Requesting Opinions About Receivers: Dennon 2313/3313 vs Onkyo 818 vs Yamaha RX 820/1020

[The Italian]

New to forum. Just bought 60" Panasonic GT50 Plasma and am replacing an Integra DTR 7.1 receiver. Need to upgrade for purposes of HDMI and would like to take advantage of new streaming APPLE technology as we now are an APPLE household (iPhone, iMac, etc.).
Running 5.1 in home theater area with B&W 601 bookshelf speakers up front and B&W in ceiling rears. Energy Sub 10". Room is 20 x 30 approximately. Very happy with Integra receiver (not one issue) but don't want to spend the money for the DTR 40.1 or 50.1 or equivalent. Considering:
Dennon 2313
Dennon 3313
Onkyo 717
Onkyo 818
Yamaha RX 820
Yamaha RX 1020
I have never purchased products from these manufacturers before. Any thoughts ? Performance, reliability are important. Also would like to retain powered zone 2 and or 3 audio capability.
Thanks for reading and offering your experience, opinions and advice.
Peace

 

[afterlife2]

Welcome! Great start with a GT50. My choice would be the Onkyo 818 If I had the money. What is your budget? and are you in the US?

 

[The Italian]

In the US - just a proud Italian American- about $800 budget . Why onkyo?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would go for the Denon 3313 for sure if I could get it for around $850. I think a Denon 3312 for around $600 would be best. Denon has better reliability and customer support than Onkyo. If you like room correction, Audyssey RC is equivocally better than Yamaha's RC.

Amazon.com: Buying Choices: Denon AVR3312CI Integrated Network A/V Surround Receiver

Call some of these stores and offer $600 for the Denon 3312 brand new.

 

[The Italian]

Does the 3312 have 4k up scaling and pass through?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Does the 3312 have 4k up scaling and pass through?

Doesn't appear to. If you want 4K, better get the 3313 model.

 

[afterlife2]

In the US - just a proud Italian American- about $800 budget . Why onkyo?

It has Audyssey XT32 and enough power for about just any speaker. Has 2 fans inside, so no heat issues. Also has pre-outs If you need it. I had a refurb Onkyo 707(drowned) and never had problems, so I would not hesitate to get another Onkyo. I've never had a Denon, so I can't comment on them. They have a great rep though along with Harman Karman(I have the 247 and love it), Pioneer, Yamaha, Marantz, etc. I called Onkyo Customer service once and they helped me in a timely matter and resolved my problem, well not a problem I just didn't understand something.
If you are not yet convinced here is a review: ONKYO-TX-NR818-RECEIVER REVIEW

 

[PENG]

Onkyo AVRs typically have the best specs and measurements for the money but seem to have more troubles reported on forums. Keep in mind that's just hearsays not necessarily facts. I don't like fans though, as I am sensitive to fan noises.

 

[The Italian]

Thanks for the onkyo review. I like the idea of Onkyo because I have Integra and it seems as if it would be a familiar product. But no Airplay. I do have apple TV that I will be able to hook up so I'm not sure if having the Apple TV minimizes that deficiency in the Onkyo. Was able to play with Denon 2313 and 3313 at Best Buy and liked the ease of use and quality feel of the receiver. Doesn't appear to have a dedicated "powered zone 2 or 3" though - have to use one of the seven speaker connections - am I correct? Like to have capability of powered extra zone(s) as I have in my Integra. Also would like HDMI to second zone. Thoughts ???

 

[3db]

I like Yamaha myself and their room correction for my environment works more than just fine even though mine is the simplest iteration of room correction. The new A1020 uses a much more sophisticated version of what I have on my receiver. Yamaha has probably the best reliability of all of the AVR manufacturers out there. Below is a link to all of its features.


RX-A1020 - RXA Series - Yamaha - Canada

 

[panteragstk]

In all honesty they are all good choices. It really all boils down to the features that are the most important to you.

 

[afterlife2]

In all honesty they are all good choices. It really all boils down to the features that are the most important to you.

What he said. I think the 818 offers more features overall for a bargain price and Zone 2/3 or Zone 2/3 Line-outs. It now comes to you.
Check this out: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXNR818/Onkyo-TX-NR818-7.2-Ch-THX-Certified-Network-A/V-Receiver/1.html
Might be the lowest I've seen it! I along with alot of members here have bought from them with no problems. They even offer an extended warranty for cheap. Good luck!