Yamaha or Denon or Marantz or Onkyo for less than $350

[GomGom]

I'm looking my first AVR for my first HT system and I have $350 budget for AVR. Which one do you think is the best among all these choices below in term of quality, features and other things:
- Yamaha RX-V465
- Onkyo 506/507
- Marantz SR3001
- Marantz SR4023 (open box)
- HK AVR 254 (must stretch it a little bit)

Any suggestions are welcome and I hope to hear more comments

 

[Lordoftherings]

I'm looking my first AVR for my first HT system and I have $350 budget for AVR. Which one do you think is the best among all these choices below in term of quality, features and other things:
- Yamaha RX-V465
- Onkyo 506/507
- Marantz SR3001
- Marantz SR4023 (open box)
- HK AVR 254 (must stretch it a little bit)

Any suggestions are welcome and I hope to hear more comments

Can you stretch your budget for an additional $90?

If so, you can get the Onkyo TX-SR705 (factory reconditioned) with Audyssey MultEQ XT and THX Select2. That will be well worth the price difference in my humble opinion. You can check at: http://accessories4less.com/index.php?page=search&search_query=Onkyo+TX-SR705

Bob

 

[Patrick_Wolf]

The SR4023 is a stereo receiver. For HT I assume you want surround sound. In which case I'd direct you to the 4002, 4003, or 5002 in the Marantz arena.

 

[GomGom]

Can you stretch your budget for an additional $90?

If so, you can get the Onkyo TX-SR705 (factory reconditioned) with Audyssey MultEQ XT and THX Select2. That will be well worth the price difference in my humble opinion. You can check at: http://accessories4less.com/index.php?page=search&search_query=Onkyo+TX-SR705

Bob

But what makes the 705 superior to the Yamaha 465? I know it should be superior but in term of spec, what would $90 (MSRP) worth more for?

The 705 is 7.1 for 100W each channel but since I'm running only 2.1, 465 is 5.1 with 105W/channel. The Onkyo has audyssey but the Yamaha has YPAO. The 705 has THX and Yamaha only the Dolby and DTS.

Mind to share what does the THX do?

Thanks

 

[GomGom]

Just read a review that saying Onkyo 606 is way much better than Yamaha 663, is it true? On some forums, some says that Yamaha is better than Onkyo. I'm so confused to get my best receiver for my first system. How is the sound quality of Onkyo, Yamaha, Denon and Marantz receivers?

The Yamaha RX-V465 price tag is $263 so that's why Onkyo 705 for $440 is quite a jump for me. It's almost double and it's refurbish... Well, i have no problem with refurbish products but if I have a choice of getting a brand new one, I prefer brand new.

Anyway, I'm looking for a great value for the stuffs that they offer as well as the sound quality that they can produce/give to Definitive Technology Studio Monitor 450 bookshelf speakers.

I would love to have a theatrical sound and I use my system for 60% music 40% movie. Really looking forward to hear more reviews and comments as well as suggestions because I'm buying either of them very very soon...

Thanks guys...

 

[Exit]

You can find an Onkyo 606 refurbished for $349 at the Onkyo outlet site below occasionally (in stock 4/29/09):

http://www.shoponkyo.com/products.cfm?group_id=1&subcat=Receiver

 

[GlocksRock]

If you don't mind a refurbished receiver, check out the Denon receivers at ecost.com You can find a nice receiver for a good price... My parents got one from them and it is awesome.

 

[polsol]

Any suggestions are welcome and I hope to hear more comments[/QUOTE]

As it's your first HT setup. Do you already have the input (e.g. DVD) and Output (i.e. speakers) for your system?
If not, what is your total budget for all your requirements?
You might find that your 'split' of components (and budget) might require adjustment to give the best package. The synergy between components is more important than the individual parts IMHO.

 

[lsiberian]

Just read a review that saying Onkyo 606 is way much better than Yamaha 663, is it true? On some forums, some says that Yamaha is better than Onkyo. I'm so confused to get my best receiver for my first system. How is the sound quality of Onkyo, Yamaha, Denon and Marantz receivers?

The Yamaha RX-V465 price tag is $263 so that's why Onkyo 705 for $440 is quite a jump for me. It's almost double and it's refurbish... Well, i have no problem with refurbish products but if I have a choice of getting a brand new one, I prefer brand new.

Anyway, I'm looking for a great value for the stuffs that they offer as well as the sound quality that they can produce/give to Definitive Technology Studio Monitor 450 bookshelf speakers.

I would love to have a theatrical sound and I use my system for 60% music 40% movie. Really looking forward to hear more reviews and comments as well as suggestions because I'm buying either of them very very soon...

Thanks guys...

Just ebay an old non HDMI receiver. You can probably get a high end one for cheap.

 

[hillbill]

If you don't mind a refurbished receiver, check out the Denon receivers at ecost.com You can find a nice receiver for a good price...

I certainly second this recommendation.

 

[rnatalli]

AC4L has some good deals on Marantz. I believe I saw the 4002 for $299 brand new. You could also look for an Onkyo 606. However, out of your list, I would give the nod to the HK 254. It has the best GUI, great amp section, looks good, and has all the features most people need. You just have to be sure to update the firmware to get rid of the bugs.

 

[GomGom]

Thanks guys for your recommendation. I do need HDMI input and output for my current and future needs so old receiver without HDMI is not preferred.

So what is the thing that makes Onkyo 606, Marantz 4001 or Denon xxx superior to the Yamaha 465?

 

[GomGom]

As it's your first HT setup. Do you already have the input (e.g. DVD) and Output (i.e. speakers) for your system?
If not, what is your total budget for all your requirements?
You might find that your 'split' of components (and budget) might require adjustment to give the best package. The synergy between components is more important than the individual parts IMHO.

I'm about to order Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 450 from 6ave and if the receiver that I want to get is not available at 6ave, I'd order without the speakers right away, no need to wait for combined shipping. As for the DVD, I just have regular upconverting DVD player. Maybe I'm getting a dayton sub-120 subwoofer too.

So is the Onkyo 606 would be the best receiver for me for $350ish? I'm just torn how 6ave gave me a good deal on Yamaha 465 for $263 but I'm not sure if it's the best receiver for me.

 

[GomGom]

After learning that Yamaha 465 is not comparable to Onkyo 606, I'm not considering Marantz 4002, 5002 or 6001 at AC4L for less than $400. What do you think of those? Or should I just go with Onkyo 606? I would add Denon AVR1909 but it's temporary sold out at ecost.com. Would Denon AVR1709 be comparable to Onkyo 606? The 1709 is going cheap now...

Among those 6 receivers (Marantz, Onkyo and Denon), which one is the best for the buck and for the quality as well?

 

[jostenmeat]

After learning that Yamaha 465 is not comparable to Onkyo 606, I'm not considering Marantz 4002, 5002 or 6001 at AC4L for less than $400. What do you think of those? Or should I just go with Onkyo 606? I would add Denon AVR1909 but it's temporary sold out at ecost.com. Would Denon AVR1709 be comparable to Onkyo 606? The 1709 is going cheap now...

Among those 6 receivers (Marantz, Onkyo and Denon), which one is the best for the buck and for the quality as well?

Depends. Some people have been pretty disappointed with Audyssey technology, but I am definitely not one of them. In fact, I find such RC (room correction) to be the most value rich feature available in midlevel receivers.

FWIW, the MultEQ XT offered in the 705 is not available with ANY Marantz, even their top of the line.

And Onkyo no longer offers it in the 70x or 80x series. You now have to step up to the 876 to get the XT. OTOH, Onkyo's are known to run pretty hot. It's all what you want after you juggle your thoughts. Also, you need to avoid component conversion of video thru receiver. Connect these sources directly to display.

If it was me, I'd be getting the Onkyo.

 

[Lordoftherings]

The Onkyo TX-SR705 is the best value right now.
Don't worry about refurb, it's still like brand new, you have a warranty and accessories4less is a very good reputable place.

THX is a certification that means the receiver pass a bunch of tests, plus it is a safe assurance of the performance.

Audyssey MultEQ XT is top of the line, much better than anything else.

And the 705 have preouts for all channels. All your other receivers don't have those.
Very nice feature to add external amps if you wish so in the future.

Read reviews about the 705, and you will see why at only $440, it is a steal and a better receiver than the others, with more features, more power, good sound, etc.
If you passed up on this, you will be missing big time.
Check at other forums what people have to say about this extraordinary receiver, it is mind boggling. It usually retails for $900. It is over 50% off!

All your other choices don't even come close to all the fantastic features of the 705.
Yamaha YPAO does not compare with Audyssey MultEQ XT.
Onkyo 606 only have a lower Audyssey room EQ, does not have THX Select2, no preamps out, etc. The sound quality of the 705 is much better with more power than the 606. Trust me. And read the reviews and the comparisons to your choices, you will understand what I'm saying to you.
That's why I said to you before that if you can stretch your budget by only $90, you will be gaining big time, very big upgrade from all the ones that you mentioned.
The 705 is highly recommended, and at the price, is a no-brainer. Check the Official Onkyo TX-SR705 owner's thread at AVS.
You'll be set for a very long time with this receiver, you'll be glad that you choose it over any Yamaha in your price range, and over the Onkyo 606, big time too.
The 705 is a very sophisticated receiver with a high pedigree, and very good sound quality.

Cheers,

Bob

Note: If you want an inferior receiver for less money, your best bet is the 606 for only $319.99 at accessories4less. Do you want a top performer receiver that is right for you, or do you want one that is from an inferior class? It's your decision, and yours only. I already know mine.

And I agree 100% with the post just above, from jostenmeat.

 

[GomGom]

I agree that Onkyo 705 is the best among all other choices but the price tag is also double than what I wanted to spend on my first HT. Originally, I was aiming a brand new Yamaha 465 for $263 but after I learn, I think I should get something better in $300 price range which makes me consider Denon 1909 (out of stock), Onkyo 606 and Marantz 4002. I don't know which one is better but I definitely know that 705 is better than all of those, but should I spend that much on my first HT that only contains 2.1 (bookshelfs and a sub)?

I'm totally torn choosing the receiver... If you only have $350, what would you buy?

 

[Lordoftherings]

I agree that Onkyo 705 is the best among all other choices but the price tag is also double than what I wanted to spend on my first HT. Originally, I was aiming a brand new Yamaha 465 for $263 but after I learn, I think I should get something better in $300 price range which makes me consider Denon 1909 (out of stock), Onkyo 606 and Marantz 4002. I don't know which one is better but I definitely know that 705 is better than all of those, but should I spend that much on my first HT that only contains 2.1 (bookshelfs and a sub)?

I'm totally torn choosing the receiver... If you only have $350, what would you buy?

I type a long post especially for you.

In my note, I told you very clearly that the Onkyo TX-SR606 is only $319.99

{You want to save more, go ahead and get the cheapest one. You can get a receiver on e-bay for $30.}

And if I only had $350, I will get the Onkyo TX-SR606 in a heart beat for only $320, period!
But first I will borrow money from my brother to get the 705 (you just need a loan for $90), and in the future when you upgrade to a full setup, you will greatly appreciate that decision.
Now your choice is only between these two, according to your budget and future use. But you will love still the 606, if you do pick that one (at only $320, it is a great deal, it retails for $600).
And just forget about the Yamaha (RX-V465) and the Marantz (SR4002).
The Onkyo TX-SR606 is ahead of these two.

Bob

 

[GomGom]

I type a long post especially for you.

In my note, I told you very clearly that the Onkyo TX-SR606 is only $319.99

{You want to save more, go ahead and get the cheapest one. You can get a receiver on e-bay for $30.}

And if I only had $350, I will get the Onkyo TX-SR606 in a heart beat for only $320, period!
But first I will borrow money from my brother to get the 705 (you just need a loan for $90), and in the future when you upgrade to a full setup, you will greatly appreciate that decision.
Now your choice is only between these two, according to your budget and future use. But you will love still the 606, if you do pick that one (at only $320, it is a great deal, it retails for $600).
And just forget about the Yamaha (RX-V465) and the Marantz (SR4002).
The Onkyo TX-SR606 is ahead of these two.

Bob

Thank you so much for your help, Bob... I would try to stretch my budget a little bit more for 705 but 606 is the minimum I would go. As for a refurbish one, how big is the chance that they will fail/broken again?
Btw Bob, are you in Vancouver, BC? I live in Vancouver BC too. What setup do you have?

 

[Lordoftherings]

Thank you so much for your help, Bob... I would try to stretch my budget a little bit more for 705 but 606 is the minimum I would go. As for a refurbish one, how big is the chance that they will fail/broken again?
Btw Bob, are you in Vancouver, BC? I live in Vancouver BC too. What setup do you have?

Hi neighbour,

I'm on the island, close to Victoria.

I own the Onkyo TX-SR805 and the TX-SR876. But I own a big Setup, with huge speakers in a 9.2 (up to 11.3) system configuration! And my Emotiva XPA-3 will eventually power my 3 front mains. All my speakers are a very demanding loads, down to 2.8ohm!

Go to London Drugs, and the 705 is at a clearance price right now. Check all the London Drugs near Vancouver (there is a bunch of them), and you will be able to score the 705 (it's really worth it to expand your budget for it).
By the way, London Drugs receivers are brand new, no refurbs there. And their warranty is two years, plus you can buy extra for very little.

But if you get a refurb from a place like accessories4less in the USA, it is a very good place and the refurbs are brand new, they are only returns, etc., but they are all up to date, without a single scratch, and they do have a warranty too. Very good feedbacks from all the members at AVS about accessories4less, so don't fret it a bit.

If you buy the 705 or the 606 (should go with the 705 though), where will you buy it?

When you said your budget was $350, you meant USA dollars, right?

And the 606 will be on clearance, soon as London Drugs get the 607, which should be any day now.

What you think?

Bob