I've got two A/V girls lined up: Who do I take to the PROM?!?!

[j_garcia]

Are you going to be happy with only 50 watts?

I think that will depend on the speakers and room size, but if it is a REAL 50w, it should be plenty for a small to medium room.

 

[KASR]

I apologize for those other two. They don't know how to act.

What do those rec'rs have in the way of pre outs?

The Marantz doesn't have 6 channel in? Does the H/K?

The only thing I use mine for is SACD and DVD-A.

That H/k is good lookin' if you ask me and between that and the $60 ... I might be sold.
Especially if it has pre-outs.

Neither receiver has pre-outs - the H/K does have 5.1 analog in. Both receivers did away with the dreaded S-Video connection. The H/K has a typo on their site - the power rating of the receiver is 35W per channel and not 50W.

 

[adwilk]

hehe the marantz is a little skinnier too. That usually goes over a little better when your friends see her

Nice... check out the new guy with a little zinger.

Just curious why it has to be one of those two OP. Too many fish in the sea to settle I say. Find a dealer that will let you DEMO lots and lots of them. If you can demo them that their place thats even better. Make sure you demo the highest end ones that haven't been demo'd much yet. Somebody has to break them in. Make sure all the connections are secure and bring the largest gauge cable to the party that you're capable of. Be sure that the lower end models see you testing the higher end ones. Most importantly, take notes and lots of pictures and be sure to post them here.

 

[KASR]

Nice... check out the new guy with a little zinger.

Just curious why it has to be one of those two OP. Too many fish in the sea to settle I say. Find a dealer that will let you DEMO lots and lots of them. If you can demo them that their place thats even better. Make sure you demo the highest end ones that haven't been demo'd much yet. Somebody has to break them in. Make sure all the connections are secure and bring the largest gauge cable to the party that you're capable of. Be sure that the lower end models see you testing the higher end ones. Most importantly, take notes and lots of pictures and be sure to post them here.

I am able to get a pretty good price break on the Marantz - that's why it's being considered. If I wasn't, then I'd get the H/K hands down (having the AVR154 now and really liking it -- they've made me a believer) but that's not to say that I'm not open to suggestions. For reference, the H/K is going for $306 at Beach Audio with free shipping via Amazon. I am able to get the Marantz for $360.

Other suggestions along those numbers? (And please don't give me a "...you know, for $200 more....." if I was looking for a 500-600 dollar receiver, I'd be picking those ranges.)

 

[Rickster71]

The H/K has a typo on their site - the power rating of the receiver is 35W per channel and not 50W.

35W is a pretty big typo.
That would solve the dilemma for me, right there.

I wonder if you could find something used, with more power & features, for the same price?

 

[Alex2507]

The Marantz looks like a $600 rec'r with a 3 year warranty and 50% more watts than the H/K ... for $360? That pretty much sells me. Especially if I had no intention of listening to multi channel music. But I would be happy to flounder with you some more.

 

[adwilk]

I am able to get a pretty good price break on the Marantz - that's why it's being considered. If I wasn't, then I'd get the H/K hands down (having the AVR154 now and really liking it -- they've made me a believer) but that's not to say that I'm not open to suggestions. For reference, the H/K is going for $306 at Beach Audio with free shipping via Amazon. I am able to get the Marantz for $360.

Other suggestions along those numbers? (And please don't give me a "...you know, for $200 more....." if I was looking for a 500-600 dollar receiver, I'd be picking those ranges.)

I was mostly joking, as I enjoyed the parallel to wimmin and AVR's...

BUT... this seems like a good deal

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Based on my experience with H/K, hell no.
Maybe they have gotten better.

I had great experience with HK. I also have a friend who has owned HK receivers, and he never had issues with HK either.

 

[KASR]

I was mostly joking, as I enjoyed the parallel to wimmin and AVR's...

BUT... this seems like a good deal

Not a bad deal, but it doesn't support TrueHD or DTS Master Audio. Skimpy on the HDMI inputs, but it does have a slew of other connections - it's a beast!

 

[njedpx3]

Go with the one that is 56 years old ...

Actually strange as it may seem both HK and Marantz were started in 1953. I love Marantz and that would hands down be my choice.

One reason is reliability, I still have a Marantz 1060 Amp that is kicking strong after 30+ years.

Take care!

Forest Man

 

[lsiberian]

Not a bad deal, but it doesn't support TrueHD or DTS Master Audio. Skimpy on the HDMI inputs, but it does have a slew of other connections - it's a beast!

Do you like your current receiver? If so then I'd stick with H/K If not then get the Marantz.

How many HDMI's do you need?

At that price point my first choice would be the Onkyo 606 though.

 

[KASR]

Do you like your current receiver? If so then I'd stick with H/K If not then get the Marantz.

How many HDMI's do you need?

At that price point my first choice would be the Onkyo 606 though.

Checking out the 606 and it really does have some impressive options/features. Can anyone who has one or has heard one comment here?

 

[lsiberian]

Checking out the 606 and it really does have some impressive options/features. Can anyone who has one or has heard one comment here?

It's the top rated midfi receiver of 2008 I believe. It's got an ok amp section and a very nice pre-amp section.

It's not the 705, but nothing is these days. If that were still going for 400 it would be a no brainer.

Right now the best deal going is the HK store on ebay IMO.

Seriously check it out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Harman-Kardon-HK-AVR-254-7-1-Home-Theater-Receiver-HDMI_W0QQitemZ390115455881QQcmdZViewItemQQptZReceivers_Tuners?hash=item5ad4b17389

Factory direct with full manufacturer warranty plus the newest firmware. They usually go in the 250 range, but have a very good amp section.

another option if you got the budget to swing the Yamah RX-V2600
If you don't mind used. I suggest the Onkyo sr805. It is one of the best receivers ever made for it's price range. Street price is around 300 off ebay. You can get a square trade warranty if you are afraid of it breaking for really cheap.

 

[GlocksRock]

ecost.com has some good prices on factory refurbished receivers, my folks got a Denon from there for a great price, and aside from the box it came in you couldn't tell that it wasn't brand new.

 

[lsiberian]

ecost.com has some good prices on factory refurbished receivers, my folks got a Denon from there for a great price, and aside from the box it came in you couldn't tell that it wasn't brand new.

I heard they were a suspect dealer. Did they get things sorted out?

 

[Alex2507]

Checking out the 606 and it really does have some impressive options/features. Can anyone who has one or has heard one comment here?

If you really want the scoop on that rec'r PM PENG, Seth=L and MDS.

I think I remember it being a lemon but they would have completely reliable info on it.

 

[GlocksRock]

I heard they were a suspect dealer. Did they get things sorted out?

I have no idea what you are talking about... I also made a purchase from them a few years ago and had no issues.

 

[jostenmeat]

I heard they were a suspect dealer. Did they get things sorted out?

I thought I had read the same sort of thing. I'm glad Glocks and family had smooth experiences. I usually think of Dakmart for Denon refurbs. Shop Onkyo for their refurbs (check in every once in a while for changing selection. There are some AHers who got 9.8 pre/pros for something like $600 or something IIRC... which was a steal... I bought my 805 from them).

 

[KASR]

OK, I'm staring right at the Marantz box...I guess the worse thing that could happen is I try it out, if I don't like it, box it back up and put up for sale and get one of the other choices. I'll let you guys know what it sounds like (from my untrained ear) and throw in some pics to boot! Thanks for all the useful information/input/opinions!

 

[majorloser]

OK, I'm staring right at the Marantz box...I guess the worse thing that could happen is I try it out, if I don't like it, box it back up and put up for sale and get one of the other choices. I'll let you guys know what it sounds like (from my untrained ear) and throw in some pics to boot! Thanks for all the useful information/input/opinions!

Don't worry.

I hear Marantz puts out on the first date.

(you made the right choice)