2 questions about AVR

[Perp]

Question 1: Ebay or no? Looks like most 2008 model receivers are available new for about $400 less than retail.. anyone recommend for or against purchasing receivers on ebay? warranty considerations?

Question 2: Here are the choices, which one and why?
1) Marantz SR8002
2) Denon 3808ci
3) Yamaha RX-V3900

I need to run BD player, Cable box w/hdmi, xbox360
Driving M&K LCR125's in front (4 ohm) and not sure on rear yet, 4 or 6 ohms in rear though..
Also running second zone, 1 pair 8 ohm on its own volume control so I just want always on at high volume.

P.S. If ebay is out, then I would be 1 model down on each, marantz sr7002, denon 2809ci, or yamaha rx-v1900, same questions above apply.

Thanks!

 

[Perp]

So nobody has any opinion about buying on ebay or about any of those receivers I listed?

 

[Adam]

So nobody has any opinion about buying on ebay or about any of those receivers I listed?

Hi. Sorry, but I don't have any opinion on those receivers - but I'll respond to try and get this thread some attention from people who might.

I've purchased a few things off of eBay, but nothing large like that. I'm pretty sure that Yamaha and Denon list the authorized dealers on their websites, but I'm not sure about Marantz. You could check there to see if the eBay merchant is authorized. I'd highly recommend only buying from someone with an excellent rating on eBay, but that's my risk-averse nature.

 

[highfigh]

So nobody has any opinion about buying on ebay or about any of those receivers I listed?

If you buy from someone who's not an authorized e-tailer, you won't have a warranty. Better to buy locally, especially with Circuit City folding. I saw some good prices on Denon and Pioneer models when they closed one of the stores here in MKE. Pretty close to dealer cost. At the end, they'll just be dumping everything, IMO.

 

[hiway]

Perp:

I had the same question about 7 months ago or so. I ended up going with the Denon 3808ci. I went with Denon for the sound quality. This is the second one that I have purchased. I bought a 430x (6?) never pulled out of the box - gave it to my brother-in-law as I was building a super system (before this total economic meltdown). With the 3808, I also bought the upgrade which I really think was worth the $100.00. I believe the units after Sept or so have the updated software. I bought it off of ebay. The first try was bad. I won't go into the details but it took about 10 days to get my money back. The second try was very good. I called the guy first and talked to him for some time. He was very helpful and ended up buying a JVC RS1x (I love my projector!) from him as well - great price and full warranty on both. On the performance of the Denon - I have a poor room but I am happy with what the Denon does. I did want more juice so have added a Cary 5 amp. I am using Maggies which are very inefficient. If you like tweaking - I think that you will really like the Denon. I messed around with it for a couple of months but rarely adjust anything but the volume these days. I am using the HDMI all the way around - its the way to go. I am using BlueJeans cables. You can PM me if you want any more details - however, I don't think that you will get anything out of the Denon other than pleasure.
Cheers.

 

[blued888]

AFAIK, you don't get warranty with most eBay purchases.

You may also have to consider the overall reliability of the unit being considered.

 

[pzaur]

Denons with a warranty: dakmart.com
3808ci @ Dakmart
2809ci @ Dakmart

Marantz SR7002 @ accessories4less.com

The Pioneer 1018 would be a worthwhile look. It should be dropping in price very soon with the release of the 2009 models.

With the Blu-Ray, are you wanting to do the newer audio formats also via HDMI?

Just to recap, you're looking for:
1) 3 (or more) HDMI in
2) 4-ohm capable
3) Zone 2 @ 8 ohm (I believe most Zone 2's will only be rated for 8 ohm speakers, anyways)
4) price range ???

-pat

 

[Pyrrho]

When you buy something on eBay, who exactly is selling it matters. eBay is just the middleman skimming profits off of every transaction. So, buying through eBay could mean you are buying from an authorized dealer, or from an unauthorized dealer. You will need to check with the manufacturer of the item to find out if a particular dealer is authorized or not, as some sellers have been known to lie about things.

So, I would not automatically refuse to buy something like this on eBay, but I would be interested in knowing the above when I was deciding on a particular item.

 

[Perp]

With the Blu-Ray, are you wanting to do the newer audio formats also via HDMI?

Just to recap, you're looking for:
1) 3 (or more) HDMI in
2) 4-ohm capable
3) Zone 2 @ 8 ohm (I believe most Zone 2's will only be rated for 8 ohm speakers, anyways)
4) price range ???

-pat

Probably no on the BD audio.. just movies..

Price range is around the $1400 mark.

I looked at dakmart after reading some other threads here, but I am hesitant with B stock considering that this is for my parents. I don't want to have a problem a year from now and then tell them "you bought a refurb unit, what did you expect?" I am actually making all the choices on this system, and would much rather spend a few more dollars and get full manufacturer warranty and preferably a local retailer so that if there is a problem I can take the unit to them and say "replace it".

I have local sources for Yamaha and Denon, but not Marantz. (actually there is a Marantz dealer but its more of a garage type business..)

I sold and installed Marantz and M&K for quite a few years, and back then I liked the product combination, but then I left the industry and heard that Marantz was using garbage amplifier sections for a while. I currently have the M&K's running off an SR5000 and I get chills every time I go to their place and fire up the system.. I have the same receiver myself with some middle of the road Polk fronts and NHT rears and it is good enough for me these days, but damn I love those M&Ks. They never use it though, so I am putting in a theater in the room they do use. I need ease of use over everything, which is why I want something newer that has hdmi switching and upscaling (for the xbox360 - yes they like to play golf on it).
The room is also a nightmare for sound stage, so the audysee should be helpful there.. It doesn't have to be perfect, but I want it to be impressive to them and their friends..

I am going to go see what kind of deal the local denon dealer will give me on the 3808.. if he can come down a couple hundred from full retail I will purchase it. Then all I need is to pick out some on-wall surrounds and order up the in-wall wiring and plates and I can get started.. I can't wait to start punching holes in their walls.

Thanks for the advice. I have ebayed enough to know what to expect, but I was looking for someone to confirm that despite their claims at being an authorized dealer, it is likely that if a warranty situation came up I would be left holding the ball.