Denon PMA-750 or AVR-4802R for 2 Channel?

[aaronhoyle]

I have both a PMA-750 and soon will have an AVR-4802R that I am being gifted.. the PMA-750 sounds fantastic, however I have had an issue recently where one channel is randomly dropping out (not affected by rotating any pot or switching any toggles, also happens to both A/B speaker outputs) and will later suddenly reappear and work flawlessly for another several days before dropping out again. When the channel drops it produces a low level hiss not heard on the other, working channel.

My question is (assuming the PMA-750 is working properly) which unit would likely sound better for 2 channel operation? The 750 has impressive distortion specs and is dead quiet. The AVR-4802R, although designed primarily for HT use, was clearly built with high quality components and has been tested to have ridiculously low distortion (see https://hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_1/denon-avr-4802r-receiver-2-2004-part-2.html ). The unit also has a 2 channel pure direct mode which turns off the video circuitry and other components that can interfere with the signal.

I also have a 3rd option, using the AVR-4802R as a preamp with a Parasound HCA-1205A. What would seen to be an obvious choice to use this configuration is blurred by the insanely low distortion figures produced by the 4802R's amp section... lower than the Parasound spec'd, I believe. However, distortion isn't everything....

What do you think?

 

[Karl vd Berg]

I have both a PMA-750 and soon will have an AVR-4802R that I am being gifted.. the PMA-750 sounds fantastic, however I have had an issue recently where one channel is randomly dropping out (not affected by rotating any pot or switching any toggles, also happens to both A/B speaker outputs) and will later suddenly reappear and work flawlessly for another several days before dropping out again. When the channel drops it produces a low level hiss not heard on the other, working channel.

...

What do you think?

It drops out even when you turn the volume up? Because then it can be tarnished relay contacts...

 

[EngineerNate]

Yeah my guess would be a bad relay if that's the only symptom.

 

[adnick]

Took my Denon PRA 1200 out of storage, (12 yrs) and it would drop one channel on occasion but only in phono....cleaned with DeOxit and lubed with Gold and problem solved! Not saying its the same issue(s) just relaying a positive result.

Rarely hurts to clean them up,

Andy

 

[mr_light]

I currently have Denon 5800 (currently hooked up), 4306, and 4802. I have two pair of speakers hooked up in a stacked stereo configuration. I love the ability to swap between the speakers and also play all four for a wall of sound. Given that they all cost less than $125 each I can't imagine better sound/power for the money. These have quality DACs that I hook to the digital out from my Denon CD/DVD players.