AVR for NYC Apt?

[stone2662]

THanks in advance for all your tips. I have a new Pioneer Elite DH Plasma, and I'm searching for a good av receiver - usage will probably be 70/30 music to video. We're in an decent sized apt in NYC, so we don't need massive power, but I don't want to skimpm too much. In fact, I'm pretty much set on the Monitor Radius surround speakers (the 90's, 108 center and 360 subwoof).

I've gotten a wide variety of glib recommendations from the high-end audio stores: Marantz 7500; Arcam 250, Integra 5.5. I was told that I didn't need to spend the $$ on the Marantz 7500 as it would be "too much" for the speakers and space. Our budget is around $1000 plus or minus. Interestingly enough, I haven't heard any recs from these salesmen about HK, Denon, Pioneer, etc.

I really want a system that is primo for music...any suggestions?

 

[brian32672]

For a nice clean look, I would look at the Outlaw Audio 1070, soon to be released.
Here is a thread on it.
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12531

And a link straight to their site.
http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/1070.html

 

[AVRat]

Do you have any features wants/needs like for HDMI, DVD-Audio or SACD? If not, then many of last years models that are being cleared out will work well.

The specs on the Radius 90s show 100W, 8 Ohm, and 87dB sensitivity. You are going to want decent power for those speakers. The Marantz 7500 is actually a good fit, power wise. If you really don't think you need that much power, Denon's AVR-2805/2105/2106 would be good choices. As well as others from Pioneer & Yamaha.

 

[stone2662]

Thanks, AVRat. GIven the dosh we spent on the Pioneer Plasma, we should probably have HDMI capability. Good to know the Marantz is a good match for the Monitor. Another question - does it make sense to pay full retail (and tax!) for the receiver? Or is it ok to get one slightly cheaper refurbished? Not sure how reliable the refurbished ones are...

 

[jcPanny]

Denon and Yamaha

There are lots of Denon 380
5 and Yamaha 2500 owners around here and both are highly recomended by Audioholics.
When spending close to a grand on new electronics, most people like the assurance of a warantee that comes with a new unit from an authorized dealer. Some manufactuers like HK and Onkyo have referb units that include a 1-2 year warantee, but it is not the norm.

If you are concerned about HDMI, you could always add an external switch box. The receivers that incorporate HDMI are all in the >1k range and you pay a high premium for this feature. I would suggest connecting 1 source directly with HDMI to the TV and use component for the rest. The HDMI standard and technology will continue to evolve and come down in price.

 

[anamorphic96]

If youre gonna use this system primarily for music. I would look into some better speakers. They are the the most critical aspect of any system and have the greatest influence on sound.

While the Radius are a good choice you might want to step up to the Bronze series or look into some larger bookshelf style speakers. Music is much harder to recreate than HT effects. Therefore betters speakers will benefit you more.

Energy, PSB, Paradigm, B&W ar some other companies that come to mind.

But if your dead set on your choice of speakers the receivers you are looking at are all good choices. I find Integra sounds much better than the Onkyo line. They also come with a 3 year warranty and 20% larger power supply sections, which is the most important aspect of any AV receiver in my opinion.

 

[scorrpio]

I dunno what prices you currently have for the new or for refurbished, but a quick search yielded a brand new Marantz sr-7500 from Authorized Electronics (found by making a search on www.ecoustics.com) for $769. Shipping is ~ $40. Shipped to NY, there is a tax. Shipped to New Jersey, no tax. If you have a friend in Jersey, you can save around $65 by shipping there.