500-600 dollar av receiver with zone 2

[Wynbnt]

Stopped using denon AVR x2000 and wanted to know who likes pioneer and yamaha and why?. Used a yamaha rx-a730 for the first time and the programming is a bit confusing. Ii can get pioneer, sony, onyko, denon, marantz, and yamaha at dealer cost.. Also I need to program universal remote control ( mx 900) for these with a few zone 2 rooms. Does anybody have a suggestion?

 

[Adam]

I use Pioneer because I am a big fan of their MCACC system, in addition to just liking their gear. MCACC lets me store multiple configurations, which is important to me because I have two seating locations that are distinctly different relative to the location of my speakers. Audyssey can only store one configuration. I'm happy to expand on that if you want.

 

[Wynbnt]

I do recall using a pioneer vsx 60 or something like that a couple years ago. Two or three people have liked pioneer over the others. It is a bit farther for me to drive to get, but I will give them a try. I might even take the yamaha back i fI can't get tech support on the phone. Support also matters a great deal to me Denon support is good, just fell out of love with them.
I do like marantz for a higher end system. Same company but much different product.

 

[itschris]

Did you see this comparison?
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/home-theater-pc-htpc-media-servers/88705-htpc-build-part-1-stuff.html

 

[Wynbnt]

I don't understand that comparison. I use pretty simple systems for customers. With network control, Airplay, and mx 900 remote controls. A typical system would be a $550. receiver, apple TV, BluRay & a cable box, with average speakers, in wall or ceiling. They need to be simple for everyone.