Help me choose a receiver to power RTi10s

[PTSki]

Have been reading TONS of user reviews and still can't come to a decision. Any Polk RTi12/RTi10/RTi8 owners have any input on this?

So far, leaning toward Denon 3808ci (or 2809) vs the Onkyo 876. Any other suggestions.

Thanks in advance.

 

[strube]

Have been reading TONS of user reviews and still can't come to a decision. Any Polk RTi12/RTi10/RTi8 owners have any input on this?

So far, leaning toward Denon 3808ci (or 2809) vs the Onkyo 876. Any other suggestions.

Thanks in advance.

The 876 has superior video processing and will be cheaper, but the quality control of the Denons will be a bit better, and they have networking support. I like the Denon for that reason, but the $710 difference in price between the 3808ci and the TX-SR876 is quite a bit to swallow though (Amazon prices).

Feature-wise, (cost aside) I would probably choose the 3808CI over the 876, but I would probably chose the 876 over the 2809.

Actually no, after all of the crap I have heard about Onkyo/Integra customer service and quality control, I would stick with Denon either way, but search hard for sale prices.

 

[PTSki]

It looks like the 3808 can be had for $1100 whereas the Onkyo runs right at $1000 or so (according to online searches). So the $100 difference has them kind of at a wash for me right now. I'm just looking for a nugget of feedback to tip me one way or the other.

 

[Chopin_Guy]

PTSki,

Welcome to the forum...As for your intital question both of the AVRs you started off with in your original post are both very capable AVRs. I use a 3808ci with my RTi12's and it does the job just fine. As strube alluded to, the video processing in the 876 is going to be superior, but you did not specify that as a needed feature so I have no idea whether or not you will even benefit from that.

As also mentioned, the Denons probably have a better reputation in terms of the reliability, but that is debatable. However, on the other side of the coin, the power supply in the 876 is probably going to be more robust than what is found even in the 3808ci. Personally, I would go with the 3808ci over the 876. The Onkyos run hot, so if you have closed space you will need to be careful with that in mind---the Reon plus the amp section equals a very warm AVR. Now if you can find a good price on the NR905/906, then I might lean more towards that unit...

 

[Nomo]

I think the 3808 is by far the best of the three.
$1100 sounds like a non-autorized dealer price, (No Denon warranty.)
While there are few reports of problems with Denon"s products, going without a warranty is always risky.

 

[Chopin_Guy]

I think the 3808 is by far the best of the three.
$1100 sounds like a non-autorized dealer price, (No Denon warranty.)
While there are few reports of problems with Denon"s products, going without a warranty is always risky.

Actually, you can get it from dealers for this price. I got mine from J&R for $1099 shipped, and another member here went into his local magnolia and got them to come down to $1099 as well...

 

[Midcow2]

Also consider Marantz and Yamaha

Marantz SR8002 $1299.95
http://www.accessories4less.com/index.php?page=item&id=MARSR8002
Very nice AVR, upconverting is a little weak if you need that only upconverts to 480p.


Yamaha RX-V1900 $1299
http://www.4electronicwarehouse.com/products/yamaha/rx-v1900-av-receiver.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=yamaha rx v1900&utm_campaign=YAMAHA&engine=adwords!8299&keyword=RX-V1900 AV Receiver&match_type=&gclid=CMzU3dDopJgCFQu-GgodGwZmoA

New Yamaha AVR that has some very good specs.


Concerning authorized and unauthorized dealers. Think about it, what it the real purpose? To prevent stolen equipment to be sold on the Internet. If you buy equipment and contact the OEM with original serail number you can register and obtain support. ....And think about it, how often have you had quality equipment fail during the warrant period. But then it depends on your risk adversion; each person's individual call.

Good Luck!

MidCow2

 

[PTSki]

Thanks for the help guys. Maybe I'll go down to Huppins (Onecall's B&M) and haggle a bit for the 3808. Gotta get this thing set up before the Superbowl!

 

[audion3wb]

Have you considered doing seperates? I have RTI A-7s which are the newer model of the RTI 10s and I used an Onkyo 705 to power them until I bought my Emotiva UPA-7 (125x7) and the difference in using the receiver vs the amp to power my speakers was very noticeable. Not just higher volume but better sound quality.

My speakers fill my 4500 cu ft living room better with the amp than they filled my little apartment when powered by my receiver.

Being an Onkyo owner and knowing how hot they run if I had to do it all over again I would not have bought the 705 due to it running so hot. Other than that it works great. You may consider the Harman Kardon AVRs to use simply as a processor and look at Emotiva for a seperate amp.

The HK 254 has all the new HDMI decoding software, upscaling and the required pre outputs to run a seperate amp and its under $400 bucks. Emotiva is running a special on their UPA-7 right now for $550 with a flat rate shipping of $25. The Emotiva amp will be superior to either of your current receiver options. It has lower distortion, higher output capacity and it will run cooler than an AVR will due to its massive heatsinks.

If you have the space this option should run you right around 1k and beat either of the receivers you mentioned.

 

[MatthewB.]

I just had my Onkyo 805 stop working (used only as a preamp) the service tech told me it shouldn't be used a preamp (have no reason why not since it has preouts) anyway. I also have a Denon 3808ci used as a preamp with no issues whatsoever and I have a Denon 4802R that I have used for years with no issues. So I have done tons of research and it seems that Onkyo has had a rash of units failing for one reaon or another (as I just found out last week) anyway, so although I love my 805 for features for the dollar and sound quality. I'm gonna have to recommend Denon which has never given me one iota of issues, unlike the Onkyo.