Recommend my next 15 year receiver

[SlimJim]

Hi all, wanted to get some input on whether it's time to move on from my otherwise excellent Pioneer SC-07 that has served me well for for the past 15-16 years. I finally entered into the 4K arena and loving that upgrade. Over the years I've simplified my AV setup and am basically down to just a single AppleTV for all source material. Because the Pioneer can't support 4K or eARC, my current setup has the AppleTV going directly to the TV and then optical out from the TV to the Pioneer. That limits my audio to only Dolby Digital so no playing with newer formats.

I'm still in a 5.1 config and likely will stay there for now. My speakers are Sunfire XT CRM-2's for front and rear (400w/8ohm), a CRS-3C for center (440w/6ohm), and their powered sub (forget the model). So they can take (and need) some power to them.

With a budget of $1000, what should be on the short list of receivers that could last me another 15 years?

A few contenders mainly based on price and reading recommendations.
Onkyo TX-RZ50/Z230
Integra DRX 3.4
Denon AVR-X3800H
Pioneer LX505/305

 

[highfigh]

Hi all, wanted to get some input on whether it's time to move on from my otherwise excellent Pioneer SC-07 that has served me well for for the past 15-16 years. I finally entered into the 4K arena and loving that upgrade. Over the years I've simplified my AV setup and am basically down to just a single AppleTV for all source material. Because the Pioneer can't support 4K or eARC, my current setup has the AppleTV going directly to the TV and then optical out from the TV to the Pioneer. That limits my audio to only Dolby Digital so no playing with newer formats.

I'm still in a 5.1 config and likely will stay there for now. My speakers are Sunfire XT CRM-2's for front and rear (400w/8ohm), a CRS-3C for center (440w/6ohm), and their powered sub (forget the model). So they can take (and need) some power to them.

With a budget of $1000, what should be on the short list of receivers that could last me another 15 years?

A few contenders mainly based on price and reading recommendations.
Onkyo TX-RZ50/Z230
Integra DRX 3.4
Denon AVR-X3800H
Pioneer LX505/305

Can your TV up-convert video? I would try that, or see if you REALLY need to use 4K. Your viewing distance determines whether the resolution needs to be 4K or not.

How much of the content from the providers through an AppleTV is 4K, anyway?

 

[Trell]

With current streaming quality for audio you won't necessarily get better audio quality, if that is your only source.

That said, an AVR like the Denon AVR-X3800H have a good room EQ that is likely to improve your listening experience.

 

[SlimJim]

Can your TV up-convert video? I would try that, or see if you REALLY need to use 4K. Your viewing distance determines whether the resolution needs to be 4K or not.

How much of the content from the providers through an AppleTV is 4K, anyway?

My 4K sources are mainly from Plex and AppleTV. The 1080p stuff looks good too, but it's a noticeable difference going to 4K and I expect that format will become more and more common.

 

[Trell]

Can your TV up-convert video? I would try that, or see if you REALLY need to use 4K. Your viewing distance determines whether the resolution needs to be 4K or not.

How much of the content from the providers through an AppleTV is 4K, anyway?

He wrote that he has upgraded to 4K for TV and streamer. And yes, it's worth it, but is now a sunk cost in any case.

 

[Trell]

My 4K sources are mainly from Plex and Netflix. The 1080p stuff looks good too, but it's a noticeable difference going to 4K and I expect that format will become more and more common.

I think 1080p looks good too but modern 4K TVs adds a much wider color space and HDR that do make a difference (if the source provides it).

As you have Plex I for sure would get a new receiver (assuming BluRay content) to take advantage of better sound quality.

 

[highfigh]

My 4K sources are mainly from Plex and Netflix. The 1080p stuff looks good too, but it's a noticeable difference going to 4K and I expect that format will become more and more common.

With higher resolution, comes additional problems with signal transport- if you try to use an HDMI cable from 20 years ago, it probably won't work well, if at all, for 4K. This is especially likely if the cable is longer than 6'. When High Def and HDMI came about, I don't think anyone thought that HDMI would still be used now, nor would they expect that resolution would increase to 4K or 8K. This is a problem because most 'custom installed' systems hid the cables and many installers/installation companies secured the cables, rather than using some kind of conduit. That changed quickly, but the reality is- HDMI was never meant to be used for long cable runs and was supposed to be 6' at most, connected and left alone. These limitations would have prevented me and most sensible people from

 

[Trell]

With higher resolution, comes additional problems with signal transport- if you try to use an HDMI cable from 20 years ago, it probably won't work well, if at all, for 4K. This is especially likely if the cable is longer than 6'. When High Def and HDMI came about, I don't think anyone thought that HDMI would still be used now, nor would they expect that resolution would increase to 4K or 8K. This is a problem because most 'custom installed' systems hid the cables and many installers/installation companies secured the cables, rather than using some kind of conduit. That changed quickly, but the reality is- HDMI was never meant to be used for long cable runs and was supposed to be 6' at most, connected and left alone. These limitations would have prevented me and most sensible people from

I'm pretty sure he did not do a custom install with long cable runs in the walls.

Replacing his old HDMI cables with new ones is good advice, though.

To OP: In the Apple TV 4K there is in the settings a test verifying that 4K with Dolby Vision/HDR works with your HDMI cable.

 

[SlimJim]

Yes, this is a short cable run (15 ft) and I did purchase a new 8K compatible HDMI cable. The AppleTV is configured to 4K/HDR using that.

 

[Teetertotter?]

If considering a replacement AVR, may I recommend Denon or Yamaha. Latest Tecnology, will go a looong way. Good Luck

 

[kini]

Don't expect any of the new models to last 15 years. They're just not built the same anymore. The Denon/Marantz room EQ is very good but they run super hot which I guess will shorten their lifespan.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

@PENG does using the Eco mode help reduce the heat of the Denon/Marantz?

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

@PENG does using the Eco mode help reduce the heat of the Denon/Marantz?

IME yes. Quite a lot actually. I use a Yamaha amp so I leave my Marantz in eco so it stays cool.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Don't expect any of the new models to last 15 years. They're just not built the same anymore. The Denon/Marantz room EQ is very good but they run super hot which I guess will shorten their lifespan.

Meh. I have a couple AVR’s that run hotter than the sun. They’re 20 years old and have never done anything strange, and are still in service. Conversely, the only AVR I’ve owned that needed fixin didn’t get much over room temperature. It was very powerful as well. So maybe heat matters, but maybe not…

 

[PENG]

@PENG does using the Eco mode help reduce the heat of the Denon/Marantz?

Yes, based on may older AVR-X4400H and the newest AVR-X1800H. It makes sense because it lowers the rail voltage, among possibly other things.

 

[Funnychap]

Hi all, wanted to get some input on whether it's time to move on from my otherwise excellent Pioneer SC-07 that has served me well for for the past 15-16 years. I finally entered into the 4K arena and loving that upgrade. Over the years I've simplified my AV setup and am basically down to just a single AppleTV for all source material. Because the Pioneer can't support 4K or eARC, my current setup has the AppleTV going directly to the TV and then optical out from the TV to the Pioneer. That limits my audio to only Dolby Digital so no playing with newer formats.

I'm still in a 5.1 config and likely will stay there for now. My speakers are Sunfire XT CRM-2's for front and rear (400w/8ohm), a CRS-3C for center (440w/6ohm), and their powered sub (forget the model). So they can take (and need) some power to them.

With a budget of $1000, what should be on the short list of receivers that could last me another 15 years?

A few contenders mainly based on price and reading recommendations.
Onkyo TX-RZ50/Z230
Integra DRX 3.4
Denon AVR-X3800H
Pioneer LX505/305

I had Onkyo years ago and the HDMI output broke. Center channel dialogue was weak.

I had a Denon X3700H which was ok for movies (I'd rate 3/5) but terrible for music (2/5)...I finally sold it because dialogue is not clear. The Denon X3800H doesn't specify what DAC is inside either like the X3700H.

Then I got an Arcam AVR5 which sounds way better (it's almost twice the weight of the Denon). The DACs are 2 ESS sabre Pro. I'd rate 5/5 for movies and 4/5 for music.

I'd get a used Arcam AVR5 which should be around $1k.

My video:

 

[highfigh]

Meh. I have a couple AVR’s that run hotter than the sun. They’re 20 years old and have never done anything strange, and are still in service. Conversely, the only AVR I’ve owned that needed fixin didn’t get much over room temperature. It was very powerful as well. So maybe heat matters, but maybe not…

The thing about the air above a receiver being hot- as long as the heat sinks are sized correctly, remain clean and nothing blocks air flowing in at the bottom and out through the top, it should work for a long time- it's not the air temperature that matters, it's the temperature of the output devices and if the design includes thermocouples and a circuit that uses them to shut off the B+, it should be fine.

I have a50 year old Fischer receiver that lives under a workbench in my basement and a 45+ year old Sony that, until recently, was on a shelf in my garage that's not constantly heated and it'snot fully insulated. I cleaned the controls & switches in the Fischer last Summer and did the same for the Sony before taking it to have a bad regulator found & replaced but that's all since I got it- my parents' old neighbor left it on the step near the alley because it had stopped working and it was a model I liked when that series was new, so I took it to the store where I had worked and the service tech made it work, but didn't bother to replace the part for the LED tuning indicator.

I don't know if either runs hot- I have never checked them.

 

[Tankini]

Don't expect any of the new models to last 15 years. They're just not built the same anymore. The Denon/Marantz room EQ is very good but they run super hot which I guess will shorten their lifespan.

Much less the way, Onkyo,Denon, Pioneer etc, getting sold off. Good post though. An honest opinion your post is. 15 years? More like 5-7 tops with the way technology changes so fast.

 

[Tankini]

Meh. I have a couple AVR’s that run hotter than the sun. They’re 20 years old and have never done anything strange, and are still in service. Conversely, the only AVR I’ve owned that needed fixin didn’t get much over room temperature. It was very powerful as well. So maybe heat matters, but maybe not…

Maybe/Maybe not, heat Is a enemy to electronics. Building whole buildings to store servers>(internet) have to be kept cool considerably.

Had several Onkyo AVR's they all ran very hot. Still good performing tons of output. What didn't last about that brand/'s, format was outdated before it crapped out.

Buying a mid-level AVR in today's market can set the average consumer back, 8 hundred + to well over 1k. Those that have funds to splash around aren't chained down as much.

Dimension returns is a Real factor. That analogy can be stated about anything though.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

It probably just comes down to FEATURES you like more.

I love Denon/Marantz Dynamic EQ for sound quality and Subwoofer Bass Management even in Pure Direct mode, but in the end I like Yamaha’s MusicCast more.

So you have to determine which features you like more.