Receiver died so I need updated receiver advice.

[Gene Sentell]

Hi I am new to Audioholic as of last week and this is my first interaction on the forum.


My 15 year old Onkyo DX-DS797 receiver stopped outputting sound and it's time to upgrade my theater system. I have ancient (late 80's) Energy 22 Reference as my main speakers - they were re-coned by the manufacture 15 years ago. I still like their sound. I am using Energy AC-300 for my center and L/R surround speakers and a Dr Hsu VTF-3 as a sub. These are in a 20' X 10' X 8' living room that opens up via an archway to the back of the apartment. So it's essentially a 35' wide room but the 20' is the living space where the entertainment is. We use it for movies as well as music. We sit about 8 feet away on the 10' side. I like it fairly loud but not ear-bleedingly so.

What is a good receiver for me to get? I'm looking to get probably 7.1 channels and use two channels for a second zone. I want to be fully networked, wired and wifi. It might be nice to get video in the second zone but not a deal breaker. I'm thinking a refurbished receiver might save some money.

I'm looking at the Yamaha Yamaha RX-A1050 for about $779 (refurbished). It seems to have a lot of bells and whistles and comes at the top end of what I wish to spend. What do you experts think? Any alternatives? I need to do it soon.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

In your price range I'd highly recommend Denon X4000.
You can get it refub here: http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...ultra-hd-networking-receiver-w/airplay/1.html
(yes, ac4l is a trusted vendor)
or on amazon (from amazon warehouse deals)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00CALM17C/ref=dp_olp_all_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=all
Extra cost will go towards full 3 years warranty from denon.
Be careful where you're buying it from. Amazon (itself, but not necessarily most of sellers) and Ac4l are vendor certified

option b) still good if want to save few more bucks:
http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...ch-100wpc-4k-receiver-wi-fi/bt/airplay/1.html

 

[Gene Sentell]

Unfortunately the Denon on AC41 is out-of-stock. The Amazon site prices are still lower than my Yamaha idea and I like the aesthetics of the face plate better. But although I have no problem with factory rebuilt, I do worry about used. I don't want the dented one. The other caveat I have is lack of wifi in the unit. I'm not even sure what flexibility I would use by NOT having it. After all, these are new features to me. Option b: has some good features like the wifi, but doesn't look as good as the Denon and I wonder whether it is beefy enough for me. (I guess I don't trust a $399 receiver). But you gave me much to think about. Thank you.

 

[awdio]

I'd recommend a Sony dn 1060. It's inexpensive and has both wifi and Bluetooth. It sounds good and is easy to use. The smaller dn 860 is almost as good and of course even cheaper.

 

[Gene Sentell]

I'm not trying to be difficult here but I don't really understand networking as it relates to a receiver. I've been out of the audiophile game for too long. I am a IT professional so I understand Ethernet and wifi. What I don't know is whether w-fi gives me more flexibility in usage with my mobile devices. The two of us have Apple and Android devices. What sort of bandwidth do I need? I'm thinking of the capacity of my network equipment. I have only 4 ethernet GB links available and one is used to send to a swich at 100MHz. I haven't found info on this site or in my audiobooks. I want to be as future-proof as possible with my AV receiver selection. I'm only growing more confused with tradeoffs. Anyone know of any good networking links as it applies to A/V?

 

[markw]

Don't feel bad, Gene. I've been in this hobby for over 50 years and was an applications programmer for 25 and I still don't get it. I hope someone can enlighten us. ...and my AVR is 13 years old and probably will need replacement pretty soon.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Unfortunately the Denon on AC41 is out-of-stock. The Amazon site prices are still lower than my Yamaha idea and I like the aesthetics of the face plate better. But although I have no problem with factory rebuilt, I do worry about used. I don't want the dented one. The other caveat I have is lack of wifi in the unit. I'm not even sure what flexibility I would use by NOT having it. After all, these are new features to me. Option b: has some good features like the wifi, but doesn't look as good as the Denon and I wonder whether it is beefy enough for me. (I guess I don't trust a $399 receiver). But you gave me much to think about. Thank you.

Marantz it's not really a $400 AVR, more of $900 then it was new. As in power - it's has same 100wpc as your current Onkyo does. btw: Denon and Marantz are same company as in D&M Holdings.

Regarding buying used on amazon - You're not buying used toothbrush - These things is most likely new items which had issues with external packaging or at worst customer returns. Amazon inspects them and like I said, "used" unlike "refub" - makes you eligible for full 3 years warranty service.

If you're IT pro as you say, then you won't worry about lack of wifi port as you could easily get wifi bridge if ethernet is not option or just get amazon fire TV (or stick) or a similar media client.

As for network capacity - don't worry, you can stream full Blueray - 1080p video with HD audio over 100Mbps ethernet no problem.

 

[Gene Sentell]

Thanks, Bored
I didn't know that Denon and Marantz were now connected. I haven't looked at audio equipment for 15 years. I never had a good impression of Marantz. It seemed in the old days to be considered an overpriced but under-featured brand like Mackintosh.

I guess the stick might be an option since they can be used in an HDMI port. I don't want to use the Ethernet for a bridge since I want to directly connect to an ethernet whether or not I have wi-fi. I was primarily thinking about ability to connect wirelessly from an Ipad or smart phone. I'm not even clear what that will do for me, but I just like the flexibility.

It's good news that 100MB is fast enough. I've got plenty of available cables and available ports.

Again, thanks.

 

[Gene Sentell]

Thanks for your help, all. I took the plunge and got the Denon AVR-X4100W:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-list...olp_refurbished?ie=UTF8&condition=refurbished

And decided I wanted to resurrect my vinyl. I've heard good reports about this turntable so I ordered it as well:

http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Ject-Debu...8331&sr=1-5&keywords=pro-ject+debut+carbon+dc