PLEASE READ *before commenting*! 1) All comments here are moderated by a third party 2) Polite comments that advance the conversation are most welcome 3) No URLs, racist/sexist remarks or conspiracy theories, please
I like these “Dear John” follow up videos. More like a conversation with friends after the more formal review video. I know this takes time away from your efforts to produce the initial review videos, however I hope you make the follow ups part of your overall approach to sharing your thoughts.
This video follow up is excellent and obviously comes across more genuine vs. texting! And most people do confuse the value proposition with “it’s too damn expensive!” I agree with your value explanation. Well done John.
This video helped me realize how much you enjoy engaging in productive conversation with your audience. Great job Professor Darko, your collaborative atmosphere reverses the trend of the notoriously toxic RU-vid comments section. It's been a nice little community to lurk in. Maybe I and others will consider participating more instead of watching from the back of the classroom.
I loved this format immediately. Most of the comments you picked I had read before and it's great to see your response to them. You produce more content and it's having more interactive quality to it. Win win.
I recently bought a 40n. Had a Peachtree Nova 150, and wanted something with ARC, a subwoofer out, and was curious about class a/b. It's a little pricy for me, but thought I'd at least try it. The Marantz sounds amazing. I'm not great at describing sound to Hi-Fi folk, but it was impressive to the point that I have no regrets and am just enjoying more music. Selling the Nova 150. This thing is pretty great.
I recently sold my Cambridge evo 150 and bought the Marantz 40n. The 40n sounds far superior in my ears. I am truly happy with this amp. My speakers are Q Acoustics Concept 500s. Years ago I did own Marantz PM10.
This was very enjoyable. I do like plain old amps just because DAC's are cheap and streaming services are volatile. I like the "freedom" to plug and play different components and listen how they work together.
I really like the "reaction" / comment format response videos. Gives a lot of value in addition to browsing the very informative comments in the review itself.
You are spot on relative to the value of things, John. Excellent description using it in what is most important to people. Audio is VERY important to me personally. Excellent food and high end restaurants are important to me as well. Rims on vehicles are not important at all, along with many other things.
Thanks John for taking the time to reply to comments. Also for expressing the need for nuance and subjectivity when speaking about this subject. With so many things to consider we sometimes try to simplify a complex question for times sake. Maybe texting, twitter etc. have dumbded us down much like mp3s thought we didn't need "all" the audio information.
I’m a subscriber to your channel. “Question everything, learn something, answer nothing”. Euripides I always enjoy your videos, even when I have no idea what you’re talking about! Lol. I’m new at this, so I’m just trying to absorb as much information as I can, and maybe at some point, I’ll be able to put all the pieces together. It’s also important to note, that no one in this game should have one source of information (I.e. you). There are learned people (also you) out there who can also provide some great bits of info. I don’t expect the final word on hifi from just one reviewer. That said, you still reign supreme for me just for your delivery and for your equipment recommendations and reviews. Keep it coming!
Avid Marantz fan for years and the 40n is an intriguing piece of hardware. I really appreciate your review and enthusiasm for the 40n. I currently have a Marantz NR1510 which is very agile network receiver. That receiver has HEOS but also Audyssey room correction as well which I used for our family/listening room. I even plug my vintage Adcom GFA-1 amp in for fun sometimes to play with the 2 channel setup when listening to vinyl or CDs. While I agree that HEOS is clunky and not "sexy" as a streaming control board I really only use it for multi-room streaming control when I want music throughout the whole house or want to stream music in the patio while my kids watch a movie. HEOS opens Spotify automatically so I use Spotify as my control app. And honestly, once setup, i don't even have to use HEOS to stream. I use Spotify to control what speakers / receiver I want to use. Marantz offers a lot bang for the buck and the fact that it has HDMI e-arc, networking capabilities, the phono stage and a good sounding headphone amp were key for me. I'm planning a future listening specific room and the 40n is at top of my short list for the sonic upgrades to my NR1510. And thanks again for another great music recommendation.
Absolutely thank you for the review. I'm a returning audio lover (finally coming back to the scene after many years) and decided to redo my entire system - coming from a Pioneer Elite SC05 with Definitive Technologied towers. I watch your reviews and read the comments so you are right on point. I am definitely moving to the streaming side but won't forget my Vinyl or CD collections. The industry is completely different than what I have been used to. So I'm learning. Again, I appreciate it. Just as FYI - was leaning towards the Motel A14MK2, with a pair of Lumina 2's with the Bluesound node. Will see.
RU-vid has reached a new high, people reacting to their own content. Jokes aside some of the topics are quite insightful and it's a pretty good way to interact with the viewers.
I noticed you highlighted my comment. In a way honored to see I sparked a thought and definitely acknowledge that some key details were missing in the original comment. I had added this in my follow up response. I have a soft spot for Marantz as my first amplifier was one. Compared to the c399 I preferred the NAD over the Marantz. Without a direct comparison I would probably have been happy to have the Marantz at my home. Eventually I got neither and replaced my (semi-defective) NAD c390dd with the Arcam SA30, which sounds like a great improvement over what I used to have. I enjoy your videos which give a good impression what to expect, however in the end audio is very subjective factoring in personal preferences and I experience it to be very difficult to ignore personal biases and moods. Hence your challenge is valid to be careful concluding out in the open because my experience may not be experienced the same by another. By the way, before purchasing I compared the Arcam SA30 with the SimAudio Moon Ace which sounded very different playing the same track in the same room and set-up, with a much wider soundstage behind the speakers vs the Arcam much more narrow in between the loudspeakers with more emphasis on the vocals. In addition, I also compared it to the c658/c298 combo which I had previously auditioned with the M10V2 and C399 and seemed quite similar to the latter. The NAD combo sounded closer to the Arcam albeit slightly more clinical. Although I could hear a difference I did not have a massive preference to either and the Ace would stretch the budget (at 4100 euros) and the NAD my furniture real estate (at the time available at 2899 euros), the Arcam (at 2400 euros) was my model of choice and no regrets so far
This response format is great, makes the conversation more real. Like others I'd love to hear your thoughts on the C399 - get one for review please! I purchased one and totally need you to agree that it's the best thing in the world ever. :)
First, I'd like to thank you for this "more thoughts" series, I really have enjoyed them. Second, a quick thought on "value". When I hear someone say x-thing is a good value, I hear x-thing is a good "bang for the buck" item. It's probably neither the most expensive item in its category nor the least but rather contains a lot of features for its price. Take the NAD C 399 example folks asked about. At $2000 USD is DOES NOT include streaming, that's an additional $600 USD via the NAD MDC2 BluOS-D add-on. So if you consider that issue alone, the Marantz is the better value. The calculus may change as you consider other aspects. If you look at it this way, one can find good value in ANY price range.
Hoards of Papa Roach fans sharpening their pitchforks as we speak... Very enjoyable, and I quite enjoyed the informal Q&A session. You're taking your videos to a higher level of engagement with your viewers. Well done and much appreciated. Cheers.
Had a demo a couple of weeks ago of the 40n with a Linn LP12 and AE500s. I was demoing the AE 500s v 509s. The Marantz was used as it’s the closest thing the dealer had in store to my analogue 8006. I though the 40n was excellent both using the tone controls and using pure direct mode. We were using 1960s classical records, so pure analogue. The sound was superb, almost 3D. I went with the AE500s as the soundstage is clearer especially for vocal and choral music. Thumbs up to the 40n holding its own with a £4K turntable and cartridge.
I was hesitant at first when I considered the Model 40n, because my former amplification solution was the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120, which was an excellent pairing with my old Wharfedale EVO 4.3 . Not so much with my new Nubert NuVero 110. Even with thorough RoomPerfect testing, the Lyngdorf sounded thin (in the mids), even harsh at the top end with deep bass, but with little control. It appeared that the Lyngdorf really struggled with controlling the quite huge standmounts. After a week of testing and position readjustment, I went ahead and got myself the Marantz Model 40n. What can I say, even with 20W less (@4 Ohms) per channel, the Marantz showed impeccable confidence and control, with deep, dry base performance, meaty mids and airy highs. It was just a league above the Lyngdorf, I wasn't expecting that kind of difference! It really comes down to the speaker pairing, that's for sure!
These videos are a fantastic idea as hardly anyone address the comments after the fact, and they provide a really interesting update to the initial video - please keep them coming, and thanks for your super informative and straightforward approach to the murky world of audio equipment, you do a really fantastic job
Great to see you responding to followers in a Q+A video, I personally welcome an alternative/subjective opinion as a real world experience. Not to say you hold back on any negative qualities of any product - you certainly don't and give honest criticism on a product where it is needed, but your reviews and showcasing on this channel is fascinating for audio enthusiasts of my tech like-mindedness...so THANK YOU...
John, well done! Nicely commented these reactions. And your right: audiomemory don’t reach over six months. Keep the apples to the apples as you did and keep on going this direction. Thanks for your vid’s so far and keep up your goed job. Warm greetings from the Netherlands, Bram
John, I have bought the Naim Atom but had several issues with the HDMI TV connection to my Sony TV. It sounded wonderful on music but, for me, the advantage of having an HDMI is critical. So I have ordered a Marantz 40N in replacement from my dealer. Hopefully all will work well and let's hope I'll be happy with the sound. It will play through my Dali Opticon 2 MK2s.
Hey! Did it work for you eventually? I have Sony TV and about to buy the Marantz. Trying to avoid HDMI issues as that would be a nightmare given the price. Thanks
Haha…thanks for this John. I am a Project Manager and an audio enthusiast and this is the first time I’ve ever heard the term ‘scope creep’ in a hi-fi video!
I agree…we have to be careful not to project conclusions without qualifying what they mean. I don’t know how anyone conclude’s anything is ‘better’ or ‘worth it’ without having had it in their personal space? You can say you like what you have for personal reasons (relative to you) but you cannot conclude something’s better if you haven’t utilized or experienced it. You haven’t compared it in real time so how do you actually know? I think that’s a fair statement for everything in life. Your perception (perspective) is often based on what you value and can afford. It can also be based on a previous experience that was either bad or good (internally to you)…likely biasing you prior to even trying it.
Great additional thoughts. Also gives a good insight into your review methodology. PS really enjoyed your long form podcast with Mads Buchardt today. Good for the walks by the seaside. 👍😅
I've got a 40n and was playing around with the low pass frequency in tandem with the low pass in the sub itself. It's nice being able to low pass twice. I have no idea what slope the Marantz is using, nor my subwoofer, but I can get a steeper one, or tailor the slope if I use both. Pretty handy for getting the low end to sit correctly.
Each crossover will change the phase angle of the response, so once you think you have the crossover nailed spend some time aligning the phase configuration with your new crossover config until sub and mains blend nicely.
It becomes a bit like 'reviewing a reviewer'...I appreciate, (and hope others do), your attention to the add-on/finite details people seem to need to get through the day. BTW, I can't afford the majority of what you review but I expand and learn a great deal through your page. Cheers, brother!
The NAD C399 comes in at £2100 with the BluOS module which gives at least the same connectivity as the 40n and adds Dirac and proper subwoofer integration. Plus it's more powerful at 120W/8 ohms and BluOS is much more refined than HEOS. If one can get over the boring-as-heck looks I think it represents more value for money than the Marantz (sorry to feel like I'm pooping on your original video title!) But - I can't comment on the sound, and that may well have a significant bearing on the "value" judgement.
There are purist in the audiophiles community who think dsp is a taboo…. John explained in his previous video that 40n is for such people… the Japanese knew what they are doing and usually design great products
@@user-xg6zz8qs3q I would say absolutely, but again as John says, it depends on your speakers. Low sensitivity standmounters are some of the hardest speakers to drive and although 60W into 8 ohms is commendable for a small box it might not give you the last word in control with some speakers.
@@TheAlbert18361 Absolutely, no argument that the 40n isn't great (although entirely relying on John's assertions there) or that it doesn't have its niche, or even that it isn't good value. Just saying that on paper, it doesn't seem as good value as the NAD when power, features and software are considered.
I like this follow up video content. As much as I try not to let comments affect my opinion, they can sow seeds of doubt and are annoying when not fully fleshed out
Hey man. Love the follow-up videos. Really cool. A comment on value, while I can afford many of these more expensive gear I choose not too. But you should also get credit for covering more modest, less expensive gear like the Bluesound Node or some Klipsch products. Keep up the good work. 🤘🏼🎸🤘🏼
Hey John, I really liked this video, as much for the mild humor as the content, with my favorite part about the folks who make a statement but don't provide the "why". That kind of comment happens on many topics, from cars to politics to HiFi, it drives me bonkers. I was never an "A" student, but some of the Comments you presented in this video reminded me of the humorless "C" students in my grade school classes that could never catch when a teacher or student were being playful vs being serious. (I don't know how it is in other parts of the world, in the US, students, for the most part, are usually graded on a scale of A, B, C, D, and F).
Nice couple of video. Looking at a few of the comments, I think many people are overlooking what I think is the prime function of the 40n. To me a decent 2 ch intergraded class A/B amplifier that has an onboard DAC and you can connect the TV to it. As for streaming, I,lol just plain the Node 2i in via COAX.
On Value… One thing I appreciate about your approach is comparisons to equipment on hand that is likely cross-shopped. Perhaps when discussing value it might make sense to also have an economic outlier product to help people gauge what you mean when you discuss value. Eg; the feature or sound are more/less/same/different than this other thing costing X% more. Eg; for 25 % more you don’t get better features and the sound is not all that distinguishable different. Or the reverse. Just a thought. Regardless, I appreciate the channel and your style a great deal. Ohhh…also, someday would love to see you do a series on the relative impact of various components. Eg; start with a bare room. Cheap and cheerful DAC in an untreated room vs sophisticated DAC in untreated room. Or room correction vs a better amplifier. Many possibilities. Perhaps against your anti glittering generalizations approach. But might be educational to your audience.
Thanks for the shout. On a slight tangent, why wouldn't Marantz make an SACD player *without* networking capability around the $1200-2000 range to pair with this network amp? Seems like an oversight. But I suppose there are other brands on the market you could pair w/ this amp. I know this conversation may defeat the "future-fi" concept of "one box to rule them all". Feel free to ignore.
bluetooth vs direct stream is way more than quality. With stream, you dont need to stop everything when your cellphone rings or play any kind of audio, you dont lose conection when you leave the room, dont drain your cellphone battery etc
You had my attention the whole time, I had watched the Marantz review with interest so I had some of the same thoughts and questions as those who commented. I find it curious that you would take the time to video a response to comments when you once shut comments down completely. I didn’t like that move, but I stuck around, glad I did. You come across as very personable, not as ‘polished’ as some reviewers do.
I agree on the priorities thing. I don't feel like spending to upgrade my bluesound node ( with external DAC) but I'll buy another surfboard no worries.
The Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 is very happy driving my 90.5Db wpc Tannoy XTF6fs, rather than the 86ishDb Kef LS50, for reference. Digging deep into the very low frequencies with ease. The LS50s sound strained. Definitely make sure you have efficient speakers. Or a sub woofer (or two).
At this point you’ve covered all the streaming amplifiers on the market around 2k/3k but the Arcam SA30. I’d love to hear your opinion on this amplifier: it’s Dirac compatible, it’s a class G (different from anything else), it has phono (mc/mm), does MQA-tidal connect (with last firmware)-roon. Please do this in the future!
If the sound quality is so similar that you need to have both amps playing side by side, one right after another to make a comparison between two amps, does it even matter in terms of how much someone will enjoy one amp in their home without ever hearing the other one. Assuming that there's enough power output for the speakers and room, maybe the only things worth talking about are the features and functionality.
Regarding the suggestion of a Topping D10s DAC/USB converter to solve the Marantz lack of USB, there is a cheaper alternative sans DAC, the SMSL PO100, which converts from USB to Coaxial and Toslink for $33 (Amazon US).
Excellent video! Thank you for revisiting this awesome unit! Regarding the comment with the heat for his/her SR5014, most if not all of the Marantz surround sound receivers get HOT. My 2-channel integrated Marantz PM7000N (which is similar to the 40N but lower end, but still LOVE it) can play for hours and barely gets warm. I wonder how much of an upgrade the 40N would be? HEOS does need to be updated. But it works and sound really good. I do have a Node 2i and tried hooking it up using its own DAC and the DAC in the Marantz and I think I liked the DAC in the Marantz better, and HEOS sounds better than the Node2i. Hope this adds to the conversation. Thank you Darko!!!!
The DAC/Preamp section in Marantz Amps/AVRs is very smartly voiced. I use an RME ADI-2 DAC FS as well as a Chord Mojo while connecting my PC to my Cambridge Audio CXA81 but many a time, I also find myself routing it through my Marantz SR6013 as it also has a distinct flavour and charm which is not present with the aforementioned DACs.
@@darpanbhuyan1909 Totally agree! This is especially true in the DAC within the PM7000N. It is constantly praised as one of the finer DACs and DAC implementation anywhere near its price range. I've tried a few DACs sub $300 and gave up. Next is the Denefrips Aires, but I'm not spending $800-$900 on a DAC at this point.
The NAD C399 wipes the floor with Marantz 40N in all areas. The NAD C399 for the same price has better BlueOS streamer, MUCH higher power at 2x180 Watt, it has full Dirac Live, much higher damping factor, lower distortion, dual subwoofer outputs with bass management, dual outputs for external power amps, more inputs, upgradability with MDC2 plugin cards... and so on... It's a no brainer.
