Need a new A/V Receiver

[RoddimusPrime]

Alright, I am looking into buying a new A/V receiver. I am looking at the following brands: Harman Kardon, Denon, Marantz, and Yamaha.

Specifically at this time I am looking at these models:

Yamaha V863BL or RX-V663BL .
Harmon Kardon 3550 HD, AVR 254, and AVR 354.
Denon 1909 and 1709.

Things I need for the Home Theater setup I am looking into is 3 HDMI ports (PS3, 360, and HD DVR). Also, I prefer 1080p upscaling. Beyond that I am looking into hooking up something like Klipsch W-34 or Vf-36 most likely. My tv is a 46" Samsung 1080p 120Hz model. I am really looking to get some high quality sound out of whatever receiver I get and improved video.

Something else I heard is that Harmon Kardon Receivers have their audio and video processors separate so they do a better job. Any comments on that?

If you are curious about the space this will fill probably a 20' by 20' room at the moment.

Thanks for the advice and opinions in advance as it is needed.

 

[RoddimusPrime]

A small note as to why I listed the above receivers....

I get a discount on them as I am employee of a certain company and the discount is around half off. But, I don't want to spend too much extra money if I won't see or hear the difference.

 

[Mike19]

Hi Roddimus.

The Yamaha 863 is your best buy: most power (105w x 7), has an HD radio tuner, 3 HDMI ins (663 has only 2) and decodes Dolby True HD and DTS HD Master.

The HKs do not decode True and Master and are underpowered.

The Denon 1909 comes in a close second and list price is $350 less than the Yamy 863. The Denon has very good video processing which may be better than that of the 863 (Yamy doesn't give enough detail). Try to audition the 1909 and the 863 head-to-head.

Mike

 

[CraigV]

The HK 354 will make your speakers sing, and bring the watts/current when the source material demands it. The sound quality over the other two is noticeable.

And for the record:

An included The Bridge II iPod dock adds a whole new dimension to your home theater experience, letting you enjoy audio and video right from your iPod. Offering advanced, powerful HD audio and video processing, the AVR 354 receiver from Harman/Kardon sports Dolby® TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio audio decoding and Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processing with upscaling to 1080p. Discover a powerful, all-encompassing audio soundstage thanks to the AVR 354's 75W x 7.1-channel amplification.

 

[lsiberian]

Hi Roddimus.

The Yamaha 863 is your best buy: most power (105w x 7), has an HD radio tuner, 3 HDMI ins (663 has only 2) and decodes Dolby True HD and DTS HD Master.

The HKs do not decode True and Master and are underpowered.

The Denon 1909 comes in a close second and list price is $350 less than the Yamy 863. The Denon has very good video processing which may be better than that of the 863 (Yamy doesn't give enough detail). Try to audition the 1909 and the 863 head-to-head.

Mike

I think anyone who says that HKs are underpowered probably doesn't own one. In reality an HK AVR354 probably has comparable power to it's competitors. Manufacturer ratings tend to be unreliable.

HK amps also seem to require less tweaking to get nice sound. However I must suggest an Onkyo solution. Simply because they come with a boat load of features like AS XT, 1080p(upconverting), and lots of other features. I think for a person just wanting to put a system together. Onkyo has the most bang for the buck feature wise. I'm pretty sure most VP are the same and they usually tell you what VP they use.

If you want an HK amp check the ebay store. It may be cheaper than your discount

Also compare any price you get to accessories4less. They have the cheapest prices for receivers I've seen anywhere.

But I must say something.

A receiver should not be more than 20 percent of your budget even if you have to surrender features. Speakers make the sound. Plus 1080p up converting is overrated IMO. It's nice to have but not necessary.

 

[lsiberian]

The HK 354 will make your speakers sing, and bring the watts/current when the source material demands it. The sound quality over the other two is noticeable.

Just for the OP's knowledge most people can't tell the difference. Speakers are what really counts. And Craig has really nice speakers.

 

[lsiberian]

something like Klipsch W-34 or Vf-36 most likely.

Make sure you look around. Listen to as many speakers as you can.

 

[CraigV]

Just for the OP's knowledge most people can't tell the difference. Speakers are what really counts. And Craig has really nice speakers.

I was reading a review of an amp the other day, and the reviewer said “there wouldn’t seem to be much difference to a non-critical listener”

I think that’s my curse – I do tend to be very critical – to a fault-when I listen.

It’s true – most people will never perceive a difference in the level of receiver most people are looking to buy (and no, there’s nothing wrong with that). But, if someone finds themselves really tuning into & listening into the music/movies, they may find they benefit from certain brands over other.
So please temper my recommendations with that thought in mind.

 

[Highbar]

I like the Denon's but but that's just me. If you get a deal on those three brands I would look at the 863 and the 1909. The wattage difference between the two wont make much difference so get the one that has all the features you need and you can get the best deal on.

 

[RoddimusPrime]

Well, I can get the 1909 for nearly $100 cheaper than the 863. For similar price I can get an Harman Kardon AVR 254. If I go for around the price of the 863 then I am looking at the AVR 354.

Here is what I am looking at for potential setups:

Klipsch setup 1 (can acquire for $800):
VF-36 Floorstanders (2)
VC-25 Center Channel
VB-15 Bookshelf Speakers
Sub-12 Subwoofer

Klipsch setup 2 (can acquire for ~1100)
WF-34 Floorstanders (2)
WC-24 Center Channel
WB-14 Bookshelf Speakers
RW-10d Subwoofer
*What really increases the price are the bookshelf and center speakers (adds about $220, the other $100 difference are the floorstanders)

Polk Setup (Can acquire for $800)
Tsi 500 Floorstander x 2
CS20 Center Speaker
Tsi 200 Bookshelf Speakers x 2
PSW125 Subwoofer

For a $300 - $350 price range I can acquire the following receivers:
HK AVR 254
Denon 1909

For $400 - $450 I can acquire the following receivers:
HK AVR 354
Denon 2309
Yamaha 863

And I will probably get monster accessories for cables, etc. I already have a Monster Power Processor.

Lastly if I could find for a reasonable comparison on Audiogon or Ebay something like B&W I would consider that as well.

 

[CASEY]

Don't put to much emphasis on the video capabilities of a receiver in this price range . You will not get significant video up conversion unless you are using a Realta chip. If you are feeding the system HD content and Blu-ray video up conversion is not necessary. Up converting SD programing and VHS to 1080P is not going to help very much, DVD can be done better in the player. Your TV is going to convert all content to its native resolution anyway. I like Denon receivers and Paradigm speakers.

 

[RoddimusPrime]

Upconversion is really a minor thing and it will make no difference to me in reality. I use HD feeds (720p) and Blu Ray the most and when I use SD it is a DVD in my PS3 or something coming from the Satellite which is not going to see a huge improvement anyway.

Really, I am concerned about the audio at this point.