Advice on AVR and Projector upgrades for novice/casual user

[kpierce]

Hello:

Based on some very much appreciated advice, from this forum, I am ready to purchase new equipment to upgrade my media room. Prior to placing the order, I am hoping to get feedback on my selection and the best place to purchase.
I am a casual user and have been happy with my ScreenPlay 4805 and Onkyo 6.1 receiver. This supports my component and s-video formats. But, now I’m ready to add HDMI to the mix.
My budget is under $1,000.
Based on my research and feedback, I have tentatively selected the following AVR and projector.

AVR:
My current system is a 6.1, but doesn’t support HDMI. Based on feedback, I think I will go with the Denon AVR S940h. This will support my 6.1 configuration, my legacy video formats(S-Video and Component) and will provide HDMI. I found this for $289:
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs940h/denon-avr-s940h-7.2-ch-x-90-watts-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

Projector:
My current projector is mounted on the ceiling about 16’ from the screen and the ceiling is about 10.5’ high. And my current screen is 110”. Based on feedback, I think I will purchase the Epson Cinema Wireless 2150. I found this for $599:
https://www.amazon.com/Epson-Cinema-Wireless-Miracast-projector/dp/B074FLKWSY/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

I am a novice at this and just trying to get the best system I can for under $100. So, any advice, guidance or feedback is greatly appreciated.

Regards,

 

[kpierce]

Hello:
I am hoping to get feedback. I don’t want to end up with a system under $1000, that’s just junk.

Perhaps I posted my question in the wrong group.

Thank you for all your support.

Regards

 

[SwedishChef]

I think you might need to provide some more context and information on your goals in order to drive more discussion and suggestions. Perhaps including mention of some things you've read and considered.

Recommendations for a replacement AVR will depend on factors like the specific speakers you're using, their sensitivity, impedance, your room size, listening levels, etc. People do try to make recommendations at many price points, but often the cheapest mentioned are in the $500 range. People tend to suggest the Denon AVR-X3500H, for example. You could do searches on that, the 2500, the similar Marantz models (5013/5014), and Yamaha 1080 maybe. There are other options sometimes mentioned if you are willing to just 5.1 instead of 7.1 etc.

I haven't seen many projector recommendations here. Perhaps in some of the other sections. Sites like ProjectorCentral focus on projectors, do reviews and have recommendation lists in the sub $1,500 and sub $750 categories.

 

[kpierce]

I think you might need to provide some more context and information on your goals in order to drive more discussion and suggestions. Perhaps including mention of some things you've read and considered.

Recommendations for a replacement AVR will depend on factors like the specific speakers you're using, their sensitivity, impedance, your room size, listening levels, etc. People do try to make recommendations at many price points, but often the cheapest mentioned are in the $500 range. People tend to suggest the Denon AVR-X3500H, for example. You could do searches on that, the 2500, the similar Marantz models (5013/5014), and Yamaha 1080 maybe. There are other options sometimes mentioned if you are willing to just 5.1 instead of 7.1 etc.

I haven't seen many projector recommendations here. Perhaps in some of the other sections. Sites like ProjectorCentral focus on projectors, do reviews and have recommendation lists in the sub $1,500 and sub $750 categories.

Thank you. I’ll do a little more research.

 

[lovinthehd]

Can't help you with the projector, haven't done that myself yet.

The avr if it fits your needs for the foreseeable future and works connectivity/feature-wise and will satisfactorily drive your speakers for that price is pretty nice, altho personally I'd aim a bit further up the Denon food chain to the models swedishchef mentioned, better version of Audyssey and a full set of pre-outs and a bit more processing (if any of that is important to you is what counts, tho)...altho some of the best sale prices over the holiday weekend have expired now. What speakers does it need to drive?

 

[kpierce]

The speakers I have are the Onkyo model SKF-520F. Max power handling is 130W and impedance is 8Q.

What are your thoughts on using these with the: https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs940h/denon-avr-s940h-7.2-ch-x-90-watts-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

I'm looking for two HDMI, one S-Video and Component.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Check out Amazon. They may have 50% off deals on brand new Denon. So no need to buy REFURBISHED.

Here is a $600 Denon on sale for $299 BRAND NEW:

Amazon.com: Denon AV Receivers Audio & Video Component Receiver BLACK (AVRX1500): Electronics

Buy Denon AV Receivers Audio & Video Component Receiver BLACK (AVRX1500): AV Receivers & Amplifiers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Here's one model up from that for about $50 more. The latest model X2600 is $800, but you can get the X2500 for only $349 (56% off)!

https://www.amazon.com/Denon-Receivers-Component-Receiver-AVRX2500/dp/B07CVKC9MD/ref=sr_1_15_sspa?keywords=Denon+AVR&qid=1577727037&s=electronics&sr=1-15-spons&psc=1&smid=A2H3DYB5PUVNNI&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFXODYyMlRMWkFVN0YmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA4ODY2MjAyRlJDWlM4NzVQTFQwJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAxNDE1MDgxRURXUEozQ0VGMEsmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

When it comes to Denon's, there's no need to buy Refurbished when Amazon and others often have 50% sales.

I would also NEVER buy a refurbished Denon or Marantz since I have ZERO trust in those people from Panurgy who do the repairs/refurbished works on Denon/Marantz. Sure, you could get lucky. But as Dirty Harry would say,

 

[kpierce]

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.

 

[kpierce]

I bet the reason it's cheaper on Amazon is because this is Alexa compatible. Now I wonder if there are Alexa compatible projectors that Amazon will sell for cheap.

 

[kpierce]

My projector requirements are relatively small. I would like to have it compatible with HDMI, Component and S-Video. (Component and S-Video are not hard requirements, but would be nice to be able to view old VHS tapes. And yes, I still have some VHS tapes.) 4K would be nice, but not a requirement. But since a newer resolution is coming out maybe the 4K's will drop soon.

My current projector (Infocus ScreenPlay 4805) is mounted on the ceiling about 16’ from the screen and the ceiling is about 10.5’ high. And my current screen is 110”. Based on feedback, I think I will purchase the Epson Cinema Wireless 2150. I found this for $699:
https://www.amazon.com/Epson-Cinema-Wireless-Miracast-projector/dp/B074FLKWSY/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

Any thoughts or suggestions are much appreciated. I would like to stay in the $500-$750 price point. I am taking the advice from above and ordering the Denon AVRX1500. That seems like a great deal and the guidance is greatly appreciated.