Why Should I Upgrade?

[Capndad]

First post here, so be kind.

I've been using a Denon AVR-2802/982 for about ten years now, and the absence of HDMI inputs has led me to start looking into an upgrade. The question I've got, though, is what other reasons might be good ones leading me to do that upgrade.

For example, does network connectivity mean I'll be able to surf the net from the comfort of my couch? Can I stream music and videos with the new box (considering an AVR-3311)

Will movies and music sound and/or look that much better on my 1080p TV?

Basically, it's a wife question. She supports the upgrade, but is focusing on the need rather than the want. And what we'd like to do is future proof it to as great a degree as possible.

Any comments would be helpful.

Thanks

 

[markw]

I've also got a 2802.

I feed my video directly to the TV and use that for video switching while I select my audio via the 2802. eep in mind that runnng video directly to the TV is always better than going through an intermediate device, such as a receiver.

As for audio, I run a Panny BD85 Blu-Ray player's 5.1 audio outs to the 5.1 audio ins on the 29802 and get SOTA sound through it. And the Panny also gets various internet functions, such a streaming netflix, youtube, etc...

Additionally, by running HDMI to the TV, I have the option of getting 2 channel from the TV's speakers, which means I don't HAVE to have the 2802 on at ll times. So, many times all I have use is the Comcast remote or the Panny's remote. ..unless, of course, i want the big-boy sound system, in which case I turn it's internal speakers off.

So, as for sound, don't expect too much improvement. As for convenience, considering you'll ALWAYS have to have the new reeiver in the circuit and powered up, it's a toss-up.

 

[darien87]

You didn't specify if you mainly listen to 2Ch music or HT. But since you are inquiring about HDMI I am going to assume you are interested in HT. If that is the case and you have a Blu-ray player, then stepping up to the lossless codecs that you can only get via HDMI will indeed be a noticable improvement. The difference isn't night and day, but the added dynamics and clarity that come with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-MA are pretty remarkable.

Network connectivity does not mean you can surf the internet through your receiver per se. What it does do is give you access to streaming music sources like Pandora and Rhapsody. It will also give you the ability to stream music to your receiver from your home computer.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Because you would save a $1,000 dollars

I just bought a LIKE NEW Denon AVR-3310 from Amazon Warehouse for $459.

I had to buy it because I saved $1,041 dollars.

 

[speakerman39]

I just bought a LIKE NEW Denon AVR-3310 from Amazon Warehouse for $459.

I had to buy it because I saved $1,041 dollars.

Geez how much luck can an audiophile get? That is a killer deal to say the least. Congrats on the find!



Cheers,

Phil

 

[mtrycrafts]

...I had to buy it because I saved $1,041 dollars.

Or, you just spent $459

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Or, you just spent $459

You know what I meant.

Like how women say they just had to buy those clothes, purses, & shoes they don't need - because they SAVED hundreds of dollars.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Geez how much luck can an audiophile get? That is a killer deal to say the least. Congrats on the find!



Cheers,

Phil

Phil, Amazon has a few of those left. There is a "Very Good" Denon AVR3310 for $444, and a couple of "Like New" AVR3310 for $459.

 

[98_formula]

One of the reasons I upgraded my receiver was to be able to run one HDMI cable to my tv, instead of using all the HDMI and Component inputs. It just looks cleaner. I bought a YAMAHA 663 and i really liked the fact that I can plug in component inputs to the receiver, and have the video sent to the TV through the HMDI cord. getting the ability to run 7.2 surround sound was a nice "bonus" ... and of course was reason enough to upgrade my speakers
there are plenty of other nice features on the receiver, but those two made it a definite buy for me over others in the price range.

 

[k_lewis]

If you are into theater and audio gear, processor upgrade is pretty much a regular need as technologies change. Same for displays. Amps, speakers can remain the same forever so that is where you can "go large" with a solid long term investment.

I have a buddy who is a long time expert / AV installer and reps all of the top lines (Theta, BG, Genesis, etc). He recommended I go with Integra for the pre/pro, and wow what a bang for the buck. Do yourself a favor and go buy an Integra DHC-80.2 - It will hold you over for some time to come. You can pick them up at discount or pre-owned on audiogon or ebay under $2k. Retail is about $2300 - but they are almost always out of stock with dealers / extremely high demand. This pre-pro offers features, video upscaling and sound quality on par with $6k+ pre-pros.

For power, pick up a pre-owned Arcam P1000 or P7 (7 channel amp). You can keep that in your rack forever and just upgrade the processor every few years as needed / save $.

 

[k_lewis]

Or, you just spent $459

Or, that was $459 which could have gone towards an Integra 80.2...

 

[davidtwotrees]

Frankly, if you are objective, I don't think there is a big reason to upgrade. Some reasons have been brought up that are valid. Cable reduction being a big point. As far as the new codecs go, meh. If you are someone that buys into the latest, greatest, then go for it. Imho, unless you are buying speakers, everything that is bandied about here is just American consumerism. How far down the rabbit hole do you want to go? I opted out a while back when my business died with the economy. A lack of money gave me a fresh, objective perspective. My Lexicon processor is almost 15 years old. It "sounds" just fine. Sure, if I won the lottery I would invest in a real rig. But, I like my 2.1. It is just right for music, and works fine on all but big boom movies, which I don't care for anyway. Objectivity. Wants and needs. That's where I am at today.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Frankly, if you are objective, I don't think there is a big reason to upgrade. Some reasons have been brought up that are valid. Cable reduction being a big point. As far as the new codecs go, meh. If you are someone that buys into the latest, greatest, then go for it. Imho, unless you are buying speakers, everything that is bandied about here is just American consumerism. How far down the rabbit hole do you want to go? I opted out a while back when my business died with the economy. A lack of money gave me a fresh, objective perspective. My Lexicon processor is almost 15 years old. It "sounds" just fine. Sure, if I won the lottery I would invest in a real rig. But, I like my 2.1. It is just right for music, and works fine on all but big boom movies, which I don't care for anyway. Objectivity. Wants and needs. That's where I am at today.

There is nothing wrong at all about those good old systems, like the Lexicon.

What is so funny is how a $30,000 Mark Levinson analog preamp has no HDMIs or any Audyssey/room EQ or any features at all, and yet all these $300 AVRs have all kinds of bells and whistles. I guess it's like quality over quantity?

I would take a Mark Levinson or Lexicon over a lot of these AVRs.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Or, that was $459 which could have gone towards an Integra 80.2...

Why spend $2K on something that won't sound any better than a $459 Denon AVR-3310CI?

I think the only things you get with a pre-pro over AVR include XLR connectors and the distinction of having separates.

They measure pretty much the same, and they sound pretty much the same.

But don't get me wrong. That Integra is nice indeed.