What tier to buy?

[Sax-Fan]

I have seen that the consensus among contributors to this site is that essentially all receivers sound the same and selection should be made based on desired features and reliability rather than perceived sound difference. Assuming that is true, does it make sense to spend more on a higher level tier within a manufacturer's line if the additional features (often, but not always, more channels) aren't needed? Typically moving from one tier of receiver to another doesn't add much iin additional power. So why would someone spend more for a Denon 4xxx or a Marantz 7xxx rather than a 3xxx or 6xxx, just as an example?

 

[ryanosaur]

Using the Denons as example, the 3600 is one of the better testing units on ASR compared to many others. Are all of those measurements translated into audible differences? Likely not.
With that, I have been looking at the 3600 compared to the 3700 to replace a recently deceased Onkyo AVR. The pricing right now makes me question why I might buy the older model as it is only $100 less than the newer.
For me, I want the value to make sense if I buy that older model. I do not expect any real performance differences.
Moving from there, what are your plans for your system? Speakers you use or might upgrade to in the future? I would consider these items as a requirement for the AVR I buy now. Is that extra 20w of power really making a difference? Whereas the ability to process 6 Atmos speakers might be important to you.

I would only consider the higher tiered model if it worked for my system now and 2-3 years down the line according to my goals.

I use Amps on my main 5 channels and don't need the power from the AVR Amp Stage.

At the same time as the pragmatics, there is also pride of ownership and what makes you feel better about your system. Only you can decide if stepping up is necessary for you.

 

[lovinthehd]

While power supply does tend to increase as you move up the ladder of a brand's offerings, so does the feature set somewhat. Like pre-outs and more capable amp assignment/management or a more advanced form of the room correction software. Sometimes you can pickup that unit higher up the ladder for a very reasonable price, too. What that sweet spot price-wise for your particular use is will vary. With the upper end of Denon/Marantz offerings it may be the being made in Japan vs China or Vietnam....

 

[mazersteven]

Assuming that is true, does it make sense to spend more on a higher level tier within a manufacturer's line if the additional features (often, but not always, more channels) aren't needed? Typically moving from one tier of receiver to another doesn't add much iin additional power.

JMO but the cost difference between a 5.1 low end receiver and purchasing a nice receiver like a Denon 3600 is only a few hundred bucks. Even if you don't need the channels or some features why not buy the better unit

That's just my thoughts

 

[Sax-Fan]

JMO but the cost difference between a 5.1 low end receiver and purchasing a nice receiver like a Denon 3600 is only a few hundred bucks. Even if you don't need the channels or some features why not buy the better unit

Yes, I certainly get that. You also get better room correction, etc. at that level. I guess there is a sweet spot as lovinHD pointed out and that spot varies by person. And his point about location of manufacture is also a good one.

 

[Trebdp83]

My Yamaha was made in Malaysia. That should have tipped me off. I purchased the Yamaha out of curiosity and it's bargain price. Prior purchases were always made when first considering my needs based on the devices and speakers I had to connect to the receiver. Older devices we can't retire from our setups require units with analog video inputs and video conversion/upscaling features. Universal/learning remote controls are only had with higher end models and 7.1 EXT IN and 11.2 PRE OUT are available as well. You gotta spend big money on say the 7015 to get it all. But, I think it has that pesky HDMI 2.1 chip.

 

[slipperybidness]

When I upgraded over the last couple of years, my living room got the 4400, my man cave got the 3500.