Denon, Yamaha, or Sony?

[Voyager]

All,
After much debate and haggling I think I've narrowed my speaker choice down to the Energy RC series (RC-50, RC-LCR, RC-R, S10.3). Now I'm trying to narrow down the RV Receiver.

I was originally looking at the Yamaha 2700, but because the speakers are a little above budget I'm scaling back on the receiver. I'm now considering the Yamaha 1700, the Denon 2307CI, or the SONY 3200ES.

I'm strongly favoring the Yamaha still, it looks much better on paper and has had very strong reviews here and elsewhere. The drawback is the dealer I'm getting the Energy's from is a Sony/Denon dealer and doesn't sell Yamaha. Is the Yamaha so much better that it outweighs the convenience of getting everything from a single dealer? I'm worried that getting the speakers-only cancels out a package price by the dealer and that going online for the 1700 will only further blow by budget. If you would stay local would you go for the 2307 or 3200?

Right now the dealer is offering $2900 for the RC's plus either the 3200 or 2307. My original budget was $2500, and I definitely want to keep it under 3k.

Thanks!

 

[jcPanny]

Receiver options

I think that your dealer should be able to give a reasonable package deal on your 5.1 speaker system regardless of whether you are buying the receiver from them. The Yamaha and Pioneer Elite are good options and you shouldn't rule them out. There aren't a lot of fans of Sony receiver on the forum.

 

[j_garcia]

"Which of these doesn't belong....?" Sony. Even the ES line is not all that impressive.

I would go for the Denon or the Yammie.

 

[PENG]

The Denon is a safe bet but if you want both +/- views on sony ES receivers visit the site:

http://www.agoraquest.com/viewforum.php?forum=51


You can read a couple of nice reviews on the near top of line ES in these links:

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/sony-str-da7100es-receiver-review

http://www.homecinemachoice.com/cgi-bin/displayreview.php?reviewid=6554

You may consider the 7100es too expensive, and/or too heavy (23.5 kg/51.7lbs). I thought it may give you an idea of their ES line products.

 

[Voyager]

Thanks for the info. I think I'll give some more thought on picking up the 1700. Can anyone recommend an online dealer? The cheapest I saw was at ButterflyPhoto for $729 plus shipping.

 

[Davemcc]

I'm quite happy with my Denon 2307CI. It has a nice array of features and connections for a mid level receiver. The setup meny takes some getting used to and the remote is awkward for intitial setup, but once everything is going, its a good, solid unit. I don't hesitate to recommend it.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Nothing wrong with the Denon's. Tell the dealer your thoughts on getting the AVR outside of him; he will work with you and come down on the price.

 

[Yamahaluver]

Apart from the features and DSP modes, leave the final decison to your ears with the speakers of your choice, ultimately, its you who have to live with your choice so let the audition be the deciding factor.

 

[tubesaregood]

Does anyone else find it interesting that Yamaha also makes very nice musical instruments, motorcycles, and boat engines?

 

[Seth=L]

Does anyone else find it interesting that Yamaha also makes very nice musical instruments, motorcycles, and boat engines?

No, do you find it interesting that Mitsubishi makes writable media, TVs, and Cars?

 

[zumbo]

Thanks for the info. I think I'll give some more thought on picking up the 1700. Can anyone recommend an online dealer? The cheapest I saw was at ButterflyPhoto for $729 plus shipping.

Refurb with warranty!
http://www.ubid.com/Yamaha_RX-V1700_910_Watts_7.1_Ch._A/V_Home_Theater/a10963012-rsearchone.html

Never heard of your link.

 

[edmcanuck]

Step one is to rub Sony off of the list completely. It's a child's toy that's been dropped in horse pucky.

That done, consider working a deal with your retailer to get you into a Denon 2807. The Audyssey EQ system is the best on the market and will do worlds of good for the sound in your room. The Yamaha is a good option and has some better video features than Denon.

The RC series speakers are outstanding performers and remain some of the most beautifully crafted speakers in production today. The Energy subs are pretty standard fare though. You might want to consider looking into an SVS or HSU sub to both save money and improve performance.

 

[sn_85]

No, do you find it interesting that Mitsubishi makes writable media, TVs, and Cars?

Mitsubishi also has salt plants. Hitachi is also heavily invested in biotechnology. Not what we usually expect form these companies.

 

[Seth=L]

Mitsubishi also has salt plants. Hitachi is also heavily invested in biotechnology. Not what we usually expect form these companies.

Hitachi is the real Umbrella Corporation!

 

[Hi Ho]

Take a look at the Mitsubishi companies.

 

[PENG]

Step one is to rub Sony off of the list completely. It's a child's toy that's been dropped in horse pucky.

Sony bashing again!