Time to make a decision on a new receiver

[gavin1021]

My Sony STR-DE925 receiver's center channel is out. It lasted me about 7 years so I'm happy. I wanted a new one anyways. I am willing to spend around $1000 for a new receiver, but I am being torn between a few different models. I thought I would post them here and see what kind of feedback I get from some of you. Many of you seem very knowledgeable and I would just like to hear others opinions. I am mainly considering the Yamaha RX-V2600 or the Denon AVR-3806. I've noticed a few differences between the 2 but would like some input from some of you.

The Denon does not have THX certification, but how important is that really? Would I be losing much?

The Denon says it has discrete channels, but the Yamaha doesn't say anything about it. A friend of mine told me to make sure it has discrete circuitry, but I always thought that was referring to channel separation. Am I wrong?

I also considered the Onkyo TX-SR803. What do you all think about this receiver?

This is my first post so I hope to get a lot of feedback from you all. Let me know what you think. Thanks guys.

 

[zumbo]

It's preference. I prefer Yamaha. You will have some Denon fans. I am not brand loyal. They are both "the best" mid-fi (IMO). I would just buy the one you get the best deal on from somewhere you can trust. You have made the right choices.

 

[Team_Canada]

My Sony STR-DE925 receiver's center channel is out. It lasted me about 7 years so I'm happy. I wanted a new one anyways. I am willing to spend around $1000 for a new receiver, but I am being torn between a few different models. I thought I would post them here and see what kind of feedback I get from some of you. Many of you seem very knowledgeable and I would just like to hear others opinions. I am mainly considering the Yamaha RX-V2600 or the Denon AVR-3806. I've noticed a few differences between the 2 but would like some input from some of you.

The Denon does not have THX certification, but how important is that really? Would I be losing much?

The Denon says it has discrete channels, but the Yamaha doesn't say anything about it. A friend of mine told me to make sure it has discrete circuitry, but I always thought that was referring to channel separation. Am I wrong?

I also considered the Onkyo TX-SR803. What do you all think about this receiver?

This is my first post so I hope to get a lot of feedback from you all. Let me know what you think. Thanks guys.

Try Pioneer Elite. I just purchased my Elite 56TXi this past summer. Awsome receiver. It has a very warm sound, great clarity, lots of power and all the features you could want. It can be had for under $1000 if you do some research as it has been discontinued. Here is the wbsite http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/album/compare/0,,2076_4155,00.html

If you want, the new Elites are out. The 74TXVi goes for around $1250, more than your budget but current technology. It has XM radio, i-Pod connectivity, HDMI, i-link, MCACC speaker calibration system, etc... There is also the 72TXV at around $1000. Practically the same receiver as the 74 with a few less features.