I’m providing my experience for comparison on audio quality of the H50 to a recognizable brand AVR (Marantz Cinema 50). My wife and I are upgrading the audio (Samsung sound bar) to KEF speakers (R3 Meta) and a subwoofer (KC62) for TV and music streaming in our living area (2.1 sound stage).
With the ability to return items within an extended return period, I took the opportunity to do some comparison listening / testing. After listening to several bookshelf speakers in a Best Buy Magnolia room, we selected the KEF models and the Marantz. I then started A/B testing a other recommended speakers (PSB) and subwoofer (SVS). We are keeping the KEF’s. I also purchased the H50 to go along with Arylic Mini and Amp we have been using in other rooms. The results of A/B testing between the Marantz and H50 was a noticeable difference in sound quality. Many ‘audiophiles’, which I’m not, suggest sound quality is subjective. In blind testing, with multiple participants, the same opinion was rendered. The ESS DAC and features of the H50 was the winner. We returned the Marantz.
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