Jumping in...Need help deciding.

[baldbear]

Hey guys, long time reader first time poster...

I'm ready to buy a new receiver, zone 2/B speakers on my old Sony went kaput and I've been looking at a few models. I have a set of outside speakers hooked into the zone 2 (which now dont work). Of course which receiver do I buy???

I have a Samsung 43" DLP TV, Samsung HD Directv Receiver, so so DVD player and a set of Infinity Primus Surround Speakers. I want 7.1 channels so if I want to upgrade at a later time, I can. I've narrowed my choices down to 3 receivers, mostly around $500. Don't want to spend more because it will be hard to justify it with the wife. Ok here it goes...

Onkyo TX-SR602 7.1

Pioneer VSX-52TX 7.1

Yamaha RX-V1500 7.1

They all seem pretty comparable exept for the Onkyo (less watts per channel). Does anyone have any of these and would they recommend it, or is there something else out there I might want to take a look at? Thanks...

 

[briggek8717]

You could always look at the Marantz SR8400. Ubid seems to have auctions for them every couple weeks. I got one for $500 a week ago. Seeing as it is about a $1200 receiver, you might want to check it out. Here is the link if you are interested.

Marantz SR8400 on Ubid

 

[Beegowl]

So Many Choices, So Little Time

The Yamaha RX-V1500 powers my 5.1 system. I haven't looked at the other receivers, so I can't give you any advice that compares the three receivers. All I can say is that I'm satisfied with my receiver. My last receiver was a Yamaha RX-V596. I liked it, too. In fact, I would still use it but I wanted the newer technology available on the 1500, including video component ins and outs, etc. I agree with those who say that receivers in the same price range are equivalent in their sound. You should look for the features that make your system work most efficiently. Trying to compare the sound output of receivers is impossible because too many variables can't be controlled. The setup you listen to in the store is not like your setup at home so the sound comparison is impossible to make. Buy the receiver that has the features you want, at the price point you're willing to meet, and that looks the way you want it to look. Then, be happy. Until the next time you're ready to upgrade.

 

[corysmith01]

I agree with briggek...I did the exact same thing and ended up with a winning bid of about $550...not bad for a receiver with an msrp of $1299. Coincidentally, I sold my Onky TX-SR602 in order to get this amp...upgradeitis. But yeah, definitely worth looking into. If you can pick it up at that price, I don't see why you wouldn't. It's a killer receiver.

 

[kaseaman]

If I were you, I would go for the Yammy. The Onkyo is not worth 500 because you can get the 702 online for that price. The Pioneer Elite is just the 1014 with elite badges, so what you are left with is the yammy, a very well rounded reciever.

 

[MacManNM]

The Marantz on U-bid. Great deal, good solid receiver.

 

[Azz123]

Well the old one comes back to what sounds right for you, and what are you doing with it mainly??
Personally I went with the Yamaha RX-V1500 over the Onkyo NR801 (same price bracket here at the Yami) as when comparing the two for HT IMO the Yamaha just sounded so much sweeter and immersion into the sound field was that much greater even without applying DSP modes. Volume and Power appeared to be similar in real life testing even though the Onkyo specs read higher.
The NetTune feature did interest me being a Tech-geek however after researching this feature on the web I felt that the technology still has a way to go before it offers significant benefit.
For Music I was leaning towards the Onkyo however since I’ve made the purchase I’ve learnt alot more about how to setup/customise the Yamaha.
One thing is for certain when your testing the receivers your never 100% sure on how they have them set up. Are you really comparing Apples with Apples?
And man - $500 for a receiver!! I screwed many dealers here (Australia) and the best I could do was $1299 for my RX-V1500!! <sigh>

Regardless of hte feedback you get here, your really going to have to invest some time in comparing the units yourself both with your ear, and with the specs that you require.

Good luck and enjoy the research - I know I did!

Regards.

Aaron

 

[Xsound]

Check out the Pioneer vsx-1014 or the vsx-1015. Both can be had for around $400. Other than getting the Marantz 8400 for less than $500, I don't think you can beat this reciever. The 1015 is the newer model, so it has some features/inputs the 1014 doesn't, but it cost a few dollars more. Look at the power/feature combination, thenn give it a listen and I believe you will agree.

 

[zumbo]

I am a Yamaha fan, but the Marantz on ubid is the deal at-the-moment. Anyone would be a fool to pass it up.