Which AVR is Your FAVORITE?

[timoteo]

I have an HK-340 avr...not too impressed! Looking to upgrade my avr, with a $600-$700 budget. I mainly watch movies via bluray and want the sound to attack me, then dance w/me! Denon? Marantz? Pio-Elite? I'd appreciate any input! I have all B&W's: HTM62 (center), M-1's (5) & AS2 (sub).

 

[jamie2112]

I will throw in my vote for Denon...

 

[Midcow2]

I have an HK-340 avr...not too impressed! Looking to upgrade my avr, with a $600-$700 budget. I mainly watch movies via bluray and want the sound to attack me, then dance w/me! Denon? Marantz? Pio-Elite? I'd appreciate any input! I have all B&W's: HTM62 (center), M-1's (5) & AS2 (sub).

in addtion to Denon, Look at these brands: Yamaha, Marantz and Onkyo

Decide how many HDMI inputs are important.
Decide if you need video upconverting.
Decide how much power you need , but remember it is logrithmic, usually 90 watts or better is sufficient. 300watts only produces twice the sound of 30 watts.

Determine if you need a high current AVR; if you have 4 ohm speakers you need high current AVR.

Some recommendations:

Yamaha RX-V863 $540http://www.broadwayphoto.com/cat/HomeTheater/AVReceivers/10012711/RX-V863BL_72-Channel_Home_Theater_Receiver_(Black)/

Onkyo TX-SR805 ( not the 806) This is an outstanding price $550http://www.accessories4less.com/index.php?page=item&id=ONKTXSR805

Marantz SR4002 $339.06
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=207390541&listingid=33572570&dcaid=17902

Marantz SR5002 $299
http://www.accessories4less.com/index.php?page=item&id=MARSR5002

Marantz SR7002 $650
http://www.accessories4less.com/index.php?page=item&id=MARSR7002

Probably the two top choices from above would be (1rst) Onkyo TX-SR805 and (2nd) Marantz SR7002 The Yamaha R-V863 is also a very good choice!

Good luck!

MidCow2


P,S. HK's sound very good in BMW cars

 

[aberkowitz]

Onkyo TX-SR805 ( not the 806) This is an outstanding price $550http://www.accessories4less.com/index.php?page=item&id=ONKTXSR805

The 805 at that price is an outstanding deal. I bought it right after it came out for close to $1,000, and I'm totally satisfied.

 

[nmp]

AVR choices

One Onkyo review I read stated it "downconverts 1080i component video signals to 720p when outputting over HDMI; HDMI video quality converted from analog sources may not satisfy videophiles; current crop of high-def disc players lack bit-stream output, which is needed to utilize the receiver's onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding."
Also, the lowest price I found was $999.

The Marantz SR 7002 discount was $650 at Accessories for less. The price is $849. This sounds like a better unit all around. Plus it has a second zone video/audio output (for my outside speakers) and the much touted Auddyssey Multi EQ all in a package less than 16" deep.

I am trying to find the right AVR fit as well. My wife bought me Apple TV for Xmas so I need a unit to hand HDMI inputs from that and the cable box as well as Xbox and WII CV inputs.

 

[GlocksRock]

I personally like Yamaha and Denon receivers.

 

[iresq]

+1 for Denon.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I like Denon a lot.

But I have to admit that an Onkyo 805 for around $550 is really nice.

The one area I don't see very many discussion on is the warranty.

If Marantz gives a 3 yr warranty parts and labor, that would be nice.

If Outlaw or Emotiva gives a 5 yr warranty parts and labor, that would be nice.

I don't get why Denon & other companies only offer a 1 yr warranty even on a $5,500 receiver or a $3,800 Player.

With so many stores going bankrupt theses days, I would not trust a store-based warranty.

At least with Onkyo 805, the $550 doesn't seem to hurt as bad w/ a 1 yr warranty.

I hope my Denon 5308 lasts 20 years. But if it does not, I'm going to have to get a Bryston Amp + Pre-pro.

 

[jostenmeat]

One Onkyo review I read stated it "downconverts 1080i component video signals to 720p when outputting over HDMI; HDMI video quality converted from analog sources may not satisfy videophiles; current crop of high-def disc players lack bit-stream output, which is needed to utilize the receiver's onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding."
Also, the lowest price I found was $999.

Yeah, I wouldn't run component thru any midlevel Onkyo. However, I'm not sure that I'd run component thru any receiver at all, unless it had higher end VP anyways. I've been seeing people pick refurbs on specials as low as $425, and even once at $350. That's something like $6/lb, cheaper than some steak I buy!

The Marantz SR 7002 discount was $650 at Accessories for less. The price is $849. This sounds like a better unit all around. Plus it has a second zone video/audio output (for my outside speakers) and the much touted Auddyssey Multi EQ all in a package less than 16" deep.

Well, the 805 sports the superior XT version, totaling hundreds of filters, with the sub getting the most benefit it seems. You also get a beefy amp that can actually handle 4 ohm loads, a nice BurrBrown DAC (same as used in the $7,000 Denon AVP), separate power supplies for audio and video sections. I am too unfamiliar with Marantz' lineup, but I'm sure I'd be quite happy with their product. Anyways, the 805 is very big, very heavy, and runs hot.

 

[GlocksRock]

I have heard too many negative things about the Onkyo 805 to consider it anymore... especially knowing how hot they run.

 

[Midcow2]

cold down- don't be so hot headed

I have heard too many negative things about the Onkyo 805 to consider it anymore... especially knowing how hot they run.

Not a problem if you provide sufficient clearance, go with their recommendations, for air circulation! The 805 is an awesome receiver

 

[aberkowitz]

Anyways, the 805 is very big, very heavy, and runs hot.

I have heard too many negative things about the Onkyo 805 to consider it anymore... especially knowing how hot they run.

Nothing chaps my *** more than hearing non-owners complaining about how hot the 805 (or any Onkyo for that matter) runs.... If you're going to shove the unit into a closet without a fan, or completely sealed off entertainment console, or if you're silly enough to put your DVR right on top of the thing, then yes- it will probably overheat. However, if you treat it like all of us treat our components anyway- plenty of ventilation or a fan if it's in an enclosed space then you're not going to have a problem. I've had the unit for 18 months now and it gets very heavy use (one time ran it for 24 hours straight during a movie/guitar hero marathon session) and I've never had a problem. The unit works just as well today as it did the first day I plugged it in.

 

[mtrycrafts]

...current crop of high-def disc players lack bit-stream output, which is needed to utilize the receiver's onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding."
.

Are you sure about this? The Panny 55 certainly outputs bitstream and so does the Tosh XA2 with one of their firm ware updates.

 

[aberkowitz]

Are you sure about this? The Panny 55 certainly outputs bitstream and so does the Tosh XA2 with one of their firm ware updates.

I'm guessing this review was written when the receiver first came out back in the summer of 2007. Kinda silly to be quoting it now given all of the changes that have happened since.

 

[rnatalli]

In that price range, I like the HK354 and Marantz SR5003.

 

[Alex2507]

I have an HK-340 avr...not too impressed! Looking to upgrade my avr, with a $600-$700 budget. I mainly watch movies via bluray and want the sound to attack me, then dance w/me! Denon? Marantz? Pio-Elite? I'd appreciate any input! I have all B&W's: HTM62 (center), M-1's (5) & AS2 (sub).

I may be way off base here but as an owner of a H/K AVR 430 and as a guy who has set up an AVR 235 I don't think the rec'r is the reason sound isn't attacking you and dancing with you. I looked but didn't find out much about your M-1's and I have no idea how big your room is but my buddies AVR 235 will easily hit 100dB in a pretty big room with the speakers 12' away.

Maybe you can post spec's for the M-1's and we can figure out if they are the reason you're not being attacked. The AVR 340 probably wants to put you into an ICU for dissing it.

 

[emorphien]

I have heard too many negative things about the Onkyo 805 to consider it anymore... especially knowing how hot they run.

I don't think I'd worry too much about that. I have noticed that Onkyo gear does tend to get rather warm, warmer than a lot of other similar receivers from other brands, but they're still very good. Just give them adequate breathing room and you'll be fine.

 

[timoteo]

Dont hate my HK...just picky!

My room is bout 225sqft. Set at a diagonal. Im actually pretty happy w it but it doesnt have any HDMI's. The output is only like 60w per ch. the M1's & HTM62 center are 8ohm. Im stoked w my setup just want to be critical so i eventually get a system w outstanding power & dynamics. Do you no if there is an actual difference in sound between the diff brands like Denon, Marantz, Onkyo or Pioneer? I want crisp clarity. I know it has to do w the speakers too, but as for the avr i'm curious.

 

[timoteo]

Thanks Midcow2

Hey thanks for the links to the different reciever sales! Im really liking what I see w the Marantz7002. My question though is. Will there be a difference in sound between the brands. I want crisp clarity. I will continue to upgrade my speakers but as for the AVR, I want it to put out the type of sound i'm looking for u know!

 

[BMXTRIX]

You know, I've heard the M1's - installed some, and the last thing I would call these speakers is full of 'attack'. They are good, for sure, but we are talking about a 4" driver and a 1" tweeter.

I am extremely hesitant to look at the receiver and think that the issue is with that, and instead of looking towards a so-so replacement - which is what I think you may have with that budget, the real issue may be with the speakers.

Those are good speakers at the right volume, but they have drivers that barely surpass Bose products - and a price tag which generally matches. I would look to borrow, or test an A/V receiver from BB/CC for a weekend - see if you can find something open box which won't carry a penalty if you return it. See what difference you really get out of it. I think at the end of the day you may find that it is not at all the receiver which is holding back your experience.

I know when I switched from my HTIB speakers to by Def Techs I almost wondered why I was about to buy a new receiver. The difference in sound was phenomenal. Not just that the speakers were better, the difference is what really blew me away.