Hi all,
First off, LOVE this site, and love Gene's articles, videos, and his no BS approach to audio! Keep it up!
My Pioneer Elite SC-67 is having DAC issues, essentially intermittently it does NOT decode Audio via HDMI or other digital sources WHENEVER you turn it on, AND/OR when you change source, OR change digital format... it outputs a loud grinding noise for a while (could be 5, or 20mins), then it would be fine UNTIL next time you turn it off or switch inputs. I have lost patience trying to figure out how to fix it. So, looking at Denon replacement... need some help pls!
Current System:
Pioneer Receiver, 5.1 mode, front channel pre-amp to Classe Amp, Speaker B in another room (usually playing same music/TV) - so using 7.1-ch amp. Four HDMI sources, Sonos Connect via Coax, Plex playing both videos/audio. B&W 805S fronts, B&W XTC, B&W M1 (rear and 2nd zone), Pioneer Kuro TV 1080P, Xbox One X
Future update:
- 4K LG TV, 4K sources, Dedicated Roon client, Audiophile DAC, possible addition of 2 height channels
MUST Haves:
- Good quality pre-out
- Good room correction
- Great Sound quality
- 4K 60Hz capable
- Ability to set different cross over for SMALL speakers (fronts to 60Hz, rear to 100Hz)
- Good DAC
Receivers considering:
- Denon 3600/3700/4700
- Arcam AVR390
- NAD 778
From what I gather, Denon offers the feature set, best video and tech, and best pre-out with ability to turn amp off, IF you set it to 11.1 mode, which works for me, but then I ASSUME that I would LOSE ability to turn Speaker B On/Off for the other room, is that so? Then I am totally not sure between Denon models... I assume getting HDMI 2.1 now, is better for future... but then 4700 higher power, and a cpl of audio improvements like Denon AL32, and lower jitter, and DSCS, DO ANY of those make that much of an improvement?
Then I also can have Arcam, or NAD... MAIN REASON is Dirac! Arcam seems not to have enough power, but I can get it at good price, then NAD seems to be BUGGY, and hasn't reviewed great on Audio Science review site (nor has Arcam)... BUT they both have Dirac. Is that a winning feature over Denon Audyssey? I also do NOT know if either NAD or Arcam let you set different crossover points for Small speakers on front, vs. rear?
Any advice of owners of any of the above is helpful. I could also consider Marantz, but to me, it's essentially a more expensive Denon...