New AVR leading to amp ... recommendation requested

[nball]

Hi everyone! I posted an early take on my new addiction to HT (not so new to music) in the general forum. Great responses and insights, thank you. That post lead to this one, as well as another in the loudspeakers section. Will try to avoid Dept. of Redundancy Dept.

My plan is to begin powering an SVS or Ascend 5.0 system + Outlaw sub in 5.1 configuration using my existing Denon AVR 587. The Denon will get replaced next, thus this thread.

I'd like to get a solid performing AVR with an emphasis movie playback (clear dialog + epic explosions) with as good music reproduction I can afford (classical, jazz, electronic, drum n bass, country, almost everything). Also will need pre-outs in the anticipation of adding an Emotiva or Outlaw 5-7 channel amp in the future, anticipating a jump to a 7.2 configuration.

Bullets attempting to be useful:

• User interface is pretty important – I am very technical but others in my home are not. A programmable remote may alleviate this.
• HDMI 1.4a may be a benefit with ethernet connectivity as I am only connecting the PS3 to the network at the moment. I need to verify that the TV is actually getting access to the net signal yet.
• HDMI 1.4a would be good as I have a 2010 PS3 and a Sony Bravia 60" XBR with glasses, yet still not sure I care about 3D... derrr
• Audyssey calibration would be very good, as my earlier experience setting up the current receiver with B&W 6xx 5.1 were far from enjoyable.
• I prefer minimal processing or full blown THX sound, all or nothing.
• Amp section of AVR can be "just ok" considering move to amp in future.

Here are a few AVR's I am considering
Definitely open to suggestions -*see potential amps below.

• Onkyo TX-NR708 = $550.00
• Onkyo TX-NR808 = $680.00
• Onkyo TX-NR1008 = $900.00
• Denon AVR3310CI = $539.00

Future amps
Thinking cheap on the AVR to compensate for the amp, also since I cannot really decide on an AVR so may need to change out in a few years. Also watching the Audiogon lists for goodies.

• Emotiva XPA-3 = $529.00
• Emotiva XPA-5 = $709.00
• Outlaw 7125 = $1,000.00

Tonight I am drawing up a schematic of the room and potential speaker placement, hopefully that provides some direction.

Audioholics has a great community. Hopefully I can be a useful member as I grow into my obsession...

 

[ZeGhostbear]

Considering how you are planning to get amp that would relegate your receiver to do pre-pro duty (and maybe powering some extra surrounds or a second zone). The 808 may be overkill in the long run. I do not see much difference to the 708, but of course I do may not look at the same features that you do. Could make more sense in the long run though. Unfortunately the 608 has no pre-outs.

For exmaple my 905 is complete overkill when paired with my XPA-5, so consider the long-term plan.

 

[nball]

Considering how you are planning to get amp that would relegate your receiver to do pre-pro duty (and maybe powering some extra surrounds or a second zone). The 808 may be overkill in the long run. I do not see much difference to the 708 ... For exmaple my 905 is complete overkill when paired with my XPA-5, so consider the long-term plan.

Added to the short list! Thank you. Precisely the kind of feedback I am looking for. Can anyone make a case for another brand in terms of user interface?

 

[Mike Ronesia]

If you are looking for a UI that changes inputs easy I think they're all fairly simple. If you are looking for one that is easy to setup and tweak I'd avoid the Denon. If you get a universal remote like the Harmony one it is fairly simple for family members to switch from TV to Movie to Gaming when you have it all set up. I was using the Denon 2808 for a while and it was OK but the SQ for movies was not as good as my new Pre-Pro.

 

[nball]

... I was using the Denon 2808 for a while and it was OK but the SQ for movies was not as good as my new Pre-Pro.

What was your pre/pro choice?

 

[nball]

Signal connection

Right now I am passing the HDMI from PS3 to the Bravia XBR. SPDIF out to the Denon AVR587. I've set the TV to avoid processing the audio signal, so maybe I should remove the HDMI 1.4a requirement... in addition, the network signal from the PS3 doesn't appear to travel along HDMI I like I had hoped. Gah.

That said, if the above configuration is ok (should allow all surround modes, no?) then I could go with a used, high-end pre/pro and get the amp at the same time.

So confusing!

 

[Mike Ronesia]

What was your pre/pro choice?

I got the Emotiva UMC-1. It has worked well for me and we hear things we never heard with the Denon which was a surprise as I didn't expect it to be that noticeable.