Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater I need a new receiver

Hi all,

I need a new receiver. Anyone have any thoughts on which is the best choice in the $1000 to $1500(USD)? I am considering the Denon 3803 which is around $1200 new. Refurbished, one can be had for around $649 from Denon authorized e-retailers (eCost.com) or $809(dakmart.com) . Any thoughts on buying a refurbished unit?

I need a new job/career. One that pays well by the hour, is part time work, and doesn't require working late, early, or on weekends....

but aside from that aside....

GET THE DENON refurbished if it comes with a standard Denon 1 year warranty. If it doesn't, get the new one, as long as you can afford it.

I can't say much about a refurbished unit but a friend of mine just picked up a demo Denon 3802 and i have to say, i'm very impressed.
The US equivalent cost would be about $930. You might want to consider trying to find some demo models or the remains of last year's models while they are now on sale and being pushed out for the newer items.
Call around.

I think Denon receivers carry 2 year warranties.

I too am considering the refurbished Denon 3803 or H&K 525, I have heard pretty good feedback about refurbished equipment.

Mike, I thought sushi might give you his thoughts on this, but unless there're some other features that you're looking for, I don't see where you're going to do better than the Pioneer 45TX he has(which is being closed out)or its replacement, the 53TX, which is just coming in. The automatic MCACC speaker calibration and equalization is a very significant feature.

I've got a refurb H/K 525, and I've had no problems with it. Looked brand new when I got it out of the box, and has functioned perfectly!

Yeah, I kinda thought Sushi would weigh in here also...he does everywhere else eh' (ynuk,ynuk). Just kidding Masa.

I've been trying to find some reviews on the Pioneers and information on the MCACC thing but haven't located any yet. Any suggestions on where to look? I don't trust salepeople at the stores to know the straight poop.

Mike, there's been considerable discussion of MCACC in the receiver section of the AVS forum. There's a shoot-out in the British magazine Hi-Fi News where the European version of the 45TX bests competing models from JVC, Onkyo, Rotel, Sony and Yamaha.

Did you get to peel the faceplate protective plastic off, too?