Getting closer to a decision, I think...maybe...

[armaraas]

I can never make a decision easily it seems without waffling or changing my mind every other day...anyway, maybe I have this one figured out and want to get some feedback.

Short story- looking for a new HDMI receiver to use with my ps3 for movies, etc. I have Aperion 6T's for mains, 5C center, Axiom surrounds: M2's and QS8's. Currently have a 7x50wpc HK AVR235.

I was thinking maybe a new Marantz 5003, Pio Elite 01, or HK 254 if they release a new firmware (seeing too many people having issues with ps3's).
Recently I've realized that last years models pretty much have everything I need already, I'm probably better off getting an older, higher end model heavily discounted rather than a new one with hardly a discount.

I do have space limitations- ie. the Pio Elite 92/94 are too tall and deep for my space. Price is a concern, cheaper the better. There is a Yamaha 3800 for about $1100 nearby. However, I just reread some stuff on the Marantz 7002, and discovered I can get a factory refurb for under $900. It's too tall, but because of the shallow chassis it will fit in my space. Bad thing is, I think it only comes with 1 year warranty, but I can tack on 3 years for $40.

So, finally my questions- any reason why I should not get the 7002? It should be as future proof as anything with codecs and connections, right? Is there anything else I should be considering at that price?
I want to make sure I didn't miss anything in my rushed research from the last hour and a half before running out to a b-day party.
Any feedback greatly appreciated...Thanks.

 

[croseiv]

Rule #1 in electronics:

Nothing is future proof. Things will change pretty quickly. Companies want you to buy their stuff, so they keep trying to upgrade last years stuff.

Otherwise, get what you think you will be happy with. I'm still happy with my stuff. I'd personally try to get something as current as possible if buying new, just because stuff seems to be changing pretty fast.

 

[croseiv]

I guess you could say with receivers you'd be future proof for about a year or less, until the next year's model comes out. The only claimed "future proof" model I know of was the Onkyo TX-NR1000 that came out a few years back, but it's obsolete now I think...

 

[armaraas]

Thanks. I think I kind of mispoke when I said future proof. I'm not necessarily looking for future proof, but I guess I want to make sure there isn't anything terribly exciting and 'must have' on the new receivers that are coming out this fall that would be missing on say the 7002.

I emailed a somewhat local dealer, and they have a demo 7002 and a new in box one, both for $999. Not quite as good as the refurb price, but maybe I'll see if he'll come down on the demo a little more.

 

[Davemcc]

If you're not worried about the video section, the 7002 looks pretty complete otherwise. If I'm reading the specs right, it will convert analog 480i to HDMI 480p so you can still do a one wire display hook up but that's about it.

You mentioned the Yamaha 3800 for $1100. I think that's an awesome deal and probably how I would go in this case.

 

[armaraas]

Dammit, changed my mind again. Originally my budget was $400-500, so realistically $800-1000. The 3800 is almost $300 more than the 7200 would be, however I can now finance the 3800 for 3 years...damn bb credit card.
So for that, I think I will pick up a 3800 on the way home tomorrow from work and give it whirl for at least a few weeks...hopefully they still have it now.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Uttt Ohhh......

Dammit, changed my mind again. Originally my budget was $400-500, so realistically $800-1000. The 3800 is almost $300 more than the 7200 would be, however I can now finance the 3800 for 3 years...damn bb credit card.
So for that, I think I will pick up a 3800 on the way home tomorrow from work and give it whirl for at least a few weeks...hopefully they still have it now.

 

[armaraas]

Wow...just came across this after verifying authorized online retailers, electronics-expo.com has the 3800 for $778, as far as I can tell brand new.
Submitted to hot deals as well.
So much for free financing, I think I'd rather save $400 after taxes...

Ps- I'm not sure if we should tell Greg, I don't know how he'll react...

 

[ParadigmDawg]

My 3800 is going back, I wouldnt pay 500 bucks for it.

Wow...just came across this after verifying authorized online retailers, electronics-expo.com has the 3800 for $778, as far as I can tell brand new.
Submitted to hot deals as well.
So much for free financing, I think I'd rather save $400 after taxes...

Ps- I'm not sure if we should tell Greg, I don't know how he'll react...

 

[Adam]

My 3800 is going back...

Ahhh, resolution. I'm glad that you made up your mind!

 

[armaraas]

Ha, I didn't even realize that was you Greg...
I just got done reading more of your recent posts, yah, you're not exactly selling me on the 3800 now...

 

[Davemcc]

My 3800 is going back, I wouldnt pay 500 bucks for it.

Over the size of the volume display???

Look how we're getting old and finicky in our old age. I'm surprised nobody suggested bifocals to help you see the volume. Otherwise it seems like a great receiver.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Size of the volume display, can't assign the 12v trigger and the sub is active in Pure Direct mode

Not to mention the reviews on the video section of this AVR.

Over the size of the volume display???

Look how we're getting old and finicky in our old age. I'm surprised nobody suggested bifocals to help you see the volume. Otherwise it seems like a great receiver.

 

[Davemcc]

Wassup, Dawg. I'd have the 3800 now too if my local dealer were willing to deal. I don't think any of those issues would have been a deal breaker for me, but I haven't seen the video reviews you're referring to. I'll have to recheck your other thread for links. But can it be any worse than the video section of the 7002 that only converts analog 480i to 480p over HDMI?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Ha, you got to say it!!!

I know I am being very picky but my upgrade just isn't to my standard. I should not have to go in and turn my ext. amp off when I listen to my bedroom system (12v issue). I should not have to turn my sub off to listen to PD and I should be able to see my volume.

As of now, I am really considering going over to the Denon 3808. I just realized I have a 12% off B-Day coupon from BB so I amy put it to use. I will check with my dealer tomorrow and see if he can get a firm delivery date on the Pioneer SC05 first though.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Here is the link on the video section.

Wassup, Dawg. I'd have the 3800 now too if my local dealer were willing to deal. I don't think any of those issues would have been a deal breaker for me, but I haven't seen the video reviews you're referring to. I'll have to recheck your other thread for links. But can it be any worse than the video section of the 7002 that only converts analog 480i to 480p over HDMI?

 

[rnatalli]

How about a Yammie 663 with a used Emotiva LPA-1. It's overkill, but that's the business we're in

 

[Davemcc]

That site is pretty hard on the video section of the 3808 as well. http://www.hometheatermag.com/receivers/708denon3808/index.html At least for the needs of the OP here, all the video sections in this range seem to have similar video capabilities. There's not really any losers in this range besides the details between brands.

 

[armaraas]

How about a Yammie 663 with a used Emotiva LPA-1. It's overkill, but that's the business we're in

I'd love to do that, problem is I cannot fit the amp in my space, it's too tall and deep. I need to either keep it under 7" tall and depth doesn't matter then, or it can be up to 8.5" but the chassis needs to be shallower than 17".
All of their current amp's are just too big for my space right now (I was originally coveting the IPS-1, that would have been perfect).

 

[armaraas]

That site is pretty hard on the video section of the 3808 as well. http://www.hometheatermag.com/receivers/708denon3808/index.html At least for the needs of the OP here, all the video sections in this range seem to have similar video capabilities. There's not really any losers in this range besides the details between brands.

I don't really know what to make of avrs and their video capabilities. I have a new tv with plenty of inputs, I haven't really exeperienced a receiver with a great video section, and I just assume run my video connections directly to the tv, with the exception of the ps3 for blu ray. Maybe I'm sloppy, but I don't mind the extra cables to the tv, and I would hope my tv would have upscaling capabilities as good as most receivers (since I moved my upconverting dvd player to another room and started watching blu ray, dvd's look like crap on the big tv through the xbox or ps3).

So my thinking is I want to get the best audio capable receiver for the money. I would actually prefer quality improvements over frills for the most part.