Receiver Advice?

[Chopin_Guy]

Speakerman....with the Pioneer I would imagine you are paying for the amp section as well...and I would agree that you can definitley do better in the video processing bracket...in that field the 876 is gonna be the best and really the amp and DACs as well are all gonna be top notch...

Not sure what the price difference it is your looking at between the 876 and v1800...and given you have the space for the 876 that will be the way to go...make sure you have a well ventilated area as the Onkyo's get hot. You should also checkout the 875 because you can find some great prices on those given the newer model. Which ever way you decide to go hope it works out to your liking...let me know what you wind up doing...

 

[bandphan]

However, the SC-05 does not seem to have anything overly special other than the Ice amps. It employs the Faroudja chip which from what most people say is a bit outdated.

Cheers,

Phil

I wouldnt read into the chipset as a whole but how its employed in each unit The 05 is a nice unit and as mentioned all but a toss up relative to similar priced gear. It uses a dual digital processor, which could be beneficial in multiroom. The 2nd gen home media gallery seems to be improved also.

 

[speakerman39]

Speakerman....with the Pioneer I would imagine you are paying for the amp section as well...and I would agree that you can definitley do better in the video processing bracket...in that field the 876 is gonna be the best and really the amp and DACs as well are all gonna be top notch...

Not sure what the price difference it is your looking at between the 876 and v1800...and given you have the space for the 876 that will be the way to go...make sure you have a well ventilated area as the Onkyo's get hot. You should also checkout the 875 because you can find some great prices on those given the newer model. Which ever way you decide to go hope it works out to your liking...let me know what you wind up doing...

Thanks Chopin for chiming in. Not really sure I want to put that much money into this or not. I may have to settle for less because I plan on getting a BR player too. Just have to think about it a bit more before deciding.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[speakerman39]

I wouldnt read into the chipset as a whole but how its employed in each unit The 05 is a nice unit and as mentioned all but a toss up relative to similar priced gear. It uses a dual digital processor, which could be beneficial in multiroom. The 2nd gen home media gallery seems to be improved also.

Thanks Band for posting. I am not too concerned with multi-room at all. However, the Ice amps are tempting nevertheless. The question is if I want to sink that much money into any of these higher end receivers or not. Maybe I need to look at something a little more affordable. Have any other ideas? I know you are very knowledgeable when it comes to receivers/amps. Any adice is appreciated.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[bandphan]

I almost always recommend seperate power, as we are all junkies with codecs Aside from that it will come down to intergration for me(controll). HDMI isnt a typical issue for us and pefer to use component, so those in/outs are usally not as important. Pioneers amps have been conservitive with their output, so thats a plus in 2ch. Ive used yama for a long time without issues, along with denon. Onkyo hasnt been in our line up, but does have some upside with features. Im sure once the feature set is worked out, your descison will be fruitfull

 

[speakerman39]

I almost always recommend seperate power, as we are all junkies with codecs Aside from that it will come down to intergration for me(controll). HDMI isnt a typical issue for us and pefer to use component, so those in/outs are usally not as important. Pioneers amps have been conservitive with their output, so thats a plus in 2ch. Ive used yama for a long time without issues, along with denon. Onkyo hasnt been in our line up, but does have some upside with features. Im sure once the feature set is worked out, your descison will be fruitfull

Thanks once again Band. Since you are familiar with Denon, are their power ratings true or are they a bit over-stated? I am just going to have to narrow this down to a more meaningful level. Simplicity will also be a factor. My Ascends are very neutral and detailed speakers and I hope to get them singing along. This is why it is paramount to me that I make the right decision for my application.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Chopin_Guy]

Speaker--you should check out this review of the 2308ci here on Audioholics. It clearly shows you the amplifier section power versus the stated specs....and I know this is one of the units you mentioned intially. Clearly Denon is giving thier products a conservative power rating. So I would imagine this would hold true with the 2808ci which you also metioned....

 

[Seth=L]

The Onkyo 806 looks promising. However, it is like 20 lbs. lighter than the 805.....wonder why??? What part was cut? Maybe it is not quite as beefy as it was?? The price is just right, but am concerned about the weight changes. That is why I was looking more at the 876 as there appears to be insignificant changes. Can anyone here elaborate on this?

Cheers,

Phil

It seemed rather apparent to me that Onkyo decided it was more cost effective to reserve the better amplifier for the higher model. The 805 and 875 had the same amplifier section. You will see now that the 876 still weighs 50 pounds, and you noted the 806 slimmed down from it's older brother. The 805 was certainly better in terms of power, but the 875 had a huge price difference to it with only a few gains (video processing being the most notable). The 876 offers the same video processing as the 875, but the 806 still has just the Faroudja DCDi (only this time it upscales)

The 876 puts out a ton of heat, that's due to it's very inefficient (but very effective) Class A/B design. The Onkyo uses 4 output devices per channel, and has a mamoth power supply. It can deliver monster amounts of power.

The SC-05 doesn't have the video scaling prowess of the Onkyo but also has an awesome amp section. Using the ICEpower Class D topology it's a far more efficient design. It's going to run cooler in high level output situations, while the Onkyo runs hot as hell when it's not doing anything. Considering it weighs about 40 pounds and is THX Ultra II cert, I would venture to say it's got every bit of power that the Onkyo has, possibly more. The Pioneer is also prettier to look at sitting on your AV rack with the high grade glossy finish and amber lighting (it's just a sexy machine).

FTR: the SC-09 measured extremely well (very close to spec'd rating)

http://ultimateavmag.com/avreceivers/908pio09tx/index7.html

 

[speakerman39]

Speaker--you should check out this review of the 2308ci here on Audioholics. It clearly shows you the amplifier section power versus the stated specs....and I know this is one of the units you mentioned intially. Clearly Denon is giving thier products a conservative power rating. So I would imagine this would hold true with the 2808ci which you also metioned....

Thanks Chopin as I have looked at it previously. It looks like the Denon's are very conservative on their power ratings. To be honest, I am kinda leaning towards the 2808 CI. I am very impressed with what I have read on it thus far. Just have to sort this all out. Thanks once again for your help my friend. Kudos to you!

Cheers,

Phil

 

[speakerman39]

It seemed rather apparent to me that Onkyo decided it was more cost effective to reserve the better amplifier for the higher model. The 805 and 875 had the same amplifier section. You will see now that the 876 still weighs 50 pounds, and you noted the 806 slimmed down from it's older brother. The 805 was certainly better in terms of power, but the 875 had a huge price difference to it with only a few gains (video processing being the most notable). The 876 offers the same video processing as the 875, but the 806 still has just the Faroudja DCDi (only this time it upscales)

The 876 puts out a ton of heat, that's due to it's very inefficient (but very effective) Class A/B design. The Onkyo uses 4 output devices per channel, and has a mamoth power supply. It can deliver monster amounts of power.

The SC-05 doesn't have the video scaling prowess of the Onkyo but also has an awesome amp section. Using the ICEpower Class D topology it's a far more efficient design. It's going to run cooler in high level output situations, while the Onkyo runs hot as hell when it's not doing anything. Considering it weighs about 40 pounds and is THX Ultra II cert, I would venture to say it's got every bit of power that the Onkyo has, possibly more. The Pioneer is also prettier to look at sitting on your AV rack with the high grade glossy finish and amber lighting (it's just a sexy machine).

FTR: the SC-09 measured extremely well (very close to spec'd rating)

http://ultimateavmag.com/avreceivers/908pio09tx/index7.html

Wow Seth, I find this very insightful. To be honest, I have already ruled out the 876 due to the heating issue. If I decide to spend that much even with my discount, I will opt for the Elite SC-05. I also agree it is the sexiest receiver I have ever seen. Not to mention the Ice amp topology. It just comes down to how much I want to spend and perhaps hold off yet again on getting a BR player. In other words, I am looking at ALL options. Very informative my friend!

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Seth=L]

Wow Seth, I find this very insightful. To be honest, I have already ruled out the 876 due to the heating issue. If I decide to spend that much even with my discount, I will opt for the Elite SC-05. I also agree it is the sexiest receiver I have ever seen. Not to mention the Ice amp topology. It just comes down to how much I want to spend and perhaps hold off yet again on getting a BR player. In other words, I am looking at ALL options. Very informative my friend!

Cheers,

Phil

I'm on a helping frenzy, this is what happens when my love for audio is rekindled.

 

[speakerman39]

I'm on a helping frenzy, this is what happens when my love for audio is rekindled.

This is very good to hear. Lord knows you have me helped me plenty in the past. So, just let me say thank you and please know I really appreciate it.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Seth=L]

This is very good to hear. Lord knows you have me helped me plenty in the past. So, just let me say thank you and please know I really appreciate it.

Cheers,

Phil

Thank you for your kind words. I've just had an excellent couple of days I tell you.

 

[jamie2112]

That Elit AVR is really slick looking. I can't wait to see it Phil. It has features for days and it uses the Icepower class D topology which I am really starting to like quite a bit. It is gonna be a little while before I get a new AVR so I am gonna have to live vicariously through others here...

 

[speakerman39]

Thank you for your kind words. I've just had an excellent couple of days I tell you.

You know Seth, I have too. I mean the weather here has just been amazing to say the least. Work was a bit stressful, but I managed to make several sales. One was close to 1K alone today. Been selling subs, speakers, and lots of keyless/remote starter set-ups. Anyways, glad to hear things are going well for you too. Hope this trend continues.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Midcow2]

Get a Behringer; but remember power is logrithmic!

Oh I can answer that. Quite simply-money.......LOL!!!! As always, I only have so much money to work with w/o going into great debt. I still owe on my LCD, but everything else is paid-off. I just want to get something that will do me for a good while. In other words, being future proof is also a determinant factor. Have any other ideas?

Cheers,

Phil

If money and power are factors why not get an inexpensive yet good power amp as Behringer EP1500 for $219.99 2 x 700 Watts into 2 Ohms, 1400 Watts into 4 Ohms bridged operation
http://www.compuplus.com/i-Behringer-EP1500-Power-Amplifier-1010813~.html?sid=2vompug35qo7at5

Connect the pre-outs to the Behringer and drive your fronts with more power.

Also remember that power is logrithmic doubling thepower only gives you a 3dB increase in sound. So to get a noticable increase in sound you will need significantly more power. The receivers you are looking at aren't going to provide that much over your current set-up.

 

[speakerman39]

That Elit AVR is really slick looking. I can't wait to see it Phil. It has features for days and it uses the Icepower class D topology which I am really starting to like quite a bit. It is gonna be a little while before I get a new AVR so I am gonna have to live vicariously through others here...

Jamie, I could not agree with you more. However, not too keen on spending that much money right now. If I order it, I am stuck no matter what. As such, I am narrowing things down quite a bit though. The 876 is out. If I spend that much, I will go for the Elite SC-05. As of right now, the Denon 2808 CI is looking promising. Now, I need to compare it to the likes of the Pioneer 1018 and the Elite-01. Just wished I knew if the amp in the 1018 is on par with the one that is in the 1015. I really loved the 1015. This, of course, is wishful thinking. At least I am getting closer my friend.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[zumbo]

From the list.

I like the 1800.

 

[speakerman39]

If money and power are factors why not get an inexpensive yet good power amp as Behringer EP1500 for $219.99 2 x 700 Watts into 2 Ohms, 1400 Watts into 4 Ohms bridged operation
http://www.compuplus.com/i-Behringer-EP1500-Power-Amplifier-1010813~.html?sid=2vompug35qo7at5

Connect the pre-outs to the Behringer and drive your fronts with more power.

Also remember that power is logrithmic doubling thepower only gives you a 3dB increase in sound. So to get a noticable increase in sound you will need significantly more power. The receivers you are looking at aren't going to provide that much over your current set-up.

Thanks for the advice. But, I am not interested in the behringers amps at this point in time. The Emotivas look promising. Just don't have the budget for separates right now. I do appreciate and respect your suggestions though.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[speakerman39]

I like the 1800.

Oh yeah, the 1800 is still in the running. However, gonna see if I can get the 1900 for the price given for the 1800. I think I can get it done. If not, then the 1800 is out. On that note, the Elite-03 is out because I can not justify the higher price. Once again, I am getting much closer.

Cheers,

Phil