Best AVR for approx $1,000

[SMM]

I was planning to buy the new Denon AVR-2807 based on the specs, the HDMI switching and the upconversion of analog video capabilities. I recently heard the new Pioneer Elite ARVs in that price range are as good or better. Has anyone done a comparions? Opinions pls?

 

[love2listen]

Best AVR....

SMM,
I just put a system together for a friend and got her the Yamaha 2600. I was able to get it from an authorized dealer for $985.00. It really is a very nice AVR with PLENTY of features. The other two brands you mentioned are very good also and in that price range they will ALL do a FINE job.

 

[cstpeter]

I have seen the Outlaw 1070 reviewed as the best AVR in the $1000 price range (the attached Home Theater Magazine review, for example). Not sure if it has HDMI switching and the other features of the Yamaha and Denons, but sound quality--the most important thing, IMO--is apparently top notch. I've never heard one, just relaying what I've read.

http://hometheatermag.com/completesystems/106outlaw/

 

[aarond]

denon 3806 $889.98 from dakmart an authorized denon dealer

 

[Daz3d&Confus3d]

Yeah the main sellers in that price range are the yamaha 2600, Denon 3806/2807, and the Elites! I lisitened to all three and liked all three!!!....lol I dont think you can go wrong. I went with Denon because they're a little warmer than the other two and alot of the speakers in this $3000-$4000 'sound system setups' can sometimes be a little bright.

 

[RLA]

Hello All

I am going to second the RX-V2600 This receiver has got to be one of the all time best bang for the buck A/V products. The Pre-Amp section on this AVR is simply amazing. This AVR coupled with a good multi channel amp will stomp allot of the so called high end separates in a mud hole.

 

[JonBaker99]

My vote is for the 2807. Best features for the money, but I'm a Denon wh*re Yamaha 2600 is also very good for the money but I think the 2807 edges it out with the iPod connector and ethernet control.

 

[The13thGryphon]

Personally, my vote would be for the NAD T753. The sound quality is steller, and it has the ability to drive a very wide array of speakers. To me sound quality is more important than a never ending list of features. Sure, if there's a particular feature you really need, or simply do not want to have to do without, that's great... but if the sound quality isn't there then features do not make up for it's lack in my opinion.

Mark Fleischmann of Home Theater magazine certainly thought highly of the NAD as well. See his review at http://hometheatermag.com/receivers/105nad/

I am going to second the RX-V2600 This receiver has got to be one of the all time best bang for the buck A/V products. The Pre-Amp section on this AVR is simply amazing. This AVR coupled with a good multi channel amp will stomp allot of the so called high end separates in a mud hole.

May I ask what is so amazing about the preamp section, and why it will "stomp" a lot of the "so called high end separates"? Is it low distortion? Analog pass through? Ease of audio/video switching? Or what?

I'm having trouble coming to terms with paying for seven channels of amplification and the larger power supply that they require, only to not use them. What is the cost of the parts contained within the receiver (output transistors, larger power supply, heat sinks, etc.) that will never be used? To me this is a waste of money! If I want a pre-pro for $1,000 or under, why not purchase an Outlaw 970 or 990? To purchase a receiver and then not use much of what I'm paying for just doesn't make sense. Please help me understand.

 

[tdeluce]

Hello All

I am going to second the RX-V2600 This receiver has got to be one of the all time best bang for the buck A/V products. The Pre-Amp section on this AVR is simply amazing. This AVR coupled with a good multi channel amp will stomp allot of the so called high end separates in a mud hole.

How would it compare to an Anthem AVM 30 ( or 40 )?

 

[jcsprankle]

No Ethernet

My vote is for the 2807. Best features for the money, but I'm a Denon wh*re Yamaha 2600 is also very good for the money but I think the 2807 edges it out with the iPod connector and ethernet control.

The 2807 doesn't have an Ethernet port. You're thinking of the 4306. Great feature, though! Also, the iPod connector is actually for the Denon iPod dock, which is necessary before you can connect your iPod. The 4306 has a different connector that only requires a cable, not the dock.

 

[jcsprankle]

If I want a pre-pro for $1,000 or under, why not purchase an Outlaw 970 or 990? To purchase a receiver and then not use much of what I'm paying for just doesn't make sense. Please help me understand.

I can give you three reasons: HDMI switching, video up-conversion (i.e.- S-Video in to component out) and video up-scaling (i.e. 480i in to 1080i out). The Outlaws you mentioned may to up-conversion but I don't think it does the other two.

Now, you're right about buying the amp section and not using but I don't think anyone should consider it "wasted money".

 

[The13thGryphon]

I can give you three reasons: HDMI switching, video up-conversion (i.e.- S-Video in to component out) and video up-scaling (i.e. 480i in to 1080i out). The Outlaws you mentioned may to up-conversion but I don't think it does the other two.

I'll give you the video up-scaling, but the Outlaw 990 has DVI switching, and with the use of a couple of DVI to HDMI converters or a cable with DVI on one end and HDMI on the other it would work for either DVI or HDMI; and it also has cross-conversion (i.e.- S-Video in to component out).

Throw in the fact that the 990 also has automatic speaker calibration, balanced outputs, a MM phono input, will upsample a standard CD to 24-bit/192kHz, and has a USB input for connection to a music server/computer, and it's a great deal. Given the fact that Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity, Home Theater Sound, and Ultimate AV have all raved about the unit, I have to believe that it would satisfy nearly anyone for years to come.

I'm still not sold on using a receiver as a pre-pro... but maybe that's because I already have two outboard amps. I can kind of see it for someone who is starting out and would add outboard amps at a later date... but for someone like myself it still seems I'd be spending money for something that I'd never use... which in my definition is termed "waste". YMMV

 

[jcsprankle]

That's the great thing about this "hobby"...each person can get great sound in a different way using different equipment. Looks like we are both right, depending on how you look at it.

I think a lot of people, especially those just starting out, would take the receiver route and have the option to add external amps later. This is sort of a win-win because you get value out of the receiver amps before you add the outboard amp and then don't have to buy another processor.

Of course, I certainly am NOT dissing the quality of good separates. Just two ways to get to the same goal.

 

[JonBaker99]

The 2807 doesn't have an Ethernet port. You're thinking of the 4306. Great feature, though! Also, the iPod connector is actually for the Denon iPod dock, which is necessary before you can connect your iPod. The 4306 has a different connector that only requires a cable, not the dock.

You are correct. Completely spaced out when I typed it. I've been toying with the 4306 ethernet setup stuff for the past few weeks and just had it locked in my mind.

2807 is still a heck of a reciever for the price point and would definitly be what I would buy for the price range.

 

[rushwj]

Just picked up the Marantz 7500 ($600 refurbished w/ warranty) and absolutely love the smooth enriching sound of it (adding my vote to receivers which produce good sound quality over features), although its feature list is mighty nice and leaves off only a few things, none of which are too important to me but might be to others. Can get more feature rich models for more money in the marantz line and still stay under a grand (if refurb'd).

But i have to say, i've heard lots of good things about all those that have been mentioned and i'm sure you'd enjoy any of them (it's just which one fits you best from a sound and feature perspective).