Need a new receiver

[Bayboy]

I'm looking at buying a new receiver. I mainly listen to music and watch movies. I have been looking at the Denon AVR-3808CI or the Onkyo TX-SR875. But I have read good and bad on each. I don't think I will care about the upscailing as I will be buying a new TV (XBR series). I will be using my old DVD player for now.
Is there another receiver I should look at? Should I wait until they get this HDMI 1.3 stuff firgured out? I'm trying to do as much research first as this stuff seems to be changing daily.
The only TV that I would be watching is what ever over the air HD channels I will be able to pick up once I get a new TV.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[gus6464]

I'm looking at buying a new receiver. I mainly listen to music and watch movies. I have been looking at the Denon AVR-3808CI or the Onkyo TX-SR875. But I have read good and bad on each. I don't think I will care about the upscailing as I will be buying a new TV (XBR series). I will be using my old DVD player for now.
Is there another receiver I should look at? Should I wait until they get this HDMI 1.3 stuff firgured out? I'm trying to do as much research first as this stuff seems to be changing daily.
The only TV that I would be watching is what ever over the air HD channels I will be able to pick up once I get a new TV.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt

The Denon is a good choice. Also check out the Yamaha RX-V3800 and Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH. I would stay away from the Onkyo IMO.

The audioholics store has the RX-V3800 for $1600 but you can use a 20% off coupon which will put it at less than $1300 shipped. Super deal!

 

[mazersteven]

What speakers are you driving with this new receiver?

 

[Bayboy]

I'm going to be driving HTD speakers in a 5.1 configuration in the main room with the fronts bi-amped. Then hopefully a zone two with stero. I will be using all HTD speakers.

Matt

 

[slappycakes]

The $1500 price range in ultra-competitive, you really just have to compare and choose the one that you like.

I recently upgraded a V550 to a V3800 I was very happy with the resulting sound difference. There's a coupon in the Deals secitons for the v3800 @ $1098.

Happy toy hunting!

 

[jcPanny]

Receiver options

Above the $1k price range, most receiver models just add video and networking features. You might save a few bucks and get the Onkyo 805, Yamaha 1800, or Denon 2808 since you wont watch much TV and wont watch much TV and aren't concerned about upscaling.

By the way, the local channels via OTA will look better than cable or satellite especially on HD broadcasts like the superbowl. If you have an older TV that you want to continue to use with OTA intenna, apply for the rebate for the converter box.

 

[Davemcc]

In word, overkill. I don't see the need for such a receiver with those speakers. They are 8 ohm, depending on which model you have, towers are 90db sensitivity, center and bookshelf slightly less, not terribly hard to drive. You would be fine with something like a Denon 588, 688 or 788 depending on the features you need. If specific features are driving you into that price bracket, by all means have at it. Nor would I let zone 2 be much of a consideration. You could buy an extra 588 and still be at half the price of the killer receivers above. That's my perspective, FWIW.

 

[Bayboy]

I haven't bought the fronts, center, or sub yet. I already have the inceiling HTD's from my current setup and thought it would be best to go with the same brand for the others. If this is not the case then I guess I will be looking for speaker options as well.
The main reason driving me toward those receivers is the ability to stream music from a PC, but as long as it has optical in I will do it as I do know from my laptop. You have a good point on why buy more then I really need.
I will look into the other models you have suggested. I just love listening to music and a good movie.

Matt

 

[Seth=L]

The Yamaha RX-V1800, Denon AVR-2808CI, Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH, and Onkyo TX-SR805 are good choices. The TX-SR875 is basically the TX-SR805 with the scaler added. You say you won't be using the scaler, so there is no point in spending the extra cash on the TX-SR875. Pick the one that looks nicest, and has the features you are looking for.

 

[Davemcc]

If you haven't bought speakers yet, please hold off shopping for a receiver until you know for sure what speakers you're going to end up with. Post your thoughts, expectations, room size, budget and any other factors in the speaker forum to get some ideas for brands to look at. The majority of your budget should be spent on speakers. They will have the greatest impact on your quality of sound, the electronics...not so much.

 

[jcPanny]

Streaming music

Check out the Apple Airport Express for about $100 to do a wirless audio steam from the laptop to the receiver. It has a digital optical output.
If you want your remote to control the source look at the Squeeze Box 3 or Apple TV, about $300 each.

The newest models might work better, but I have not seen a lot of positive feedback on the networking features built into receivers.