Would this be considered an upgrade or lateral move?

Hello all. I've been studying all the positive reviews regarding the 950/770 setup on this website as well as others. For the last 6 years, I've been using a Marantz DP-870 DD/DTS processor and Acurus 200x3,100x2 power amps. I had considered the 950 for the additional input/outputs my DP-870 lacks and the 770 to limit the amount of power outlets needed. Would I be looking at improved DD/DTS 5.1 sound quality going this route, or pretty much simular to what I currently have?

Hi, Glenn54! I have owned the Marantz DP-870 for many years (I think it was one of the first outboard decoders available). I have not used it for some time as I upgraded to a HT receiver a few years ago and took the unit out of the loop as it was not needed. I also bought the 950/770 in December of last year.

I have not heard the Acuras amps. But I can tell you that to my ears, the 950's perfpormance in DD runs rings around the trusty but aging Marantz. Just having the additional options for surround is great, and I have never heard DD like this before (not sure how much relative contributions to this conclusion are made by the 950 and the 770, but the resulta are superb). I have made no A-B tests, of course, and this is a subjective opinion. But I opted for the 950 and the 770 over some considerably more expensive gear, and think I made not only the right choice, but an outstanding choice.

Good luck!

Mike

Thanks Mike. DD/DTS 5.1 would still be my preferred surround mode. I don't plan to add any addtional speakers for 7.1. The additional 2 channels of the 750 would drive 2 passive subs.

Glenn, I just replaced a Marantz SR-96 receiver/DP-870 with 950 about 3 months ago and I can tell you there was quite a big improvement in DD. I didn't expect much because I always thought DD was kind of a set thing and they all sounded about the same.

I am still using the receiver as my amp for the moment (it has main in's) as I couldn't swing the 755 yet but will soon.

I think you will be pleasently surprised if you decide to try the 950.

Hope this helps