Ok, well yes My Denon AVR-3300 is shot. The company I bought it from does not have another one to send me. So it looks as though I am getting a new reciever. This time I am comming to the experts! LOL!
In the reciever I would like 6.1 this time, and it needs to have two component video inputs.
I have found a Marantz SR7200 for $579.00 which is about the most I would like to spend. I have heard others of you speak of Arcam, OutLaw and others, who I know nothing about. Would the Marantz SR7200 be a good choice or do you all know something better? Better then my Denon AVR-3300 (other then just being 5.1 instead of 6.1)?
I do like all your help, I have learned so much in the short time I have been on here. I respect everyones opinions! Please help me out if you can, Oak
Hey, Oak244.
There are a few well-built 6.1 receivers in your price range that can component-video switch. Offhand, the Denon 1803 would be a fine choice, or the 2802 if you can find it cheap. Marantz receivers are well-liked, and Onkyo also has a 6.1 model. I honestly doubt you'll find much difference in performance from one model to the other at this price point, and all 3 brands are a cut above the usual big-box stuff.
The Outlaw 1050 is an older 6.1 receiver that's $499 US (B-stock is often available for less). It has a better build quality and musical performance than the Japanese fare. It doesn't have DPL2/Neo6 or DTS-ES (it uses a proprietary 6.1 decoding chip rather than DolbyEX), but has a few ambience modes that do the trick. It's downside is that it doesn't do component switching, only S-video switching. The company has similar customer service to Axiom, and I've yet to read about anybody being unhappy with purchasing it.
Arcam is a British company that has two receivers, the AVR100 and AVR200. The AVR100 isn't manufactured anymore, but can probably be found for about 800 USD if you knew where to look. The AVR200 is about 1100 USD, well out of your price range. Arcam's receivers don't do 6.1 or component switch, so they wouldn't suit your needs very well. The Arcam units' claims to fame are a high-end build quality and fantastic sound with music, night-and-day superior to mid-priced Japanese receivers.
Check out reviews at audiovideoreviews.com, or outlawaudio.com for reviews of the 1050.
If the Marantz is a good price (I don't know what it goes for these days), go for it and don't look back.
Oak, there's quite a few receivers in the $400-$600 area that have the 2 component video inputs you want. If I was looking for something like that, I'd think first about the Sony DA4ES(about $600)and at the lower end, the Kenwood 6070(about $400). Look at their features on the Crutchfield site or wherever and read their recent Sound & Vision reviews.
I picked up a Marantz 4300 yesterday for $400 and my first impressions are very good. It's replacing my Technics SA-DX1040. The sound isn't as loud as the Technics but it is much warmer and smoother. I was able to listen all this morning without getting tired or irritated by the sound. I'm very happy with the choice and plan to buy a separate power amp and use the preamp outs on the receiver for music sometime in the future.
Daniel
Oak244:
If you are looking at the Marantz SR7200, you may want to consider the SR7300 which recently replaced it.
Also, my website (see link below) has a home theater receivers buyers guide with detailed specs on many models. The site also includes links to manufacturer info and e-tailer price comparisons for each model.
Hope that helps,
The only reason I can even consider the 7200 is because it has been replaced and therefor cheaper! LOL! I am just trying to get the best reciever I can for the money.
Outlaw has no component video outputs whatsoever, I'd rule it out.