Receiver question-please help

[TrinFast10]

Ive been looking around and comparing receivers and I was wondering what you guys would recommend between the new Pioneer SC-07, Onkyo TX-NR905, Denon 5308CI? Im aware of the huge price gap between the three of them, I dont really care. Incidentally, I was wondering what the real difference is between the Denon 5308CI and 4308CI? Any help or advice would be much appreciated...

 

[bandphan]

by "real" differences what do you mean? Are there speakers in the plans for one of these units? Room Size? Sources? Multizone?

 

[TrinFast10]

Well, im going to be using it as the center of home video set-up, Im gonna be using JBL Studio L series speakers in a room thats 20x10x8. Blu-ray player, Xbox 360, and maybe a 2nd zone in my kitchen powered by an amp. Picture through a projector or flat panel lcd. I also wanna be able to stream audio from my computer...if that helps

 

[jcPanny]

HT Receivers

I would recoment a receiver in the $500-1k price range for you system and posibly investing some of the savings in better speakers. Receivers in this price range will have the power and features you need from your main system and can even power your zone 2 (if the main HT is 5.1).

Add a device like the SqueezeBox or Apple TV to handle the audio streaming. The Apple TV will also do video and pictures. These will do a much better job than the built in features on a high end receiver. Also, I wouldn't worry too much about receiver scalling features since you will be using HD sources like BluRay.

You can find the Onkyo 805 around $600 and the 905 for about $1k. Comparable models from Yamaha and Denon are also good options.

 

[bandphan]

agree with jcp, unless you need all of the features the of the AVRs you listed, your getting diminshing returns.

 

[Panjsheri]

I think for the price point and the options available the Onkyo beats all others by far as a comparable product made my Denon or Yamaha...etc would cost a lot more money. Now that I have the 905 I can tell you this I will never regret it and have never had an issue since...knock on wood

 

[TrinFast10]

Well, what kind of speakers would you recommend, im looking for a 7.1 system?

 

[TrinFast10]

Ive also heard that there are significant differences between the upscaling chips, the Reon and the Faroudjia, is that true? Or is it just a matter of preference? I am wondering because I will have a regular DVD player connected

 

[jostenmeat]

Well, what kind of speakers would you recommend, im looking for a 7.1 system?

Speakers first. Repeat after me: speeaaaakerrss fiiiirrrrrsssst...

buying the accompanying amplifier section before the speakers is not prudent, if you ask me.

 

[jcPanny]

HT options.

Well, what kind of speakers would you recommend, im looking for a 7.1 system?

What is your budget for the speakers?
Check out some of the packages from ID companies like SVS, AV123, Ascend, etc. At local dealers look for Paradigm, Klipsch Reference, PSB, Energy, etc.

Ive also heard that there are significant differences between the upscaling chips, the Reon and the Faroudjia, is that true? Or is it just a matter of preference? I am wondering because I will have a regular DVD player connected

I wouldn't place so much emphasis on the upscalling features on the receiver. Instead invest in a better source like an upscaling DVD player (Oppo Digital) or a PS3 for BluRay playback.
You could spend $150 for a new DVD player or >$500 more for a receiver that includes a comparable video scaling chip.

 

[PENG]

Ive also heard that there are significant differences between the upscaling chips, the Reon and the Faroudjia, is that true? Or is it just a matter of preference? I am wondering because I will have a regular DVD player connected

It is probably true if you compare their specs, but the chip itself is only one of the contributors albeit the main one, among other factors that contribute to the final results. Regardless, you may or may not find good use of the scalar. I have the 4308 but I use it mainly for sound and video source switching. I prefer to turn as many internal electronic circuits off as possible to minimize heat and any potential interference.

 

[TrinFast10]

Ok, thanks for the advice