New Receiver

[BMW]

A friend of mine has a Onkyo TX- SR805 That hashed lots of problems and has finally given up. He wants to upgrade, probably wants to spend about $1000. He has 5.1 with Def Tec. speakers on the wall. I really don't see him upgrading any of this. The only thing he would probably upgrade down the road is his display. So probably needs 4K pass thru. Suggestions?

Thanks

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Brand new Denon X3100 for $499 (MSRP $1000).

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-X3100W-Bluetooth-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B00KONGJOO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1441206883&sr=8-2&keywords=denon+x3200&pebp=1441206888198&perid=0G1A4KSB6TG7FH233BM2

 

[BMW]

How would you compare that as going with a more expensive unit like the x4200?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

How would you compare that as going with a more expensive unit like the x4200?

The X4200 has more features that could potentially enhance the sound quality, namely Audyssey XT32 DEQ+ dual SubHT EQ vs. Audyssey XT EQ.

The X4100 has that for $800.

 

[PENG]

How would you compare that as going with a more expensive unit like the x4200?

It gets you Audyssey XT32 and SubEQ HT, can process 2 more channels, 1 more zone, 1 more HDMI , HDCP 2.2, and slightly more powerful.

If you don't care for the HDCP2.2, the X4100W is a good alternative for $799.

http://www.amazon.com/AVR-X4100W-Receiver-Bluetooth-featuring-Installation/dp/B00OYGO43K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1441281404&sr=8-3&keywords=x4100w

I think the extra $300 may be worth it mainly because of the XT32/SubEQ HT especially for people with two subs.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

It gets you Audyssey XT32 and SubEQ HT, can process 2 more channels, 1 more zone, 1 more HDMI , HDCP 2.2, and slightly more powerful.

If you don't care for the HDCP2.2, the X4100W is a good alternative for $799.

http://www.amazon.com/AVR-X4100W-Receiver-Bluetooth-featuring-Installation/dp/B00OYGO43K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1441281404&sr=8-3&keywords=x4100w

I think the extra $300 may be worth it mainly because of the XT32/SubEQ HT especially for people with two subs.

Definitely worth the $300 if the AVR is used as the main centerpiece of the system.

The X3100 could also be the main piece for many people. But for guys like us, it is more like the secondary piece for other rooms.

 

[KEW]

A friend of mine has a Onkyo TX- SR805 That hashed lots of problems and has finally given up. He wants to upgrade, probably wants to spend about $1000. He has 5.1 with Def Tec. speakers on the wall. I really don't see him upgrading any of this. The only thing he would probably upgrade down the road is his display. So probably needs 4K pass thru. Suggestions?

Thanks

If the wallmounts are non-negotiable, I'd suggest he go with the X4100 for $800, then start looking for a second sub (assuming his current sub is acceptable)!
The AVR will gain him reliaility and the 2nd sub will gain smoother bass response throughout the room.

 

[BMW]

Thanks for all of your replies. It sounds like HDCP 2.2 is something that we might need in the near future? My friend is not a guy that likes to buy new stuff unless necessary. The 4200 sounds a little more future proof.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Thanks for all of your replies. It sounds like HDCP 2.2 is something that we might need in the near future? My friend is not a guy that likes to buy new stuff unless necessary. The 4200 sounds a little more future proof.

Perhaps, but the price difference is almost TWICE as much.

X4200 $1500
X4100 $800

The X4100 is 4K-compatible with many current "4K" displays and components that are not HDCP 2.2.

I guess if you worry that future TVs and BD players will all be HDCP 2.2 and you care about 4K video, then it might matter.

I don't think people can tell a difference between 1080p vs 4K video anyway. So I don't even care about 4K.

And then in another 5 years, they will be talking about 8K video and HDCP 3.3 or whatever.

I'll still be watching 1080p when they come out with 16K video.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

By Summer/Fall of 2016, the X4200 will be like $800.

So he could buy the X3100 for $500 now. Still an excellent AVR. I have one myself. Wait next Fall 2016 and get the X4200 for $800. Total would still be less than the $1500 X4200 now.

 

[PENG]

By Summer/Fall of 2016, the X4200 will be like $800.

So he could buy the X3100 for $400 now. Still an excellent AVR. I have one myself. Wait next Fall 2016 and get the X4200 for $800. Total would still be less than the $1500 X4200 now.

Great point, never thought of it that way! How would you compare the 3100 to your 3312s, sound quality wise in pure direct?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Great point, never thought of it that way! How would you compare the 3100 to your 3312s, sound quality wise in pure direct?

They sound identical in every way.

3312 (Audyssey XT DEQ, Pre-outs, AirPlay)
3100 (Audyssey XT DEQ, Pre-outs, AirPlay, BT, Independent 2nd Audio & Video 2nd Zone)

I like the 3100 better because it has newer features.

For $500 brand new, I think the X3100 is an amazing deal.

I had a typo on the X3100 price on my previous post. Brand new is $500, but open-box is like $425.