replacement for Kenwood VR-6070

[dg27]

Hello...

Just joined, though I have read posts and reviews quite often. Very useful info.

I may be the only person here who does not have a flat-screen TV, a status I am hoping to change soon.

When I finally get the TV (possibly the Samsung UN46ES6500 46" Class Slim 3D LED HDTV), I may have to finally replace my receiver, a trusty Kenwood VR-6070. I cannot replace my speakers at this time, which I like very much anyway.

Here is what I have:

Speakers:

Front: JBL Studio S38II
Front center: JBL JBL ES25CCH
Rear: JBL 2 way 4 in
Sub: JBL Venue Sub12
Rear center: JBL N24II

Components:

WD TV Live (networked via ethernet to desktop PC)
Sony C-2000ES (5-disc SACD changer)
Sony DVP-NS755V
Denon DR M10HX (cassette--rarely use, but need it)
Technics SLL-BD22 turntable (need it)

Obviously I have some older budget equipment, which I may phase out gradually, but I want to be able to connect everything for now. The biggest question I have concerns the receiver.

I have been considering these receivers:

Onkyo TX-NR717
Denon AVR-2313CI
Onkyo TX-NR818

I've read the posts about the older Audyssey in the 717 and am not concerned.

Considering my speaker setup and the fact that I am replacing the Kenwood, should the 717 suffice?

fyi: I don't use internet radio at all: I strictly play CDs, LPs, or music I have ripped. I watch movies on Netflix via the TV Live and DVDs I own.

I really like the receiver I have and really can't afford to blow two grand, but I don't think I could even connect it to a newer TV since they phased out component connections in 2011. (If that is incorrect please let me know.) It works great with my ancient Panasonic CRT TV. The only thing driving this receiver replacement is the TV upgrade.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

dg

 

[Grador]

A quick search seems to be telling me that your phonograph doesn't have a built in phono amp, so unless you want to go a few model levels higher than any of the models you're looking at you're also going to be in the market for an external phono amp.

Additionally, none of those have a multichannel input which i assume you'll want for the SACD player.

 

[Grador]

If you can swing a yamaha RX-A1020 it will have all the inputs you'll want, it's slightly more expensive than the units you listed.

 

[dg27]

Thank you, Grador...

Really surprised about the phono amp: All I was looking for the inclusion of "phono X1", which all three receivers have listed on the specs: Would I still need the phone amp with the Yamaha?

And thanks for pointing out the lack of multichannel for the SACD: That's a huge concern for me. I run it thru digital optical now and yes, checking the 818 specs I see it's not there.

Really shocked that the 818 is lacking these inputs: Have had that in my cart for ages and thought it was the Cadillac of receivers for my budget.

Right now the Yamaha is the same price as the 818 in my 'hood.

Thanks again.

dg

 

[Grador]

Looks like I am completely wrong on the 818, it does have a phono input. The yamaha does as well, so neither of these would need a phono amp. If you're running the SACD over optical the 818 would do there as well.

My preference at the same price would still be the yamaha, I believe them to make a better product.

 

[dg27]

I had a Yamaha many years ago (the Kenwood replaced that). I always thought that Onkyo was way above Yamaha...but can't say I regard myself as up on this (which is why I'm asking for help).

Thanks.

 

[GregLee]

(possibly the Samsung UN46ES6500 ...

I really like the receiver I have and really can't afford to blow two grand, but I don't think I could even connect it to a newer TV since they phased out component connections in 2011. (If that is incorrect please let me know.)

I think that is incorrect. I just looked up a spec for the TV model you mention, and it does have component video input:

• Input/Output connections 3 x HDMI (19 pin HDMI Type A),
  1 x Component video input (RCA phono x 3),
  1 x Digital audio output (optical) (TOSLINK),
  3 x USB 2.0 (4 pin USB Type A),
  1 x Ethernet (RJ-45),
  1 x Composite video input (RCA phono x 2),
  2 x Audio input (Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm)

Samsung UN46ES6500 Specs - Flat-panel TVs - CNET Reviews

I think that Kenwood model is the same one I had for several years. I liked the Pioneer that I got to replace it much better than the Kenwood, but if you like the Kenwood, why be hasty? Try out the new TV with the old Kenwood receiver.

 

[dg27]

I think that is incorrect. I just looked up a spec for the TV model you mention, and it does have component video input:

I think that Kenwood model is the same one I had for several years. I liked the Pioneer that I got to replace it much better than the Kenwood, but if you like the Kenwood, why be hasty? Try out the new TV with the old Kenwood receiver.

Thanks so much going to the trouble of looking this up: I was pretty shocked when a salesman at B&H (a store where I normally trust the sales guys) said I'd be out of luck. I'm very used to the Kenwood and particularly like how SACDs (and DVDs) sound with my speakers.

Need to look into this further.

Thanks again.

dg

 

[GregLee]

Rear center back surrounds have sort of gone out of style -- normally you have 7.1 instead of 6.1. Looking ahead, you might shop for a second JBL N24II. If your Kenwood really is the same as the one I had, it has pre-outs for 2 back surrounds, so you'd need an auxiliary amp to use both back surrounds with it. (I'm not saying you'll actually hear a difference with another back surround, though.)