Home Theater Setup -- 2nd Room AVR or Separates?

[DenPureSound]

Getting ready to setup 2nd HT (5.1) room (16' x 18' x 9').

Want it mostly setup for Movies, HDTV -- DirecTV, BD, DVD's, and Streaming in NetFlix -- 90+% of time.

Also, want Stereo Mode for Napster and/or Pandora streams -- maybe 5-10% of time.

Presently have:

Samsung 50" HD TV w/HDMI Inputs

Sony BD HDMI Player with Wifi Bridge - supports Pandora and NetFlix, but NO Napster support yet.

Infinity Speakers -- Old ones, but still working fine, and sound good for movies.
2 - Towers (RS-625): 200W into 6Ω -- 92db
2 - Surrounds (RS-325): 150W into 6Ω -- 92db
1 - Center (RS Video): 150W into 8Ω -- 89db

Will Need:

Either AVR or Separates ?? Want to stay around $1000 or less, as I will have to purchase 12AWG cabling and a nice A/V Rack for stacking, and hopefully won't have to get into a separate amp right away.

What to buy is the question for the best Audio/Video experience, and some Stereo mode tunes.

Am ALL EARS here... Please chime in.

Tks,
Dennis

 

[sholling]

I'd probably go with an Onkyo TX-NR808 (last years model) which should give you plenty of power, Audyssey MultiEQ, 3D support should you want it. You can save a bundle by going with a factory re-certified unit. I've purchased two re-certified Onkyo receivers from them and both have been flawless. You'll also save a bundle buying your speaker wire and interconnects from monoprice.com. There's no reason to spend more.

 

[AVRat]

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR6005A/MARANTZ/SR6005-110w-X-7ch-3-D-Home-Theater-Surround-Receiver/1.html

 

[DenPureSound]

Onkyo TX-NR808 vs. Marantz SR6005

Thanks for your AVR recommendations -- I presently have a Denon AVR-3311CI rated at 125W/Ch. into 8Ω, with Audyssey MultEQ XT, and ended up having to ADD an Emotiva Amp XPA-5 to get the Total Punch I needed even when running with Klipsch RF-82II's at 98db sensitivity. The Denon AVR weighs in at 26.9 Pounds.

Quick overview of the two AVR's yields the following:

Marantz SR6005 MSRP = $ 999
Wt. = 26 #'s
Pwr. = 110W x 7 Ch. = 770 W

Input Pwr. at 120Vac RMS = 650 Watts

===============

Onkyo TX-NR808 MSRP = $1099
Wt. = 40.3 #'s
Pwr. = 135W x 7 Ch. = 945 W

Input Pwr. at 120Vac RMS = 900 Watts

Now not hearing either one of these AVR's, only have old Yamaha's (nothing but problems), and of course the New Denon of which I love the SQ out of it, I know that neither one of them can drive All Seven Channels at once continuously at their 110 or 135W respectively. The Onkyo is over half again as heavy as the Marantz (55%), and with about 23% more Power Out per channel.

Who has heard both of them? I have heard the Onkyo's are a lot brighter and sharper, but can not be toned down to being Warm in SQ, but I have not heard either one of them.

I could buy another Denon AVR-3311CI new with coupon code for $808 to door also...

Why one way or the other or is it Denon again is the Question?

 

[DenPureSound]

I'd probably go with an Onkyo TX-NR808 (last years model) which should give you plenty of power, Audyssey MultiEQ, 3D support should you want it. You can save a bundle by going with a factory re-certified unit. I've purchased two re-certified Onkyo receivers from them and both have been flawless. You'll also save a bundle buying your speaker wire and interconnects from monoprice.com. There's no reason to spend more.

Yes indeed, I am a MonoPrice guy also... your right on that one... Do you like Denon AVR's or your just an Onkyo person?

What AVR's have the highest Test Freak Rating?

 

[sholling]

Yes indeed, I am a MonoPrice guy also... your right on that one... Do you like Denon AVR's or your just an Onkyo person?

I like Onkyo, Denon, and Yamaha but Onkyo tends to offer the most bang for the buck.

 

[ahblaza]

Thanks for your AVR recommendations -- I presently have a Denon AVR-3311CI rated at 125W/Ch. into 8Ω, with Audyssey MultEQ XT, and ended up having to ADD an Emotiva Amp XPA-5 to get the Total Punch I needed even when running with Klipsch RF-82II's at 98db sensitivity. The Denon AVR weighs in at 26.9 Pounds.

Quick overview of the two AVR's yields the following:

Marantz SR6005 MSRP = $ 999
Wt. = 26 #'s
Pwr. = 110W x 7 Ch. = 770 W

Input Pwr. at 120Vac RMS = 650 Watts

===============

Onkyo TX-NR808 MSRP = $1099
Wt. = 40.3 #'s
Pwr. = 135W x 7 Ch. = 945 W

Input Pwr. at 120Vac RMS = 900 Watts

Now not hearing either one of these AVR's, only have old Yamaha's (nothing but problems), and of course the New Denon of which I love the SQ out of it, I know that neither one of them can drive All Seven Channels at once continuously at their 110 or 135W respectively. The Onkyo is over half again as heavy as the Marantz (55%), and with about 23% more Power Out per channel.

Who has heard both of them? I have heard the Onkyo's are a lot brighter and sharper, but can not be toned down to being Warm in SQ, but I have not heard either one of them.

I could buy another Denon AVR-3311CI new with coupon code for $808 to door also...

Why one way or the other or is it Denon again is the Question?

Hey Den, if you like the Marantz SR6005, go to onecall.com and use their price alert option and put in the price you would be willing to pay and they will get back to you very quickly with the best price they can offer, if I'm not mistaken I did it last week and they came back with a price delivered for $815. You can do this with any of their receiver lines. Hope this helps.
Jeff

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I think either a Denon 3310 ($520 + $22.49 Like-New) or 4310 ($900 New).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B002AKKFQ2/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1304704479&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR4310CI-7-1-Channel-Multi-Zone-Connectivity/dp/B002AKKFQC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1304704605&sr=1-1

 

[DenPureSound]

Hey Den, if you like the Marantz SR6005, go to onecall.com and use their price alert option and put in the price you would be willing to pay and they will get back to you very quickly with the best price they can offer, if I'm not mistaken I did it last week and they came back with a price delivered for $815. You can do this with any of their receiver lines. Hope this helps.
Jeff

Thanks Jeff, I am debating on either going Denon, Marantz, Onkyo or all Emotiva separates (UMC-1 and XPA-5) -- although the EMO route is around $1.5K...and for that size room I do not feel at this time I need the big 200W / channel amp, and spend that much $.

I love the sound of my Denon AVR-3311CI, and have not heard the Onkyo or the Marantz and I would have to drive 100 miles to hear them all. I have heard the Marantz sounds a lot like the Denon maybe even Warmer to the ear, and the Onkyo is very bright and hard to tone down.

Has anyone heard them all?

 

[DenPureSound]

I think either a Denon 3310 ($520 + $22.49 Like-New) or 4310 ($900 New).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B002AKKFQ2/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1304704479&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR4310CI-7-1-Channel-Multi-Zone-Connectivity/dp/B002AKKFQC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1304704605&sr=1-1

I think the Denon 3310CI has had some Networking Card (NIC) issues? So I have read somewhere. Maybe just wait till the 3312CI comes out next month, and the 3311CI's will drop down a hundred or so.

 

[DenPureSound]

I like Onkyo, Denon, and Yamaha but Onkyo tends to offer the most bang for the buck.

Look at the Weight of the Onkyo -- Wow, it must have some heavy Xformers, and Sec. Caps ++ as it is around 14 Pounds heavier than the Denon or Marantz (D & M Holdings).

Why do you feel the Onkyo offers the most bang for the buck? Please explain.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I've never owned Onkyo, but the reason is not because of Sound Quality. I have a lot of respect for Onkyo/Integra for SQ.

Retrospectively, Onkyo AVRs have measured better than most AVRs in their price class, same with Integra vs others. In fact, some of their $400 AVRs have measured better than some $2,000 AVRs.

My only concern with Onkyo is reliability; people tell me they have reliability issues.

If reliability is not an issue, I do not believe Onkyo electronics are bright or forward or anything other than accurate in Direct & Pure Direct modes.

EQ/DSP modes are another matter, and processors will differ here. But in Direct modes, which bypasses all EQs/DSPs, I doubt anyone could tell the difference between Denon, Onkyo, Yamaha, Pioneer, or Harman.

 

[DenPureSound]

I'd probably go with an Onkyo TX-NR808 (last years model) which should give you plenty of power, Audyssey MultiEQ, 3D support should you want it. You can save a bundle by going with a factory re-certified unit. I've purchased two re-certified Onkyo receivers from them and both have been flawless. You'll also save a bundle buying your speaker wire and interconnects from monoprice.com. There's no reason to spend more.

I am running the EMO XPA-5, and love it with my Denon. How does your Onkyo sound vs. the Denon or Marantz AVR's? Have you had any reliability problems with the Onkyo's?

 

[sholling]

I am running the EMO XPA-5, and love it with my Denon. How does your Onkyo sound vs. the Denon or Marantz AVR's? Have you had any reliability problems with the Onkyo's?

I own 3 Onkyos including 2 factory re-certified (606 and 707) and a 50lb 906 that I bought new and I've been very happy. But there have been few models that had teething problems. The 806 and and 180 (almost the same thing) had major changes in the power supplies ( downgrade from the 805) and reliability may have suffered in some early production runs. Stuff happens with everyones products. In fact you may want to ask a few members how their re-certified Denons fared. I know of one member that got three bad ones in a row. Don't get me wrong through I like Denon products and would love to have a 4311 - I just can't afford a 4311. Anyway the key to caring for an Onkyo is good airflow. They run warm and need some room above for the heat to escape.

As for bang for the buck just go down the feature lists and compare with the competition.

 

[DenPureSound]

I think either a Denon 3310 ($520 + $22.49 Like-New) or 4310 ($900 New).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B002AKKFQ2/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1304704479&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR4310CI-7-1-Channel-Multi-Zone-Connectivity/dp/B002AKKFQC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1304704605&sr=1-1

What if I could get a Denon AVR-3311CI for $800 delivered, or go with the 3312 at ? ($999 List)... shipping next month I hear.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

What if I could get a Denon AVR-3311CI for $800 delivered, or go with the 3312 at ? ($999 List)... shipping next month I hear.

I suppose it depends on the features you want.

If I had a choice between a new 3312 for $900 or a new 4310 for $900, I would still take the 4310.

In my mind, the 4310 is higher end, and probably better quality.

So I still think a like-new 3310 for $445 is the best deal. Network/computer issues will always be around; they seem to have a mind of their own. I don't let my AVRs do any networking/computer work. I think that is just asking too much. I just want my AVRs to produce great sound quality and help me with HDMI switching.

 

[jostenmeat]

I have a refurbed Onkyo 805 that has been working great for a few years now, and I hope it keeps working great for a while yet.

If I had a 1k budget to spend right now, I too would choose the 4310.

If I was allowed to wait in order to save up some more, then I would do so to get the 4311.

However, the 4310 is the better deal. It also might be the last receiver of any brand to be made in Japan (and the 4311 is not)? But I'm surely misremembering, I know that M Code would know the answer . . .

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

However, the 4310 is the better deal. It also might be the last receiver of any brand to be made in Japan (and the 4311 is not)?

Exactly my thinking. Giving up possible "build quality" for more "bells & whistles"?

And we know about these AVRs getting slimmer and slimmer every year, and cutting cost every year too.

Here is the 3311CI made in CHINA:

3310CI also made in CHINA:

And here is the 4310CI made in JAPAN:

Here is the 4311CI also made in JAPAN:

 

[DenPureSound]

3310/3311/4310/4311 Comparisons

ACUDEFTECHGUY -- THANK YOU for the nice Rr. Panel Pictures which are very clear.

Let's look at the Denon AVR's 3310CI/3311CI/4310CI/4311CI and do a Comparison as follows:

3310CI 3311CI 4310CI 4311CI
===== ===== ===== =====

Mfg. Cntry. CHINA CHINA JAPAN JAPAN

MSRP = $1499 $1199 $1999 $1999

PRICE (AMAZON)

NEW $827 $1199 $900 $1998
USED $520 $750 $700 $1409

INPUT
POWER 840W 670W 972W 780W

OUTPUT 120W X 7 125W X 7 130W X 7 140W X 9
POWER (840W) (875W) (910W) (1260W)

CH. OUT/ 7.1 7.2 7.1 9.2
SUB(S)

NEW PRICE/ 0.98 1.37 0.99 1.59
OUTPUT WATT
($/WATT)

WEIGHT 28.4# 26.9# 34.81# 38#

AUDYSSEY MULTEQ MULTEQ XT DSX DSX

OUTPUT PWR/
POUND WT.
(WATTS/#) 29.58 32.53 26.14 33.16

OUTPUT PWR/ 1.1 1.31 0.94 1.62
INPUT PWR


OBSERVATIONS:

Setting aside the country of mfg., and look at the facts...

Notice the lower prices for the 2010 Models vs. the 2011 Models -- makes sense.

Look at the 4310CI for INPUT POWER -- consuming the most power from wall outlet vs. other models. Fact is 45% more input power required for the 4310 vs. 3311, and only 5 more watts per channel!

The 4310 is the only model showing less output power vs. input power. Output power to input power should be around 55-60% or 0.55 or so... It does prove that the output power ratings are for Only TWO channels driven.

DSX is very nice on the 43XX series...

The 4310CI has the lowest Output Power per Weight ratio, which means it weighs in higher per watt out -- good thing!

Does the 4310CI have Multi Ch Stereo Mode?

How would you hookup and extra set of spkrs. for Front WIDES if you want them Later?

To me, the 4310CI looks to have the best specs for the $$.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Does the 4310CI have Multi Ch Stereo Mode?

To me, the 4310CI looks to have the best specs for the $$.

It has Multi-Channel Stereo Mode 5/6/7:

http://usa.denon.com/US/Product/Pages/Product-Detail.aspx?Catid=f234eea1-3300-4537-8f59-f6cd2f3441d6&SubId=0&ProductId=3578bd2c-3865-4cf6-8203-4988ca9045dd

I think it's clear the AVR-4310CI is the best pick @ $900 brand new.