Newbie looking for advise on new AV receivers

[rcw]

Okay, Looking to upgrade my receiver (1995 Sony STR DE 605). Own a Sharp Aquos 37" HD LCD w HDMI inputs. Will also purchase a new DVD player that will utilize capabilities of this set HD and Blue ray compatible. The receiver will be located inside a media cabinet along w/ other components so heat may be a factor. There is plenty of ventilation in the back of cabinet and shelves are adjustable. I would like to network the system via wireless apple network and current Apple computers (both computers have Tiger OS and i tune software).
Brands under consideration Yamaha, Pioneer, and Sony w/ price range 1000.-
$1200.
I know this is a broad question but any comments would be appreciated.

 

[Seth=L]

Avoid Sony receivers in this price bracket. To me, there is only one Sony receiver worth consideration, and that's the STR-DG1000 (it goes for around $400-$500). I would look at the Yamaha RX-V1800 and the Pioneer VSX-92TXH, the edge goes to the Pioneer IMO.

Denon AVR-2808CI and the Onkyo TX-SR805 (Integra DTR-7.8) fall into the same price bracket. The Yamaha and the Denon are about matched in overall heft, I think the Yamaha looks nicer though. The Pioneer is very sexy looking and is well received among those that own them, seems to be very solid. The Onkyo has the most brawn (only receiver in this price range that features THX Ultra certification), but runs very hot (normal operation) and some have some complaints about popping when automatic audio switching occurs (doesn't occur during playback from what I have heard).

They are all great receivers, but more important is what speakers you are going to be using with the receiver you choose?

 

[Soundman]

Okay, Looking to upgrade my receiver (1995 Sony STR DE 605). Own a Sharp Aquos 37" HD LCD w HDMI inputs. Will also purchase a new DVD player that will utilize capabilities of this set HD and Blue ray compatible. The receiver will be located inside a media cabinet along w/ other components so heat may be a factor. There is plenty of ventilation in the back of cabinet and shelves are adjustable. I would like to network the system via wireless apple network and current Apple computers (both computers have Tiger OS and i tune software).
Brands under consideration Yamaha, Pioneer, and Sony w/ price range 1000.-
$1200.
I know this is a broad question but any comments would be appreciated.

I would stay away from Sony. If you have a $1200 budget, there are other products in that price range that would be better. Also, what kind of speakers do you have? This could have an impact on what receiver you should get? Is this mainly for movies? Are features for movie playback what's important to you?

 

[rnatalli]

What speakers will you be driving? You might not need a $1.2k receiver. I only ask because a lot of people spend more on the receiver than on speakers.

Oh yeah, stay away from Sony receivers.

 

[Guangui]

Stay away from Sony, if you want to see how bad your Sony is, when you buy the new receiver, use the same speakers you have, and you will hear the difference immediately, even with crappy speakers.

As someone mentioned, you might not need a $1200.00 receiver, $$$ which you might want to upgrade your speakers, if needed. You might want to consider separates from Emotiva, or receivers by NAD or Outlaw. Marantz SR-7002 is THX, and might be what you are looking for, but it is in the top bracket of your budget.

 

[rcw]

Thanks everyone for the sensible recommendations. Current speakers (well this may be a real mess but here goes the list)
Mains: old infinity floor models rebuilt to hi fi from low fi (refoamed) 3 way
w/ big poly woofers, a midrange and tweeter/ I think they were made
in the mid 80's.

Center: Energy xl-c100
Rear: Klipsh SB 2 w/ stands
Sub: Boston PV 500
The system will be used mostly 50/50 music and HD tv and movies. House is small as I live just north of San Francisco and would like to stream music from computer (apple) to the receiver. My plan was to upgrade the receiver and then buy speakers. Recommendation in this department is really needed. Obviously I need the help. This forum is the best.

 

[Seth=L]

Thanks everyone for the sensible recommendations. Current speakers (well this may be a real mess but here goes the list)
Mains: old infinity floor models rebuilt to hi fi from low fi (refoamed) 3 way
w/ big poly woofers, a midrange and tweeter/ I think they were made
in the mid 80's.

Center: Energy xl-c100
Rear: Klipsh SB 2 w/ stands
Sub: Boston PV 500
The system will be used mostly 50/50 music and HD tv and movies. House is small as I live just north of San Francisco and would like to stream music from computer (apple) to the receiver. My plan was to upgrade the receiver and then buy speakers. Recommendation in this department is really needed. Obviously I need the help. This forum is the best.

I would go for a lower model receiver, the Infinitys are pretty efficient, as well as the Klipsch, I would imagine the Energy is pretty easy to drive as well.

Something like the Harman Kardon AVR-247 would suite your needs I think. Also consider the Onkyo TX-SR605 and the Yamaha RX-V661.