I currently have a 5.1 setup SVS MBS 02 Bookshelf Speakers and Center with the SSS 02 Surrounds and a PC12-NSD Sub. I would like to keep the option of adding 2 more surround speakers and possible another sub in the future so looking for a 7.1 or 7.2 receiver. I currently have the dreaded Onkyo TX SR 707 receiver which I thought was a great deal at the time in 2009 but I have now encountered the infamous no sound and quickly discover many have this problem due to a defect in the HDMI board and guessing it runs out and dries out the capacitors. Many people have posted that Onkyo will let you send in back in once out of warranty and you only pay shipping but many have reported they encounter the same problem in 6-9 months. I am going to do this anyway and try to get the most life out of this unit as I can and as a secondary receiver but needless to say I am fairly pissed that it appears these are lemons and with a sour taste in my mouth I am dony with Onkyo receivers.
My other gripes about this receiver is how hot it gets, it sounds phenomenal playing movies but not so great listening to music which was disappointing so I am back in the receiver market. I feel overwhelmed and need some help in the right direction. There are so many receivers out there. I see a lot on Yamaha, Denon, and Pioneer. And then there is Harman Kardan and Marantz. Needless to say I started a little research and I was surprised to see a lot of talk about the latest Sony receivers.
I have been looking at the Sony STR-DN840 which is about $400 and the Sony STR-DN1040 which is about $525 since there has been so many good reviews. All that setup to basically ask what current receivers on the market would you recommend and why? What are your thoughts on the Sony receivers I listed compared to what is on the market? And what features on the current receivers should I be looking for regarding my current setup with a little future proofing.
I am looking for support for UltraHD 4K since that is emerging and might be something I pick up when the price is right. I am looking for a receiver that will be equally impressive with Movies and Music and support a 7.1 or 7.2 setup although mine is 5.1 currently. I do want the built in wifi and streaming capabilities with Pandora or what not and be able to hook up my ipod.
Thanks in advance for any help in narrowing down some serious contenders in the price range of $400 to $1,000 but I don't want to spend the extra money if it is not necessary. I spent $500 on my last receiver which was a dud. Would like to find the sweet spot where price meets performance and something built to last. Very disappointed with a dud after 3 years basically.
