Need a 5 channel amp or a receiver

[Djizasse]

I asked the seller about the small difference between the 806 and the 876.
He said he made a mistake with the 876, and that the price should be €790. After this, the small difference is due to having bought the 876 during Onkyo's price drop earlier this year.

I don't know, I can afford to spend the €790, but I'm not feeling confident about Onkyo's recent firmware problems and the resulting recall. The question about the lag is still pendent.

Audissey really sounds good, but I'm the kind of guy that does not like auto setups. I really like to tinker with the options.
If you went on a manual configuration (EQ settings), would audissey be that much better than Yammy's version? I'm only interested in optimizing the sound for my listening position.

 

[Djizasse]

Onkyo has just launched new models.
I'm on hold

 

[lsiberian]

Onkyo has just launched new models.
I'm on hold

Good idea. There are a lot of things to be worked out in HDMI and I think as the technology progresses things will improve.

I suggest you hold off as long as you can and if you have analog inputs for your current receiver. You don't even need a new receiver IMO.
Just get a blu-ray with analog outs.

 

[Djizasse]

Good idea. There are a lot of things to be worked out in HDMI and I think as the technology progresses things will improve.

I suggest you hold off as long as you can and if you have analog inputs for your current receiver. You don't even need a new receiver IMO.
Just get a blu-ray with analog outs.

The more I read and talk about this, the better. I would hate to make an informed decision. On the other hand, my office lost it's receiver... I don't want to wait much longer.

I could use the analog outs, but I already have a HD-DVD player, support for the latest codecs is desireable.
I do know that I could just get a lower power unit and latter use the pre-outs and get a stereo amp. Decisions... decisions...

 

[Djizasse]

What a rollercoaster

I've read the manuals of several receivers, reviews and forum feedback and many comparisons. (The Denon 2809 manual is a disgrace, it even has unfinished sections. What a mess)

I no longer want the Onkyo (any of them). I would get the 876 or the 805, but they're big, heavy and I was not able to clear my doubts about video lag. My wife did not like how they look.

I'm still after the Yamaha RX-V1900, but the price is still high.
I'm also interested in the Denon 2809 and the Marantz 6003.
Another option would be a less powerful receiver and a Behringer A500 (or similar) to power the LR front channels.

I have a feeling this is going to take much more time than initially thought.

 

[Djizasse]

After analysing all the pros and cons of the Denons 1909/2309/2909, the Yamaha 863/1900 and the Marantz 5003/6003/7002 I've found a winner:

I've ordered the sexy looking Marantz SR 6003.

For those interested these are my reasons for choosing this unit. It was an elimination game:

- Yamaha RX-V1900 and Denon 2809
Much more expensive than the 6003. The 2809's added funcionality wasn't enough for me to justify he price difference to the 6003.

- Onkyos 805/806/876
eliminated due to big size, uglyness and unconfirmed video delay problems. The hot running temperature would be a problem if I enclosed it in my cabinet.
The 876 price was higher than the 6003. It was very hard to find a store with a black unit, willing to send it to Portugal and with good P&P costs.

- Denon 1909 and Marantz 5003
Eliminated due to "I can spend more and get more".

- Yamaha 863
Amp section was less powerfull than my current 861.

In the end it was between the Denon 2308 and the Marantz 6003. Both at the same price. I think I would be very satisfied with either one, but I really love the 6003's sexy look.
I'll have to live with the "one crossover point for all speakers" and "no Audissey during DTS-HD and True-HD", but I can live with that.

 

[Lordoftherings]

I really believe that you made a smart choice with the Marantz SR6003.

There is a good review of it here: http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/receivers/3143/marantz-sr6003-av-receiver.html

And here: http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/component/content/article/529.html

Enjoy your new toy.

Bob