LicensedTaximan
Prominent Member
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- Jul 6, 2004
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I'm under the impression that the topology of the SR8015 is different to that associated with the Marantz models below it? For instance, it has a centrally mounted toroidal transformer. Some of its components are specific to that model and the chassis is copper plated to better isolate the internal components. Whether this really makes a difference is subjective though. If there are any audible differences then they will be marginal, but isn't that the case will all things hifi and don't people spend inordinate amounts to attain these marginal gains?
My present AV amp (Denon AVC A11XV) has the same arrangement with regards to having its transformer centrally located as with its (physically) much bigger brother at the time, the AVC A1XV. This gives you two separate heat sinks as opposed to one as with the latest SR8015 and the out going (gone) SR8012. This is not the case with the lesser expensive Marantz models as well as with the Denon range. Interestingly these latest beasts do not have what I have at the moment, which is optical "outs" as well as "ins", but only inputs for some inexplicable reason, go figure!!!
The Denon 8500 and the 110 anniversary model, which is based on the 8500's design, also has the same centrally positioned transformer arrangement. This gives you (as with my present AV amp) mono block power amp construction, i.e left and right separated. I am looking forward to our very own "Count" Withers review on the Denon 110 to see if it really is worth its premium over and above both the Marantz SR8015 as well as its 8500 stable mate which it's based on.