Need HT Receiver Recommendation - Yamaha vs. Denon, etc.

[BobbyNGa]

Hey guys and gals. I need a HT receiver recommendation…

It has been awhile since I needed to do any AV consumer research, so I wouldn’t call myself an “audiophile” by any stretch – just when it came time to create a descent home theater system several years ago, I reached out to a friend and the Web.

I am hoping to tap into some of the expertise here to help shortcut my research time as I need a replacement, well, last Saturday night…

I had a Halloween Party on 10/29 and about 3 hours into the “bash” my receiver shut off, poof, never to return. The receiver has been problematic over the years (it has gotten hot and shut off before for protection, crackled and popped on all 5 channels when no signal is present on the DVD input, etc.) and was purchased cheap as “the weakest link” in my system at the time, knowing I would one day invest in a much nicer one. Well, now is the time!

I have been focusing on Denon and Yamaha, looking on eBay and options with “authorized dealers” for warranty considerations. I have found the Yamaha RX-V and HTR series, and the Denon AVR series attractive, specifically the Denon AVR-3205, and the Yamaha HTR-5890 and RX-V2500 models – or roughly thereabout.

I am looking for some input! Here is my current hardware:

Deceased Receiver: TEAC AG-D9320 (not recommended by me AT ALL)

DVD: Pioneer DV-C5203 (just wanted something descent and has been fine)

IMHO, the speakers are pretty nice – and are where I really threw my initial investment.

Front L/R: Klipsch KLF 20 (4.74 of 5 – 154 reviews)
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/speakers/floorstanding-speakers/klipsch/PRD_119936_1594crx.aspx

Center: Klipsch RC-3 (4.85 of 5 – 60 reviews)
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/speakers/center-channels/klipsch/PRD_119963_2743crx.aspx

Surround R/L: Klipsch RS-3 (4.79 of 5 – 19 reviews)
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/speakers/surround-speakers/klipsch/PRD_123912_2742crx.aspx

Subwoofer: M&K MPS-2810
http://www.mkprofessional.com/mps2810.htm

Whoop-tee-do, right? Okay, whatever.

If anyone knows any tricks with this TEAC receiver, let me know. And friend and I did pop the cap on it, test fuses and look for heat damage, to no avail.
Thanks!!!
Bobby

PS – I am a “B” writer, so don’t eat me alive for not being perfect…

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Denon 3805

If you have the budget, I highly recommend this unit. This is where I bought mine, and I couldn't be happier. ($679 + $28.90 s/h)

http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=10524320&CATID=1014&SPOTID=3

 

[BobbyNGa]

The 3805 is one of the top two on my list, and I am seeing prices consistent with what I saw via the link.

The one thing that concerns me is buying with a warranty, and Yamaha (and I believe Denon) says that NOT buying from an authorized dealer voids their warranty...

Thanks!!!

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

The 3805 is one of the top two on my list, and I am seeing prices consistent with what I saw via the link.

The one thing that concerns me is buying with a warranty, and Yamaha (and I believe Denon) says that NOT buying from an authorized dealer voids their warranty...

Thanks!!!

Right you are. You've done your homework.

Here's a list of authorized online Denon dealers. B stock is usually a 90 day warranty. I think Dakmart offers 1 year, but is a bit more $$ than Ubid (probably worth the extra 9 months ). I'd rather have a 90 day B stock over a new "no warranty" unit from ebay (who knows if it's actually new???).

http://www.usa.denon.com/1749.asp

 

[BobbyNGa]

Great link! Thanks again!

 

[abboudc]

You can't go wrong with either receiver.

You may be able to pick up a used or discounted 2500 or 3805 now that the new models are out

 

[Xsound]

Might also want to take a look at the Pioneer Elite vsx-54tx. I was down to the 3805, 2500 and the 56. couldn't afford the 56, but the 54 was a steal. Couldn't be happier with my choice.

This link gives a 2 year warranty, shipping for under $30 bucks. It's an awesome deal!

http://www.elegantaudiovideo.com/index.php?cPath=41_100

IF you have any questions about their warranty procedures, call them. Incredibly helpful and had my unit in 4 days!

 

[BobbyNGa]

Okay, HALT...

I just purchased a <swallow> Panasonic SA-XR55K for $229.99 on Amazon (free shipping and no tax).

I came across quite a large and heated debate on this unit in the many forums, but became convinced to give it a try at THAT price. I figure if it isn't "right" for my HT, I can let it go to someone else and not take a big hit in the pocket...

I know, I know ... "but what about wanting to step up the weakest link in your system to something nicer" - well, if it works out I'll be real happy. And if/when it craps out in a few years, I'll take a look at the current technologies and make another decision then.

This unit is still an upgrade to what I had...

Again, Thanks to all who helped - and I'm sure others will benefit from this thread.

Bobby
http://www.BobbyGlover.com

 

[BobbyNGa]

BTW, here is the thread on the SA-XR55

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14778

 

[abboudc]

The panasonic is a great receiver too. If you don't need all the inputs of the denon or yamaha, it's a steal and one of the biggest bangs for the buck around.

 

[BobbyNGa]

I'm such a turd...

Okay, some guys over at the Klipsch forum expressed a little disappointment and one of them suggested I atleast look at a Denon 3803. So, I cancelled the Amazon order for the Panasonic SA-XR55K - for now... I am going to give this a bit more time.

If anyone knows a good place to pick up a 3803, let me know. A warranty would be nice...

Plus the 3806 just came out, so maybe some local stores will discount the 3805 to move the unit?... I am a bit scared of some of these guys on eBay with the 3805's for sale.

 

[tchace]

Yamaha VS. Denon

Hello all,
I have a dilemma that I am hoping to get some opinions on.
I too had my old Pioneer receiver blow at my Halloween party.
So I am in the market for a new one.
I am torn between the new Yamaha lines and Denon. I have never owned either name brand before.

I have ALL Definitive speakers with the big BP20's as my front powerhouses.
All bi-polar even my surround (2) speakers are.

I am looking to see which receiver is better suited to me the Yamaha or Denon.

The features I like are THX and the 7.1 obviously. Yamaha has THX on many units where only the higher ends by Denon have it correct?
I really need easy to use and easy to set up as well. A friend of mine states that Denon is a piece of cake. AVR-3805 was the one I was looking at. I know more about Denon than Yamaha (nothing basically) so have no idea what model Yamaha to compare to?
ANy ideas on options - it doesn't have to be one of these either - I am open to options.
Thanks, Thom

 

[BobbyNGa]

Hey,

I posted here, but there has been more activity over on the Klipsch and eCoustics forums for me, which may help you in your quest.

http://forums.klipsch.com/forums/632926/ShowPost.aspx

http://forum.ecoustics.com/cgi-bin/bbs/show.pl?1/172321

Bobby

 

[jcPanny]

Mid Fi receivers

The Yamaha RX-V2500 and Denon 3805 receivers are very similar in power, performance, and features. Both manufacturers have new models out that add HDMI switching you can find the older models at a discount. I would stick with authorized online dealers so that you have a valid warranty.