My receiver choices/prices. Please comment.

[Davemcc]

I stopped at all my local dealers to see what receivers they have available. I know the prices look whacked, but they are Canadian prices and that's what's available to me. Here's what I have to choose from.

Pioneer Elite SC07 - $2200 (list price, no discount)
Denon AVR-3808 - $1350 (good discount)
Denon AVR-4308 - $1900 (good discount)
Yamaha 3800 - $1500 (darn you Greg)
Marantz 8002 - "under $2000"
Onkyo TX-NR905 - $2200 (906 coming soon, same price I think)
Integra DTC-9.8 - $1850 (I have a 5 channel amp for this choice already)

I would like to get your comments on the various models, their advantages and disadvantages vs. the relative price point at which I can buy them. It's a lot for me to make sense of on my own, so I appreciate any comments that will help me find the sweet spot in this market.

 

[jamie2112]

Hey Dave
Personally I like the Denon and Yamaha's myself. I guess the most important thing is what features do you need or want? I would not spend extra cash for something you may or may not use.....

 

[Davemcc]

All of these have features that I don't need. One thing I don't want to do anymore is to run a receiver as a pre/pro with a separate amp. Either I get the Integra or I run a receiver capable of driving my 4 ohm Dynaudios pretty hard. That's what is driving me into this range, not necessarily features. Most of the more affordable receivers I don't feel comfortable driving my Dynaudios. I figured that in the price range of the Integra, I'm into the range of some very competent receivers that could serve me well.

I'd like to have 3 or more HDMI 1.3a inputs, 2 12v triggers, HD radio would be nice. I like having the option of top notch scaling and deinterlacing to see if I can improve my SD satellite picture.

 

[Adam]

Hmmm. Tough call. Those are some nice choices.

Would you be comfortable with one of the lower end Pioneer Elites with your speakers?

Also, keep in mind the Yamaha volume display issue that Greg has been talking about. If it bothers you, then I'd say forget about the 3800.

 

[Davemcc]

Hmmm. Tough call. Those are some nice choices.

Would you be comfortable with one of the lower end Pioneer Elites with your speakers?

Also, keep in mind the Yamaha volume display issue that Greg has been talking about. If it bothers you, then I'd say forget about the 3800.

a) Yes, tough call indeed. That's why I need your help.
b) I haven't looked too much at the Elite receivers but my local Elite dealer won't budge from MSRP on any model.
c) I don't think the display will be too much of an issue. For my price on the 3800, another $350 buys me the Integra.

 

[EJ1]

Is the SC-07 okay to handle 4-ohm speakers? Do you need balanced inputs?

 

[adk highlander]

I am going to give a vote for the Integra. IF you need scaling it will blow away the other models you have listed. It has all the configuration for triggers, IR, multizone, balanced connections and TWO HDMI outs.

Some have complained about lipsync issues (which I have never personally seen) and they do run hot. I would also make sure it has the most recent firmware 1.8.

 

[Davemcc]

The Integra dealer called to confirm availability of the 9.8 and spoke to my wife. She pretty much made the decision for me. I laid a deposit on the Integra and it should arrive by Friday. Technically, it's my "birthday present" even though there's only one thing I ever want for my birthday.

 

[adk highlander]

Technically, it's my "birthday present" even though there's only one thing I ever want for my birthday.

I hear you on that.

Oh and I think you will be very happy with the Integra. I have been quite pleased with my 885.

 

[Adam]

The Integra dealer called to confirm availability of the 9.8 and spoke to my wife. She pretty much made the decision for me. I laid a deposit on the Integra and it should arrive by Friday.

Congrats! Decision over...now it's just time to prepare for the joy.

Technically, it's my "birthday present" even though there's only one thing I ever want for my birthday.

Cake?

 

[Davemcc]

I hear you on that.

Oh and I think you will be very happy with the Integra. I have been quite pleased with my 885.

I've read all your posts about it over the past year hoping that my day would come soon. I have to admit that your review and comments played a big part in forming my impression of the 9.8 and the decision to find a dealer that carries it. After all, I just bought it and I've never even seen one in person. You can take credit for that.

 

[jostenmeat]

a) Yes, tough call indeed. That's why I need your help.

It doesn't really appear so!

Nice choice. IMO, there isn't any competition for an HT pre at this budget. My 805/pre is feeling a bit envious. I'll be sure to lovingly tap it on its top to reasssure it.

I've said it before here, but some people think that a lot more of these would sell if they actually priced them much higher.

 

[Davemcc]

Cake?

No cake. My cholesterol is too high. I'm basically on a hunter/gatherer diet. If you can pick it out of a tree, pick it off the ground or kill it with your own bare hands, then I can eat it. I'll have to celebrate with a bag of almonds and an apple.

 

[Adam]

If you can pick it out of a tree...then I can eat it.

Does this count?

Seriously, though, there are low cholesterol cake mixes out there.

Also, if you haven't tried them, I recommend Barhi dates. When fresh (well, freshly dried), they have the consistency and taste of caramel. Mmmm, mmmm. I think that I'll have to go have some.

 

[Davemcc]

Does this count?

Seriously, though, there are low cholesterol cake mixes out there.

Also, if you haven't tried them, I recommend Barhi dates. When fresh (well, freshly dried), they have the consistency and taste of caramel. Mmmm, mmmm. I think that I'll have to go have some.

Wrong kind of tree.

I'll keep a lookout for those dates, though. I will need to expand the range of my new healthy diet to keep things somewhat interesting.

 

[EJ1]

even though there's only one thing I ever want for my birthday.

Um, I'm not sure if I follow...

PS - Congrats on the purchase! I love the feeling of new gear.

 

[Adam]

I'll keep a lookout for those dates, though.

I got mine from Oasis Date Gardens. I don't know if they ship to Canada, or what the cost would be, though. I'd think that they'd be available from a number of merchants.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Good choice. I picked up a spare 3800 for you and was going to ship it to you for your B-day but I will just take it back!

The Integra dealer called to confirm availability of the 9.8 and spoke to my wife. She pretty much made the decision for me. I laid a deposit on the Integra and it should arrive by Friday. Technically, it's my "birthday present" even though there's only one thing I ever want for my birthday.

 

[Davemcc]

Good choice. I picked up a spare 3800 for you and was going to ship it to you for your B-day but I will just take it back!

Sorry to put you to so much trouble. You get the best deals. I was almost ready to drive down to Texas to pick up a 3800 for myself. But with the price of gas lately...

 

[adk highlander]

I've read all your posts about it over the past year hoping that my day would come soon. I have to admit that your review and comments played a big part in forming my impression of the 9.8 and the decision to find a dealer that carries it. After all, I just bought it and I've never even seen one in person. You can take credit for that.

Thanks Dave. Good gear for good people.

I don't remember what amp are you using with it?