Receiver options for MA Bronze 5.1 HT

[Fusion]

Hi all,

I've pretty much decided to go with the following speaker set:

Monitor Audio Bronze BR5 fronts
Monitor Audio Bronze BR1 rears
Monitor Audio Bronze BR-LCR center
HSU STF-2 or SVS 20-39 or SVS 25-31 PCi subwoofer

I am considering the following three receivers:

Marantz SR5002
Denon AVR-2308
Onkyo TX-SR705

I am hoping to get smooth, detailed, expansive, and neutral sound. There is an outside chance I may go with a higher price point on the receiver and get a NAD T755 or Marantz SR7002, or equivalent Denon/Onkyo model. However, if that won't yield significantly better results, I think it'd be worthwhile for me to save the expense.

Which would match up best with the MAs? Note that these are 6 ohm speakers. I am guessing this is a slightly above average load than most HT receivers need to feed.

How would you rate each brand of receiver in terms of playing rock music?

How would you describe the sound of each of those brands, for example, warm vs. bright, smooth vs. gritty, etc?

Thanks!

 

[adk highlander]

I have not listened to Monitor audio speakers but with a 6ohm load you may see the models you have listed a bit lacking. Are you looking for any other features from the video processing area? If not then look at the Emotiva separates. They will give you more power than a receiver but not have the latest HDMI connections.

 

[mike c]

my main recommendation would be pre-outs ... the 2308 doesn't have pre-outs. the 2808 does, but at a much higher cost.

i would describe the BR's to be between neutral and warm (definitely not bright). I hd the BR2 for a while ... check this out:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28964&highlight=bronze+reference

 

[jostenmeat]

Fusion,

I would first concern yourself with the features you want first. The pre-outs might come in handy someday, and the Onkyo has them. The qualities such as "warm vs. bright, smooth vs. gritty" are going to be determined by your speakers by far more than the choice between those receivers. They may be 6 ohm speakers, but even entry level components will run them fine. More power may be needed if only you really do crank it in a larger room, sitting further from the speakers. However, I found with this line of speakers that they can't get that loud anyways before breaking up. This is just my initial impression. They do sure sound sweet, especially for the money, however.

Depending on those "room factors" listed above, I might save on the receiver, and blow that on the sub. After all, the purchase of a new sub is also inherently the purchase of a new amp as well. Let us know what you do, and congrats on the new rig.

 

[Fusion]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Right now I'm leaning to the Marantz line. The 5002 has pre outs. It's good to know the Onkyo does as well. It sounds like I probably won't need to use that feature but at the same time I think it makes sense to have it should I need it.

adk highlander, as far as video processing I'm not sure the terms to use so I'll just let you know what I plan on using the system for. 50-70% music. I want SACD and DVD-A playback, for movies just regular DVDs for now, but definitely Blu Ray/HD-DVD in the future. Oh yeah, and eventually a record player. I know I'll need a phono preamp.

jostenmeat, I figured the speakers would have the greatest impact on sound but I haven't listened enough to know how much impact the amp has. I should be able to compare in the near future, as there is a dealer in my area that carries Monitor Audio, and they also carry Marantz, Denon, Pioneer Elite, and NAD. As for the sub, I figure I'll play it safe and go to a sub specialist like HSU or SVS.

And mike c, thanks for that link. The dark brown looks sweet. I'm undecided whether I want the dark brown or the cherry finish. Black finishes on a speaker kind of look dull to me, unless perhaps it's a nice clean piano black.

 

[mike c]

if HD DVD and BD is in your future ... make sure the receiver you get has HDMI connections (at least three IMO) and that these HDMI inputs at least receive HDMI audio. some HDMI inputs only switch video.

the walnut color on the BR series are a lot different than the walnut on the RS series. this one's lighter.
the black on BR doesn't actually look that bad since it's a lighter shade than the black speakers we're used to. (but of course, try to look at them in person)