Demystifying the grade division of Japanese AV amplifiers and how to choose

Demystifying the classification, grading and selection of Japanese AV amplifiers

Home Theater Network () With the development of digital technology, now the next generation of AV amplifiers is a generation, JS in the money while also bringing pain to the players. Nowadays, the next-generation AV amplifiers that can be accepted by the general public on the earth are basically Japanese, and the products that are available for selection are basically the products of the five major families of Japan. Each of the five Japanese AV amplifiers has a clear grade for each product line: entry level, intermediate level, advanced level and flagship level. How are these four levels divided? How do we choose according to our own preferences and needs?

The main basis for the grade classification of Japanese AV amplifiers is: DSP, DAC and output power. According to the different combinations of these three elements to determine the grade, the basic rule is to combine the DSP < DAC < output power, such as the same chip of DSP and DAC, the model with large output power is one level higher than the model with smaller output power, and Whether the DAC uses a piece of 8CH or multiple pieces of 2CH determines the grade of the machine.

The data for some products DSP, DAC, and output power are listed below:

(a) DENON

Tianlong AVC-A1HD-DSP: SHARC processor × 3, DAC: PCM1796 × 6, output power: 150W × 7 (28.5KG)

Denon 4810--DSP: SHARC processor × 3, DAC: PCM1791 × 6, output power: 180W × 9 (19.1KG)

Denon 4310--DSP: SHARC processor × 2, DAC: PCM1791A × 4, output power: 130W × 7 (15.8KG)

Denon 4311--DSP: SHARC processor × 2, DAC: AK4358 × 2, output power: 140W × 9 (17.3KG)

Denon 3311--DSP: SHARC processor × 1, DAC: AK4358 × 1, output power: 125W × 7 (12.2KG)

Denon 3312--DSP: SHARC processor × 1, DAC: AK4358 × 1, output power: 125W × 7 (11.8KG)

Tianlong 2311--DSP: SHARC processor × 1, DAC: AK4358 × 1, output power: 105W × 7 (11.0KG)

Denon 1911--DSP: SHARC processor × 1, DAC: AK4358 × 1, output power: 90W × 7 (10.2KG)

Denon 1912--DSP: SHARC processor × 1, DAC: AK4358 × 1, output power: 90W × 7 (10.2KG)

Tianlong 1611--DSP: SHARC processor × 1, DAC: AK4358 × 1, output power: 75W × 5 (9.2KG)

Denon 1612--DSP: SHARC processor × 1, DAC: AK4358 × 1, output power: 75W × 5 (9.2KG)

Denon 1311--DSP: CS497024×1, DAC: CS42528×1, Output power: 75W×5 (9.2KG)

The AVC-A1HD is the flagship of the Tianlong merger. The six PCM1796s provide 12-channel processing capability. Although only 7-channel amplifiers are set in the machine, the 9.3 pre-output interface is provided behind the unit. The A1HD and 4810 DSPs use three 32BIT SHARC processors, the ADSP21367, which is clocked at 400MHz, making the A1HD and 4810 extremely powerful. I am very much looking forward to Tianlong's 3D amplifier 4811.

The Tianlong 3312 is an upgraded version of the 3311. In order to reduce the cost, the remote control of the 3312 was reduced from 2 of the 3311 to 1; the front panel of the machine was removed, and the weight was reduced from 12.2KG of 3311 to 11.8KG. Enthusiastic is that the 3312 adds a lot of new features: HDMI output port is increased to 2; built-in AirPlay function (AVR3311 is paid for upgrade); menu update, and the menu has Chinese display; GUI can be superimposed on the HDMI input image; User-defined quick keys are increased to 4. Looks like the price of 3312 is still fair, like DX, the budget is relatively tight DX, 3312 is a good choice.

From the above data, it can be seen that Tianlong's 4 series is obviously higher than the 123 series, and the 123 series level difference is mainly the output power. If you like Tianlong, you can choose the 4 series. If you like to play the pre-level + post-level, a cost-effective way to play is to use 1911 as the pre-level and then add 7CH. But the little devil's is the ghost, its 1911 has no PRE OUT! To do the predecessor, you have to buy 3311. The 2311 sold in Japan has PRE OUT, and it is said that the 2311 of the National Bank does not have PRE OUT. This phenomenon also exists in other devil machines where the PRE OUT port is castrated. Limited by the level of consumption, the use of low-level AV amplifiers as pre-level + post-level (DIY, second-hand) is a Chinese characteristic, the little devil knows this.

In fact, adding the PRE OUT port is very simple. For the DIYER player who has the ability to do it, you can buy a 1911 plus PRE OUT as the AV preamp, and resolutely prevent the devil's conspiracy. Although the 1611 is a 5.1 power amplifier, in fact, its predecessor part is the same as the 1911 internal core is 7.1, but the power amplifier part is 5.1, so it is more appropriate to use the 1611 to change the previous level, and the cost performance is higher.

Although Denon's new 3311 and below models support the Dolby Pro Logic IIz's front boost mode, since the DAC only supports 8 channels, it can only output 7.1 channels regardless of the mode. To open Dolby Pro Logic IIz, only Can turn off the surround back, even if you want to add another two-channel amplifier!

The Tianlong 4311 is the latest model, but this model is disappointing. Although two DSP chips are used and nine amplifiers are built in to support 9.1 channels, the DAC uses two 8-channel DAC chips AK4368. Main performance indicators: signal-to-noise ratio 112dB, dynamic range 112dB, total harmonic distortion -94dB, such performance indicators are not as good as PCM1690!

It’s strange this year, Tianlong and Pioneer all use AKM’s DAC chips in mid-to-high-end machines, but at least the pioneers are more versatile, using four AK4480s (signal-to-noise ratio 114dB, dynamic range 114dB, total harmonic distortion -100 dB).

The CS42528 is Crystal's 8-channel chip with a dynamic range of 114dB and a signal-to-noise ratio. It is a high-performance 192kHz/24bit D/A chip. The DSD1608 is also an 8-channel D/A chip with a dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio of 108dB. Originally, the DAC announced by Marantz and Tianlong low-end machine was DS1608. Now the Japanese website is modified to AK4358. According to the DAC grade used by 1311, the DAC used in 1611-3311 should not be lower than 1311. According to this article, the DACs of some models of Denon and Marantz have been revised.

(2) YAMAHA

Yamaha Z11---DSP: TI&YAMAHA DA70Y×3, DA790×1, DAC: DSD1796×7, output power: 140W×7+50W×4 (34.0KG)

Yamaha Z7-----DSP: TI&YAMAHA DA70Y×2, DAC: DSD1791×5, output power: 140W×7 (19.6KG)

Yamaha 3900---DSP: TI&YAMAHA DA70Y×2, DAC: DSD1791×5, output power: 140W×7 (18.4KG)

Yamaha 1900---DSP: TI&YAMAHA DA70Y×2, DAC: DSD1791×5, output power: 130W×7 (17.1KG)

Yamaha 1065---DSP: TI&YAMAHA DA70Y×1, DAC: PCM1680×1, output power: 105W×7 (11.1KG)

Yamaha 3010---DSP: TI&YAMAHA DA70Y×1, TI Aureus DA810×1, DAC: DSD1796×4, DSD1791×2, output power: 150W×9 (19.9KG)

Yamaha 3067---DSP: TI&YAMAHA DA70Y×1, TI Aureus DA810×1, DAC: DSD1796×4, DSD1791×2, output power: 150W×7 (18.5KG)

Yamaha 2010---DSP: TI&YAMAHA DA70Y×1, TI Aureus DA810×1, DAC: PCM1789×4, PCM1781×2, output power: 140W×9 (17.1KG)

Yamaha 2067---DSP: TI&YAMAHA DA70Y×1, TI Aureus DA810×1, DAC: PCM1789×4, PCM1781×2, output power: 130W×7 (16.0KG)

Yamaha 1010---DSP: TI&YAMAHA DA70Y×1, DAC: PCM1789×4, output power: 110W×7 (15.1KG)

Yamaha 1067---DSP: TI&YAMAHA DA70Y×1, DAC: PCM1789×4, output power: 105W×7 (14.7KG)

Yamaha 771----DSP: TI&YAMAHA DA70Y×1, DAC: PCM1681×1, output power: 130W×7 (11.2KG)

Yamaha 767----DSP: TI&YAMAHA DA70Y×1, DAC: PCM1681×1, output power: 95W×7 (11.2KG)

Yamaha 671----DSP: TI&YAMAHA DA70Y×1, DAC: PCM1681×1, output power: 125W×7 (10.5KG)

Yamaha 667----DSP: TI&YAMAHA DA70Y×1, DAC: PCM1680×1, output power: 95W×7 (10.5KG)

Yamaha 571----DSP: TI&YAMAHA DA70Y×1, DAC: PCM1681×1, output power: 105W×7 (8.3KG)

Yamaha 567----DSP: TI&YAMAHA DA70Y×1, DAC: PCM1680×1, output power: 90W×7 (8.5KG)

Yamaha 471----DSP: TI&YAMAHA DA70Y×1, DAC: PCM1681×1, output power: 105W×5 (8.2KG)

Yamaha 467----DSP: TI&YAMAHA DA70Y×1, DAC: PCM1680×1, output power: 105W×5 (8.4KG)

What is DSP? No matter how Yamaha or others interpret the English content of DSP, I think DSP is the sound field processor. The DSP is responsible for the decoding of various audio formats and the processing of various sound effects. The DSP chip is actually a microprocessor with excellent core and memory performance and excellent I/O throughput for floating-point processing. The software running on the DSP determines the performance and style of an AV amplifier. The DSP is the core of the AV amplifier. It is generally believed that Yamaha and Denon have the strongest technical development capabilities in DSP, so they have become Yamaha style and Tianlong style. The technology of Onkyo and Marantz is relatively weak, and the best way to lack technology is to deal with it less, thus becoming a neutral style. In fact, the neutral style is original, which is why Anqiao and Marantz have so many fans. The reason why the Lexicon AV predecessor is so sought after by fans is that Lescon has an excellent DSP.

What is DAC? I don't want to explain this any more, it is a digital-to-analog conversion processor. There are two general DAC chips: 8ch/chip and 2ch/chip. 8ch is generally a mid-range chip (dynamic range 105dB, signal-to-noise ratio 105dB), 2ch is generally a high-end chip (dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio above 115dB). The number of channels supported by the amplifier can be known from the type and number of DAC chips used. For example, Yamaha Z7, 3900, 1900 models use 5 DAC chips, the number of supported channels is 5 × 2 = 10, that is, 9.1 channels; Yamaha 3067, 2067 two models use 6 DAC chips, support The number of channels is 6 × 2 = 12, which is 11.1 channels; and only 8 channels of 1065, 1067, 767 and other models can only support 7.1 channels. Models like 1067, 767, etc., despite the 3D Cinema mode (CINEMA DSP 3D), can only turn off the surround back if you want to open CINEMA DSP 3D, even if you want to add a dual-channel amplifier!

Due to the large amount of data in HD audio, the processing of CINEMA DSP 3D involves a large number of floating-point operations, so a DSP chip can not be fixed. Therefore, if you want to enjoy HD audio with CINEMA DSP 3D, you must choose a model with more than 2 DSP chips. Models such as 1065, 1067, and 767, although with CINEMA DSP 3D, only turn on CINEMA DSP 3D in HD audio, only HD cores will be processed, such as DTS HD MA will be reduced to DTS.

The most cattle is the flagship Z11, in order to deal with 12-channel HD audio, actually used an amazing 4 DSP chips!

If you want to play the Yamaha 3D sound field, it is best to use the new 2067 or 3067. If you want to be an AV preamp, 2067 is a good choice.

(3) ONKYO

Onkyo 707 ----DSP: TI DA830×1, DA788×1, DAC: PCM1690×1, output power: 130W×7 (12.6KG)

Onkyo 807 ----DSP: TI DA830×1, DA788×1, DAC: PCM1690×1, output power: 145W×7 (18.0KG)

Onkyo 608 ----DSP: TI DA788×1, DAC: PCM1690×1, output power: 130W×7 (11.5KG)

Onkyo 609 ----DSP: TI DA830×1, DAC: PCM1690×1, output power: 130W×7 (11.0KG)

Onkyo 708 ----DSP: TI DA830×1, CS49834×1, DAC: PCM1690×1, output power: 140W×7 (12.5KG)

Onkyo 709 ----DSP: TI DA830×1, CS49834×1, DAC: PCM1690×1, output power: 140W×7 (12.2KG)

Onkyo 808 ----DSP: TI DA830×1, CS49834×1, DAC: PCM1690×1, output power: 145W×7 (18.4KG)

Onkyo 809 ----DSP: TI DA830×1, CS49834×1, DAC: PCM1690×1, output power: 145W×7 (18.3KG)

Onkyo 1008 -- DSP: TI DA830 × 1, CS49834 × 1, DAC: PCM1690 × 1, PCM1789 × 1, output power: 145W × 9 (18.7KG)

Onkyo 3008 --DSP: TI DA830×1, DA788×2, DAC: PCM1796×6, output power: 200W×9 (25.0KG)

Onkyo 5008 --DSP: TI DA830×1, DA788×2, DAC: PCM1795×6, output power: 200W×9 (25.0KG)

Onkyo 9.2 channel pure preamplifier PR-SC5508--DSP: TI DA830×1, DA788×2, PCM1795×6, with balanced output (14kg)

Onkyo integra DTR-40.3 --DSP: TI DA830×1 CS49834×1, DAC: PCM1690×1, Output power: 140W×7 (12.5kg)

Onkyo 709 and 809 are upgraded models of 708 and 808 respectively. Their audio parts are almost identical, and the biggest change to the upgraded model is the change in the appearance of the new model. I feel that the new look has lost the characteristics of Onkyo. Of course, it’s good to see it. The video part of the new model is loaded with the latest IDT HQV Vida VHD1900 processor. In addition to upscaling the standard definition image to 1080P output, the powerful processor also supports upscaling 1080p images to 4K (3840 x 2160). Resolution output, corresponding to the use of future 4K ultra-high resolution screens.

What is the difference between Onkyo 5008 and 3008? In fact, Onkyo 5008 and 3008 are almost exactly the same! However, the 5008 is a luxury version of 3008. Compared to 3008, the 5008 upgrades the DAC from six 24-bit PCM1796s to six 32-bit PCM1795s, resulting in a 3dB improvement in dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio with less harmonic distortion. In fact, the PCM1796 and PCM1795 are fully compatible DACs for pin and control, that is, they are fully interchangeable, but the PCM1795 performs better. In addition, the 5008 has an additional USB interface on the rear panel and uses a higher quality transformer than 3008 and a more electrolytic electrolytic capacitor. The RCA and speaker output interfaces are gold-plated. Of course, the price of 5008 is also nearly 3K RMB more expensive than 3008.

The DSD1608, PCM1680, PCM1681, and PCM1690 are all 8-channel D/A chips, but their performance is somewhat different. DSD1608 dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio is 108dB; PCM1680, PCM1681 are the same grade, dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio are both 105dB; and PCM1690's dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio is 113dB with differential output. The PCM1795 and PCM1796 are high-end DACs with dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio of over 123dB.

(4) MARANTZ

Marantz 6003----DSP: TI DA788×1, DAC: CS42528×1, Output Power: 100W×7 (13.2KG)

Marantz 6004----DSP: TI DA788×1, DAC: CS42528×1, Output Power: 110W×7 (12.7KG)

Marantz 5005----DSP: SHARC processor × 1, DAC: AK4358 × 1, output power: 100W × 7 (11.6KG)

Marantz 6005----DSP: SHARC processor × 1, DAC: AK4358 × 1, output power: 110W × 7 (11.8KG)

Marantz 7005----DSP: SHARC processor × 1, DAC: AK4358 × 1, output power: 125W × 7 (13.0KG)

Marantz 7002----DSP: TI DA708B×1, DAC: CS4382A×1, output power: 110W×7 (15.0KG)

Marantz 8002----DSP: TI DA708B×1, DAC: CS4382A×1, output power: 125W×7 (15.0KG)

Marantz 8003----DSP: TI DA788×1, DAC: CS4382A×1, (AV pure pre-level) (11.6KG)

The CS42528 and CS4382A are Crystal products. Although they are 8-channel chips, they have a dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio of 114dB. They are high-performance 192kHz/24bit D/A chips. The fascinating Lexicon preamps also use Crystal's chips.

Marantz 8003 is the predecessor of Marantz's "flagship". Actually, the DAC uses an 8-channel chip, and the DSP uses only one piece. Such a high-end AV preamp for HD tracks (DTS-HD and DB TRUE HD), the Audyssey MultEQ of the amplifier cannot be enabled, only for the DD, DTS and LPCM tracks.

The Marantz 005 series is a new product for 10 years. The DSP uses TI's new generation of 400M SHARC processor, and the processing power of the DSP is greatly enhanced. Although only one DSP chip is used, the computing power is greatly enhanced due to the improvement of the main frequency, which solves the problem that the HD decoding of the previous generation power amplifier and the automatic EQ sound field cannot be the same.

Although the 005 series upgraded the DSP, it has to be pointed out that the DAC used in this series was changed from Crystal's CS42528 to TI's DSD1608. The dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio were reduced from 114dB for the CS42528 to 108dB for the DSD1608. Tianlong's 123 series also uses this type of DAC. With the upgrade of the DSP, the function has been enhanced and it has become more and more powerful. However, does Marantz's amp still maintain its own style and musicality? Whether it is so, it still needs to be verified by the players.

In general, the larger the dynamic range and the higher the signal-to-noise ratio of the DAC, the smaller the distortion, which means more details, clearer sounds, and more musical. Comparing the low-end AV amplifiers of Tianlong, Yamaha, Onkyo and Marantz, it will be found that although they use 8-channel chips, Tianlong and Yamaha use 103dB grade chips, while Onkyo and the previous generation Marantz used It is a 114dB grade chip, which is 10dB higher. In addition, Onkyo and Marantz's "toss" (DSP) for digital signals is not as "the drama" as Denon and Yamaha, which is closer to the original, which is also an important reason for the more musical taste of Onkyo and Marantz amplifiers. .

(5) PIONEER

Pioneer LX90-- DSP: SHARC processor × 2, DSPC56371 × 1, DAC: WM8741 × 6, output power: 140W × 10 (OR 200W × 7) (35.5KG)

Pioneer LX85-- DSP: TI DA810×2, DAC: AK4480×6, output power: 140W×7 (17.8kg)

Pioneer LX83-- DSP: DSPA56720AG×1, TI D787×1, DAC: AK4480×4, output power: 110W×7 (18.5KG)

Pioneer LX73-- DSP: DSPA56720AG×1, DAC: PCM1691×1, output power: 100W×7 (18.5KG)

Pioneer LX55-- DSP: TI DA810×1, DAC: PCM1691×1, output power: 110W, 7ch (14.0KG)

Pioneer 1020--- DSP: DSPA56720AG×1, DAC: WM8728×4, output power: 105W×7 (10.2KG)

Pioneer 920--- DSP: DSPA56720AG×1, DAC: WM8728×4, output power: 105W×7 (10.1KG)

WM87XX is a DAC chip produced by Wolfson Company of the United Kingdom. The main performances are as follows:

WM8741: signal to noise ratio 128dB, dynamic range 125dB, total harmonic distortion -100 dB;

WM8728: signal to noise ratio 106dB, dynamic range 105dB, total harmonic distortion -97 dB;

The AK4480 is a DAC chip produced by AKM Corporation of Japan. Its main performance is: signal-to-noise ratio (114dB), dynamic range of 114dB, and total harmonic distortion of -100dB.

The Pioneer LX90 is the flagship product with exceptional performance. Pioneer LX90 and Tianlong AVC-A1HD, Yamaha Z11 and the three flagships of Japanese-integrated AV amplifiers are the "three representatives" of the highest level of Japanese AV amplifiers.

At the entry level, the power amplifiers with four DAC chips seem to be only the pioneers of the 1020 and 920 models. The cost performance of these two amplifiers is also very high. The disadvantage is that the interface is not rich, which is not comparable to Yamaha's peer products.

(6) Harman/Kardon

Add a little bit of the Harman Kardon model

Harman 355-- DSP: CS49700×1, DAC: CS42528×1, output power: 65W×7 (14.4KG)

Harman 360-- DSP: CS49700×1, DAC: CS42528×1, output power: 55W×7 (14.0KG)

Harman 460-- DSP: CS49700×1, DAC: CS42528×1, output power: 60W×7 (14.4KG)

The nominal output power of the US amplifier is relatively low, but this is the actual output power, without the component of flicker. For example, the output power of the Harman 355 is 65W×7, which means that the output power of each channel can reach 65W when the 7-channel is fully open, and the output power of the Japanese power amplifier is usually the output power of the single channel test. The player's feeling is that the output power of the US power amplifier is very low, but the actual thrust is larger than the Japanese power amplifier. For more home theater knowledge, welcome to WeChat: cnhifi.

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