Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Need to buy a new AVR - choices

Posting this hear for more input with specific questions.

The recent demise of my HK 7200 will require a minimum of ten days to repair and a minimum of three weeks if it needs parts. I can’t wait that long (as I’m sure some of you can emphasis with). I’d like to order something today so I can have it before the weekend (superbowl) and the pending fed-x arrival of my new speakers this week.

So it looks like an opportune time to upgrade. I’ve decided to peddle the 7200 after it’s repaired.

Here’s what I’m looking at.

Denon 3806 that I can get locally (new authorized dealer). They want $1289.
HK 7300 from OneCall for $1200 + $100 for shipping. (or a refurb from HK for $900 + $100 shipping)
Rotel 1056 for five channel and then buy a 200X2 for the mains this fall. The 1056 is $1300 locally. The 200X2 that I’d have to buy later goes for $1000 locally.
Outlaw 1070 for $900 + shipping with the addition of mono blocks later for the M80 mains at $650 for the pair.
NAD 773. Now thanks to Rick, he found a new NAD 773 for $1500.

This system is used 100% of the time for HT. I have a separate stereo system with Rotel and M80’s.

$1500 is my upper limit.

Need it to drive M80’s and a parallel M22’s when I move it to the HT room when complete this fall. For the next few months, it’ll just drive a five channel set up consisting of M22’s for mains, two M3’s for a center (parallel), two QS8’s and the EP500.

I really like the HK’s X-over flexibility. Does the 3806 have this feature? Can’t quite tell when looking at it’s spec sheet on-line.
I’m not too sure if video upscalling is something I want the AVR to do, but it may prove to be a benefit as HDTV is not available hear. Both cable and satellite signals suck. They are both fuzzy. In comparison, DVD viewing is substantially better than satellite or cable.

I’m a little apprehensive to buy HK again, but the repair shop told me that I’m the first one to call for repair, so I reckon that’s a good sign. I’m willing to give HK another try.

I have no experience with Denon or Outlaw.

Thanks in advance. Y’all always tend to point out things that I usually miss.

In reply to:

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I have no experience with Denon or Outlaw

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This would be a great opportunity for you to setup and review some outlaw products for us. Order some Outlaws, send the H/K, return the Outlaws if undesired. Return freight would be a small fee for use of new equipment.

In reply to:

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I’m not too sure if video upscalling is something...

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Most don't upscale. They upconvert composite and s-video to component and/or HDMI. No increase in resolution.

The sure make the video processing sound good in their product literature. So by your response, you don’t think that my satellite image would be improved?

If I go with Outlaw, I’d be happy to post my opinion. It wouldn’t be much of a review though. I have very little experience with audio/video. I don’t even know if I prefer detailed over laid back speakers. The only real ‘high fi’ speakers I’ve ever owned are my M80’s. I love them, but I haven’t heard many others to compare their sound to other than store speakers (b&w / paradigm).

No one locally has the Nad?

No Rick, no local NAD vendors. And between getting soaked for $310 in shipping from one vendor with a decent price put it over my limit. And you know the rest of the NAD story....but I sure appreciate you giving me some options.

I decided to give HK one more try. Ordered the 7300 from OneCall. Bought an extended warrantee this time too.

I called the HK tech department and they seam to think that the composite or S video signal from the satellite receiver will be improved via the on board faroudia DCDi up conversion to component output. Time will tell. One big plus with HK is I already know how to set them up, and I absolutely hate reading instructions........

I looked at the Outlaw pretty hard, but vanity set in. It’s just down right ugly. Plus, I’d have to buy the mono blocks later.

The Denon looked pretty good, but the tightass in me refuses to pay MSRP.

I'll have a 'serviced' HK 7200 for sale before long if anyone is interested. PM me with an offer. I'll give ya a hell of a deal.

On the bright side there won't be a learning curve. You could always put the other AVR on audiogon if need be.

i have owned an HK510 previously. Now a very happy Yamaha rxv2600. It's an audioholics product of the year.
and it DOES upconvert all incoming signals to 1080i via HDMI. (in fact, the ONLY receiver to date that does this, i think)

it also sounds great and is well built. i would not buy HK again. QC not up to par. imo.

thx

I do not mean to imply that you are not what you appear to be, freeflap, but does anyone notice a bunch of newbies popping up, plugging a particular product, panning another without foundation, and leaving? Methinks we may be having some astroturfing going on.

I have to agree with you about the Outlaw looks. Their specs are pretty impressive but their looks are awful. Don't know why they couldn't have done a better job on the appearance?????