AV Reciever choice ?

[Stoner51]

I currently have an older JVC 5.1 rec. We have moved into a house and now have a pool. I would like to purchase a new 7.1 rec and have a few things I require of the rec. First I have a budget of about $800. I would like to run a 7.1 setup with rm6900 and 1 pair of outdoor speakers for around the pool. The 6900 is 5.1 but I will be adding in wall for the surrounds. The recievers I am looking at are
1. HK 635
2. Onkyo 803
3. sony 989
The first two I think are much better quality from what I read. However I do have friends who love their sony. My questions are both the sony and the onkyo have seperate zones for the pool speakers. The HK says you can identify the surround rear as zone 2, does that mean that you will only have 5.1. Of the 3 which would be best for my living room theatre not a dedicated Home theatre. I now the sony is not the same but for $350 I had to put it in. I went to our local sound place and they were of no help and only sell Yamaha. Some other features I like on the onlyo are the Ipod dock and XM option.
Thanks for your opinions in advance.
Steve

Oh and what online dealers has everybody dealt with onecall seems to have good Prices.

 

[kidziti]

Have you looked at the Denon 3805?

It is currently being phased out as the new 3806 is in now, but the sound quality is awesome. I had one on hold for me at Tweeter for $788, but they goofed and ended up losing it (ended up getting the 3806, but would have been very happy with the 05).

Search around for the 3805 and grab one - should be able to get it for less than $800 if there are any left. It's 7.1 and has three zones, so the pool area would be a completely separate zone (ie. you could play Green Day into the zone 2 pool area while listening to Forrest Gump in the zone 1 theater room). From what I understand, few places are authorized Denon dealers, and buying unauthorized means no Denon warranty. I know that Tweeter and Crutchfield are authorized, but beyond that I'd check directly with Denon before buying.

 

[The13thGryphon]

Second that Recommendation

I would have to agree wtih kidziti on his recommendation. Although I would also suggest you take a look at Marantz as well. The Denon and Marantz receivers are the best sounding units available in that price range in my opinion.

If you're not put off by the idea of a factory refurbished unit, you can get some great deals on Marantz gear at www.accessories4less.com

Enjoy the music... that's what this crazy hobby is supposed to be about!

 

[AVRat]

You will need a separate amp to power the pool zone if you run 7.1 HT. An AudioSource Amp 100 goes for $100 at B&H.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&Q=&is=REG&O=productlist&kw=AUAMP100&cpncode=09-5337972-2&sku=356256&srccode=cii_10043468

The Onkyo 803 runs about $1000. You pay more for the latest features. Unless you have something against Yamaha, last years RX-V1500 would work well for you. I would also consider the new Denon 2106 as well as the 3805.

Is or can the pool zone be wired for a volume control?

 

[jcPanny]

For $7-800 . . .

Take a close look at the Yamaha RX-V2500 and Denon 3805. Both of these receivers will require a seperate 2 channel amp to run the zone 2 speakers (pool) and 7.1 in the main HT.

 

[blksnday]

One more vote for Denon 3805

Crutchfield.com (Authorized dealer) currently has this receiver brand new for $800,
you can throw in $50 off $250 coupon (PA440) combine $20 off (refer-a-friend coupon, ask any of your friend for it, I can send you the refer-a-friend also)
This is no tax & free shipping plus crutchfield's customer service is very very good.
Bring total down to $730

If you need to buy one other home theatre component, you might get an extra 10% off would be nice too.

 

[Stoner51]

Ok two more questions. Does the Denon have video pass through( so the rec. does not have to be on to get picture and sound to the tv, should I decide to run the video through the rec). And I will only need an external amp if I want to listen to 7.1 and the pool at the same time?
Thanks
Steve

 

[fergusonv]

My local authorized dealer (Tweeter) had a couple and I was qouted 799 for them without mic.

 

[AVRat]

The separate amp is the most convenient setup, otherwise you would need to go into the receiver's setup menu to switch the use of the internal amps.