Which receiver Pioneer, Denon, Marantz, or Harman Kardon ??

[jcilforever]

This is being reposted because I did not get any definitive inputs once I had chosen the speaker system, please help.

I am going with an SVS 5.0 Multi-channel SCS-01(M) speaker system with SBS-01 surrounds and a PB10-NSD http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-scs01.cfm.Since I have chosen the speakers what receiver do you suggest.

Pioneer Elite VSX-01TXH upper $ limit and Pioneer VSX-1018AH lower $ limit, Denon AVR-2309CI upper $ limit and Denon AVR-1909 lower $ limit or something in Marantz and Harman Kardon?

 

[rnatalli]

I'd probably go with an HK 254 myself as it has a good amp section, great GUI, all the features I'd use, and can be had for under $400 shipped. But an Onkyo 606, Denon 789, or Marantz SR5003 are excellent picks too. I don't think I'd go with a Pioneer or Yamaha as the SBS-01 have a somewhat low sensitivity and these two manufacturers tend to overrate their power specs. I used a Yamaha 663 in a comparison some time back and it ran out of steam driving low sensitivity speakers.

 

[GlocksRock]

Excellent choice of speaker system! I would take the Denon AVR-1909, my buddy has one and it's a very nice piece of equipment, you won't be dissapointed with it.

 

[amradel]

Yamaha

I suggest Yamaha 663 or 863, they have very good reviews

 

[mperfct]

I doubt anyone here has owned all four of the products, so I would recommend playing around with the AVRs in a B&M store and get a feel for which ones you like. I'd ask about the return policy and if permissible, buy two and audition them in your house. If you aren't happy with them, return them and buy the other two. It shouldn't take very long to audition them, and best of all, you can make an educated decision and rest at night knowing you have your favorite receiver in your media room.

 

[lsiberian]

I doubt anyone here has owned all four of the products, so I would recommend playing around with the AVRs in a B&M store and get a feel for which ones you like. I'd ask about the return policy and if permissible, buy two and audition them in your house. If you aren't happy with them, return them and buy the other two. It shouldn't take very long to audition them, and best of all, you can make an educated decision and rest at night knowing you have your favorite receiver in your media room.

This is a great piece of advice.

However you might pay more that way.

Accessories4less has an Onky705 for 400. I don't think the deal can be beat.

 

[shenaniganz]

I don't think I'd go with a Pioneer or Yamaha as the SBS-01 have a somewhat low sensitivity and these two manufacturers tend to overrate their power specs.

Hmm, Guess I didnt hear anything about that. No problems yet with the Pioneer 01-THX. I LOVE SVS. There sub just rocks my little dorm room. Great speakers.

 

[mperfct]

This is a great piece of advice.

However you might pay more that way.

Accessories4less has an Onky705 for 400. I don't think the deal can be beat.

You might pay more, but you're getting something for it, the ability to audition, and to have local support. That is a good thing to have, especially for receivers and projectors, which tend to be some more of the pricier tidbits in one's media room/theater.

That being said, I bought my Marantz 8001, site-unseen from acc4less. I took a shortcut, and I lucked out. I love the Marantz, but I sure wouldn't mind a 3808

 

[lsiberian]

You might pay more, but you're getting something for it, the ability to audition, and to have local support. That is a good thing to have, especially for receivers and projectors, which tend to be some more of the pricier tidbits in one's media room/theater.

That being said, I bought my Marantz 8001, site-unseen from acc4less. I took a shortcut, and I lucked out. I love the Marantz, but I sure wouldn't mind a 3808

Yeah but sadly the stores that give you decent support are mostly shutting down. Plus I can support myself. All you need to fix stuff is a screw driver and maybe a soldering iron.

 

[rnatalli]

Hmm, Guess I didnt hear anything about that. No problems yet with the Pioneer 01-THX. I LOVE SVS. There sub just rocks my little dorm room. Great speakers.

The only reason why I said that is because the recent models of Yamaha and Pioneer didn't do well on the bench when all channels were driven. Granted, in real-world situations, you probably won't be driving all channels to the max for a long period of time if at all. The 1018 and 01 have the same amp section if I'm not mistaken so if your 01 drives the SVS system, the 1018 should do fine for the OP as well.

 

[jcilforever]

The reason why Yamaha was not on the list is because I found out it clips video signal and video is important to me as well. Btw my last AVR was a Yamaha. Also Onkyo is Known to have video and audio HDMI issues, so I won't look at them until they clean it up.

As far as buying grey market I have been burned before so I will only purchase from a certified retailer to get the warranty.

 

[jcilforever]

Hmm, Guess I didnt hear anything about that. No problems yet with the Pioneer 01-THX. I LOVE SVS. There sub just rocks my little dorm room. Great speakers.

What is your review on the Pioneer 01-THX?