Yamaha RX-V1500 vs. Onkyo 702 vs. Pioneer Elite 52TX

[runninkyle17]

Okay,

So I am looking to get a THX receiver and these are my main choices so far. My main uses are going to be movies, classical music, and the powered zone 2 option is something that I would really like to have. Any opinions are very welcome.

Oh yeah, this is my first post!!!!

 

[jcPanny]

Receiver choices

The receivers you listed are good choices. I have a Yamaha that is one step down in the model line up.

THX is a good thing, but I wouldn't consider it a necessity. There are comparible receivers with a manufactuer that didn't pay for the THX testing and stamp.

To make further reccomendations, some more info is necessary. What is your price range, speaker setup, room size, normal listening levels, etc?

 

[runninkyle17]

Speaker setup for now is 5.1 with a 100w sub. Currently I have crappy Sony speakers, but I am looking to get a nicer set of Onkyo surround sound speakers (then the setup will probably be 6.1). Normal listening levels are probably not very loud at all unless I pop in an action movie (I can't really give dB levels because I have not paid that much attention to it). The room is about 14' X 18' and I would like to have at least two speakers setup in another room (this is why I would like multi-room capability). If multi-room audio and video are available that is always a plus.

P.S. I have also looked at the Kenwood 9070, the price is right around $300 and it seems to have all the features I am looking for, but I am not sure if Kenwood is a good brand to go with. I have heard good things about their receivers when it comes to bang for the buck, but I really do not know how they stack up against the likes of Pioneer, Onkyo, and Yamaha.

 

[jaxvon]

That's a negatory on the Kenwood. Go for the Yammie, Pioneer, or Onkyo.

 

[jcPanny]

Denon is another receiver manufactuer worth considering.

Onkyo is not know more for electronics than for their speakers. If you post a budget for your speaker and sub setup then we can give more specific recomendations for speakers.

A good start might be to check out some of the Audioholics recommended audio systems in different price ranges.

http://www.audioholics.com/showcase/systemguide/index.php

 

[runninkyle17]

Jaxvon,

Are there any particular reasons you do not like the Kenwwod? I am fairly new to home theater stuff so if you can give me some input I would appreciate it.

I went and checked the Pioneer 52TX and the Yamaha RX-V1500 today, both sound very good. However, I think the Yamaha has my vote because I will mainly be using the receiver for movie watching and like all the DSP modes on the Yammie. Onkyo also has a lot of DSP modes and I have heard they make very good movie oriented receivers, so basically it is now a battle between the Yamaha and the Onkyo.

The Yamaha 2600 sure is nice, wish I was a little more well off and I would opt for that one (HDMI is a real plus, but it is just out of my price range at the moment).

As far as speakers go, I think I will probably stick with my crappy Sony seetup for a little while, but when I start looking for a set of speakers my budget will probably be around $400 for the whole set (I know I am poor, sorry). The only reason I suggested the Onkyo speakers is because I had read a few good reviews and there was a guy who was selling his six speakers (no sub) for $135 shipped. Anyway, let me know what you guys think. Thanks for all the input so far.

 

[runninkyle17]

Oh yeah, I didn't even mention the Denon aspect. I listened to a couple of Denon's up against the Yamaha 1500 and personally I like the Yamaha. I even put the Denon up against some Sony receiver and the Sony sounded better to me, but it may have been the speakers. Anyway, the Denons seem a little over priced to me, so I will stick with Onkyo and Yamaha.

 

[Nomo]

I even put the Denon up against some Sony receiver and the Sony sounded better to me

Ooh Blasphemy, Although I do agree that feature for feature, Yamaha and Onkyo give a better deal.

 

[runninkyle17]

Sorry if I offened any Sony lovers or Denon lovers for that part, but I just am not a real fan of Sony's. Oh well, thank for all the comments.

I think I have narrowed it down to two different receivers and they are not THX receivers or any of three I previously mentioned. I am looking at either the Onkyo 602 or the Yamaha rx-v757. The 757 doesn't have true multi room like I wanted, but I talked to the wife and figured that it would be better to opt for a nice set of speakers than to get a receiver that will be outdated in two or three years.

I guess my real question is what are the pros and cons between the Yamaha and the Onkyo.

 

[MDS]

The Onkyo 602 does have multi-source, multi-room. The second zone is stereo only (which is true of most receivers with zone 2).