It's my BDay and the wife has authorized a $350 budget for a new reciever! which one

[PhilV91]

I was almost ready to pull the trigger on the Pionner 919AHK but decided to do a little more research. I have a PS3, Hdtv cable or Sattelite reciever, Cd player. In future i might want another blue ray player and ipod or another gaming console connection but mainly these connections are the priority. I have 5 Mirage V2 sattelite speakers with an Energy Sub. My Tv is a 40 inch sony s series. What features do i need to get the best out of the components i listed above? So with that in mind what recievers do you suggest up to $350? The Pioneer i mentioned? I was intrigued by a deal on Vanns for a Denon AVR-1709 for $220. What do you think of the Denon. Any other deals or different models or brands would be appreciated. I am completely unbiased and not brand centric. Just want the best at the price i can afford. Thanks for the help.

 

[Adam]

I don't have any suggestions at the moment, but I want to wish you a happy birthday!

 

[PhilV91]

Thanks Adam i appreciate that.

 

[skers_54]

I'd look at the Denon AVR-590. My dad just ordered and he has similar sources as you. It's really loaded with features, with its only real downfall being a lack of pre-outs. The biggest reason to get that over the 1709 is that the 590 will process audio over HDMI, simplifying your setup and giving you access to the lossless tracks from your PS3. I strongly considered the Pioneer when researching for my dad and it seems like a very capable unit as well. It has a usb input that you can directly connect your ipod to (and even control with the receiver's remote) but has less sophisticated room correction. There's quite a few options at this price range, and I don't think you can go wrong if you buy from a reputable manuf as long as the feature set meets your needs.

 

[anamorphic96]

The AVR 590 will also give you an onscreen display which the 1709 will not. This makes set up a whole lot easier. With your budget the Denon is probably your best bet. As it also has the more advanced Audyssey MutlEQ system.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Hi Phil,

Happy Birthday!

I read each and every word of your post with the utmost care, and for your Birthday, I SUPER HIGHLY RECOMMEND you to get, with a big chunk of cake too, this exceptional, amazing, awesome, incredible, unbelievable, and out-of-this-world price (exactly dead-on with your budget price) :

* @ http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR6001/Marantz/SR6001-receiver-100w-x-7ch-HDMI-home-theater-surround/1.html

Info -> @ http://us.marantz.com/Products/2080.asp

It has everything you want, it will be great with your PS3, and future Blu-ray player. It has 2 HDMI inputs, if it's ok with you for now. If you need more, you can simply get an HDMI switcher for only few bucks.

So, is this your Birthday or not.

Happy one,
Bob

 

[Soundman]

Hi Phil,

Happy Birthday!

I read each and every word of your post with the utmost care, and for your Birthday, I SUPER HIGHLY RECOMMEND you to get, with a big chunk of cake too, this exceptional, amazing, awesome, incredible, unbelievable, and out-of-this-world price (exactly dead-on with your budget price) :

* @ http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR6001/Marantz/SR6001-receiver-100w-x-7ch-HDMI-home-theater-surround/1.html

Info -> @ http://us.marantz.com/Products/2080.asp

It has everything you want, it will be great with your PS3, and future Blu-ray player. It has 2 HDMI inputs, if it's ok with you for now. If you need more, you can simply get an HDMI switcher for only few bucks.

So, is this your Birthday or not.

Happy one,
Bob

Phil, I totally agree with this. I just ordered one the other day. So, don't be like me and sit around waiting. Get moving on this before this deal goes away!

 

[anamorphic96]

Stupid question. Does the 6001 handle audio over HDMI ?

 

[Lordoftherings]

Stupid question. Does the 6001 handle audio over HDMI ?

It's not stupid at all, it is actually a smart question.

YES, it handles the new high resolution audio through LPCM.
The HDMI protocol is version 1.2, so no problem there at all.

So, can you see now the fantastic value of that Marantz SR6001.

* And in the future, just add an HDMI switcher with 5 or 6 HDMI inputs, plus 2 outputs, for only few dollars ($40 right now), and you got yourself set for life.

 

[anamorphic96]

It's not stupid at all, it is actually a smart question.

YES, it handles the new high resolution audio through LPCM.
The HDMI protocol is version 1.2, so no problem there at all.

So, can you see now the fantastic value of that Marantz SR6001.

* And in the future, just add an HDMI switcher with 5 or 6 HDMI inputs, plus 2 outputs, for only few dollars ($40 right now), and you got yourself set for life.

Because I'm leary of refurbs. Not so much if they will work but the blemishes they may have. (It's an OCD thing. ) I may have to snatch up the new 6001 for 549.99 with mic.

 

[Soundman]

Because I'm leary of refurbs. Not so much if they will work but the blemishes they may have. (It's an OCD thing. ) I may have to snatch up the new 6001 for 549.99 with mic.

Tell you what, I got one on order right now. When it gets here, I'll post some pics and you can tell me if you can see any blemishes, then you make the decision. Personally, I don't think its worth the extra $200, but that's just me.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Because I'm leary of refurbs. Not so much if they will work but the blemishes they may have. (It's an OCD thing. ) I may have to snatch up the new 6001 for 549.99 with mic.

How many more receivers you intend to buy this year? This month?

"Leary of refurbs" !!! Did you read all the comments from people that did, from Accessories 4 Less?
They are better than brand new, because on most cases, they are updated with the latest firmwares, and they have been tested for optimal performance.

With brand new units, you have to update your component to the latest firmware, and you have to disconnect all your connections, lift the unit from it's position in the cabinet, repack it in it's original packaging, lift it again, get it to the post office, pay the shipping charges, wait for up to three months (sometimes more), and get stuck without music and movies for all that time, being stress out, no more sleep, eating disorders, doctor's visits, family relationship breakdown, ending up in a psychiatric hospital, and vegetate for the rest of your life.
And for what? All because your supposedly brand new unit was not inspected properly, or in the majotity of cases (99%), not at all, and that it broke down on you, and that really put a serious damaging dent, life threatening experience, which most people never recovered from, and remained permanently disabled, FOREVER.

 

[anamorphic96]

How many more receivers you intend to buy this year? This month?

"Leary of refurbs" !!! Did you read all the comments from people that did, from Accessories 4 Less?
They are better than brand new, because on most cases, they are updated with the latest firmwares, and they have been tested for optimal performance.

With brand new units, you have to update your component to the latest firmware, and you have to disconnect all your connections, lift the unit from it's position in the cabinet, repack it in it's original packaging, lift it again, get it to the post office, pay the shipping charges, wait for up to three months (sometimes more), and get stuck without music and movies for all that time, being stress out, no more sleep, eating disorders, doctor's visits, family relationship breakdown, ending up in a psychiatric hospital, and vegetate for the rest of your life.
And for what? All because your supposedly brand new unit was not inspected properly, or in the majotity of cases (99%), not at all, and that it broke down on you, and that really put a serious damaging dent, life threatening experience, which most people never recovered from, and remained permanently disabled, FOREVER.

I'm in the process of making my decision. I have been looking at many different options and still undecided. (Waiting on my bonus from work to arrive.) I have only purchased one receiver in the past year. My 506.

I keep looking at the following.

HK 354
Onkyo 706 and 806 (806 may be too deep for my cabinet with only 2 inches to spare for cabling.)
Denon 1910 - Possibly the 2310 depending on what kind of a deal my dealer gives me.
Marantz 6001
Pioneer is out of t he question since the girlfriend despises the gloss black look.

I keep coming back to the 706 for some reason. It's alot of bang for the buck at 600 to my door. Plus I like how easy the Onkyo's are to set up.

I don't get to spend this kind of money that often and switch componets around like I used to since I'm in a relationship. So I'm being very cautious about what I go with.

I don't wan't to hi jack the OP's thread if anyone has input please PM me.

 

[rnatalli]

At $350, the Denon 1610/590 and HK 254 would be my picks.

 

[Seth=L]

I'd look at the Denon AVR-590. My dad just ordered and he has similar sources as you. It's really loaded with features, with its only real downfall being a lack of pre-outs. The biggest reason to get that over the 1709 is that the 590 will process audio over HDMI, simplifying your setup and giving you access to the lossless tracks from your PS3. I strongly considered the Pioneer when researching for my dad and it seems like a very capable unit as well. It has a usb input that you can directly connect your ipod to (and even control with the receiver's remote) but has less sophisticated room correction. There's quite a few options at this price range, and I don't think you can go wrong if you buy from a reputable manuf as long as the feature set meets your needs.

The Denon AVR-1709 has HDMI 1.1 repeating, which is everything the PS3 needs to do all HD audio. The 1709 also has much more connectivity overall and is full 7.1 onboard, the 590 is 5.1 onboard, 7.1 by adding amplification. The AVR-590 is a fine choice as well as it has HDMI 1.3 which could be more useful if he buys a stand alone player not capable of decoding HD audio formats internally unlike the PS3 that can decode all HD formats on it's own and convert them to multichannel PCM (translates to - no loss of audio resolution).

 

[skers_54]

According to the Denon product page, the 1709 lacks HDMI repeater functionality. As you know, this precludes the 1709 from processing audio over HDMI. Check out the link, it's about 2/3rds the way down the page.

http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/4240.asp

I don't know if it's another great communication job from Denon or not, but their website says it only works as a switcher.

 

[Lordoftherings]

I'm in the process of making my decision. I have been looking at many different options and still undecided. (Waiting on my bonus from work to arrive.) I have only purchased one receiver in the past year. My 506.

I keep looking at the following.

HK 354
Onkyo 706 and 806 (806 may be too deep for my cabinet with only 2 inches to spare for cabling.)
Denon 1910 - Possibly the 2310 depending on what kind of a deal my dealer gives me.
Marantz 6001
Pioneer is out of t he question since the girlfriend despises the gloss black look.

I keep coming back to the 706 for some reason. It's alot of bang for the buck at 600 to my door. Plus I like how easy the Onkyo's are to set up.

I don't get to spend this kind of money that often and switch componets around like I used to since I'm in a relationship. So I'm being very cautious about what I go with.

I don't wan't to hi jack the OP's thread if anyone has input please PM me.

Wohhh! Just a sec here! What about those two Pioneer receivers you just bought???

 

[Lordoftherings]

Hi Phil,

Happy Birthday!

I read each and every word of your post with the utmost care, and for your Birthday, I SUPER HIGHLY RECOMMEND you to get, with a big chunk of cake too, this exceptional, amazing, awesome, incredible, unbelievable, and out-of-this-world price (exactly dead-on with your budget price) :

* @ http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR6001/Marantz/SR6001-receiver-100w-x-7ch-HDMI-home-theater-surround/1.html

Info -> @ http://us.marantz.com/Products/2080.asp

It has everything you want, it will be great with your PS3, and future Blu-ray player. It has 2 HDMI inputs, if it's ok with you for now. If you need more, you can simply get an HDMI switcher for only few bucks.

So, is this your Birthday or not.

Happy one,
Bob

It's not stupid at all, it is actually a smart question.

YES, it handles the new high resolution audio through LPCM.
The HDMI protocol is version 1.2, so no problem there at all.

So, can you see now the fantastic value of that Marantz SR6001.

* And in the future, just add an HDMI switcher with 5 or 6 HDMI inputs, plus 2 outputs, for only few dollars ($40 right now), and you got yourself set for life.

At $350, the Denon 1610/590 and HK 254 would be my picks.

Yo rnatalli, did you read the two quotes above yours? Just curious.

The Denon AVR-1709 has HDMI 1.1 repeating, which is everything the PS3 needs to do all HD audio. The 1709 also has much more connectivity overall and is full 7.1 onboard, the 590 is 5.1 onboard, 7.1 by adding amplification. The AVR-590 is a fine choice as well as it has HDMI 1.3 which could be more useful if he buys a stand alone player not capable of decoding HD audio formats internally unlike the PS3 that can decode all HD formats on it's own and convert them to multichannel PCM (translates to - no loss of audio resolution).

Seth=L, same, did you read the two first quotes? Did you really?

 

[Lordoftherings]

According to the Denon product page, the 1709 lacks HDMI repeater functionality. As you know, this precludes the 1709 from processing audio over HDMI. Check out the link, it's about 2/3rds the way down the page.

http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/4240.asp

I don't know if it's another great communication job from Denon or not, but their website says it only works as a switcher.

Thanks, I like that, someone is doing his homework here.

 

[anamorphic96]

Wohhh! Just a sec here! What about those two Pioneer receivers you just bought???

Not sure where you heard that. But I haven't bought any Pioneer receivers. Sounds like you have been working out to hard for your big trip. I bought a Marantz DVD player but thats been my only purchase.