Never thought it would happen (Ran out of HDMI inputs)

[Matt34]

How a times are changing. Need to upgrade from my Yamaha RX-V663 and have a budget of $1500.

Must haves: More than 3 HDMI inputs, Audyssey EQ, pre-outs, two sub outputs

Likes: Iphone remote app

Don't care: 3D

Going to check out the Denon AVR-3312CI tomorrow, what else should I be looking at?

Thanks.

 

[jcl]

I think Audyssey means you're looking at Denon, Marantz, Onkyo and NAD.

Marantz you're looking at 6006 or higher for latest models, 5005 or higher for older to get pre outs, 6005 for a second sub out (Not sure it's a sep. channel.)

Onkyo's I think start with the 70x for preouts. The 709 has EQ XT, again not sure if 2nd sub is a sep. channel.

NAD I think it's the 765 that starts with Audyssey EQ, and I think that breaks the bank.

 

[Matt34]

I think Audyssey means you're looking at Denon, Marantz, Onkyo and NAD.

Marantz you're looking at 6006 or higher for latest models, 5005 or higher for older to get pre outs, 6005 for a second sub out (Not sure it's a sep. channel.)

Onkyo's I think start with the 70x for preouts. The 709 has EQ XT, again not sure if 2nd sub is a sep. channel.

NAD I think it's the 765 that starts with Audyssey EQ, and I think that breaks the bank.

Has Denon improved it's GUI? I remember hearing users complaining a couple years ago that it wasn't very intuitive.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

How a times are changing. Need to upgrade from my Yamaha RX-V663 and have a budget of $1500.

Must haves: More than 3 HDMI inputs, Audyssey EQ, pre-outs, two sub outputs

Likes: Iphone remote app

Don't care: 3D

Going to check out the Denon AVR-3312CI tomorrow, what else should I be looking at?

Thanks.

Denon or Marantz. Onkyo's heat and reliability bothers me...many are very happy though. I'm kinda a Yamaha guy myself but I don't know if their auto EQ is comparable to Audyssey. Technically...probably not but in real world use??? I don't know if I'd know the difference. I'd love to see a side by side comparison in multiple different rooms. Wow, what a thread that could turn to be!

 

[Adam]

Matt, just in case you aren't using this as a convenient excuse to upgrade , perhaps an HDMI switch box? Monoprice has several, such as this 5 x 1 with auto-switching and remote for about $30.

 

[timoteo]

Hey Matt34

I also love Yamaha & would recommend you look into their Aventage lineup. Specially last years models. You can get the RX-A3000 for about $1200 i think & have one HECK of a GREAT receiver!! Audessey is great but so is YPAO & MCACC. I have owned AVRs with all 3 calibration systems & found all 3 to be equally good in real world use.

The new Pioneer Elite VSX-52 goes for $900 but can be had for less or jump up to the SC series & get a beast. Elites are great AVRs!

The 2 ive recommended have plenty of HDMI inputs, 2 sub outs as well as pre-outs. If i were you id spend that $1500 by getting an $900 Receiver & an Emotiva XPA-3 for your front 3. You wont regret it if you do IMHO!!

Have fun with whatever you get!!! Let us know & PICS!!

 

[Matt34]

Matt, just in case you aren't using this as a convenient excuse to upgrade , perhaps an HDMI switch box? Monoprice has several, such as this 5 x 1 with auto-switching and remote for about $30.

Shhhhhhh.....already talked the wife into it.

 

[Matt34]

Hey Matt34

I also love Yamaha & would recommend you look into their Aventage lineup. Specially last years models. You can get the RX-A3000 for about $1200 i think & have one HECK of a GREAT receiver!! Audessey is great but so is YPAO & MCACC. I have owned AVRs with all 3 calibration systems & found all 3 to be equally good in real world use.

The new Pioneer Elite VSX-52 goes for $900 but can be had for less or jump up to the SC series & get a beast. Elites are great AVRs!

The 2 ive recommended have plenty of HDMI inputs, 2 sub outs as well as pre-outs. If i were you id spend that $1500 by getting an $900 Receiver & an Emotiva XPA-3 for your front 3. You wont regret it if you do IMHO!!

Have fun with whatever you get!!! Let us know & PICS!!

Thanks, that is what I really wanted feedback on, someone that has had all three of the EQ systems. Like I said in your thread I plan on getting the SVS as-eq1 for the subs so as long as YAPO and MCACC play nice with it I guess it doesn't really matter.

 

[Adam]

Shhhhhhh.....already talked the wife into it.

I suspected that.

 

[highfigh]

How a times are changing. Need to upgrade from my Yamaha RX-V663 and have a budget of $1500.

Must haves: More than 3 HDMI inputs, Audyssey EQ, pre-outs, two sub outputs

Likes: Iphone remote app

Don't care: 3D

Going to check out the Denon AVR-3312CI tomorrow, what else should I be looking at?

Thanks.

That model will do it, or a 3311CI, if you can find one. The GUI isn't bad- the text in the '07 models looked a bit like what you might see in Donkey Kong, but it still worked. If you use the 'Source' button, it has a full page of icons for the sources- if you have a universal remote, you can do whatever the OEM remote does (and that remote is much-improved over the old one, with the stupid little door on the back and a slew of buttons that should have been on the front)- it's just a matter of programming.

If you do get a Denon and have an i-Device, there's a free app from a German guy that works really well. It has model options and the DLNA button that will discover equipment that uses it, including some of the older models. I use it when I'm setting up or testing AV systems and networks in homes, to verify connectivity, add the ability to control the system when the remote is in a different location and it's too far away, like when I'm on one floor near the router/computer and the AV remote/system is on another floor, or when I'm outside and I want to change sources, volume or select different music on one server or change to another. If you have Windows 7, it works very well with the Denon receivers, even as far back as the AVR-990/2310/3310 line. This app also has two-way communication, so any changes to the receiver's input or status are seen on the iPhone/iPod/iPad and it has a silver or black background. This is also good if you have a speakers outside or in a workshop and don't want the universal remote to go outside, but you still have the ability to connect to your network. It controls Main, Zone2 and Zone3 separately and has a button to access each at the top.

 

[adk highlander]

If you cannot find a 3311 as highfigh suggests then keep the Marantz SR7005 in mind.

It has 5 HDMI inputs on the back and one on the front. Audyssey XT, I-product app, full web control and setup. Pandora, internet radio streaming and a from USB port for music files. It has a nice GUI and seems fairly intuitive.

The only thing I have found missing is that it will not stream video.

I'm not sure if the 3312 Denon (which is nearly identical) can be had cheaper.

Jeesh you are on a spending spree. First the Subs and now this. What did you buy the wife to get the clearance for this stuff?

 

[Theresa]

I have an ancient Yamaha DSP-A1 that I replaced with a Emotiva UMC-1. The Emo did sound great compared with the Yamaha when it's working but after a year of promised fixes for it's buggy behavior I bought a Onkyo PR-SC5508. Its sitting on the floor right now because I can't make room in my current rack. I was torn between the Marantz AV7005 and the Onkyo but the Onkyo fit my needs better. I would suggest one or the other of them with an Emotiva amp(s), although a new receiver is more economical.

 

[timoteo]

FYI the Yamaha RX-A3000 does all that cool stuff too. Both are very good AVRs. I prefer the GUI on the A3000 way more then on any other AVR ive seen yet...over Integra, Pio, Den, Onk, HK & Marantz. The GUI isnt that important though because once you figure it out your fine. Id be looking at feature sets & dependability. Thats why i made my decision.

 

[Matt34]

So, someone is spoiled and will be picking up a denon 4311 on tuesday.

 

[Adam]

So, someone is spoiled and will be picking up a denon 4311 on tuesday.

Congrats!

Be sure to let Alex know that Jamie really, REALLY wants to buy your 663.

 

[PENG]

So, someone is spoiled and will be picking up a denon 4311 on tuesday.

Not trying to collect some late credit, I was going to suggest that one because I remember DenPureSound bought one for $1499 a few months ago but then I checked Amazon.com and found that the price had gone up quite a bit above your $1500 budget. The 4311 has XT32, preamp mode, 4 ohm capable (not that you need it) and more HDMI outputs than the 3312 and AV7005. At least one guy at AVS switched from the AV7005 to the 4311 and seemed very happy with the move.

Base on my experience with my last 3 Dennons and the Marantz AV7005 I am sure you will be very happy with your choice. Congratulations!!

 

[PENG]

FYI the Yamaha RX-A3000 does all that cool stuff too. Both are very good AVRs. I prefer the GUI on the A3000 way more then on any other AVR ive seen yet...over Integra, Pio, Den, Onk, HK & Marantz. The GUI isnt that important though because once you figure it out your fine. Id be looking at feature sets & dependability. Thats why i made my decision.

I think you are right but he wants Audyssey, not YPAO.

 

[Matt34]

To be specific, I really wanted the xt 32 version. Either thru the receiver or with the SVS as-eq1. Stepping up to the 4311 saved me from having to get another piece of hardware.

 

[timoteo]

Both the 3311 & the 4311 are really great receivers!! Congradulations you wont regret your choice. All the top models from the 5 or 6 brands discussed are all pretty much equal in audio quality. Im glad you got the XT32 you wanted, that is a nice calibration system.

Enjoy your new toy!!