New Panasonic Plasma, Samsung Blu-ray, AV123, need new receiver

[JonnyMo]

I just bought the Panasonic plasma TC-P50G10 TV, Samsung BDP-3600 Blu-ray player, with a two year old AV123 Mini-Strata's (8 ohm & 86 db), AV123 Onix Reference 100 center (4 ohm & 88 db), and AV123 Onix Reference 1 mkll ( 4 ohms 88 db). Probably will get the AV123 MFW-15 for a subwoofer.

So I need advice for a receiver for a 5.1 home theater receiver. I don't have any loyalty to brand, no concerns about heat or weight. I like value, but not afraid to spend a few extra dollars, if it really matters. This will be used mostly for home theater and occasional loud rock.

I'm thinking that with the new Panasonic Plasma and Samsung Blu-ray, I don't have to think about the video processing part of a receiver.

I live in a small houseboat, on Lake Union, in Seattle. The living room is 12x24x8. I live by myself and so don't have to make anyone else happy about the choice of receiver.

I was thinking about buying the Onkyo Tx-Sr805 a few years ago, so that is the general price performance area that I am looking at.

Cheers,
Jon

 

[Chopin_Guy]

Well given that you have some 4ohm speakers with relatively low sensitivities, you will need an AVR with a stout amp section that can handle them. The onkyo 805 is one of the few AVRs in that price range that has an amp section that could. Although, you may want to consider a cost effective AVR with pre-amp outs and getting something like an Emotiva UPA-7 to power the speakers which will more than likely give you better sound quality and dynamic range...

 

[Lordoftherings]

I'll say the Onkyo TX-SR805 as a great choice.

If you're lucky enough to find an Onkyo TX-SR805 (about $599 now), you should go for it. You can even find a used one for sale on line for about $399.
I personally own the 805, and I am more than pleased with it. By the way, all my speakers are rated 4-ohms, but they dip even lower! No problem to drive them at all with the 805. Plus you live in a house boat, so you'll never use all the power available of the 805.

Now for separates, as the above gentleman mentioned.
Well your best deal would be an Onkyo TX-SR705 (about $400 or just a bit more for a refurb) pair with an Emotiva UPA-7 ($599 list).
So, your total will be approximatively $1,000 or a fraction more.

Now between these two options, I will say that the 805 is still the best deal.
If you can find one for 5 or $600, I'll go for it.
The 805 amplifier section is very potent and it will drive 4-ohm loads.
It is THX Ultra2 certified.
It has Audyssey MultEQ XT.
It has very good Dacs, the TI PCM-1796A.
It contains premium parts all around it's internals.
It is build extremely well with a very big power supply.
It runs hot (so as the 705), but it's not a problem for me and for many other people. Plus it seems to not be a probem for you either. Plus you can put a smaller fan in top of the hot spot and just plug it in the AC inlet from the back of the 805.
The 805 is definitely a premium receiver.
Highly recommended.

There are several reviews of the 805 on the internet and from several reviewers of well known audio magazines. Just Google it. But I got a big feeling that you already did.
I don't know then if you've seen this one, it is more kind of a technical review, but still interesting nonetheless: http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Onkyo+TXSR+AV+receivers.-a0178450770

Cheers,

Bob

 

[JonnyMo]

Thanks for the great advice.

I've spent a few weeks googling the Onkyo 805 and can't seem to find much at all at a discount. Most of the low end ad's run into dead ends or cited as "discontinued".

I do see many Onkyo TX-NR905 refurbished for about $999. Also, the Marantz SR8001 seems available for $699.99 new! And while it is a few watts less, which doesn't have any real world significance for me, and it doesn't have DTS-HD codex, but my Blu-ray player does.

While I do like the idea of the Onkyo 705 with the Emotiva UPA-7, I'm looking at my clutter of Blu-ray player, Comcast cable box, internet cable modem, Apple TV, Apple Time Capsule....do I really want another black or silver box?

I'm leaning toward the Marantz SR8001 at this time, as long as it will work well with my 4ohm speakers.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Inputs and outputs.

Hi Jonny,

It's true, the Onkyo TX-SR805 is a hard commodity these days.
Just keep looking at accessories 4 less, it might reappears on occasions.
Last time I saw it, it was $600.
Also, check at shop onkyo.com

Now, the 905 at $999 is a pretty good deal. It runs hot, and is the previous year model, but it's a terrific receiver with tremendous power and a toroidal transformer.
Also the more recent Onkyo TX-SR876 is $949 at accessories 4 less (reconditioned model). I will recommend you this newer receiver, which I own and love.

The Marantz SR8001 at only $700 brand new is also a terrific deal, but be aware that the HDMI inputs are version 1.2 But it does not really matter, as your PS3 player and your Sammy blu-ray player can send the new high res. audio from their HDMI outputs to the Marantz LPCM multichannel HDMI input in their full glory.
So, it's a matter of how many HDMI inputs you needs. The SR8001 has 4 in and 2 out. And same for both Onkyos. So no problem here about HDMI inputs & outputs.

And you don't need the 705 with external amps. The three above will be plenty for your use. They are all THX Ultra2 certified (except for the SR8001, wich is Select2).

I think that the SR8001 should be fine with your speakers, and that would be an excellent choice. And it does run cooler than both Onkyo models, The Onkyos will have a bit more power and better video processing, but in your case it's not necessary.
So, I guess in the end, you are leaning toward the right one, Marantz SR8001, which should be quite fine with all your speakers. It's a very nice receiver, and for the price, it's a no-brainer. I'll say, go for it. It's the top model of Marantz line anyway, and Marantz build stong and good sounding receivers. At that price, I will personally buy it. But I just don't need another one (I got about 6 receivers right now!). Besides, I live in Canada.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[JonnyMo]

Bob,

Thanks for the advice. I just pulled the trigger and ordered the Onkyo TX-SR805 from Buy.com for US $599 plus shipping. I was just about the get the Marantz from accessories4less, but I Googled the Onkyo just one more time and found the $599 price. So tie goes to the less expensive receiver. Plus, it's new, not refurbished, and I can keep my coffee warm by setting the cup on the top!

Also, my AV123 MFW-15 should be shipping on the 18th, and so with any luck, I'll have my complete setup soon.

Cheers,
Jonny

 

[Lordoftherings]

Bravo!

Bob,

Thanks for the advice. I just pulled the trigger and ordered the Onkyo TX-SR805 from Buy.com for US $599 plus shipping. I was just about the get the Marantz from accessories4less, but I Googled the Onkyo just one more time and found the $599 price. So tie goes to the less expensive receiver. Plus, it's new, not refurbished, and I can keep my coffee warm by setting the cup on the top!

Also, my AV123 MFW-15 should be shipping on the 18th, and so with any luck, I'll have my complete setup soon.

Cheers,
Jonny

Hi Jonny,

This is great news indeed. Thanks to let us know, very apppreciated it.
The 805 at $599, brand new, is an excellent deal. And it will save you money in the winter time, by heating your home. Or at least your living room, and also keep your coffee warm.
The Marantz SR8001 was another great choice for only $699, but the 805 with it's HDMI version 1.3a, plus Audyssey MultEQ "XT", THX Ultra2, TI PCM-1796a Dacs for all channels, HUGE power supply, etc., is more up to flavor, if you know what I mean, without discrediting the very nice Marantz.

Congratulations again,

Bob