Replacing old and expensive with new and cheap?

[applejax]

Due to problems with my Onkyo TX-DS777, I'm looking at a new receiver. Problem is, I'm much more financially constrained in audio purchases (i.e., married with kids!) now than I was when I purchased that Onkyo. How much of a downgrade is it to move into something like one of the cheaper Denons?

I expect the new processing on any of today's units to be quite superior to the old Onkyo, so I'm more concerned with music. Have internals been commoditized to the point where today's $250 receiver can sound as good as yesterday's $1,000 receiver? Or have basics remained the same, with more features and processing?

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

I don’t think today’s $250 receiver can compare to yesterday’s $1000 receiver. Today $250 is pretty much the bottom of anyone’s model line. If you can’t afford something new as nice as your Onkyo, I’d suggest looking for something used that’s a few years old, but newer than what you have now. This past summer I picked up a used Yamaha RX-V2500 for $275 that originally listed for $1100.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[sholling]

I have to agree with Wayne about $250 receivers. Where I find the sweet spot is a $500 refurbished Onkyo TX-NR709 from Accessories For Less. At that point you're getting robust amplifiers, Audyssey MultiEQ XT, preouts, and pretty much all of the popular bells and whistles. If you simply can't spend that much I'd probably consider a Denon AVR-1712 but you're only saving $100 and not getting anywhere near the receiver.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

$250 could be stretched further if you look at 2nd hand market, but I guarantee you - you wont be getting all the bells and whistles
If you are lucky - you could find a $500-700 model selling for $250

I seen some Pioneer's were on good sales on newegg towards end of the year in some cases a $750 (MSRP) models sold for $300, but these sales no more

 

[applejax]

I'm not limiting to $250, instead I was using that number as an extreme case.

 

[davidtwotrees]

So, funny, while everyone oohs and ahhhs over receivers and the huge improvements in feature sets these days, I don't think much has changed since his receiver came out nearly 12 years ago. The review I read talked about using the pre outs to hook up an external amplifier, and how the receiver sounded best in pure direct mode. Sound familiar?
This receiver retailed for $1050 12 years ago. I wonder what the OP paid for his? I would say $600 bucks would buy him the same unit with the <cough> upgrades that make modern electronics what they are. I bought a mid level yamaha receiver and thought it felt cheap and plastic. Do you think the DS777 was quality electronics? It weighed 27 pounds, and weight is still one indicator of a receivers quality.
I don't think you will tell a difference in the sound anywhere in your old vs a new modern receiver. Will a modern receiver be better than this one? I doubt it. More "feature" rich, you betcha. More connections, you betcha. But better? Meh. I want simpler electronics and receivers are just way to complicated for their own good. Just my 2cents.
I like the used idea, as well. I would buy an integrated amp with a sub out if I was you. 2.1 and simplify your life.
Onkyo TX-DS777 A/V Receiver
Price: $1050 USD
Dimensions: 17-1/8"W by 6-7/8"H by 17-13/16"D
Weight: 39 lbs.
Features:
S-Video and composite video for all ins/outs
Custom DSP modes
THX Select certified
Dolby Digital
DTS
24/96 DACs
Discrete output stages in amplifiers
Learning backlit remote control
On-screen displays
Inputs: 2 digital coax; 2 digital TosLink; phono; CD; 5.1 inputs from external decoder; Audio Recorder (cassette, CD, MD); 3 Video devices (rear panel); 1 Video device (front panel); DVD; 75 ohm antenna; AM antenna
Outputs: 5 amplifier channels; 1 digital TosLink; Video monitor; 2 Video; Audio Recorder; 5.1 pre-outs; 2 AC power plugs; Headphones (front panel)

 

[bikdav]

So, funny, while everyone oohs and ahhhs over receivers and the huge improvements in feature sets these days, I don't think much has changed since his receiver came out nearly 12 years ago. The review I read talked about using the pre outs to hook up an external amplifier, and how the receiver sounded best in pure direct mode. Sound familiar?
This receiver retailed for $1050 12 years ago. I wonder what the OP paid for his? I would say $600 bucks would buy him the same unit with the <cough> upgrades that make modern electronics what they are. I bought a mid level yamaha receiver and thought it felt cheap and plastic. Do you think the DS777 was quality electronics? It weighed 27 pounds, and weight is still one indicator of a receivers quality.
I don't think you will tell a difference in the sound anywhere in your old vs a new modern receiver. Will a modern receiver be better than this one? I doubt it. More "feature" rich, you betcha. More connections, you betcha. But better? Meh. I want simpler electronics and receivers are just way to complicated for their own good. Just my 2cents.
I like the used idea, as well. I would buy an integrated amp with a sub out if I was you. 2.1 and simplify your life.
Onkyo TX-DS777 A/V Receiver
Price: $1050 USD
Dimensions: 17-1/8"W by 6-7/8"H by 17-13/16"D
Weight: 39 lbs.
Features:
S-Video and composite video for all ins/outs
Custom DSP modes
THX Select certified
Dolby Digital
DTS
24/96 DACs
Discrete output stages in amplifiers
Learning backlit remote control
On-screen displays
Inputs: 2 digital coax; 2 digital TosLink; phono; CD; 5.1 inputs from external decoder; Audio Recorder (cassette, CD, MD); 3 Video devices (rear panel); 1 Video device (front panel); DVD; 75 ohm antenna; AM antenna
Outputs: 5 amplifier channels; 1 digital TosLink; Video monitor; 2 Video; Audio Recorder; 5.1 pre-outs; 2 AC power plugs; Headphones (front panel)

You have a good point. But, a lot of the things that are on receivers today were just dreams and ideas 12 or so years ago. My two Yamahas that I picked up cheap on Craigslist [both only a few years old] have features that I didn't know that I would use and enjoy.

 

[jamie2112]

Craigslist is a treasure chest of great finds !!! I have put together many great systems over the years from CL alone.I would recommend checking out your local CL and seeing whats there.I have no issues with buying used gear as long as I can play with it beforehand...........

 

[bikdav]

Yep.

Craigslist is a treasure chest of great finds !!! I have put together many great systems over the years from CL alone.I would recommend checking out your local CL and seeing whats there.I have no issues with buying used gear as long as I can play with it beforehand...........

That is so true. When I inquired about the receivers, I told the customer that I would come to him and check it out first before buying it.

 

[Jeff R.]

Agreed Craigslist is a great option. If you do not want to go that route....check Accessories4less. I just bought a refurbed Onkyo 708 for $350 during the Holiday sale. It is currently sitting at $400 but if you called they may let is go for $350 like a few weeks back. They also have some good buys on refurbished marantz recievers too.

 

[cvcgolf]

A few years ago I picked up a cheap Yamaha (RX-V363) receiver for my parents.. I'm still a bit surprised at how good it sounds.. You won't be disappointed in the sound quality for the "cheap" price.. You just need to make sure it has all the proper connections "you" need..