Prepro/Receiver<$2K that offers HDMI 1.3a

[PENG]

What else are there now besides the following choices?

Pioneer Elite VSX-94TX
Yamaha RX-V3800
Denon AVR-3808 or 4308

I would no longer consider the Onkyo TX-SR805/875 after reading so much about the "running hot" comments. I don't mind Sony but they are too expensive for what they offer. For pre-pros, I am not sure how many offers HDMI 1.3a.

 

[mike c]

the recently announced yamaha rx-v 663 and 863

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41119

 

[PENG]

the recently announced yamaha rx-v 663 and 863

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41119

Thanks Mike, but I only have a 2 channel amp for the front speakers so I need something powerful enough to drive the center and surround speakers in my 12X20X8 media room. The 663 is going to give me much less power than my 3805 or even my 659. Too bad I could not get the A35, otherwise I could make do with the analogs for at least another year. As you know the A30 has HDMI only.

 

[rded]

Sherwood Newcastle R-872 suppose to be out mid-march

http://www.sherwoodusa.com/prod_r872.html

 

[majorloser]

Marantz SR7002 (110wpc)
http://store.audioholics.com/product/1081/69/marantz-sr7002-thx-select2-surround-receiver

Marantz SR8002 (125wpc)
http://store.audioholics.com/product/1082/69/marantz-sr8002-thx-select2-surround-receiver

The 20% discount code might even still work: RECEIVER20
(but you didn't hear that from me )

 

[mike c]

Thanks Mike, but I only have a 2 channel amp for the front speakers so I need something powerful enough to drive the center and surround speakers in my 12X20X8 media room. The 663 is going to give me much less power than my 3805 or even my 659. Too bad I could not get the A35, otherwise I could make do with the analogs for at least another year. As you know the A30 has HDMI only.

i see. I knew you couldn't have missed that giant thread about the 663

an HDMI 1.3 is also in my to buy list, though it's second priority for me, I need one mostly for the extra HDMI inputs and separate crossover settings for each speaker set. (which is why I'm leaning towards Denon)

 

[mazersteven]

For pre-pros, I am not sure how many offers HDMI 1.3a.

Integra DTC-9.8
http://www.integrahometheater.com/model.cfm?m=DTC-9.8&class=Separates&p=i

 

[brulaha]

The biggest difference in my opinion, is that the Denon offers Audyssey and a better GUI.

I know that the Yamaha and Pioneer offer their own brand of room correction and calibration, but I don't think it's on the same level as Audyssey, and I think they have really come through with a good version now that you can measure 8 different seats.

Additionally, I can tell you I use the GUI on the 3808 all the time. It is so nice to have the volume come up on the screen when you want to adjust it. Additionally, once you get the hang of it, making small tweaks on the fly is so easy with the GUI. It however, does take some significant time to get used to.

 

[HiDefGuru]

Yeah, I like Denon's Audessey vs. Pioneer's MCACC and Yammy's YPAO.

 

[jochie00]

Onkyo 905. Doesn't run as hot.
and if you don't drive the front speakers, it will keep your amp a lot cooler too

 

[Davemcc]

I've been waiting to hear somebody comment on the 905 heat issue, because it has the torroidal transformer that the other Onkyos don't have.

 

[aberkowitz]

I would no longer consider the Onkyo TX-SR805/875 after reading so much about the "running hot" comments. I don't mind Sony but they are too expensive for what they offer. For pre-pros, I am not sure how many offers HDMI 1.3a.

I'm not sure what you've read, but I own an 805 and I personally don't even think it runs all that hot. In fact, my cable box runs hotter most of the time than my receiver. The unit is almost 8 months old and I've had it running for up to 24 hours straight at times with zero problems. Then again, I think it really comes down to how your rack is set up. I've never owned a rack or a stand that had a back to it b/c I believe ventilation is really important.

Case in point- both my friend and I own a PS3. He keeps his in an enclosed tv stand while mine is backless (not that you could tell). His is constantly making noise after even 1 hour of use while mine makes zero noise after consecutively watching the EE editions of LOTR (around 11-12 hours of movie watching).

I wouldn't write off the Onkyo just b/c of somebody else's opinion as to what "running hot" is. Try it out at home and see if you like it.

 

[jcPanny]

Receiver heat.

Most receivers run pretty hot and require good ventalation.
My Yamaha receiver gets very warm even though it is being used as a pre-pro. However, my Emotiva amp is always cool to the touch. The seperate amp does not have the same size, weight, and cost constraints of a mass market receiver.

 

[marty261]

circular scratches on Marantz SR7002 normal

Hi

I just purchased a Marantz SR7002 and so far I'm very pleased with form and function once the equalizer is set properly. I was using a B&K Reference 30 surround processor/preamp and I have to say the Marantz has made me a believer in receiver use for audiophile music and theatre sound. Very impressive. I'd be happy to answer any specific questions about the SR7002 for forum members. However, before I get too comfortable with my new Marantz I need to sort out a cosmetic issue. I recently noticed that the clear plastic display window has faint scratches all over it in a circular pattern as if they are a result of an orbital buffer machine. This seems like a factory -induced issue but not necessarily a defect. The scratches or scuffs are hardly noticeable and can only be seen in direct light from some angles but annoying nonetheless. I noticed that DENON uses a very similar piece of plastic for the display window on their newer receivers and might have the same pattern. Can any Marantz or DENON users confirm that this pattern is normal? Should I return unit for this cosmetic issue or is it normal?

I'd appreciate your thoughts. Thanks. Ed

 

[AUtiger]

What about emotiva amp and (LMC 2 out next month) or wait till summer for MMC 2 Check out there site emotiva.com

 

[Seth=L]

Some side notes for consideration. The RX-V663 and RX-V659 use the same amplifier. The RX-V661 cut back the amplifier for whatever reason but now it's back. The RX-V863 also uses the same amplifier, but it's manufacturer specifications would indicate it has more power. I believe this will not likely be true.

Second note, with the money saved on the receiver you can afford to buy another multichannel amplifier to power your center surrounds and surround backs (if you have suround backs). This will give you more power than you could get with most any receiver if you spent the same amount of money. If you are only doing 5.1 you might consider dropping the two channel amplifier and getting something in the likes of the Emotiva XPA-5. The combined cost of the XPA-5 and RX-V663 would come around $1200 give or take.

 

[Guap Oh]

I've been very pleased with my newly acquired Integra 9.8 DTC preamp processor. HDMI 1.3, 3 zone control, balanced outputs; THX Ultra 2; and about 40 lbs. Works great and was well worth the $1600 I paid.