Marantz SR8500

[Gov]

I have a chance to buy a refurb for under $600. Currently, I have a Pioneer 1014 as a pre/pro with an LPA-1 amplifier. I have Ascend Acoustic speakers in a 5.1 set up. I plan on keeping my Ascends for a long time. I really feel that the LPA-1 is of little use to me since I rarely listen to anything at reference levels. I am thinking of selling the LPA-1 and getting a Marantz because of their reputation. I have had the Pioneer for a long time and while I am sure it is still good, I want something else. I have also been thinking of getting a Denon with Audyssey or even an Onkyo 805 (a bit leery of this one). Then I think that Audyssey may be a bit over-rated and that the SR8500 may be the way to go. Opinions appreciated. Thanks

 

[PENG]

The 8500 does not even have HDMI 1.1. Why not get a 8001?

 

[Gov]

I am old school. I still have a Sony HD CRT RPTV, Denon 2200. The only HDMI is my cable box and that goes straight to the TV. I don't even have BluRay yet and have no plans on getting it anytime soon.
I am basically looking to get a well built A/V receiver, good power etc. Maybe I should just keep the 1014 and sell the amp. Upgraditis has bit!!

 

[PENG]

I am old school. I still have a Sony HD CRT RPTV, Denon 2200. The only HDMI is my cable box and that goes straight to the TV. I don't even have BluRay yet and have no plans on getting it anytime soon.
I am basically looking to get a well built A/V receiver, good power etc. Maybe I should just keep the 1014 and sell the amp. Upgraditis has bit!!

I kept telling myself the same when I was holding on to my 3805 but I finally gave up and now I love the HDMI. I have the 1.3a but it wouldn't bother me at all they were 1.2 or even 1.3. The 8500 has DVI but you need HDMI to pass audio. As long as you have HDMI 1.2 (I think even 1.1), you are all set for Blu Ray using LPCM to pass the uncompressed HD audio. Believe me, even if you don't care about HD audio/video you will love those single skinny HDMI cables that do everything for you.

 

[Gov]

Peng......What receivers do you recommend under $800 or so? I just want something that will drive my 8 ohm 92db Ascends with ease.

 

[PENG]

Peng......What receivers do you recommend under $800 or so? I just want something that will drive my 8 ohm 92db Ascends with ease.

You can get:

Yamaha RX-V663 or V861 for under $500, or
Denon AVR-2808Ci for under $600
Onkyo TX-SR706 for under $700, or
RX-V1800 for under $800

I know the Onkyo 606 sounds really good but it has no preouts so I would recommend the 706. However, the Denon 2808CI seems to offer the best deal right now for whatever reasons. I don't know much about it but it is a Denon. Anyone of the 4 would do the job for you but I like the 2808 and the 706 (base on the fact that I was impressed with the 606) most.