Help Me Choose a Receiver, please! (under $1,000)

[ckeegan]

Buying my first receiver in 15 years (only 34 for the record), and need some help. I have been researching for weeks, and the pros/cons list keeps getting longer, with no clear winner. Not to mention the fact that I keep finding new receivers to add to the list.

I am just starting with the receiver, so no speakers to pair off the bat. It must be capable of zone 2 audio for the patio, and therefore, I would really prefer it to be capable of streaming and have a decent smartphone app to control. My current setup has me streaming from my phone and outputting via bluetooth, which essentially just kills my battery. The room where the main speakers will eventually be has some sounds obstacles such as 18 foot ceilings, and a VERY open floor plan.

Receivers I have my eye on:

Onkyo 818 - $799 - Loaded with features, XT32, video output to two zones, but only same source. Only receiver with a YouTube video showing the smartphone app doing exactly what I want it to, and doing it relatively well. Concerned about quality.

Denon 3313ci - $799 (new in box on Ryther Camera) - Multi-source video output, great features, always been a fan of Denon, but that was 10+ years ago based primarily on my dad's opinion and his current 10 year old receiver.

Marantz 6007 - $799 (refurb from accessories4less) - Great reviews, love the styling, basic features that I need.

Onkyo 727 - $799 - Great features (built-in wi-fi, bluetooth), but no reviews yet always causes concern.

I guess I should have said sub-$800, but I'd be willing to go to $1,000 for the right product. I guess that was just coincidence!

 

[afterlife2]

If I had the money: Onkyo TX-NR818 7.2-Ch THX Certified Network A/V Receiver | Accessories4less
Get the extended warranty and you're set.
Speakers Pioneer 5.0: Pioneer SP-PK52FS Review - Watch CNET's Video Review
They were on sale recently. Check Tigerdirect as well:
[url]http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_13?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=pioneer%20andrew%20jones&sprefix=Pioneer+andre%2Caps%2C459&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Apioneer%20andrew%20jones
[/URL]

 

[j_garcia]

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/amps-pre-pros-receivers/85213-could-yamahas-rx-a830-receiver-best-bang-buck-home-theater-year.html#.UXBvYUp3cQs

Of your list, I'd probably jump on that Denon. Good price. Marantz would be second.

What speakers will be driven by this receiver?

 

[Grador]

Pay VERY close attention to the Zone 2 notes in the manual of anything you're looking at. Almost no receiver will put HDMI audio out over zone 2 independent of zone 1, and many won't put HDMI audio on zone 2 at all.

 

[macddmac]

I may be wrong, but Ryther Camera isn't listed as an authorized denon dealer. I also no longer recommend refurb DM products to anyone due to my personal negative experiences.
My new definition of value raises the value of after sale service availability (without having to pay shipping if that's necessary ) and lowers the value of initial price.
#1- initial quality-40%
#2-quality and ease of service-40%
#3- initial price-20%
I'd rather pay more for something that I can count on.
Just my take on the current state of affairs regarding consumer goods in general . Ymmv.
Cheers, Mac

 

[ckeegan]

If I had the money: Onkyo TX-NR818 7.2-Ch THX Certified Network A/V Receiver | Accessories4less
Get the extended warranty and you're set.
[/URL]

Definitely considering that option.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/amps-pre-pros-receivers/85213-could-yamahas-rx-a830-receiver-best-bang-buck-home-theater-year.html#.UXBvYUp3cQs

Of your list, I'd probably jump on that Denon. Good price. Marantz would be second.

What speakers will be driven by this receiver?

The biggest thing holding me back on the Yamaha is the lack of Spotify support and does YPAO hold a candle to Audyssey? Concern with the Denon price is the fact that Ryther is not a Denon authorized retailer, which surprises me that they're offering the receiver given the fact that the site is rated pretty well.

Unsure on speakers, but leaning toward Cambridge Minx given room setup and the fact that my wife is anti-big speakers.

Pay VERY close attention to the Zone 2 notes in the manual of anything you're looking at. Almost no receiver will put HDMI audio out over zone 2 independent of zone 1, and many won't put HDMI audio on zone 2 at all.

Correct, have been reading every manual. Correct me if I'm wrong though, but the 3313ci can out separate video/audio to two different zones. The others on my list cannot.

I may be wrong, but Ryther Camera isn't listed as an authorized denon dealer. I also no longer recommend refurb DM products to anyone due to my personal negative experiences.
My new definition of value raises the value of after sale service availability (without having to pay shipping if that's necessary ) and lowers the value of initial price.
#1- initial quality-40%
#2-quality and ease of service-40%
#3- initial price-20%
I'd rather pay more for something that I can count on.
Just my take on the current state of affairs regarding consumer goods in general . Ymmv.
Cheers, Mac

See above, you are correct about Ryther, but it is my understanding that most retailers will be clearancing the 3313 very shortly.

Just out of curiousity, say you did go refurb, would you go with the Denon or Marantz? Or is your opinion on D+M refurbs SO bad, that you would opt for the Onkyo? Not that the Onkyo is terrible or anything.

--

Thanks for your initial thoughts everyone.

 

[macddmac]

Definitely considering that option.

I'll definitely check out the Yamaha. Concern with the Denon price is the fact that Ryther is not a Denon authorized retailer, which surprises me that they're offering the receiver given the fact that the site is rated pretty well.

Unsure on speakers, but leaning toward Cambridge Minx given room setup and the fact that my wife is anti-big speakers.
Correct, have been reading every manual. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the 3313ci can out separate video/audio to two different zones. The others on my list cannot.

See above, you are correct about Ryther, but it is my understanding that most retailers will be clearancing the 3313 very shortly.

Just out of curiousity, say you did go refurb, would you go with the Denon or Marantz? Or is your opinion on D+M refurbs SO bad, that you would opt for the Onkyo? Not that the Onkyo is terrible or anything.

--

Thanks for your initial thoughts everyone.

I do own a 3313 and love the feature set when it's working.

I didn't mention onkyo because the one I own was acquired at a garage sale for 25.00 and I have no initial (new) quality experience with them. Fwiw, it's an old integra and its a warm blooded beast! Rocks my garage system
Cheers, Mac

 

[Grador]

Correct, have been reading every manual. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the 3313ci can out separate video/audio to two different zones. The others on my list cannot.

I just read the zone 2/3 section of the 3313's manual like 3 times and I'm not 100% sure what they're getting at. I'm positive that you can send a second HDMI input out on the HDMI zone 2 out. I'm fairly sure that they are saying it will not allow you to send that to the zone2 amp, it'll just act as an HDMI switch. If i'm reading page 104 correctly they're saying that ONLY analog connections may be used for zone 2 audio playback.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Call Electronics Expo, Onecall, & Vanns and see if they can get you a new 3312/3313 for about $600-700.

The 3312 has been sold new for $550 (Amazon sale 6 months ago) and 3313 for $800 (Electronics Expo about 6 months ago).

I would definitely buy new.

 

[surveyor]

The 3312 is a very fine AVR! I also own one- and highly recommend it!

 

[perpetualglass]

If you're a Costco member, maybe consider a Pioneer SC-1522-k for $599. Call around to local warehouses to see if they have item # 751220. It is not available through their website.




Pioneer SC 1522K for $599.99 at Costco



I considered the Onkyo 818 for quite some time, the biggest deterring factor was, the lack of gapless audio playback by USB that exists in ALL ONKYO PRODUCTS. A 3-5 second gap between song is simply not acceptable to me, but if it is to you, it will be tough to find a better value in a product.

 

[ckeegan]

If you're a Costco member, maybe consider a Pioneer SC-1522-k for $599. Call around to local warehouses to see if they have item # 751220. It is not available through their website.




Pioneer SC 1522K for $599.99 at Costco



I considered the Onkyo 818 for quite some time, the biggest deterring factor was, the lack of gapless audio playback by USB that exists in ALL ONKYO PRODUCTS. A 3-5 second gap between song is simply not acceptable to me, but if it is to you, it will be tough to find a better value in a product.

The lack of Spotify support in the Pioneer unit really kills it for me.

As for the lack of gapless in the 818, it does bother me, but I'm not sure it's a deal killer.

I think it's really coming down to the 3313ci and NR-818, but I think I'm leaning toward 3313ci if I can score it on clearance for $800. Electronics Expo doesn't list it anywhere on their website.

Anyone have any experience with the smartphone remote app for the 3313ci? I hate that I can't see any demo videos about how it operates, and the reviews in the both Google Play and iTunes are filled with stupid people whining how their receiver isn't supported, rather than the function of the app with receivers that do support it.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Anyone have any experience with the smartphone remote app for the 3313ci? I hate that I can't see any demo videos about how it operates, and the reviews in the both Google Play and iTunes are filled with stupid people whining how their receiver isn't supported, rather than the function of the app with receivers that do support it.

Oh man, the iOS remote app for the DENON is superb IMO. The DENON Android app is pretty good as well, but I prefer the iOS.

Call these dealers as well as EExpo. For example, Vanns is closing (bankruptcy). They can probably give you a sweet deal.

Amazon.com: Buying Choices: Denon AVR-3313CI Networking Home Theater Receiver with AirPlay and 3 Zone Capacity

 

[ckeegan]

Oh man, the iOS remote app for the DENON is superb IMO. The DENON Android app is pretty good as well, but I prefer the iOS.

Wow, thanks a lot, that REALLY helps. I would be willing to bet that Onkyo steals some sales from other manufacturers since their YouTube tutorials for the smartphone app are about the only available, and make the Onkyo look phenomenal.

It wouldn't surprise me if the Android app is just a port of the iOS app. Some companies are still too stupid to realize that Android has FAR more users, and should be developed for first. Probably because the 60 year old people running the companies got an iPhone from their grandkids so they could use Facetime. Oh, sorry, did I go off on a tangent?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Wow, thanks a lot, that REALLY helps. I would be willing to bet that Onkyo steals some sales from other manufacturers since their YouTube tutorials for the smartphone app are about the only available, and make the Onkyo look phenomenal.

It wouldn't surprise me if the Android app is just a port of the iOS app. Some companies are still too stupid to realize that Android has FAR more users, and should be developed for first. Probably because the 60 year old people running the companies got an iPhone from their grandkids so they could use Facetime. Oh, sorry, did I go off on a tangent?

Well, I used to be anti-iOS as well. But my workplace exclusively uses iOS for mobile. So now I use iOS all the time.

 

[ckeegan]

Scored a new in box 3313ci from B&H for $798 about an hour ago. Should be here Thursday.

Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Scored a new in box 3313ci from B&H for $798 about an hour ago. Should be here Thursday.

Thanks for the help everyone.

Sweet. We should spread the word!