Reciever reccomendations <$1,700 street

[maggie]

Long time reader, first time poster – usually a PM’er. I want to upgrade my receiver. Currently using Def Tech Pro Cinema 100’s in 5.1 system, with JVC D-ILA, Dish HD receiver / DVR, JVC DVD (component only) and older Onkyo 65 W receiver, component inputs only.

My original desire was to increase power to open up the sound stage of the Def Techs and to simplify the hookups by adding HDMI switching and video up conversion. Besides not sure which receiver is the best for me, I’m not sure the current state of HDMI warrants the purchase of a HDMI receiver at all. A lot of “handshake” problems, probably until the release of the next version.
My choices for HDMI units are Yamaha 2600 (nice review here), Pioneer 74 (great review in another publication – Stereophile?). I have considered the Marantz 8500 because of perceived reputation, and DVI switching half accomplishes one of my goals without the HDMI problems, but I feel its electronics may be getting a little long in the tooth. The wild card receiver is the Arcam 300, as I can’t find a bad review, but I give up the video switching and pay 70% more, something I am willing to do based on the rave reviews.

Finally, I am having a tough time understanding absolute value of some of the ratings like THD, but fully understand the impact of stated verse real power in Watts. IE, Does 1/100th of % of distortion really make a big difference? My guess is no, with sound being much more dependnet on your ears, room acoustics and equipment.

Looking for recommendations, even with receivers I didn’t list up to $1700 or so. Separates won’t work due to space limitations. I have read up on the other usual suspects, NAD, Sherwood Newcastle etc, and are open to them, but seem to be drawn back to the Yamaha and Pioneer camp.
Thanks for your thoughts.
“Maggie”

 

[PENG]

I visited a few stores to listen to the Arcam AVR300, a couple of the Yamah RX-V models, some NAD models, HK's, a Marantz integrated, Anthem separates etc., before settling for a Denon 3805. Subjectively, the Arcam AVR300 sounded the best. It sounded so sweet that I ended up buying the speakers that was used for the demo. After reading the 2004 November issues of the What*HI*FI magazine I was completely sold on the Denon. They rated it higher (overall features & SQ) than both the Arcam 300 and the NADT773. Coming from a British magazine I thought they probably wouldn't be bias against the British made (or at least designed) products. I have no regret with my choice, as the Denon is able to make my speakers sound just as good as the Arcam, and is hundreds of dollars less expensive.

1/100th of a % is not likely going to make any audible difference unless you have all sorts of high end equipment and an acoustically close to perfect environment. Given your $1,700 budget it is hard not to look to Yamaha, Denon, and Pioneer. Of the three, you will likely get more watts/dollar from the Denon models in terms of all channel driven power. In terms of 1,2 channel driven power, almost any of the AVR3806, 4306, RXV2600, 4600, VSX-74TXVi can give you over 130W rms at <0.1% THD into 8 ohms or 200W at <0.1% THD into 4 ohms. A long list of reviews, most of them include lab measurements, are available at the Home Theater Mag site:

http://www.hometheatermag.com/receivers/index.html

 

[cthomp]

Many choices

Maggie, I too am looking for a receiver. I am leaning towards the Denon and thought I might wait for the new AVR2807. I have not ruled out the much cheaper Pioneer VSX-1015TX though! I have read some good reviews on the Pioneer but not sure if it would have enough power for your application. 120W X 7 with THX Select 2 Certification! I have also read many favorable reviews for the Denon AVR3805(6). There are some tough choices out there!

 

[maggie]

Thanks for the thoughts. After yet another day of "the TV is not turning on" from the CEO of my household (wife) I decided I need to include video switching, so out goes the Arcam. Based on the relative closeness of the rest in terms of measurments, I'll do a few listening tests and go from there.
Thanks again for the thoughts.
Maggie

 

[PENG]

It may not matter to you, but at the specified price point, the Denon AVR4306 will likely deliver the highest all channel driven power.

 

[maggie]

Funny you mention that. After a trip to the local a/v shop I was leaning toward the Pioneer, but had to listen to and look at the denon 4306. An extra HDMI, a little extra power; generally I think a bit better all around. But alomost $500 street more, so I need to think about that. I could add a new DVD player for that.
Maggie

 

[PENG]

The 4306's stronger power supply, HDCD, capability etc., would more likely give you audible sound quality improvement than a $500 DVD player would. The more powerful receiver may give you a longer term peace of mind, unless you have plan to add an external power amp in the future. If you really want to pay less, you may want to compare the Pioneer Elite model you have in mind, to the 3806 and the Yamaha 4600.

 

[cthomp]

Pioneer

You can find the VSX-1015TX for under $400. Heck of a receiver for that $$

 

[Geno]

I'm looking hard myself, and leaning toward the 4306 simply because of the HDMI switching/upconversion. My present 3805 does just fine, but I've got the upgrade bug again. There are a lot of great choices out there in this price range.

 

[maggie]

I went through a couple of auditions this weekend and decided on the Pioneer 74 (though the 72 for $300 less may be the final choice). I really thought that the Pioneer did sound the best. That said, a wise man on this forum mentioned that in the end the speakers will provide the biggest differnce in sound; I knew that but lost track of it. When I auditioned the receivers the differences in sound was most noticable in the most expensinve speakers. Backing down to something closer to my Def Tech Sub sat system and the differences were less noticable. In the end I thought the Pioneer had a bit more in the mids. But I'll bet with some tweaking comparable receivers can get close to each other. All three places I went firmly believe the Pioneer auto set up is superior to the Dennons and Yamaha, but all three also said it comes down to some personal preferences.
So the next step will be to upgrade the speakers!
Thanks
Maggie