Need help picking a HT receiver

[logicwins]

I ordered the Sierra-1 speakers from ASCEND ACOUSTICs and I want to get a receiver that will get the most out of them. I plan on adding the related center channel and surrounds soon.

I would say my price range is 500-1000, and I really only want to buy up to the point where the gains in quality becomes marginal - I appreciate value. I have a 52 sharp aquos tv and a pretty large room.

As a new HT person, my head is spinning with all the options - need guidance!

Anyone else have the Sierra-1s ? I am really looking forward to trying them out!

Thanks,
Justin

 

[corey]

Once you get up into the +$500 range of receivers, you're pretty much always going to get good sound quality. What you'll get more of as you go up the price scale is power & features.

I just read a post from Midcow2 that mentioned a SPL calculator here.
As I recall, the THX spec is to be able to produce 105 db. To get 105 db, at a 10' distance from my very efficient speakers (96 db) takes about 40 watts. To get the same SPL from the Sierra-1's (87 db), you're looking at 300 watts - per channel.

On the other hand, 100 watts / ch (real watts, not advertised watts) will get you up to 100 db, which is still pretty loud. I think I'd lean towards features, as long as they include pre-outs. Add an external amp later, if you need it. Could well be that you'll find you don't.

 

[jamie2112]

the yamaha vx-663 is very highly regarded on this site..

 

[Shadow_Ferret]

*whispers*

Marantz

 

[Seth=L]

*whispers*

Marantz

The Marantz is a little feature lean, but I would definitely consider it for myself. I have no use for scaling (which the Yamaha RX-V663 doesn't offer either) and the SR-4002 would handle all the audio processing I could want. One of the greatest things about the Marantz is it maintains preouts, which I always like to have.

 

[GlocksRock]

the yamaha vx-663 is very highly regarded on this site..

I agree, I own the RX-V663 and the RX-V1800, and both are very nice.

 

[Shadow_Ferret]

The Marantz is a little feature lean, but I would definitely consider it for myself. I have no use for scaling (which the Yamaha RX-V663 doesn't offer either) and the SR-4002 would handle all the audio processing I could want. One of the greatest things about the Marantz is it maintains preouts, which I always like to have.

The SR5002 is a step up, has more power than the 4002 and is still under $1000. Not sure about scaling. There is a review here for the SR7002, but that's about $2 or $300 over the OP's price.

 

[Midcow2]

Do you have need for multiple rooms ?

The SR5002 is a step up, has more power than the 4002 and is still under $1000. Not sure about scaling. There is a review here for the SR7002, but that's about $2 or $300 over the OP's price.

The 5002 has multi-room over the 4002.

You might want to consider Hypathia Way at Pricegrabber.com. The are not an official authorixed Marantz dealer, but the sell brand-new full warrantied Marantz AVRs at subtaintally lower prices. I didn't realize there were authorized and unauthorized dealers. I bought from Hypathia Way. However, later I contacted Marantz with my serial number and Marantz said they would provide full warranty and full support.

Having said that, Marantz is an awesome choice