Cross posted elsewhere, but I know there are a few here with direct experience with some of these so if you don't mind....
I've been debating the past couple weeks about which route to go with my setup.
I'm currently trying to decide between these three:
- Denon AVR-X4000[/URL], refurbed @ $799 from Accessories4Less
- Onkyo TX-NR818[/URL], BNIB @ $699.
- Integra DHC-80.2 PreAmp[/URL], b-stock @ $960 from a local dealer. I have seen some used ones in the $800 ball park on e-Bay.
These share a lot of similarities, but have some differences. Mostly, though, the only ones that stand out for me are:
- The x4000 & DHC-80.2 have SubEQ. which would bode well for multiple subs arranged symmetrically down to 4 (ie; 2 in front, 2 in rear). However, regardless of what setup I choose, I will absolutely be using an external DSP to control subwoofer(s) as I plan to add up to 4 at some point down the line. So, while the SubEQ is awesome, it's not a necessity.
- The Denon also has Airplay which is a nice feature but not a necessity as I have an AppleTV.
- Quality: The Denon is a refurb, where the Onkyo is brand new and has a 2 year warranty. On the flip side, I've also read numerous reviews on forums and Amazon regarding FW update that have caused issues for people's NR818... and some of those complaints were pretty loud. And, it seems to me the Onkyo may have better build quality (simply judging by photos, which may be incorrect). I've yet to hear anything bad about the Integra.
What I like about the Integra is that it's a pre-amp: it's pretty much built for my job. However, the only real feature it has that the x4000 doesn't have is Balanced pre-outs. It does have 9.2 channels, but I'm not too concerned about that in this moment; maybe in a couple years but by then I figure I'll have upraded anyway. The big downside is I can't do anything with it until I acquire all the amplifiers. Whereas, with the Denon and Onkyo, I can grow out of them and in to external amps.
Note: I'm going to be using all external amplifiers at some point down the line for my HT so the power ratings aren't terribly important to me. It would be a simple 5.2 setup for now, and possibly expand to 7.2 down the line. I've already ordered a Crown XLS1500 and will use another 2 to round things out for the center, and side surrounds.
I need a 2nd zone for outside. It would be nice to not have to purchase an external amp for this and just power the outdoor speakers from the AVR's amplifier. Not sure if I can run 7 channels in the HT and still run a 2nd zone or not, though???
I'm curious what your guys' opinion is regarding the purchase of these items. They're all pretty close to me... and I can make a legitimate case for any of them. I'm personally leaning toward the Onkyo simply because of it's price and BNIB nature, though I've never had a problem with buying used. Plus, I could take that extra $100 and put it toward an amp or AppleTV, etc. But I can almost talk myself in to the Integra as well. Additonally, the Onkyo site has me thinking the output voltage of the pre-amps is 2.8vRMS (they have a spec'd MAX rating of 4v). And buying from Crutchfield allows me to the opportunity to buy it and try it.
I think if the Integra were in the $700 range, it wouldn't be a question. But, that extra, extra cost is tough to deal with when I'm already on a budget. The difference in that vs the Onkyo in price would pay for an additional amp. I'm just not seeing the huge benefit other than in XLR pre-outs, since the SubEQ is of no special use to me (I already have a separate DSP for that task). What am I missing?
Having said all of that, I'm still not 100% sure on which way to go.
(I did see the 'Tale of Two Receivers' thread but didn't see a concise winner since his dealt with a faulty 818 refurb).
Thanks in advance and sorry for any rambling I've done. I tried to lay it out well but know it may be a bit scatter brained since it's 6am.
- Erin
