In the market for a new AVR

[crashkelly]

Hi All,

As the title says, I am starting the hunt for a new AVR and would like some advice. I do live in Calgary, Canada so my selection might be a bit limited.

Basically, I am looking for something in the $1000 CDN, range that will serve well for about 50% movies, 30% gaming, 15% TV, and 5% music. I do have an older HDTV, with 1080i and HDMI, and I am not planning to upgrade that anytime soon as I am looking towards a 1080p projector in the near future.

I have been eyeing up the Onkyo 805, but would like some suggestions in the Denon and Yamaha product lines with similar capabilities.

HDMI connectivity is important as I already have three devices to connect to the AVR via HDMI. I say this only because having 3 HDMI inputs is a minumum, but 4 would be nice just in case.

I would like upscaling of video to 1080p from analog sources, but having the best at doing it is not necessary.

Not really sure what other information would be helpful

The specs to what my system will be comprised of are included in my signature, with the exception of an XBOX 360 Elite that I want to hook up via HDMI that is used for gaming, so I won't repeat them here.

Thanks for any and all suggestions
Michael

 

[Midcow2]

Onkyo 805 is a good AVR.

Alternatives: Yamaha 633, Marantz Sr5002

 

[crashkelly]

Onkyo 805 is a good AVR.

Alternatives: Yamaha 633, Marantz Sr5002

Thanks for the alternatives. I have quickly browsed the ones you posted and noticed that all of them, including the Onkyo 805, are HDMI 1.3 and as far as my research can see, we are already up to 1.3b. Is this something I need to concern myself with as I do not want to get caught in the upgrade trap in a short period of time.

When I read the specs and differences between 1.3, 1.3a, and 1.3b, they seem to be quite minor, although could not really find much on the 1.3b.

I bought, and just flogged, an AVR as I did not research it properly and got caught in the "it won't do it" trap and I don't want to end up doing it again next year.

I agree that the Onkyo is a good AVR. I have read much about it and see that it has received lots of praise here.

Thanks again
Michael

 

[Nomo]

The onkyo 805 3 HDMI inputs.
Check out the Yamaha RX-V1800.. Or I believe up in Canada you can get your hands on the HTR alternative HTR-6190 ( not sure about the model number)
They both have 4 inputs.

 

[crashkelly]

The onkyo 805 3 HDMI inputs.
Check out the Yamaha RX-V1800.. Or I believe up in Canada you can get your hands on the HTR alternative HTR-6190 ( not sure about the model number)
They both have 4 inputs.

Thanks Nomo.

Very nice AVR. A little more than I wanted to spend, but the budget is a bit flexible . Best price I could find it up here for is $1299 CDN.

Thanks again
Michael

 

[tn001d]

Crash Kelly,

I would hold out a little longer. Most manufactures will be releasing new models over the summer. At that point, we will be seeing 2nd generation AVR's which feature newer audio codecs. Many current receivers have some known issues/bugs. I have gotten a headache trying to read about some in the AVS forum (>5000 posts!).

So by getting a newer model, u know they will have worked out some of these issues, and added more features that you are looking for. And if u see that the new model doesnt really offer anything new or improved for you, then you can jump on an older model which will be drastically discounted.

 

[Midcow2]

Don't worry as long as it is 1.3x

Thanks for the alternatives. I have quickly browsed the ones you posted and noticed that all of them, including the Onkyo 805, are HDMI 1.3 and as far as my research can see, we are already up to 1.3b. Is this something I need to concern myself with as I do not want to get caught in the upgrade trap in a short period of time.

When I read the specs and differences between 1.3, 1.3a, and 1.3b, they seem to be quite minor, although could not really find much on the 1.3b.

I bought, and just flogged, an AVR as I did not research it properly and got caught in the "it won't do it" trap and I don't want to end up doing it again next year.

I agree that the Onkyo is a good AVR. I have read much about it and see that it has received lots of praise here.

Thanks again
Michael

Don't worry. The HDMI standard was followed kind of sort of. If your get HDMI 1.3 or 1.3a or 1.3b you will be okay. Just don't get one limited to HDMI 1.1 which even though it is supposed to pass audio , some ( or most) won't

 

[ChunkyDark]

The new Onkyo sr606 will have 4 hdmi inputs and be 1080P compatible. So like posted earlier you might want to wait until the new line has been released and what folks think of them.
http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR606&class=Receiver&p=i

MSRP 550 usd

 

[crashkelly]

Hi and thanks for the replies.

tn001d: A summer purchase might work out well as I am hoping my basement will be complete around the beginning of July, just depends how much time I can slate away from everything else to get it done. I am going to keep my eyes open for both the new models and good deals on this years crop as the Yamaha RX-V1800 has me interested.

Midcow2: That was along the lines of what I was thinking. Part of the reason I dumped my old AVR was it was only HDMI1.2 and not capable of transferring the lossless codecs. Thanks for the advice.

ChunkyDark: Nice receiver and I agree that a bit of patience might serve me well. I rushed on the purchase of the last AVR and it did come back to bite me a bit. Luckily it only cost me $75 to have it sitting in a box for a few months.

Thanks again for all the advice and I will be sure to post my adventures in purchasing a new AVR.

Cheers
Michael

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

These are Temporarily Out of Stock, but you might want to keep an eye on them:

http://www.ecost.com/Detail/Receivers/Onkyo/TXSR905S+REF/40650032.aspx

http://www.ecost.com/Detail/Receivers/Onkyo/TXSR805+REF/40650016.aspx

I've seen items on this site go in-and-out of stock.

I think they ship to Canada too, but not 100% sure.

I believe they are B-stock authorized dealers.

I've bought a couple of Denons from them, and I'm pleased so far.

 

[crashkelly]

These are Temporarily Out of Stock, but you might want to keep an eye on them:

http://www.ecost.com/Detail/Receivers/Onkyo/TXSR905S+REF/40650032.aspx

http://www.ecost.com/Detail/Receivers/Onkyo/TXSR805+REF/40650016.aspx

I've seen items on this site go in-and-out of stock.

I think they ship to Canada too, but not 100% sure.

I believe they are B-stock authorized dealers.

I've bought a couple of Denons from them, and I'm pleased so far.

Thanks.

The $559 price tag on the 805 sure looks sweet. I will keep my eye on that one. They do ship to Canada but I will have to get the particulars so I ensure any posible savings are not sucked by delivery charges and brokerage. Also have to investigate any issues with DOA or the like. That price is about half what I have found that same AVR for up here in Canada.

Awesome deal on the TX-NR909, but don't know if I could swallow the silver, everything else is black

Thanks again
Michael

 

[crashkelly]

Hi,

Well, this is in stock today http://www.ecost.com/Detail/Receivers/Onkyo/TXSR805+REF/40650016.aspx for $559 at eCost and I am wondering if I should jump on it.

I know it is a great AVR and has the features I am looking for, other than one more HDMI would be nice, and it is about 50% of the cost I can get it for up here in Canada.

Is it a good buy?
Thanks
Michael

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Hi,

Well, this is in stock today http://www.ecost.com/Detail/Receivers/Onkyo/TXSR805+REF/40650016.aspx for $559 at eCost and I am wondering if I should jump on it.

I know it is a great AVR and has the features I am looking for, other than one more HDMI would be nice, and it is about 50% of the cost I can get it for up here in Canada.

Is it a good buy?
Thanks
Michael

Did you jump on it because I just checked and it is now Out of Stock!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Dakmart.com is another good one, but their prices are usually $200 more. They offer a longer warranty -- like new, etc.

I've bought from both places. I actually called Dakmart and got them to very closely price-match eCost.com to within $30!

Dakmart seems to have more in stock.

 

[crashkelly]

Did you jump on it because I just checked and it is now Out of Stock!

Unfortunately. no. They will not ship it across the border due to warranty issues. Same goes for Denon AVRs.

Even after responding that I am not worried about the warranty they would not ship it, they are just not allowed as an Authorized dealer.

I will check out Dakmart and their shipping policies.

Thanks AcuDefTechGuy
Michael

 

[brulaha]

I would not buy anything from Dakmart. I was about to buy something from them and wanted to be reassured before pulling the trigger. There were hundreds and hundreds of complaints I was able to find using various google searches. That soured me on the deal and I never did buy anything from them.

 

[Seth=L]

http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?EDP=40650032

That is not a TX-NR909, there is no such receiver at this point. It would have to be the TX-NR905. I would still double check though, that's pretty low for such a great AVR. If I recal correctly the TX-NR905's MSRP is around $2,000.

 

[lightbulb]

Unfortunately. no. They will not ship it across the border due to warranty issues. Same goes for Denon AVRs.

Even after responding that I am not worried about the warranty they would not ship it, they are just not allowed as an Authorized dealer.

I will check out Dakmart and their shipping policies.

Thanks AcuDefTechGuy
Michael

Hey Michael, I'm new to both this forum and the HT thing but in doing research towards replacing my 20 year old TV later this summer with a renovated and equipped HT, I came across your situation.

Like you, I'm in Canada and find the difference, on certain components, to US prices verging on criminal.

Re. the Onkyo 805, it too is on my radar and I was disheartened to read that eCost will not ship to Canada. FYI, I came across a post from another Canadian who bought one through an eBay storefront. It seems I can't post a link for you because I'm too new to the forum but go to Ebay and search for TX-SR805; the seller I'm referring to is called E Warehouse and sells them new & boxed for about $620. If you're not adverse to eBay, it looks like an alternative for a new 805 at an attractive price.

I have no previous experience or any relationship with this seller.

Peter

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would not buy anything from Dakmart. I was about to buy something from them and wanted to be reassured before pulling the trigger. There were hundreds and hundreds of complaints I was able to find using various google searches. That soured me on the deal and I never did buy anything from them.

I did not have any problems at all buying my Denon PMA2000IVRs from Dakmart. In fact, they even came to $30 of price-matching the eCost price.
They are a Denon Authorized dealer and they are actually LISTED on the Denon website as a Denon Authorized dealer. But I guess other people may be some bad experiences.

I just think that if Dakmart were so bad, Denon would pull all their stocks from that store.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Unfortunately. no. They will not ship it across the border due to warranty issues. Same goes for Denon AVRs.

Even after responding that I am not worried about the warranty they would not ship it, they are just not allowed as an Authorized dealer.

I will check out Dakmart and their shipping policies.

Thanks AcuDefTechGuy
Michael

Another authorized site for Onkyo is Accessories4Less:

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR805/ONKYO/TXSR805-7.1-Channel-Home-Theater-Receiver-BLACK/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR875/ONKYO/TXSR875-7.1-Channel-Home-Theater-Receiver-BLACK/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXNR905/ONKYO/TXNR905-7.1-Channel-Home-Network-Receiver-BLACK/1.html

They are IN STOCK!!!