HK vs Denon rcvr's

[FritzL]

I'm looking at these 2 brands only.
I don't much care about the amplifier sections coz I intend to buy powered speakers like Genelec or Adam because this is what I use in work.

The one immediate shortcoming of the HK line is the lack of a phono pre, but that is easily remedied.

The next thing I'm concerned about is if a rcvr has a way to "input" trim the sources, so the reference is about the same, to the ear. I'll be using phono, DVD/CD, VHS, Sirius radio, cable and a ProTools or the like system when I mix at home.

I'm looking at the Denon AVR 4806, 3806 or 3805 and the HK AVR 635, 7300 or DPR 1005 or 2005.

I would like to have a 2nd and if possible 3rd zone output.

It is possible that I might insert a tube buffer stage such as a Mobile Fidelity X10.

Other than those questions, any input from users of any of these would be welcome.

 

[MacManNM]

Why do you want a surround receiver if you aren't going to use it for surround? Why not get a preamp like an Adcom or something used, it will prob save you $600 and work better for what you want.

 

[WndrBr3d]

I think for you, the best route would be to just go with a Surround Processor that doesn't have a built in amplifier.

The Rotel RSP-1068 comes to mind, because it would probably fit the role you're looking to use it for without blowing your money on features you wouldn't be using.

As for phono, it's harder to find receivers these days with phono inputs. Honestly, if you want to maintain the quality of an analog phono input, I'd probably roll with a nice external phono amp and EQ. The 'RIAA Standard' ones you can pick up for $14 are the made from the same components included in most receivers... so if sound quality if an issue, I'd just look for a receiver with line level inputs you can use, then get a nice phono preamp.

 

[FritzL]

I'd thought about the Adcom route or others. But I want something that my wife will be able to easily use with a Harmony remote. Not sure if the Harmony will talk Adcom, or if the Adcom will remote. Then I still need to find a decent inexpensive Tuner (for those few times ...).

It's not so much that I won't use the surround, I could be talked into it for the occasional movie. But as someone who works in TV audio, I just think it's utter nonsense for all but a few movies.

Can either the Adcom or Rotel "input" trim?

 

[MacManNM]

I'd thought about the Adcom route or others. But I want something that my wife will be able to easily use with a Harmony remote. Not sure if the Harmony will talk Adcom, or if the Adcom will remote. Then I still need to find a decent inexpensive Tuner (for those few times ...).

It's not so much that I won't use the surround, I could be talked into it for the occasional movie. But as someone who works in TV audio, I just think it's utter nonsense for all but a few movies.

Can either the Adcom or Rotel "input" trim?

None of those have a trim. None of the new receivers have input trim either, that I am aware of. My McIntosh C28 has it. I can't think of anything that will really fit your needs, a lot of older stuff will but none of it has a remote. You may be better off seperating your systems. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

 

[MDS]

I think some Yamaha receivers have an input trim. I know Onkyo 600 series and above have it (they call it IntelliVolume).

 

[jcPanny]

Denon has a similar feature

I think the volume feature is pretty standard in all mass market receivers except the budget models. Anything that has pre-amp outputs will probably have the volume trim.

 

[MDS]

Yeah, all receivers have channel trims to use to calibrate each channel to be the same volume.

I interpreted 'The next thing I'm concerned about is if a rcvr has a way to "input" trim the sources, so the reference is about the same, to the ear' to mean the additional capability of offsetting each source input after calibration so that when you switch inputs the volume remains roughly the same. That feature is hit or miss due to the large variance of average power levels between sources.