Receiver Suggestions

[markmc83]

Hello long time creeper first time poster.

I'm on my way to making a simple 2.1 system and hopefully expand beyond that in the future. I just recently purchased a set of Energy RC-10's and now I'm looking for a receiver. My price range is $400 or less, I have a PS3 for watching movies and playing SF4. Also it's located in a small bedroom. I have been looking at the Marantz SR4003 because I can get it refurbed cheap and also refurbed 5001/6001 but these models don't have auto set up and I'm kinda worried that might be a problem for a home theater noob like myself. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[rnatalli]

The Marantz SR4003 is a nice receiver. My only real complaint is that it doesn't output the OSD over HDMI. I also like the HK 254 and Denon 1610 which can be had for under $400. The Denon has Audyssey which is arguably the best auto setup program, but like others, it doesn't always work 100%. Also, Denon is probably the most difficult receiver to setup; its remote, menu, and GUI suck. The HK 254 is by far the easiest AVR to setup. With the HK, you just have to be sure you're using at least the 95 firmware.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Hi Mark,

First, Welcome to the club.

Did you check on the Marantz SR5002, at accessories 4 less, only $350.
It has M.R.A.C. (Marantz Room Automatic Calibration), and 3 HDMI inputs.

Here: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR5002/Marantz/SR5002-receiver-90w-x-7ch-HDMI-home-theater-surround/1.html

--> Just scroll down a bit.

Bob

 

[markmc83]

Thanks for the feedback, I think I might have it figured out. But now i dont know if it will fit in my tv stand now.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Thanks for the feedback, I think I might have it figured out. But now i dont know if it will fit in my tv stand now.

Well, that'll be a real drag, because the Marantz receivers are, I believe, the smallest ones
(from the depth anyway).
Is it the height that might not fit?

* Can you use a saw and cut a small piece of your TV stand to make it fit?

* Or if you wait a few years, receivers will come in mini size with ICE power.

 

[markmc83]

Well, that'll be a real drag, because the Marantz receivers are, I believe, the smallest ones
(from the depth anyway).
Is it the height that might not fit?

* Can you use a saw and cut a small piece of your TV stand to make it fit?

* Or if you wait a few years, receivers will come in mini size with ICE power.

Yea it's the height, I'm only off probably 1 cm. Maybe I can remove the legs and sneak one in there, but then it might not get proper air circulation.

 

[lsiberian]

Yea it's the height, I'm only off probably 1 cm. Maybe I can remove the legs and sneak one in there, but then it might not get proper air circulation.

Check the HK, Denon, Yamaha, and Onkyo receivrs. They may be able to fit in there.

 

[markmc83]

Check the HK, Denon, Yamaha, and Onkyo receivrs. They may be able to fit in there.

I checked out those HK 254's a few minutes ago and I really like the look of those and the seem to be going for pretty cheap on ebay. With that said how do they stack up vs. the marantz 5002 or 4003.

 

[lsiberian]

I checked out those HK 254's a few minutes ago and I really like the look of those and the seem to be going for pretty cheap on ebay. With that said how do they stack up vs. the marantz 5002 or 4003.

I use the 247 with my PS3 and love it. But it's got issues with my HDTV tuner. Still I prefer it's EQ system to most anything I've used based on it's simplicity. The Logic 7 mode for music is probably the most wonderful feature for my listening. I love it more than anything else I've used. Though Yamaha has a nice one too.

It's a different color though. They only come in silver and the remote is a tricky one to learn. Still 200 bucks for a reputable receiver with a solid amp section and nice features is hard to beat.

I do suggest you go for the 354 if you have the space and funds. Those are just really nice receivers. IMO.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Hey Mark, is there another place in your TV stand that you can put it?

You've got to be better than this man. You don't buy nice audio products that only fit in your rack or TV stand. You buy a rack or a TV stand to accomodate your TV or your audio components, not the other way around, it's just common sense man.

Anyway, you got my 0.02 cents, if that makes any sense.

 

[markmc83]

Hey Mark, is there another place in your TV stand that you can put it?

You've got to be better than this man. You don't buy nice audio products that only fit in your rack or TV stand. You buy a rack or a TV stand to accomodate your TV or your audio components, not the other way around, it's just common sense man.

Anyway, you got my 0.02 cents, if that makes any sense.

Yea I might have to set it in a different spot while I get a new rack or something. I really had no intention of buying audio equipment when I picked up my TV stand but plans change.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Yea I might have to set it in a different spot while I get a new rack or something. I really had no intention of buying audio equipment when I picked up my TV stand but plans change.

Yep, it always does.