Stereo receiver help – I’ve been living under a rock

[jj310]

Greetings,

I’ll admit up front that for the last several years I’ve been living under a rock – meaning I haven’t kept up with the latest audio technology. I am in search of a new stereo receiver and would like input on a good value.

I have a 40” flat screen (1080P with several HDMI inputs) and I no longer have cable – I use broadcast and a ROKU internet-streaming device. I recently picked up a used set of Polk Audio RM5400 speakers (5 channel, front, rear, center and base) for a give a-way price. I also have a set of B&W bookshelf speakers plus a B&W center channel speaker that I used with my old Denon receiver (I lost that in a break-up/divorce hahahaha).

Don’t cringe, but I mostly play music with my iPhone or streaming using iheartradio. I know some stand-alone units such as the Logitech SqueezeBox will allow me to stream internet content and also search my computer hard drive for music – that would be perfect however I would prefer to run via a stereo system. I know some of the newer receivers have iPhone/pod docks and/or USB ports and have wifi capabilities but it seems most are all $500+. I would like to get the biggest bang for my buck and be as close to $250 (on sale/clearance) as I can. I do not really want to spend more since technology is changing so fast.

Some that I have looked at:
Denon AVR-1613
Onkyo TX-8050
Onkyo TX-NR509

So far it looks like the Onkyo TX-NR509 is my best value and it gets me close to what I was looking for. Does anyone have any other suggestions or are there other ways to get the features I am looking for with other bolt-on applications/technology or work-a-rounds?

Not to be cheap but I just can’t justify spending much more than $250. I would rather get entry level from a good name (Denon, Yamaha, etc) than spend money on Coby or store brand stereo equipment.

Your thoughts and suggestions would be most appreciated!

Thanks

 

[sholling]

You didn't name a budget but I'd look at something like a factory refurbished Denon AVR-1912 or better yet an AVR-2112. If you live in the US you can get factory refubs from Accessories For Less that come with a 1 year factory warranty. Both are networkable and both are iPhone ready to one degree or another.

 

[KEW]

I am a big fan of the refurbished Denon AVR-1712 from Accessories4less. It has Audyssey MultEQ XT, which is a rare find on a budget.
The biggest drawback to this unit is it has no pre outputs, but 90WPC is enough for many speakers. Just understand that you cannot run a separate power amp using this receiver.
To date, I have bought 9 refurb units (Denon & Marantz) from them, and by all appearance/function, they are new. I did not understand how one of the receivers I got worked, and thought it malfunctioned. A4L was quick to send me an RMA no hassels. If only all companies that sell refurb gear were so good to deal with!

 

[jj310]

Thanks.

So here's where I've been living under a rock. The Polk Audio RM5400's are 5.1 and the receivers folks have been suggesting are 7.1. Can I still use my Polks and not have to go buy additional speakers?

 

[sholling]

Thanks.

So here's where I've been living under a rock. The Polk Audio RM5400's are 5.1 and the receivers folks have been suggesting are 7.1. Can I still use my Polks and not have to go buy additional speakers?

Yes you can although you'll probably outgrow the Polk subwoofer fairly soon. For now you'll be fine. The receiver will even figure out how many speakers are hooked up while you enjoy a cup of coffee and let it run through its setup routine.

 

[jj310]

Awesome & Thanks.

Question...

I was comparing the Denon AVR-1912 and the AVR-2112 - other than the pricing difference is there any reason I would pay $50 more (accessories 4 less) for the AVR-2112 vs the 1912?

I compared the specs and most are similar. Of course there are some specs I don't understand...

 

[sholling]

Awesome & Thanks.

Question...

I was comparing the Denon AVR-1912 and the AVR-2112 - other than the pricing difference is there any reason I would pay $50 more (accessories 4 less) for the AVR-2112 vs the 1912?

I compared the specs and most are similar. Of course there are some specs I don't understand...

I'd spend the extra $50 to have the advanced room correction software (Audyssey MultiEQ XT) built into the 2112 rather than the more basic MultiEQ in the 1912. Modern receivers include a setup mic and software that first detects the speakers and then detects the distance to the seating position and any quirks in the room itself. The software can't fix everything but it adjusts the speaker delays and frequency response to get the best sound it can out of your speakers and your room. Don't lose that mic either because they aren't super cheap.

What Denon did with the 1712, 1912, and 2112 is give a choice of features wrapped around the same amps. The 1712 has MultiEQ XT but no network features, the 1912 has network features but only a more basic flavor of Audyssey MultiEQ, I believe that the 2112 has both but double check that. There may be other difference that I'm not aware of but those are the biggies with the refurbs. If you were buying new then the 2112ci has a longer (3 year) warranty than the other two but A4L refurbs have a 1 year factory warranty period.

 

[KEW]

If you can spring for the 2112, that sounds like a very good fit for you. The networking stuff sounds pretty cool (though I don't know much about that).

If you decide money is at a premium, one more option is to add Denon's iPod dock to the 1712. This would get you out of the door for $285 including shipping:
DENON ASD-11R iPod Dock | Accessories4less

I cannot recommend this dock as I have not used it or read any reviews, so you'll need to research it.

Personally, if I was spending your money, I'd get the 2112!

 

[jj310]

I was getting ready to purchase the 1912’s (I can't justify the extra $50 for the 2112, plus I am already $50 over my budget) but how would I hook-up multi-zone speakers? My current speakers are 5.1 but it would be easy for me to run wires outside to my patio and place a set outside. The Onkyo 515,609 and 616 all have 2nd zone hook-ups.

Thanks!

 

[sholling]

I haven't setup a second zone but here are the manuals. Just be aware that the 2nd zone (any receiver) usually has very limited source options.

 

[jj310]

Thanks everyone!

I just ordered the DENON AVR-1912 and can't wait to hook it up and report back.

Thanks for your input and tip about accessories 4 less - I got a much better receiver for $300 than I would have at one of the big box places.

You folks rock!