Recommended receiver sub $1000

[desjardins]

I have been reading through a number of the posts as well as the buyers guide, and am trying to narrow down a receiver that is $500-1000.

Primary use will be multimedia. Current speaker setup is def. tech and JVC, but I am also looking to replace them after the receiver. I am planning to go with bookshelf speakers.

Requirements that I can think of are:

- TV supports Deepcolor
- Ability to plugin at least 2 HDMI, although 3 would be nice
- Minimum 5.1, but 7.1/7.2 would be ideal
- TrueHD, DTS-HD (MA), I believe getting a receiver that can decode the HD audio standards is better than relying on the DVD player to do so is the right decision
- Seems like HDMI repeating
- Up conversion not required unless better than getting an up-converting player, or blu-ray. Current dvd player is fairly old.


Going by the reviews and comments on the Yamaha RX-v863(663) it would be a good choice. If you are going to spend $900 on the 863, is there a better option for few $ more?

 

[Nomo]

My preference is Yamaha.
The RX-V1800 is at the top end of you budget.
The RX-V663 is pretty much the deal of the season.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?p=395803#post395803

Click on the SPRING15 link and type in the code for 15% off.
I bought my 1800 here. Very good service.

I missed your question at the end....
No I don't feel that the 863 is worth the extra money over the 663.
I'd go up another notch to the 1800 before going with the 863.
I personally don't like the looks of the 863/663 but it is far more "non-remote functional" that the 1800.

 

[desjardins]

What other options are there at the 863's price (give or a take a few $)?

I missed your question at the end....
No I don't feel that the 863 is worth the extra money over the 663.
I'd go up another notch to the 1800 before going with the 863.
I personally don't like the looks of the 863/663 but it is far more "non-remote functional" that the 1800.

 

[GlocksRock]

Another vote for the Yamahas... I got my RX-V1800 on ebay for just under $900. The Onkyo TX-SR805 is another option in that price range. But the 1800 is a very nice receiver with plenty of power and 4 HDMI inputs, and it also does upscaling and upconverting, that would be my reccomendation.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

After reading that "DTS-MA Bitstreaming Causes Damage to Speakers in some Yamaha, Onkyo, & Integra receviers/pre-pros" thread, I have to wonder just a little bit if I were buying a new receiver.

Maybe Denon is a little safer? Maybe not?

Denon 3808 for $1,000 anyone?
http://dakmart.com/search.php?keyword=denon+avr-3808

 

[GlocksRock]

It's easy enough to do the dsp update on those receivers, especially if they are new... I wouldn't let it discourage me from getting one.

 

[Seth=L]

Having the receiver handle the decoding is no different than having the player do it for you. Only Blu-ray and HD DVD players can support HD audio.

The RX-V663 doesn't have scaling, but if your TV supports deep color it more than likely has a better scaler in it than any receiver under $1000. Blu-ray is the only format that may support Deep Color, but there is no present deep color Blu-ray titles available.

 

[desjardins]

The RX-V663 doesn't have scaling, but if your TV supports deep color it more than likely has a better scaler in it than any receiver under $1000. Blu-ray is the only format that may support Deep Color, but there is no present deep color Blu-ray titles available.

The only non-hd device I have and use regularly is a Wii. If I understand it correctly, a receiver with scaling will improve the picture.

Does the v1800 provide superior sound to justify the price over a 663/863 for an average home user? The extra connections and such are nice, but not a real benefit for me.

 

[GlocksRock]

The receivers should sound the same, at least between the yamaha units you are comparing. You are paying extra for the features like upscaling and extra HDMI inputs.

 

[ParkerAudio]

After reading that "DTS-MA Bitstreaming Causes Damage to Speakers in some Yamaha, Onkyo, & Integra receviers/pre-pros" thread, I have to wonder just a little bit if I were buying a new receiver.

Maybe Denon is a little safer? Maybe not?

Denon 3808 for $1,000 anyone?
http://dakmart.com/search.php?keyword=denon+avr-3808

I wouldn't go believing this yet, the posts related to this on AVSforum are crazy, blaming everything from cables, to DTS. According to the internet frenzy, Pioneer and Kenwood might be affected as well.

 

[Midcow2]

Marantz

What other options are there at the 863's price (give or a take a few $)?

I vote for Marantz SR7002 retail $1399 as low as $1089
see http://www.dependableaudiovideo.com/MARANTZ-SR7002MARANTZ-SR-7002-P24706C1427.aspx
Or Marantz SR6001 retail $999.99