Another "Need Help Choosing Between Models" Thread

[tyreal78]

What I'm looking for in a receiver...
1. Good sound
2. 3 HDMI inputs (repeater w/audio and video passthrough)
3. DD True HD/DTS HD Decoding
4. 5.1 or 7.1, doesn't matter.

Equipment which will connect to receiver...
- HD Motorolla cable DVR
- PS3
- Macbook aluminum (via HDMI)
- 3 Usher S-520 speakers (2 fronts, 1 center)

Receiver recommendations?

I've already gone down the Onkyo 606 route with the buzz/hum problem, and no, it wasn't a ground loop. I did everything humanly possible to eliminate the problem with no real success.

The following is what I've come up with so far in my budget...
- Sony STRDG820 $300 (reliable, feature packed, may lack good sound)
- HK AVR 254 $379 (Sounds good, buggy, some fixed in recent updates)
- Pioneer 1018 $434 (Not fully researched)
- Denon 1909 $600 (Good all around, but pricey)

I'm willing to drop $300 towards the Denon, and go with the no interest for 18 months for the other $300 at my local shop if the price is worth it. I'm just not sure how much more worth it the 1909 is compared to the other units.

I listen to music 30%, movies 70%.

Any help, suggestions, opinions would be helpful.

As always, you guys are a huge help!

 

[petdoctyr]

Im sorta in the same boat, the whole receiver thing is quite puzzling, however, from what I can gather from my research, I dont think there is a receiver below 600$ that can touch the Onkyo 606. I personally dont think Denon is as good a company as they used to be unless you go into their high end models. Im sure I will get lots of people arguing with me on that, but its my opinion.

I was considering the Denon, but it doesnt do video upconversion/transcoding (not to be mistaken with upscaling, which it does).

I think Sony's are kinda overpriced, again just a personal opinion, I think the same thing about HKs, but they probably have a better quality build that accounts for some of the price hike.

From what you have listed there Id probably go with either the Pioneer or the HK, but have a look at the Onkyo. From what Ive read the main issue with Onkyo is that they run much hotter than the others, but I think as long as you dont put it in a closed door cabinet and give it some room to breath, you'll be fine.

Im currently trying to decide if I should get the Onkyo (you can pick it up at circuit city for 450$) or if I should go to something higher up like the pioneer elite VSX-01, Onkyo 706, Marantz SR5003 or other... anyone got any feedback on this? Its quite a price jump to go to these but willing if it makes sense.

 

[phlakvest]

So you had a 606 with a buzz problem you couldn't fix? Was there a thread I missed?
Did you contact onkyo about it?

I don't see a case where a 606 would buzz but a different reciever wouldn't unless the reciever you have is defective.

I'm not a fan of sony consumer electronics.

Quite a few people like the Pioneer 1018, but I have heard reports of it's amp section being weaker than some of its competors. What speakers are you driving?

IMO the onk 606 and the yahmaha 663(only has 2 HDMI ports) are the best recievers in that price range.

 

[tyreal78]

So you had a 606 with a buzz problem you couldn't fix? Was there a thread I missed?
Did you contact onkyo about it?

I don't see a case where a 606 would buzz but a different reciever wouldn't unless the reciever you have is defective.

I'm not a fan of sony consumer electronics.

Quite a few people like the Pioneer 1018, but I have heard reports of it's amp section being weaker than some of its competors. What speakers are you driving?

IMO the onk 606 and the yahmaha 663(only has 2 HDMI ports) are the best recievers in that price range.

As listed, I'm driving 3 Usher S-520's. 2 as fronts, 1 as a center...more to eventually come.

Regarding the 606. Thousands of others before me have experienced the buzz/hum issue with hi def HDMI components. Just do an internet search and you'll see.

The 663 only has 2 HDMI ports, I need 3.

 

[tyreal78]

Im sorta in the same boat, the whole receiver thing is quite puzzling, however, from what I can gather from my research, I dont think there is a receiver below 600$ that can touch the Onkyo 606. I personally dont think Denon is as good a company as they used to be unless you go into their high end models. Im sure I will get lots of people arguing with me on that, but its my opinion.

I was considering the Denon, but it doesnt do video upconversion/transcoding (not to be mistaken with upscaling, which it does).

I think Sony's are kinda overpriced, again just a personal opinion, I think the same thing about HKs, but they probably have a better quality build that accounts for some of the price hike.

From what you have listed there Id probably go with either the Pioneer or the HK, but have a look at the Onkyo. From what Ive read the main issue with Onkyo is that they run much hotter than the others, but I think as long as you dont put it in a closed door cabinet and give it some room to breath, you'll be fine.

Im currently trying to decide if I should get the Onkyo (you can pick it up at circuit city for 450$) or if I should go to something higher up like the pioneer elite VSX-01, Onkyo 706, Marantz SR5003 or other... anyone got any feedback on this? Its quite a price jump to go to these but willing if it makes sense.

Apparently you didn't read my post. Not being mean, you just didn't. I tried the Onkyo 606...big problems, and I'm not the only one. And the Sony is the least expensive of the bunch out of the ones listed.

 

[petdoctyr]

Oops you are right, I missed that part.

I have a feeling the quality control for Onkyo may be a little off. There are too many people happy with their Onkyo for them to be all bad, and too many have problems not to be worried. I still think if you get a good one they are the best in the price range but Im a bit scared off from the company too from the amount of people with issues.

Well, if you dont care about transcoding/upconversion, you might consider Denon, but for my .02 this is a must have feature.

I still say HK or Pioneer, does the HK have on board decoding for Dolby True HD and DTS HD MA? Im not familiar with the features of this model and the HK website doesnt seem to help much.

I suppose this also answers my question about if I should step up to a more expensive reciever. Maybe I'll try to get the guy at best buy to sell me his last Yamaha 6190 for 800$.

 

[phlakvest]

As listed, I'm driving 3 Usher S-520's. 2 as fronts, 1 as a center...more to eventually come.

Regarding the 606. Thousands of others before me have experienced the buzz/hum issue with hi def HDMI components. Just do an internet search and you'll see.

The 663 only has 2 HDMI ports, I need 3.

Sorry, I missed the part about the speakers.

I was trying to figure out what problem you had with the 606. Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude or act like I wasn't paying attention to the OP.

 

[petdoctyr]

HK-254 for 374$??? Really?
On the website for a retailer here in Canada its 800$, seems like a good deal to me at that price... where did you find that?

id post the link to the ad but it wont let me. The company is 2001 audio video, you can look it up.

 

[tyreal78]

HK-254 for 374$??? Really?
On the website for a retailer here in Canada its 800$, seems like a good deal to me at that price... where did you find that?

id post the link to the ad but it wont let me. The company is 2001 audio video, you can look it up.

Amazon. I get free 2nd day shipping as well, being that I'm a "Prime" member. Lol.