Help with choosing a receiver

[w2_wmass]

Hello all, been looking at this forum for a while, decided to post a question to perhaps get some input on getting more options on my receiver selection.

Let me first state that I need a receiver that:
1. Converts all analog inputs to HDMI. (1080p conv. NOT required. My TV does 1080i to 1080P conversion) I want this so that the wife does not have to change inputs on the TV, just the receiver.
2. Must have zone2 to power outdoor speakers.
3. An excellent surround sound auto program mode. (heard that the Yamaha is not as good as the Audyssey)
4. At least 2 HDMI inputs, prefer 3.
5. A phono (yes, phono) input would be nice, not having to purchase a separate phono pre-amp.
6. Has a very good, HIGH CURRENT amp. (7 channels)
7. $350-$450 price range.


Ok, looking (so far) at the Yamaha RX-V663, Denon AVR-689.
Have discounted the Onkyo 606 due to what I've heard about overheating as well as other issues.

From what I've read in the manuals, the only thing I don't like about the Denon is that it does not convert analog video sources to HDMI. (pg 8 in manual) Also, it states that even when using HDMI inputs, I still need to connect a separate audio cable.

The Yamaha 663 clearly shows the analog to HDMI conversion in the manual, and also shows that a separate audio cable is NOT needed when using HDMI. Though, I've not heard many good things about the YPAO opposed to the many praises I'veread about the Audyssey. Also, the yammie only has 2 HDMI ports.

So, my question, is (besides spending another $150 or so on the Denon AVR-789) is there another receiver that I should consider in this price range?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Looks like you know what you are looking for. Just pull up Denon, Yamaha and Pioneer on the net and look at the features and narrow it down, any of them will be fine AVRs.

Audyssey is probably the best auto cal. system but it's just not that important as most of us use a SPL meter and a cal disc. I find my YPAO gets things really close.

 

[Davemcc]

Denon does not publish anything to suggest it's receivers in that range can handle a low impedence, high current load. At least Yamaha provides a dynamic power rating down to 2 ohms. I dont think that this means all that much in a technical sense, but at least Yamaha is acknowleding that the receiver can be used in these situations. Yamaha looks like the better choice here, at least on paper.

 

[EJ1]

7. $350-$450 price range.

This seems to be the most limiting factor. You could buy the Yamaha and use an external HDMI switcher.

 

[jamie2112]

I am a fan of the VX-663 for your price range....I love my 463 yammie...
That being said I really like my Denon as well...

 

[w2_wmass]

I should probably start a separate thread for this, but....

Noticed the Denon AVR-888 can be had for a good price....about the same as the AVR-689.

If that's the case, how about a AVR-888 vs AVR-689. Pros, cons?

Thanks for all who've replied already.

 

[Davemcc]

What speakers are you using that makes high current capability a requirement?

Certain speakers demand a robust power supply. Others not so much. I've run my Denon 2307 ( near equivalent to the 888) with 6 ohm 86 dB speakers and it worked fine under normal conditions but tended to get a little strident at high volume.

 

[Seth=L]

Since you are considering going up a model in the Denon family why not go up to the Yamaha RX-V863, which does offer additional HDMI inputs. YPAO may not be the best, but none of the auto calibration procedures are perfect. An SPL meter and a bit of patience can yield more accurate calibration in your home theater. The SPL meter is a device you can use time and time again, and they aren't expensive at all. RadioShack has them for reasonable prices. I think I got mine for around $30.

 

[w2_wmass]

Since you are considering going up a model in the Denon family why not go up to the Yamaha RX-V863, which does offer additional HDMI inputs. YPAO may not be the best, but none of the auto calibration procedures are perfect. An SPL meter and a bit of patience can yield more accurate calibration in your home theater. The SPL meter is a device you can use time and time again, and they aren't expensive at all. RadioShack has them for reasonable prices. I think I got mine for around $30.

I'd love to consider the 863. It's out of the price range by a tad. Whereas the Denon 689 (2008 model) and the step-up X2 888 (2007 model) can be had for around the same price. The Denon web site specs the 888 amp with different ratings than the 7X or 6X series. It's rated at .05% dist. opposed to .08%. Also it specifies 6 independent P/S for the 888 with just a check mark on the independent P/S for the 689/789. (maybe 2? or 3?. dunno.)

I know that the 888 doesn't have TrueHD, but is there anything else, as far as features go that I would miss in the older 888?

Again, thanks for the responses. And to answer the question about why I want a "high current amp". Because I want one. Over the past 30 yrs I've had JVC, Sony, Pioneer (not Elite), Sherwood, Kenwood and Bell & Howell (yes it had tubes). With this purchase, I want a decent amp with the power to handle the load on any speakers I choose to connect to it. I currently have Polks which are listed at 8ohms, but have read in many circles that they are actually closer to 6ohms. Any I'm considering to upgrade to some Axioms in the future which are 4ohms, maybe. Don't want the "new" receiver purchase to be the limiting factor on my speaker decision.

 

[Davemcc]

I'm pretty sure the amp section in the 888 is the same amp as in my 2307. It worked generally pretty good with my 6 ohm speakers as I mentioned but I would definitely be uncomfortable trying to run my 4 ohm Dynaudio from that receiver alone. No Denon dealer here can even tell me if the 3808 is rated use in 4 ohms because there's nothing in the specs to suggest it is. I would suggest that if you go for any of the Denon models above, including the 888, that it would be a limiting factor with a set of 4 ohm Axioms, at least from my point of view.

The Yamaha still looks like the best bet and the 863 looks like the better stretch target if you can manage. I mean, if you think you're going to get the Axioms, it doesn't make sense choosing a lesser amp now to save a few bucks when you're going to want that capability in the future.

 

[PENG]

No Denon dealer here can even tell me if the 3808 is rated use in 4 ohms because there's nothing in the specs to suggest it is. I would suggest that if you go for any of the Denon models above, including the 888, that it would be a limiting factor with a set of 4 ohm Axioms, at least from my point of view.

Dave, the 3808 is definitely not rated for 4 ohms. However, if you check the Denon site FAQ section they do tell you they can be used with 4 ohm speakers. Harman Kardon claims their high current capability big time, but they don't rate their receivers (not even the flag ship model) for 4 ohm load either. In the case of Sony and Yamaha, they do (sometimes) provide a 4 ohm (Sony), and 6 ohm (Yamaha) rating but they also want to you use a little switch that basically selects a lower voltage to protect the unit and to satisfy the regulatory authorities.