Yet another "receiver advice" thread

[bogrod]

Hi. I mostly lurk in these forums, but I wanted to poke my head out and ask for some advice about a near-future receiver purchase.

I currently own a HK AVR 325. I suppose in its day it was not all that bad, but at this point in time, after having purchased a new blue ray player, I am feeling the urge to retire the unit and find something new.

I guess more than anything, I'm looking for advice regarding technologies that have come about since the AVR 325 was available new. The primary reason why I want to upgrade is due to the new Dolby Digital and DTS sound technologies from blue ray. But, I do admit that beyond that, I am kind of in the dark.

My setup currently has the following components:

High Def (1080p) t.v.
DVD-A/SACD single disk player
Blue ray player
HD DVR cable box
and two game systems: (xbox 360 & wii)

My very casual initial "peek" into what is available lead me to two choices, (HK 2600 or Marantz 6003) although in writing this I am without any doubt open to others. The reason why I started with those two brands is due to being very very satisfied with the products that I have purchased from them in the past. My budget is roughly $700.

Many thanks in advance!

 

[njedpx3]

Vote for Marantz SR6003

Hi. I mostly lurk in these forums, but I wanted to poke my head out and ask for some advice about a near-future receiver purchase.

I currently own a HK AVR 325. I suppose in its day it was not all that bad, but at this point in time, after having purchased a new blue ray player, I am feeling the urge to retire the unit and find something new.

I guess more than anything, I'm looking for advice regarding technologies that have come about since the AVR 325 was available new. The primary reason why I want to upgrade is due to the new Dolby Digital and DTS sound technologies from blue ray. But, I do admit that beyond that, I am kind of in the dark.

My setup currently has the following components:

High Def (1080p) t.v.
DVD-A/SACD single disk player
Blue ray player
HD DVR cable box
and two game systems: (xbox 360 & wii)

My very casual initial "peek" into what is available lead me to two choices, (HK 2600 or Marantz 6003) although in writing this I am without any doubt open to others. The reason why I started with those two brands is due to being very very satisfied with the products that I have purchased from them in the past. My budget is roughly $700.

Many thanks in advance!

The Blu Ray and HD DVR box and probably you TV can connect via HDMI. The HMDI will provide both video and audio.

The DVD can probably connect via HDMI, if not then component plus audio.

The Xbox 360 you want to connect via component cables or s-video for the best connection. Plus you will need audio connections.

Wii can attach via the optional component cable for best video, plus audio cables.

Here are some features of the Marantz:
From its sleek compound-curve front panel to the multiple control terminals, the SR6003 surround sound receiver contains a stunning array of technologies to increase your A/V enjoyment. Seven amplifier channels, each capable of delivering 100 continuous watts. Full HDMI 1.3 capability. A complete array of new processing technologies. The SR6003 demonstrates once again that Marantz leads the way to home entertainment.
Sophisticated new aluminum/reinforced resin front panel
High Bit Rate Audio capability: Dolby TrueHD, dts-HD Master Audio
HDMI v1.3a repeating (3 in/2 out)
Audyssey MultEQ
M-DAX for compressed audio
USB input for Audio playback
Simple color GUI
10bit Video converter to HDMI (interlaced to progressive and scaler)
Dual HDMI and component video outputs
Analog and digital multi-zone outputs
In-line seven channel amplifiers/High definition audio design
New FL display
Updated LCD backlit Learning remote controller
<16" Shallow chassis
Various control interfaces: RS-232C, Flasher in, DC trigger)
Multiple radio system (AM/FM/XM/SIRIUS)
Available Option Rack Mount Kit RMK6504SR


Good Luck!

NJ

 

[bogrod]

Hi NJ

I do appreciate you willing to share specs of the receiver, but I have already looked those over. I am wondering if any of those make a difference, or will matter, and if they really do not - or if they are shared by virtually all models in my price range - then what do I need to pay attention to.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The biggest thing to me are the features like # of HDMI inputs & outputs.

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=92048#Features

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=95019#Features

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=100063#Features

The HK only has 3 HDMIs. That sucks.

I have 6 HDMI inputs on my receiver, and I could use another one!!!

 

[bogrod]

Thanks DefTechGuy. I am assuming then that you do all of your switching right on the receiver.

 

[JerryLove]

Hi NJ

I do appreciate you willing to share specs of the receiver, but I have already looked those over. I am wondering if any of those make a difference, or will matter, and if they really do not - or if they are shared by virtually all models in my price range - then what do I need to pay attention to.

Major features in this region:

The quality of the auto-calibration (Audessy is considered quite good)
The number of HDMI in/out.
Power.

I don't know if things like DTS-Master are the norm or "on some" in that range. Worth checking since upgrading sound is what you are interested in.

I don't know if all receivers in this range upconvert (Component, etc to HDMI), but you should check any potentials given that you have an X-Box.

Since you like Marantz (I do too, I have a 7002), check Denon. Same company, sometimes more-featured units.

I can't think of anything else unless you start considering used (in which case, watch out for HDMI versions). I don't think Network Streaming or HD radio is available at $700 (but consider if those interest you and check).

 

[bogrod]

I had not even considered Denon. As far as used, well I would go with something reconditioned from ac4l, or harman kardon, but that is about it. I actually have an HDMI cord coming out of my xbox, so perhaps going with as many hdmi ports is worthwhile.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I had not even considered Denon. As far as used, well I would go with something reconditioned from ac4l, or harman kardon, but that is about it. I actually have an HDMI cord coming out of my xbox, so perhaps going with as many hdmi ports is worthwhile.

That's how it is in life - you just never know what you need.

A year ago, I would think that SIX HDMI inputs was OVERKILL!

Now I actually would like to have SEVEN!!!

You just NEVER know in life.

I think switching from an external box (I actually have that $100 Oppo HDMI switcher) is okay, but why go through a "middle man" when you could go DIRECT?

Also keep in mind that you could get the Denon AVR-3808CI for $1,000 brand new from an authorized online retailer like J&R & 6th Ave, etc.

I got my Denon 5308 for about $4K a year ago from J&R (retail $5500).

So you might be able to get a Denon 2310 (5 HDMI inputs) for $600 brand new if you are willing to "haggle" a little. Talk to a salesman from one of those sites and see.

 

[bogrod]

I did notice that one of the most recent Onkyo's (NR807) has six HDMI inputs. Only problem is that I doubt that I am going to find any deals on that right now. Its list price is roughly $1K.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I did notice that one of the most recent Onkyo's (NR807) has six HDMI inputs. Only problem is that I doubt that I am going to find any deals on that right now. Its list price is roughly $1K.

You never know. It seems like you can always get great deals on Onkyos.

Like the Onkyo 806 for $600 (5 HDMI inputs):
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AMUF7K/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1/188-7789669-0356210?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_r=1W54YRKF654HHCV9DGEX&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_i=B002HHM0C0

So a few months from now, the 807 might have some great deals as well.

 

[njedpx3]

sorry I did not get back sooner

Hi NJ

I do appreciate you willing to share specs of the receiver, but I have already looked those over. I am wondering if any of those make a difference, or will matter, and if they really do not - or if they are shared by virtually all models in my price range - then what do I need to pay attention to.

I like the looks and build quality of Marantz; I still have a Marantz 1060 amp that works as good as new and it is over 35 years old.

The Audessy equalization is very good to set up you speakers and calculate the sounds levels and distance delay.

The auto mode allows you easliy and quickly to select between different input video/audio sources. The is especially true if you have some older video sources that are not HDMI

The HDMI switch is effcient and works very well.

The only downside is that all speaker connectors are close to each other. This is not a problem if you use banana plugs. Monoprice.com has very good yet inexpensive cables and locking banana connectors.

Power at 100 watts per channel is adequate for most speakers and if you need more for your fronts you can easily connect an external amp to the pre-outs.

Later,

NJ

 

[bogrod]

Hi - just wanted to thank everyone who posted and helped me out. I ended up choosing the Onkyo NR807. Newegg had a price of $699 shipped, with Onkyo's Ipod dock as a free add-on. (it has a list price on the site @ $99) The sig. other will get use out of that, anyway. I figured that was a relatively decent deal, given the 6 HDMI inputs, 135 wpc, ect ect.

 

[njedpx3]

Congrats! _ Onkyo makes very good receivers also!

Hi - just wanted to thank everyone who posted and helped me out. I ended up choosing the Onkyo NR807. Newegg had a price of $699 shipped, with Onkyo's Ipod dock as a free add-on. (it has a list price on the site @ $99) The sig. other will get use out of that, anyway. I figured that was a relatively decent deal, given the 6 HDMI inputs, 135 wpc, ect ect.

Congrats! _ Onkyo makes very good receivers also!

 

[bogrod]

Congrats! _ Onkyo makes very good receivers also!

True. In the end there were a lot of factors to take into account. One of them that I probably should've mentioned right away is that whatever I was going to buy was going to have to be relatively "future proof" and keep me happy for at least four years. Marantz & HK aren't (currently) making receivers with a lot of HDMI inputs. I was attracted to the direct DSD processing of Marantz, and I am still in awe of HK's Logic 7 DSP, but in the end I think the option of 6 HDMI inputs (being able to do lots of switching directly off of the receiver) with a THX-Cert 135wpc just-released receiver for the price of $699 were the deciding factor.