Marantz SR7012 Setup Questions

[STMICHAELS]

Hi Todd,

Really enjoyed the review and information and after months of research and your informative review I settled on the SR7012 today. I am very excited. Separates were too much at this time and that's what I love about this as I can use it as a pre/pro to add two more amps later.

Some context:

I recently purchased a 4K Sony player (x700) and a Sony 4K 900 series TV. This includes two HDMI outputs on 4K blu ray player. One output for TV+Audio combo and 2) Audio only (In manual it says for older receivers).

I am trying to decide even though the 1702 is an AVR if I want to use it only for Audio since my player and TV has all the 4K standards and conversion. I know some might say its a waste buying an AVR, and not using the V side, however still cannot beat the price for amp and sound with the deep discount I purchased it for.

Question 1: Pass-Through or not? Any issues with pass-through Video on 1702 or run 4k player directly to my TV and use the second output on 4k Blu ray player to the Marantz 1702 for Audio only? I don't want to degrade picture quality.

Question 2: If I went with the HDMI output on 4K blu ray player to TV and second HDMI output Audio to Receiver that means I wont have the 1702 connected to TV period. Would I still be able to set up the Speakers and do the Calibration without TV? How can this be achieved by AVR alone or the IOS APP? Any recommendation here? Am I overthinking it?

Question 3: I only have a 3 (L, C, R) speakers at the moment not full 5.1 ( - Klipsch RF7 series). Space does not currently allow me to do a full 5.1 surround. Knowing I will only use 3 channels - Will the 1702 accommodate this during set up? Do I place the Audio Settings in "Auto" mode for all the multi -channel formats and just identify its 3 speakers or place it in a forced 5.1 mode for the 3 speakers? Not sure how that would work on 1702? or what happens in that case.

Question 4: IS Bi-amping possible with this configuration or is it not necessary. I thought since I wont be using many of other channels it could be useful. Bought 1702 to expand when I move later.

Sorry for all the questions as I am still learning - Is there a better way to do this with your experience on 1702?

Thank you once again!

 

[Todd Anderson]

Hi @STMICHAELS, congrats on the buy!


Let's see if we can answer your questions:

1) No problem on running video through the 7012. You'll encounter the same handshake process that you experience with the BD player connected direct to your TV. And you'll also have video access to the menu system. While you might be able to get away with the using the menu system on the Marantz app... my personal preference is to use the onscreen menu. It's easier (IMO)

2) See #1. To add, you'll need to have the AVR hooked up to a video display for initial power up because it has a number of steps it guides you through. After that, you can use apps (Audyssey app and Marantz app)... but it's still nice to have on screen information even when using the Audyssey app. So, my preference remains to pass-through video.

3) I believe you'll initially tell the AVR what kind of speaker setup you're using as you work your way through the initial setup menu. Then, during calibration, it will detect the speakers.

4) As for the various formats, the system will handle that for you. It will take any format you throw at it and play it over the 3 speakers. Of course, you do have some control over playback in the audio menu (where you can select, Stereo, multi-channel, and various Dolby, Auro, and DTS processing modes... the AVR will only present modes that are playable).

5) You can technically bi-amp your front left and right channels while using speaker arrangements up to 7.1 (see page 68 of the manual, here). Is it necessary? Hmmm... you do have the extra channels free, so why not try it out? You're running Klipsch, which are really sensitive speakers (meaning, they are much more efficient than most speakers)... so you might not notice a difference. But if you have the speaker wire, take your time, read the manual, and try it out. You might find that it gives you the ability to crank out higher levels of clean output.

I think you're headed down the right path... the AVR is very intuitive to use AND it will handle a lot of the dirty work for you. Marantz and Denon are doing a lot to accommodate folks that are less knowledgeable.

One tip: after you run Audyssey calibration, definitely check to see if the AVR has your speaker setting (small or large) set correctly. If you're running a really good sub, you'll want them on small. If not, make sure they're large. Also, you can go into the menu system and pre-set 2-channel listening settings for when you're listening to stereo music. This is great for situations where you don't want a subwoofer involved when listening to stereo.

Also, if you download the Audyssey app, you can tell Audyssey what frequency range to apply correction. A lot of folks will tell you only to apply correction between 5Hz and 400 or 500Hz. So, with the App, you can copy your results and then mess with the frequency range. Just make sure you upload the settings from the app to the AVR. It doesn't do it automatically.... Anyhow, if you have two calibration files (one covering all frequencies and one only covering up to 500Hz) you can spend some time switching between the two.



Does that answer most of what you were asking?

 

[STMICHAELS]

Hi Todd,

That was very helpful and very easy to follow - So thank you. Appreciate the extra tips post Audyssey. I see tracking status that the AVR has shipped. Now I am getting excited

A few more follow up questions based on the information you provided and some extras if I may:

1) After calibration I believe it will ask for Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume. I believe this is native Audyssey. Settings on or Off? Is there a preference?

2) Scenario: I have four very energetic young pre-teenagers and they love their XBOX - S (Fortnite) I don't want to be selfish, however want them have the least amount of interaction or touchpoints with the Marantz. They use gaming console a lot as they all get turns. We have two in our house Thus I was contemplating XBOX-S to TV direct VS 1702 pass-through and just do the other units that I use (dedicated 4K UHD player ) to the Marantz pass-through.

Question: If I did decide to add the XBOX-S output to the 4K via pass-through on the Marantz, would they need to use the AVR to power on in order to use pass-through on their XBOX-S with Marantz, is it more complicated for them to use or can they still use TV sound etc? without interacting with Marantz too much I would like for them to see the Marantz as a separate piece that just "sits there." unless its easy to use. The TV can support two 4K high transfer HDMI 2.0 inputs. and 2X regular HDMI for 1080 P etc. In this scenario would pass-through still be preferable? or dedicate XBOX to TV?

3) Extra Cooling? The 1702 will definitely not fit in a cabinet as its too wide. However it will be on top of cabinet with full clearance on sides and top. I wont be using this unit for prob more than 4 hours at a time as I will only use it for movies or music not daily such as cable, sports or anything else. I wont be listening above reference in most cases. I heard these units get very warm to "hot." Would it be sufficient knowing I have clearance or should I look into additional cooling options?

Thank you and appreciate your valuable input.

 

[Todd Anderson]

@STMICHAELS Cool! Gotta love tracking... makes it even more exciting!

Rest of questions:

1) For me, I'd turn both Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume off. I personally wouldn't want those features engaged. That being said, you might want Dynamic Volume engaged if you're watching TV (it stops loud spikes in volume with ads, etc). It's a feature that you can turn on and off with app control. But, me, personally, I'd generally leave them off.

2) Yes, I believe you can go into the menu and set HDMI Pass Through to "ON"... the default is "OFF." That should allow you to pass HDMI through the receiver when it's in standby mode (so it must be plugged in with active power... not unplugged on or a power/surge protector that's turned off).

3) If you're not putting it in a cabinet, you should be fine. You can stack other components on top of it... but only if they leave a clearance for air to move. don't lay books and magazines on it

When it comes in, shoot a picture and share it!

 

[STMICHAELS]

Thank you for the reply that was very helpful. I have determined to place all the sources to the AVR with exception of the kids XBOX as they will be using it very frequently and don't want another chain in between or overuse of the Marantz in case there is potential troubleshooting and I am not available.

I will definately be setting this all up once Christmas arrives.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Look forward to getting a report on how everything goes!