Crazy Dream

[1911]

Lately, I've been going slightly nuts with all the AVR/speaker options out there. As an older graduate student (46), I've been taking my time with my decision, but I will probably be making this purchase within the next 9 months. I was previously considering the Anthem MX-710, but I was advised by a forum member to consider the Denon X-4000, which I was semi-resigned to - I say resigned b/c I have never been a huge fan of Denon due to reliability issues I've experienced in the past. I've also been considering several offerings from Onkyo, Integra and a few others. Most recently, I've been researching the Pioneer Elite SC-82, which I found new for $775.00. Since I will be spending the bulk of my budget on a speaker system (another conundrum) the price of the SC-82 is very appealing. As far as speakers are concerned, I am considering RBH SX-6300, Revel F206 or possibly Focal 836Ws + surround/bookshelves, and a center channel. Subwoofer will likely be an SVS 1000 or 2000. Amp: ATI 1805 or 1505, if I decide on additional amplification.

Anyway, back to the dream: so with all the great AVR receivers out there, my decision was seemingly made for me. Apparently, the Pioneer Elite SC-82 comes with a highly-regarded built-in hotdog cooker, which was the hands-down defining feature for me. I know others may say room-correction, network connectivity, HDMI 2.0, or sound quality might be more important, but for me and my intended purposes, that high-quality hotdog cooker, was a mighty compelling feature.

Is this normal?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Yes, this is quite typical to ask for advice, ignore it, buy something else and still look for approval.
Or even more common: shorter version, show up out of nowhere with purchase done and look for approval.

Any btw: Is there a question somewhere here?

 

[1911]

If there is an implied question here, it's rather generic: what's the perfect AVR/speaker/amp combo that can be had at the most reasonable (non-retail) price? (I realize there is no answer to this perennial question)... Oh, & is it normal to dream about that perfect AVR w/ a built-in hotdog cooker?

I guess another question would be Denon X4000 or Pioneer Elite SC-82? ... or Onkyo/Integra.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

"Perfect" is very personal concept, especially in audio. TBH it is not even fixed, more like moving target.
Perfect speakers are the ones sounds best to YOU in YOUR room. Both highlighted word are crucial.

Rule of thumb to get best sound quality for your money is to invest in best speakers you can afford and spend on electronics as little as possible.

Never really heard about issues with Denon quality, but Onkyo/Integra is last place I would go if you're concerned about it.

While I prefer auto-calibration flavor on Denon, many swear by Yamaha's reliability.

Best way to evaluate speakers is to listen them to in your room.

If had large budget for speakers, I'd look between Philharmonic Audio and Salk

 

[Chu Gai]

re you pursuing a graduate program while incarcerated?

 

[1911]

ummm.. No.

 

[rojo]

It sounds like OP is predisposed to dislike the Denon. How about the Marantz SR7008 as another worthwhile option? Or if dual subs at any point in the future is unlikely and external amplification is likely, the 5008 may be sufficient. (Note: the x08 line of Marantz is last year's model. There haven't really been significant changes from last year to this, though.)

Seconded on the Salk / Philharmonic speakers, although RBH, Revel, and Focal would be worth an audition.

Sent from my LG-VS980 using Forum Fiend v1.3.1.

 

[herbu]

Another testimonial for Denon X4000 or Marantz SR7008, and Salk or Philharmonic Audio. The Dreamscape Hotdog Cooker is overrated and has gone the way of 8-track players. But, you can always put your AVR in a tightly enclosed space and have at it... for a while.

 

[wshuff]

You will want to avoid any class D amplification in anything you purchase. They simply do not generate the heat needed to properly cook a hot dog.

 

[Swerd]

You can get audio amplifiers that double as hotdog cookers. This one includes a nifty temperature gauge.

 

[1911]

Swerd: That temp gauge is indeed nifty!

Now I have been considering the Arcam AVR 380 or 450, paired with an ATI 1805, or an Outlaw 975, also w/ the ATI 1805. I've decided I don't need the myriad of features available on the many mainstream AVRs. Does anyone have an opinion regarding these two choices or any other suggestions?

 

[Alexandre]

Swerd: That temp gauge is indeed nifty!

Now I have been considering the Arcam AVR 380 or 450, paired with an ATI 1805, or an Outlaw 975, also w/ the ATI 1805. I've decided I don't need the myriad of features available on the many mainstream AVRs. Does anyone have an opinion regarding these two choices or any other suggestions?

Not to go into shameless plug mode but I am selling an AVR 450 which is just a few months old. If you're in the SF Bay Area, I'd be happy to demo it. The receiver is great, arcam is famous for being extremely musical. I've actually upgraded to a Classe Sigma + Emotiva XPA-5. I'm not sure why you're looking to pair the Arcam with a power amp though (the ATI is a power amp, right?). The arcam has plenty of power IMO unless you're trying to drive very needy speakers in a huge room.

Cheers,
Alex.

PS: if you want more details about the AVR450, feel free to message me directly.

 

[1911]

Alex,

I tried to send you a "Conversation" message. Please let me know if you received it. Thanks - High_Noon

 

[Alexandre]

Alex,

I tried to send you a "Conversation" message. Please let me know if you received it. Thanks - High_Noon

Yep, I got it! I'll respond directly in our conversation on the details of my Arcam, that having been said, I wanted to post a couple of things here to see if anyone else had opinions on this.

I think that if it were me, I would skip the power amplifier. Unless you've got a really big room and highly inefficient speakers (I didn't check the the efficiency of those speakers you posted at the beginning of the thread). The subwoofer is powered so the amp won't be doing that, and most high end 7.1 receivers (the Arcam included) can do 5.1 with bi-amplification of the front channels. That would be my approach at first, unless you know for a fact that you need a power amp, you could probably skip it. You can always add it later if you think it's missing but at first you'd be saving yourself a bit of money (and a lot of wires at the back of your system .