Opinions on which AV receiver I should purchase.

[erocks1]

I'm upgrading my av receiver. My current receiver is the Denon avr 1911. It's been decent for my needs but I feel that it's a bit underpowered for my 5.1 system. I've got 2 jbl studio series towers, the center, two surrounds, & a powered sub. I would like your input/opinion on what might work for me. I'm looking for another 5.1 setup. Would like to have the latest wifi, Bluetooth, hdmI capabilities. I've done some research on my own. Does anyone like the new Sonys? What about the Yamahas? I was thinking I'd just stick with Denon but maybe I'll switch it up. I listen to hd flac often and really want a great receiver for music & some movies. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[erocks1]

I'm upgrading my av receiver. My current receiver is the Denon avr 1911. It's been decent for my needs but I feel that it's a bit underpowered for my 5.1 system. I've got 2 jbl studio series towers, the center, two surrounds, & a powered sub. I would like your input/opinion on what might work for me. I'm looking for another 5.1 setup. Would like to have the latest wifi, Bluetooth, hdmI capabilities. I've done some research on my own. Does anyone like the new Sonys? What about the Yamahas? I was thinking I'd just stick with Denon but maybe I'll switch it up. I listen to hd flac often and really want a great receiver for music & some movies. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I should note I want to be under 800.00 if possible. Would really like to be around 500.00 but might step up if its the right receiver

 

[Latent]

For $500 you are not going to get anything with much more 'power' new as they will all be around the same Wattage and power supply size. If your unit had Pre-outs (which it is lacking sorry) you could have added a stereo amp for the mains and this would free up plenty of power for the smaller speakers. Another option is to look into places selling last year or later models for less that fit the bill but anything with enough of a power gain for you to actually notice will have to be a pretty big step up. You may be able to get a good deal second hand from someone who is upgrading to get the latest digital switching tech etc. If you don't have advanced HDMI switching requirements then an older receiver may do everything you need.

 

[erocks1]

For $500 you are not going to get anything with much more 'power' new as they will all be around the same Wattage and power supply size. If your unit had Pre-outs (which it is lacking sorry) you could have added a stereo amp for the mains and this would free up plenty of power for the smaller speakers. Another option is to look into places selling last year or later models for less that fit the bill but anything with enough of a power gain for you to actually notice will have to be a pretty big step up. You may be able to get a good deal second hand from someone who is upgrading to get the latest digital switching tech etc. If you don't have advanced HDMI switching requirements then an older receiver may do everything you need.

Thanks for your input.

 

[fmw]

The AV receivers are all pretty comparable. All the manufacturers have capable units at $500 and that price point could well be the sweet spot of the line. I would recommend you just peruse the specs and find one with the features you want and will use. If one brand name lights your fire more than others then by all means light your fire.

 

[frank2532]

I purchased a refurb Yamaha RX-A840 about 6 months ago from A4L for $500 with the extended warranty. It has all the features your looking for. It's a 7.1, I know you're looking for a 5.1 but there is more of a selection of 7.1's out there and it gives you the option to expand your system. I'm only running a 3.1 on it until I can convince my wife that a RL and RR speakers will blend in with the room (no luck so far).