New AV Receiver Selection and insight needed!!

[bigwill125]

Hey guys,

I'm new to this site, and wanted to get some advice on insight. I'm in the market for a new flagship/high end type receiver and i've done some research and demo'd quite a few but also wanted advice before purchasing. I've been tossing back and forth the Yamaha RX-3030, marantz SR-7008 and denon x4000/4520. Haven't really considered Onkyo or Pioneer a whole to here. All have great features and power, but after hearing the x4000 i liked the warmer and richness better from the marantz. I do music and movies probably equally, also gaming and tv watching. current (but no set up equipment as I've been piecing my system) is (4) def tech pro monitor 1000's, cs-8080HD center and will be getting the def tech 8080BP floor standing and possibly adding speakers going to another zone in the future. Plenty of bass and power in those speakers. Is the Marantz too under powered for a killer set up (trying to create the IMAX feel) but want best sound/video quality. Yamaha better for more power? I've heard marantz has better build quality and components than Denon despite same company (d+m holdings). Also wasn't sure since hdmi 2.0 is coming out soon and don't want to have to replace a expensive receiver for full effect of 4k in the near future. Video upscaling?? what do you guys think?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Denon for sure for the Audyssey XT32 + dual Sub EQ.

 

[bigwill125]

the Marantz SR-7008 has the same Audyssey XT32 audio set up as the Denon

 

[M Code]

The Yamaha AVRs are the most reliable...
Denon was a strong brand a few years back, but a couple of things happened..
1. They shifted AVR production from Japan to China, now outsource their AVRs from the China Sherwood factory
2. They shifted their distribution/marketing strategy, and their products are available all over the internet and many, many were sold with no warranty through unauthorized dealers
3. The USA product/marketing organization was cancelled, now their strategic product and marketing decisions are done outside the USA.
4. Room EQ software is a hot topic but before accepting that Audyssey is the answer, go out and listen to an AVR using Audyssey you may reach a different conclusion..

We install/sell the major brands and suggest before putting down your $ do some homework, review the leading brands and compare features, warranty. A good site for info is Crutchfield. Keep in mind the lowest price is not always the best deal..

Just my $0.05...

 

[Stanton]

Since you're looking at it, I would go with Yamaha. In fact, you might want to consider the following and save a few bucks without sacrificing audio quality (IMHO):
1) step down from the 30xx model to the 20xx model
2) if you can live with that, you might still be able to find last year's model 2020 instead of the 3020 (last time I checked Yamaha was still "blowing these out")
You can't go wrong with any of the Yamaha Aventage line.