Total Overhaul...assistance choosing the perfect a/v receiver. HELP!

[youngbuck]

First and foremost, I am looking to replace my receiver (currently PIONEER – VSX-D712). With my budget and new found demand for quality, I have short listed my A/V receiver choices to the following:

1) Marantz 7400
2) Denon 3805
3) Onkyo TX NR801
4) YAMAHA RX-V2400

This purchase should last me several years. My next upgrade will be quality loud speakers. Leaving nothing to waste, I will replace current towers speakers to surround, slowly phasing out the junk. Even though my short list is full of 7.1 systems, I am more than willing to consider 6.1 or 5.1 systems with the same features and quality sound as the makes and models listed.

Listening Space / Environmental Breakdown: 700 - 800 sq ft of open area with the audio unit placed at one end with 20 ft cathedral ceiling overhead.

Please consider my music preferences are electronica (house & techno), alternative rock, and jazz. My movie collection is gathering steam; however please curb your opinions towards a receiver detailed for musical quality, clarity and richness. I am also very busy streaming radio and MP3 stuff from the internet as an alternate to my CD collection.

Current Problems: 2-speaker stereo sound empty and strained when pushed at higher levels. The surround sound speakers sound weak and feel choked during movies. I suspect the problems could be improved with a better quality a/v receiver rather than upgrading speakers. Here are the specs on the receiver & speakers.

Current A/V Receiver: Pioneer - VSX-712 –
Power output (stereo): 100 w per channel (20-20000Hz, THD 0.2% ohms)
Power output (surround): 100 w per channel (1 kHz, THD 1.0% ohms)

Current Tower Speakers: Sinclair Audio (Canadian Made) 2-way tower speakers
Impedance: 8 Ohms
Sensitivity: 88 dB
Frequency Response: 42Hz – 22 KHz
Max Power: 150 Watts
Drivers: 6.5” aluminum clad cone woofer
Tweeter: 1” Polymer Integrated Soft Dome
Dimensions: 37.5 x 8 x 13.5
Weight: 43 lbs each

Current Surround Speakers: Sinclair Audio (Canadian Made)
Impedance: 8 Ohms
Sensitivity: 86 dB
Frequency Response: 60Hz – 22 KHz
Max Power: 100 Watts
Drivers: 5” aluminum clad cone woofer
Tweeter: 1” Polymer Integrated Soft Dome
Dimensions: 13.5 x 7 x 10
Weight: 15.5 lbs each

Subwoofer:
Amplifier Power: 125 watts
Driver: 8”
Frequency Response 35 – 150 Hz
Dimensions: 14 x 12.5 x 13
Weight: 30 lbs
X-over Freq: 50-150 Hz

Accessories: 14 gauge speaker cables / Monster Power HT800 (clean power filter) / Digital feed from CD/DVD – receiver / CD/DVD Player Pioneer DV-363 / Hitachi rear projection HDTV / digital satelite / Monster cables

Hopefully someone would be so kind to assist me in achieving the ultimate sound considering my space with emphasis on loud music listening (within the list of manufacturers provided or same price range).

If you really have the time, I will be looking for matching speakers in the future ($500 - $800 USD). Or I should START with the speakers?

Many thanks,

Youngbuck

 

[Swillz2000]

bang for your buck

Try to get the most bang for your buck. Choose a receiver first and go with the one that has the most features and wattage and try to find a balance between the two and make your decision. I had a Sony at first that clipped when it got hot, then a Kenwood that rocked it had great features it got fried in a freak incident in my dorm and the college had to replace it but not with the same unit but with a JVC that had more watts but not the same amount of features or the same sound. Kenwood rocked with mediocre speakers. So go with the receiver first and build around it like the Heat will around Shaq.

 

[Unregistered]

AVR suggestion

I am a retailer that sells a few of the brands mentioned, do some home work, if you want to know a professional opinion, 3805 hands down. Obviously I am not making a dime from this reference but I have heard this receiver make speakers sound sooooo much better than Rec. much more money. Well, that's my two cents. Happy shopping.

 

[nm2285]

I haven't heard your speakers, but the Denon would be a solid choice. I would also heavily recommend the Marantz. Look into NAD and Rotel. Specifically the NAD T763. It's a great receiver.

 

[BuddTX]

My suggestion. As you want this receiver to last a long time, I would consider waiting a while (if you can) for the HDMI receivers to start coming out.

I would bet that in the near future, almost all new components that get released, will have HDMI connections.

I would hate for you to buy a high end receiver, and watch it get outdated so soon.

Of course, no matter what you buy today, in 3 years from now, there will always be something new, but I think the HDMI interface is a major upgrade.

 

[dm_4u]

Hmmm...I guess the one point people have not touched on is cash...so let me be the devil here...

The Denon 3805 is awesome...and in Canada can be had for 1600 - 1700.

However...they are blowing out the Yamaha RX-V2400 for 695.

Now there are those that say...without hesitation, that the Denon is warmer and sweeter than the Yammie...however...there are those that say...again without hesitation that the Yammie is far better for Home Theatre and has many more features...

So...in my opinion...the Denon may just be a better sounding receiver...but realistically...not twice as good...jump on the Yammie if you can still find them...(ps...the 2 year warranty rocks as well).

 

[Polkfan]

In that price range you may be able to find an AVR-4802R (Denon).

 

[jaxvon]

Maybe also check out B&K Components. They make nice stuff.

www.bkcomp.com