Best AVR options 1000-1500

[mvcommercial]

Hi All

I am trying to complete my Family Room 5.1 Setup. The last item on the list is the AVR. I have narrowed it down to a few choices based on Model and current sale price not MSRP.
Here is my system

Family Room 12x17 / 9ft ceiling. Open to kitchen
TV - Samsung UN55F8000
Power conditioner - Monster HTS1600
NAS - Unraid server : windows 10 VM running PLEX and KODI with MadVR
Speaker cable - Knu Konceptz kord cable 12awg



Front Speakers FL/FR - B&W 683 S2

Sensitivity 89dB spl (2.83V, 1m)
Harmonic distortion 2nd and 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m)
<1% 95Hz - 22kHz
<0.5% 120Hz - 20kHz
Nominal impedance 8Ω (minimum 3.0Ω)
Crossover frequencies 400Hz, 4kHz
Recommended amplifier power 25W - 200W into 8Ω on unclipped programme
Max. recommended cable impedance 0.1Ω


Center Channel - B&W HTM 61 S2

Sensitivity 88dB spl (2.83V, 1m)
Harmonic distortion 2nd and 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m)
<1% 95Hz - 22 kHz
<0.5% 180Hz - 20 kHz
Nominal impedance 8Ω (minimum 5.2Ω)
Crossover frequencies 400Hz, 4kHz
Recommended amplifier power 30W - 150W into 8Ω on unclipped programme
Max. recommended cable impedance 0.1Ω


Surround Speakers - Paradigm CS-LCR v2 in walls

Crossover:2nd-order electro-acoustic at 2.5 kHz
Frequency Response On-Axis: ±2 dB from 75 Hz - 20 kHz
Frequency Response 30° Off-Axis: ±2 dB from 75 Hz - 18 kHz
High Frequency Driver: 19-mm (3/4 in) PTD™ dome
Mid/Bass Frequency Driver:Two 140-mm (5-1/2 in) mineral-filled polypropylene cones
Low Frequency Extension: 60 Hz (DIN)
Sensitivity Room / Anechoic: 89 dB / 85 dB
Impedance: Compatible with 8 ohms
Suitable Amplifier Power Range: 15 - 100 watts
Maximum Input Power: 70 watts


Subwoofer - SVS SB-2000
12"DRIVER
Amplifier:500 watts rms (1100 watts peak)
FREQ. Response: 19-220 hz ±3 DB
Dimension: 14.6”H 14.2"W 15.4”



Here Are my AVR options. I am impressed with all the units. just need to figure best room correction/power/sound quality for the money.

1. Yamaha RX-A1060 : current sale price $999 cdn

2. Denon AVR-X4200W : current sale price $1099 cdn (can't find stock)

3. Denon AVR-X3300W : Current sale price $799 cdn

4. Pioneer Elite SC-91 : Current Sale price $999 cdn


Choices a tad over my budget

1. Pioneer SC-95 : Current sale price $1499 cdn

2. Marrantz SR-7010 : current sale price $1499 cdn

3. Denon AVR-X4300H : current sale price $1599cdn


Which option would get the best amp/build quality/ sound quality for the price.
Thanks

 

[winners76]

VTF-15H MK2 or SVS PB12... At price point HSU wins.

Sent from my rotary phone

 

[winners76]

Oops wrong answer to the right question...
--------
I personally am loyal to Yamahas, I chose to give up a bit of bass for detail. I find Denons punchy but very cold.

I'd test both on your setup, use a vendor with no restocking fee and test both out...i am trying to do justice to your 683's by doing this. They are some good speakers.


Sent from my rotary phone

 

[mvcommercial]

Oops wrong answer to the right question...
--------
I personally am loyal to Yamahas, I chose to give up a bit of bass for detail. I find Denons punchy but very cold.

I'd test both on your setup, use a vendor with no restocking fee and test both out...i am trying to do justice to your 683's by doing this. They are some good speakers.


Sent from my rotary phone

Ya for sure I guess that's the bet. I have visited close to 7 local audio shops in the Toronto area. Most of them suggested anthem and marrantz. 2 of the shops who are b&w dealers and have my speakers on display told me pioneer elite sc-95 or marantz sr6011 would be the best choice. But do you trust there experience or them trying to push certain products

 

[PENG]

Here Are my AVR options. I am impressed with all the units. just need to figure best room correction/power/sound quality for the money.

1. Yamaha RX-A1060 : current sale price $999 cdn

2. Denon AVR-X4200W : current sale price $1099 cdn (can't find stock)j

3. Denon AVR-X3300W : Current sale price $799 cdn

4. Pioneer Elite SC-91 : Current Sale price $999 cdn


Choices a tad over my budget

1. Pioneer SC-95 : Current sale price $1499 cdn

2. Marrantz SR-7010 : current sale price $1499 cdn

3. Denon AVR-X4300H : current sale price $1599cdn


Which option would get the best amp/build quality/ sound quality for the price.
Thanks

Best value: X4200W, but if you can get the X4300H down to $1299 or even $1,399 then maybe go for it. Either way just make sure you get the full 3 years Denon warranty.

IMO The SR-7010 is okay for $1199 but not $1499.

 

[speakerman39]

The X3300 has merely everything the X4200 does including Audyssey Multi EQ XT w/HT EQ and is fully HDCP 2.2 compliant. Whichever deal the OP can get on the X4200 and/or the X3300 I would highly recommend.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[mvcommercial]

Other than the amplifier power difference and only 7ch pre outs

x4200w - Power Output (8 ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.05% 2ch Drive)125 W

x3300w - Power Output (8 ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.08% 2ch Drive)105 W

here are some other options the 4200w has that the 3300w does not have

D.D.S.C HD Digital - "Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit." It’s Denon’s unique, high end solution to the problem of accurately processing multi-channel audio signals. Instead of the multi-purpose ICs (integrated circuits) common to most other surround decoders, Denon uses discrete, single-function circuit blocks optimized for particular functions.
AL24 Processing Plus : Denon's exclusive AL24 Processing Plus provides ultra high resolution digital audio filtering and precision tailoring of the main (L/R) audio channels, to deliver shimmering detail in the highs, along with smooth natural midrange and a broad soundstage with improved imaging.
Audyssey LFC -Low Frequency Containment (LFC) ... The new technology supposedly prevents low frequencies from traveling through walls, minimizing disruption in neighboring rooms or apartments with minimal impact on bass enjoyment. It's very difficult to acoustically isolate a room because it involves additional construction.
Denon Link HD - When connected to a compatible Denon Blu-ray player, our exclusive Denon Link HD system provides a dedicated pathway for the critical timing data to eliminate distortion caused by jitter errors in the main data stream.

are these features worth $300 ??

 

[speakerman39]

Other than the amplifier power difference and only 7ch pre outs

x4200w - Power Output (8 ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.05% 2ch Drive)125 W

x3300w - Power Output (8 ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.08% 2ch Drive)105 W

here are some other options the 4200w has that the 3300w does not have

D.D.S.C HD Digital - "Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit." It’s Denon’s unique, high end solution to the problem of accurately processing multi-channel audio signals. Instead of the multi-purpose ICs (integrated circuits) common to most other surround decoders, Denon uses discrete, single-function circuit blocks optimized for particular functions.
AL24 Processing Plus : Denon's exclusive AL24 Processing Plus provides ultra high resolution digital audio filtering and precision tailoring of the main (L/R) audio channels, to deliver shimmering detail in the highs, along with smooth natural midrange and a broad soundstage with improved imaging.
Audyssey LFC -Low Frequency Containment (LFC) ... The new technology supposedly prevents low frequencies from traveling through walls, minimizing disruption in neighboring rooms or apartments with minimal impact on bass enjoyment. It's very difficult to acoustically isolate a room because it involves additional construction.
Denon Link HD - When connected to a compatible Denon Blu-ray player, our exclusive Denon Link HD system provides a dedicated pathway for the critical timing data to eliminate distortion caused by jitter errors in the main data stream.

are these features worth $300 ??

As I mentioned above, the X3300 offers nearly everything the X4200 does. There is a bit more power w/the X4200. Here is a factory repaired B-stock from Acc4less for only $650 plus $8.99 more for shipping:

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx3300w/denon-avr-x3300w-7.2-ch-x-105-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html


Here is a B-stock X4200 for $800 and $8.99 more for shipping:

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx4200w/denon-avr-x4200w-7.2-ch-x-125-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

Both come with a (1)-year factory warranty, but you can buy an extended warranty if you want. The LFC does more harm than anything from my own experience. Not sure on the other features. Perhaps, other forum members can be of more help there. Best wishes on making your decision.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[lovinthehd]

Other than the amplifier power difference and only 7ch pre outs

x4200w - Power Output (8 ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.05% 2ch Drive)125 W

x3300w - Power Output (8 ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.08% 2ch Drive)105 W

here are some other options the 4200w has that the 3300w does not have

D.D.S.C HD Digital - "Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit." It’s Denon’s unique, high end solution to the problem of accurately processing multi-channel audio signals. Instead of the multi-purpose ICs (integrated circuits) common to most other surround decoders, Denon uses discrete, single-function circuit blocks optimized for particular functions.
AL24 Processing Plus : Denon's exclusive AL24 Processing Plus provides ultra high resolution digital audio filtering and precision tailoring of the main (L/R) audio channels, to deliver shimmering detail in the highs, along with smooth natural midrange and a broad soundstage with improved imaging.
Audyssey LFC -Low Frequency Containment (LFC) ... The new technology supposedly prevents low frequencies from traveling through walls, minimizing disruption in neighboring rooms or apartments with minimal impact on bass enjoyment. It's very difficult to acoustically isolate a room because it involves additional construction.
Denon Link HD - When connected to a compatible Denon Blu-ray player, our exclusive Denon Link HD system provides a dedicated pathway for the critical timing data to eliminate distortion caused by jitter errors in the main data stream.

are these features worth $300 ??

First two are more marketing blurbs rather than readily audible "improvements". I have AL32 but what it does that AL24 does I have no idea. I never use LFC because I don't restrain my bass nor have any reason to, do you? I don't have a Denon player nor want one, do you?

The 3300 has the added feature, one of the better ones perhaps, of allowing a $20 phone app to tweak save and share Audyssey curves.

 

[rnatalli]

The Denons are a good choice, but I would also take a look at the Anthem MRX520.

 

[mvcommercial]

Yes the Anthems are awesome avr's however I think the mrx720 is the go to product on there line up. The 520 is only 5.2 channels and does have not Spotify... etc...

Sale
Mrx520 - 1399 cdn
Mrx720 - 2000 cdn

I think the 4200w is the best bang for the buck. Just need to find one in Canada now. Unless some kind of hot sale comes around soon for the 4300h

 

[Verdinut]

IMHO, either Denon or Marantz would be a good choice. I wouldn't touch Yamaha or Pioneer mainly because of their past reputation in publishing false or misleading specs for their amplifiers.
You probably could get a decent price from AV Gear Shop in Brampton.
Cheers!

 

[3db]

I'll chime in with Yamaha. Very solid and respectable amplifiers/power supply, bullet proof quality build, great customer service and there new improved room correction facililty does a great job in correcting anomalies with speaker/room interaction.

 

[PENG]

Yes the Anthems are awesome avr's however I think the mrx720 is the go to product on there line up. The 520 is only 5.2 channels and does have not Spotify... etc...

Sale
Mrx520 - 1399 cdn
Mrx720 - 2000 cdn

I think the 4200w is the best bang for the buck. Just need to find one in Canada now. Unless some kind of hot sale comes around soon for the 4300h

How about stretch your budget for this one that should beat the MRX. It is B stock so check to make sure it gets the full 3 year Denon Canada warranty.

https://gibbyselectronicsupermarket.ca/product/denon-avr-x6200w-9-2-channel-full-4k-ultra-hd-network-av-receiver-b-stock/

Or this:

https://gibbyselectronicsupermarket.ca/product/denon-avrx4200w-bstock-7-2-channel-3d-home-theater-receiver/

 

[jjwelly]

I'm also watching this thread as I'm too in the market for a new receiver in this range, more or less. I initially started out wanting an Onkyo as I have always liked them. One feature I sort of wanted, although I don't know if it's actually useful in real life, is zone 2 hdmi, which starts out in model RZ-710 running at $1k. Then I was pointed in the direction of the Denon x3300w, which turned me to this thread. It's running at $1k too right now. Also looking at x4300h since it has HEOS.

 

[mvcommercial]

I think i will mix things up. im thinking of this option.

purchase the Denon AVR-X3300w. its a 2016 model with alot of good features including audyssey xt32.
i am able to pick this up new. for $799cdn.

on top that i will purchase a power amplifier.
options:

1. Emotiva BasX A500 - which I can grab for 600cdn.
https://emotiva.com/products/amplifiers/500

Denon AVR-X3300W $799
Emotiva A500 $599
total : $1400


2. Denon AVR-X4300h $1599

3. Denon AVR-X4300w $1099

Option 1 is right in between both. if i am spending over $1k on an avr would it not be better to find a sale on a current year avr but one model lower and an amplifier???

 

[jjwelly]

where are you able to find that kind of pricing on the x3300w?

 

[mvcommercial]

where are you able to find that kind of pricing on the x3300w?

Yes. But not advertised

 

[PENG]

I think i will mix things up. im thinking of this option.

purchase the Denon AVR-X3300w. its a 2016 model with alot of good features including audyssey xt32.
i am able to pick this up new. for $799cdn.

on top that i will purchase a power amplifier.
options:

1. Emotiva BasX A500 - which I can grab for 600cdn.
https://emotiva.com/products/amplifiers/500

Denon AVR-X3300W $799
Emotiva A500 $599
total : $1400


2. Denon AVR-X4300h $1599

3. Denon AVR-X4300w $1099

Option 1 is right in between both. if i am spending over $1k on an avr would it not be better to find a sale on a current year avr but one model lower and an amplifier???

I doubt the Emo A500 is going to help much, practically speaking probably no help at all.
Take a look of some historic bench test data below:

Denon AVR-X4200W:

0.1% THD 1.0% THD
Two Channels Continuously Driven, 8-Ohm Loads 124.3 watts 149.2 watts
Two Channels Continuously Driven, 4-Ohm Loads 215.9 watts 239.7 watts
Five Channels Continuously Driven, 8-Ohm Loads 94.6 watts 118.0 watts
Seven Channels Continuously Driven, 8-Ohm Loads 76.8 watts 91.9 watts

Read more at http://www.soundandvision.com/content/denon-avr-x4200w-av-receiver-review-test-bench#26xYvj1zsyJ3y1Jm.99

UPA-700 (125WPCX7)

Output at clipping (1 kHz into 8/4 ohms)
1 channel driven: 122/191 W (20.9/22.8 dBW)
5 channels driven (8 ohms): 88W (19.4 dBW)
7 channels driven (8 ohms): 75W (18.8 dBW)
Read more at http://www.soundandvision.com/content/review-emotiva-umc-200-preampprocessor-and-upa-700-7-channel-amp-page-3#4LcP2yATOHQF0UbP.99

Based on specs, the A500 won't be as powerful as the UPA-500 so I doubt it is any more powerful than the Denon AVR-X4200W or X4300H. It may be in par or slightly more powerful than the AVR-X3300W.