP Panasonic 9000/CDP Emotiva ERC 3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-6, XPA-2 x 2 - Speakers: Focal/PolkAudio, Mains/2ch - Kanta No2, C - LSiM706, SS - LSiM702, WS - RTiA9, RS - RTiA9, FH - RTiA3 - Subs: Epik Empires x 2
Cables: AQ McKenzie XLR's from CDP to AVP to amp for 2ch, Emotiva XLR's for the rest - Douglasconnection: Furutech Alpha 36 12g speaker wire for 2ch, Furez 10g speaker wire for the rest - AQ Forest48 HDMI for the display, AQ Carbon48 HDMI from BRP to AVP - VR3 filtered power cables for CDP, BRP and AVP, Emotiva power cables for the amps - AudioQuest 505 power conditioner.
EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman -
Very nice indeed!
Is this a upgrade from the Marantz's dac or another? Either way I'm looking forward to your impressions.2ch rig: Speakers: Magnepan LRS w/Magna Riser stands Preamplifier: Parasound P5 Amplifier: Parasound A23 CDP: Pioneer DV-563A Cables: Wireworld Equinox 7 XLR ICs, Wireworld Ultraviolet 7 USB, AudioQuest Q2s, AudioQuest NRG X(preamp)
Standby: LSi9s with VR3's Fortress mods -
Is this a upgrade from the Marantz's dac or another?
Yes sir. I had been using the CD's DAC, then switched to the Marant's DAC. So I reckon this will be a one small step for man, one giant step for mankind kinda moment, at least that's what I'm hoping
Set up:
Marantz AV8802A - Sources: BRP Panasonic 9000/CDP Emotiva ERC 3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-6, XPA-2 x 2 - Speakers: Focal/PolkAudio, Mains/2ch - Kanta No2, C - LSiM706, SS - LSiM702, WS - RTiA9, RS - RTiA9, FH - RTiA3 - Subs: Epik Empires x 2
Cables: AQ McKenzie XLR's from CDP to AVP to amp for 2ch, Emotiva XLR's for the rest - Douglasconnection: Furutech Alpha 36 12g speaker wire for 2ch, Furez 10g speaker wire for the rest - AQ Forest48 HDMI for the display, AQ Carbon48 HDMI from BRP to AVP - VR3 filtered power cables for CDP, BRP and AVP, Emotiva power cables for the amps - AudioQuest 505 power conditioner.
EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman -
Hey Geoff, remind us again what is "the Marantz" that you are using? Is it an analog preamp/integrated or an AVR or AV Pre-Pro?
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8802A. AVP, later to be replaced with an AV10 sometime this year.Set up:
Marantz AV8802A - Sources: BRP Panasonic 9000/CDP Emotiva ERC 3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-6, XPA-2 x 2 - Speakers: Focal/PolkAudio, Mains/2ch - Kanta No2, C - LSiM706, SS - LSiM702, WS - RTiA9, RS - RTiA9, FH - RTiA3 - Subs: Epik Empires x 2
Cables: AQ McKenzie XLR's from CDP to AVP to amp for 2ch, Emotiva XLR's for the rest - Douglasconnection: Furutech Alpha 36 12g speaker wire for 2ch, Furez 10g speaker wire for the rest - AQ Forest48 HDMI for the display, AQ Carbon48 HDMI from BRP to AVP - VR3 filtered power cables for CDP, BRP and AVP, Emotiva power cables for the amps - AudioQuest 505 power conditioner.
EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman -
I've been impressed enough with my Marantz AV8805A AVP to not bother running a separate two channel preamp with it. Just noticed they came out with an AV30 model at half the price of the AV10. Also built in Japan like the two higher priced versions.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_642AV30/Marantz-AV-30.html?tp=48909
One way of looking at it is the AV10 may be a relative bargain if it means being able to avoid having a separate two preamp, or even a separate DAC, in a dual use home theater/music system. I'm running SACD into my AVP through an HDMI cable. Sound is great! -
I've been impressed enough with my Marantz AV8805A AVP to not bother running a separate two channel preamp with it. Just noticed they came out with an AV30 model at half the price of the AV10. Also built in Japan like the two higher priced versions.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_642AV30/Marantz-AV-30.html?tp=48909
One way of looking at it is the AV10 may be a relative bargain if it means being able to avoid having a separate two preamp, or even a separate DAC, in a dual use home theater/music system. I'm running SACD into my AVP through an HDMI cable. Sound is great!
Yes sir, mine is a dual-purpose setup. I'm opting for the AV10 for it's DTS:X PRO. Hard for me to let go of using Wides + Heights + Rears. And of course, the Dirac Live and everything else the AV10 has to offer. The AV10 will be strictly theater while I have a new DAC in route to enhance my 2ch game. The rig is pretty much getting an overhaul this year.....new DAC, new AVP and new high current mono blocks for the Kanta's.Set up:
Marantz AV8802A - Sources: BRP Panasonic 9000/CDP Emotiva ERC 3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-6, XPA-2 x 2 - Speakers: Focal/PolkAudio, Mains/2ch - Kanta No2, C - LSiM706, SS - LSiM702, WS - RTiA9, RS - RTiA9, FH - RTiA3 - Subs: Epik Empires x 2
Cables: AQ McKenzie XLR's from CDP to AVP to amp for 2ch, Emotiva XLR's for the rest - Douglasconnection: Furutech Alpha 36 12g speaker wire for 2ch, Furez 10g speaker wire for the rest - AQ Forest48 HDMI for the display, AQ Carbon48 HDMI from BRP to AVP - VR3 filtered power cables for CDP, BRP and AVP, Emotiva power cables for the amps - AudioQuest 505 power conditioner.
EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman -
8802A. AVP, later to be replaced with an AV10 sometime this year.
The rig is pretty much getting an overhaul this year.....new DAC, new AVP and new high current mono blocks for the Kanta's.I've been impressed enough with my Marantz AV8805A AVP to not bother running a separate two channel preamp with it. Just noticed they came out with an AV30 model at half the price of the AV10. Also built in Japan like the two higher priced versions.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_642AV30/Marantz-AV-30.html?tp=48909
One way of looking at it is the AV10 may be a relative bargain if it means being able to avoid having a separate two preamp, or even a separate DAC, in a dual use home theater/music system. I'm running SACD into my AVP through an HDMI cable. Sound is great!
@Geoff4rfc is amking power moves with the rig! Keep on it and keep us updated!
2ch rig: Speakers: Magnepan LRS w/Magna Riser stands Preamplifier: Parasound P5 Amplifier: Parasound A23 CDP: Pioneer DV-563A Cables: Wireworld Equinox 7 XLR ICs, Wireworld Ultraviolet 7 USB, AudioQuest Q2s, AudioQuest NRG X(preamp)
Standby: LSi9s with VR3's Fortress mods -
Right on Matt, I feel like I'm making "all the right moves" (without Tom Cruise as the star lol).
The Denafrips is on the way, that's the first upgrade of this overhaul. I'll give my 2 cents once it's installed and had a chance to breath into the system.
After that, I'm not sure which way I'll go next, the AV10 or a pair of XPA HC-1's.Set up:
Marantz AV8802A - Sources: BRP Panasonic 9000/CDP Emotiva ERC 3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-6, XPA-2 x 2 - Speakers: Focal/PolkAudio, Mains/2ch - Kanta No2, C - LSiM706, SS - LSiM702, WS - RTiA9, RS - RTiA9, FH - RTiA3 - Subs: Epik Empires x 2
Cables: AQ McKenzie XLR's from CDP to AVP to amp for 2ch, Emotiva XLR's for the rest - Douglasconnection: Furutech Alpha 36 12g speaker wire for 2ch, Furez 10g speaker wire for the rest - AQ Forest48 HDMI for the display, AQ Carbon48 HDMI from BRP to AVP - VR3 filtered power cables for CDP, BRP and AVP, Emotiva power cables for the amps - AudioQuest 505 power conditioner.
EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman -
I don't know...without researching that Marantz, I'd really question if that Ventus will really be able to show itself through any AVP, if at any point, the AVP sends the signal through a processing chip. Does it have a fully analog pathway?
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Looks like a few of us @heiney9 and myself are diving into the R2R dac "relm"!
I'm looking forward to hearing everyone's options.
I'm still evaluating my setup but I cant say it has been an extremely positive experience so far.2ch rig: Speakers: Magnepan LRS w/Magna Riser stands Preamplifier: Parasound P5 Amplifier: Parasound A23 CDP: Pioneer DV-563A Cables: Wireworld Equinox 7 XLR ICs, Wireworld Ultraviolet 7 USB, AudioQuest Q2s, AudioQuest NRG X(preamp)
Standby: LSi9s with VR3's Fortress mods -
I don't know...without researching that Marantz, I'd really question if that Ventus will really be able to show itself through any AVP, if at any point, the AVP sends the signal through a processing chip. Does it have a fully analog pathway?
Yes sir it does. RCA or XLR connections. This is not my unit but it's the 8802A. Right above the center and surround XLR inputs are the inputs that the Venus will use.
The Venus has an AES input that will be used for the CDP, then the XLR outs from the Venus to the Marantz. Should be copesetic.
Set up:
Marantz AV8802A - Sources: BRP Panasonic 9000/CDP Emotiva ERC 3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-6, XPA-2 x 2 - Speakers: Focal/PolkAudio, Mains/2ch - Kanta No2, C - LSiM706, SS - LSiM702, WS - RTiA9, RS - RTiA9, FH - RTiA3 - Subs: Epik Empires x 2
Cables: AQ McKenzie XLR's from CDP to AVP to amp for 2ch, Emotiva XLR's for the rest - Douglasconnection: Furutech Alpha 36 12g speaker wire for 2ch, Furez 10g speaker wire for the rest - AQ Forest48 HDMI for the display, AQ Carbon48 HDMI from BRP to AVP - VR3 filtered power cables for CDP, BRP and AVP, Emotiva power cables for the amps - AudioQuest 505 power conditioner.
EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman -
Looks like a few of us @heiney9 and myself are diving into the R2R dac "relm"!
I'm looking forward to hearing everyone's options.
I'm still evaluating my setup but I CAN say it has been an extremely positive experience so far.
Fixed that for myself lol.
2ch rig: Speakers: Magnepan LRS w/Magna Riser stands Preamplifier: Parasound P5 Amplifier: Parasound A23 CDP: Pioneer DV-563A Cables: Wireworld Equinox 7 XLR ICs, Wireworld Ultraviolet 7 USB, AudioQuest Q2s, AudioQuest NRG X(preamp)
Standby: LSi9s with VR3's Fortress mods -
I don't know...without researching that Marantz, I'd really question if that Ventus will really be able to show itself through any AVP, if at any point, the AVP sends the signal through a processing chip. Does it have a fully analog pathway?
Yes sir it does. RCA or XLR connections. This is not my unit but it's the 8802A. Right above the center and surround XLR inputs are the inputs that the Venus will use.
The Venus has an AES input that will be used for the CDP, then the XLR outs from the Venus to the Marantz. Should be copesetic.
Geoff, I'm not so sure that your XLR inputs guarantee a pure analog signal path from input to amplifier. There seems to be some doubt by owners, and one person asked Marantz directly. The response was not definitive.
https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/282383-marantz-pure-direct-pure-analogue-path/
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The Pure Direct Mode is passed through the tone circuit/AD Converter/DA converter/DSP include Audyssey processing for Analog input.
That is not "pure direct" on my old Yamaha integrated amp and receivers, pure direct bypassed all that. It went from source to amp/volume that is it. -
I don't know...without researching that Marantz, I'd really question if that Ventus will really be able to show itself through any AVP, if at any point, the AVP sends the signal through a processing chip. Does it have a fully analog pathway?
Yes sir it does. RCA or XLR connections. This is not my unit but it's the 8802A. Right above the center and surround XLR inputs are the inputs that the Venus will use.
The Venus has an AES input that will be used for the CDP, then the XLR outs from the Venus to the Marantz. Should be copesetic.
Geoff, I'm not so sure that your XLR inputs guarantee a pure analog signal path from input to amplifier. There seems to be some doubt by owners, and one person asked Marantz directly. The response was not definitive.
https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/282383-marantz-pure-direct-pure-analogue-path/
I read it. It seemed like one guy in particular was not convinced. I'll know soon enough when the DAC shows up Set up:
Marantz AV8802A - Sources: BRP Panasonic 9000/CDP Emotiva ERC 3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-6, XPA-2 x 2 - Speakers: Focal/PolkAudio, Mains/2ch - Kanta No2, C - LSiM706, SS - LSiM702, WS - RTiA9, RS - RTiA9, FH - RTiA3 - Subs: Epik Empires x 2
Cables: AQ McKenzie XLR's from CDP to AVP to amp for 2ch, Emotiva XLR's for the rest - Douglasconnection: Furutech Alpha 36 12g speaker wire for 2ch, Furez 10g speaker wire for the rest - AQ Forest48 HDMI for the display, AQ Carbon48 HDMI from BRP to AVP - VR3 filtered power cables for CDP, BRP and AVP, Emotiva power cables for the amps - AudioQuest 505 power conditioner.
EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
