Top of the line old receiver vs. lower end new receiver

[perk]

My receiver finally bit the dust so i'm in the market for a new one. I'm a little overwhelmed by the huge variety of options, features and price points. I would appreciate the input of this forum, it seems like there is a good well of knowledge here to draw from. I'll try to keep it quick and to the basics.

Room:
-13"x17" - TV is mounted on the long wall
- Used mostly for TV/Movies and sometimes video games.
- Typical 10 year old 1080P tv.

Current set up: My brother gave it to me in exchange for helping him move, i've since added a nicer sub and two front speakers.
- Receiver: Onkyo HT-R391 (broke)
- front speakers: Miller Kreisel Bookshelf 75
- Middle Speaker: Onkyo SKF-391
- rear speakers: Onkyo SKF-391
- Subwoofer: KLH: ASW10-100C

It just so happens that right when my receiver crapped out my boss was buying a new one and offered to sell me his old one for a good deal (Denon AVR-4308CI). It is my understanding from googling, that this was a nice unit when it was new 10 years ago. My question is how much has technology really progressed in ten years? Should I buy the old high end Denon or would it make more sense to get something like a Yamaha RV383BL, or Denon AVR-S510BT (good reviews for 2019 budget receivers). Thanks!

 

[lovinthehd]

The amp section on the 4308 is quite good, as that was a fairly high end avr and would work well enough with your current gear. I'd definitely consider it, hopefully its a good price (what is it?)

The newer units you're looking at aren't as high up the relative ladder, more low end so to speak nor are as powerful but have more modern connectivity options, particularly 4k video and Atmos speaker capabilities as well as internet. Depends what you want to do down the line.

 

[perk]

I think my boss would let it go for 100-200. I'm sure i'll get a new TV at some point, but I don't see myself doing anything more complicated than a 5.1 sound set up, maybe add a couple speakers in the kitchen for when company is over. I would like to replace the crappy onkyo speakers at some point as well.

 

[lovinthehd]

I think my boss would let it go for 100-200. I'm sure i'll get a new TV at some point, but I don't see myself doing anything more complicated than a 5.1 sound set up, maybe add a couple speakers in the kitchen for when company is over. I would like to replace the crappy onkyo speakers at some point as well.

I'd consider 200 on the high side of that range. It wouldn't be the best for switching 4k video but there are workarounds and it probably wouldnt lose much more value...

 

[perk]

realistically i don't think he cares about the money. I mostly want to know peoples opinions on modern features/sound quality in a cheap modern unit ~$250 vs. whatever it is that makes an older high end unit good. Although, taking the old one is also the easiest and most painless route. I can just go home with it.

 

[KenM10759]

You would be the only one who can decide the true value of having the current features because you'd have to invest in all the other components needed to use them.

If you have definitive plans to go to 4K video and/or Atmos, you'd need to process that. How important will that be and when? Do you use AppleTV or Dolby Vision? You'd be working harder to find a workaround. If no upgrades are due that receiver would actually be better than many new ones in handling multiple zones.

I would jump on it and use it until I can't, then sell it for what you paid for it (or more.)

 

[lovinthehd]

realistically i don't think he cares about the money. I mostly want to know peoples opinions on modern features/sound quality in a cheap modern unit ~$250 vs. whatever it is that makes an older high end unit good. Although, taking the old one is also the easiest and most painless route. I can just go home with it.

The differences are mostly in that the features will be more modern in the newer avr and more conducive to current audio/video use, the older unit will likely be a bit better made as well as a more powerful amp section (particularly for use with low impedance speakers) and the features may be a bit more flexible/detailed. The newer one's apps/internet access might be an advantage for use currently rather than when you upgrade.

As Ken just said and I mentioned before, unlikely you'd really lose any money by using it in the meantime (until you upgrade) and it will be a better amp altho not didn't look up your speaker spec to see if that would be much of an advantage at this point either.

I bought a used 3808 a while back for my workshop setup, very nice unit (and use a slightly more modern 4520 in my main setup as I still don't have Atmos/4k myself).

 

[rojo]

*shrug* There are a few things to consider. Do you intend to sit close enough to your new TV that you can actually tell the difference between 1080p and 4K? Would you gamble that a 9-year -old Japanese manufactured AVR would outlast a more modern Chinese-manufactured AVR? (My guess is, probably.) Will the height of the Denon be a problem where you intend to use it?'

My vote is the same as KenM's and lovin's. Buy it, use it until it no longer offers the connectivity that you need, then unload it on Craigslist or move it to your garage. See if your boss'll let you have it for $100.

 

[perk]

thanks for the advice! I think i'll get the old one and in the future actually shell out cash for something higher end if/when i actually need it. Most of our media consumption is through an amazon firestick anyway, and if we're just listingin to music and cooking/hanging with friends a typical bluetooth speaker is plenty.