I'm within inches of pulling the trigger on a new receiver, but before I do, I wanted to see if there were strong suggestions for receivers other than the one in the title. I'm looking at refurb from AC4L, where it's running around $600+shipping right now, which is about what I want to spend.

I want some sort of iPod integration (easy), >100WPC (yes, yes, John, I know I don't need it, but Daddy wants the big honking toys), Audyssey MultiXT with all the trimmings (ie Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ) or the equivalents.

It doesn't have to be more than 5.1. I've got 4 HDMI sources now, seems unlikely I'll be adding more, but who knows. Also one optical source. I have M80s, so 4 ohm capable is a good thing.

Also I really like the aluminum faceplate. Call me vain, but I've had my H/K for probably a decade, so it's nice to buy nice looking stuff.

Oh yeah, and I know I talk about this all the freakin' time, but I'm really going to do it this time. Really.

Ken, forgive me, because I had to double to check to make sure, but a monkey just flew out of my butt.

Ken, for that price, you're not going to find anything better. Go.

Get it, Ken!!!

What are you going to do with the HK?

It's moving into another room to act as, well, an SD video switcher.

Ok. So as long as the old one is not going to sit there collecting dust, order the new one.

What about an Integra DTR-20.3?

Alex, it isn't comparable to the 809. As I've commented before, I'll say again: an Integra is generally an overpriced Onkyo. Here the 20.3 is rated at 90 watts vs 135, and has the basic Audyssey 2EQ system which doesn't equalize the sub vs MultEQ XT. The 20.3 would compare(at best)to the 609, which is available around $300.

I love the looks of my HK 630 (and the weight!)

You mean you don't want to wait until May for the new ones? Just trying to make your decision harder.

John, I though that the Integra line had the newest technology and that the structure was that the technology from the Integra line "trickled down" to the Onkyo line? I did notice that it had less than the 100W that Ken was looking for, but it was only a 10W difference, and would not be noticeable.

Alex, there's nothing to indicate that. Integra is a "prestige" name sold by "higher class" dealers at higher prices. It's generally possible to match an Integra almost precisely with a lower priced Onkyo. Again here, the 22.3 is nearly identical to the 609(which is 100 watts and 7.2, however); for example, both weigh 24.7 pounds(although amplification shouldn't be bought by the pound)compared to 40.3 pounds for the 809. The 22.3 is two steps(809, 709, 609)down, and most significantly has the much less capable 2EQ.

Charles, that's exactly the announcement I was waiting for. To depress prices on the current lineup.

The 717 is not appealing in the slightest (I'd rather have a 709, that at least has MultiEQ XT magic.

The 818 is guaranteed to be out of my price range for the time being. But perhaps I should wait just a bit to see if the prices plummet on the 809 (or maybe even the 1009!)

Dammit, Charles.

Arg, stupid credit card bills I forgot about. Sean, you can probably avoid that monkey thing for the moment.

AC4L also had a Sherwood 972 for $600, new, with a 3 year warranty. I looked at it for a bit, then realized it wasn't networked in the slightest.

Pity that company's fallen so far behind, but I guess they were never exactly up on the latest tech.

Go for it Ken.

Integra was originally to be a line for professional home A/V installers. They had cool things like RS232 control.... Now they are just as John says....overpriced Onkyo's. The whole custom installation has lost a lot of ground due to the DIY world and fact that it's not all that difficult anymore.

*sigh*

Back in he goes!

Ken,

In my past researching of receivers the 809 is a very capable machine for your budget at hand. The next progression in receivers would take the pricing about 400-500 dollars higher. But would allow for more future proofing with it's added options.

Any feelings on the Denon AVR-3312ci as it compares to the 809? They're roughly the same price right now when you throw in shipping. The 809 seems a tad more powerful (but really...) and has one more HDMI port, not to mention wifi support. Still, it's not got the best reliability record, and as usual, Onks run hot.

FYI, the 3312 is at the price point the old 38XX series was but has less power and features. The 43XX series is the direct replacement for the 38XX series, take from this what you will.
Even with the slightly elevated heat output I think the Onkyo is the better buy as it offfers those few more features and could be considered similarly good as far as quality is concerned.

Ken, i have the previous year model of the Denon, the 3311ci and its a great unit. I chose it over the 3312 because i like the extra buttons hidden behind the front flap.I bought a dock for my ipod since the airplay just didnt give the sound quality. Like you i started by looking at at onkyo since i buy from crutchfield.I just couldn't take the risk with their quality given my remote location. Though the denon is not rated for 4 ohms it has no trouble whatsoever with the m80's. This hobby is adictive and i have since added an emo to drive the front 3. I say get the denon,only complaint for me was the manual.

BTW 3311ci at amazon.com for 789.

yeah, even before reading Socketman's post, I was thinking "have you read the manuals?"

They may have changed over the last 7-8 years, of course. But my Denon manuals were unintelligible.

You guys read the manuals? -1 point from your man cards.

They are 'similarly poor'.

As Red Green says, if there's instructions in say- japanese, save those as you'll need the pictures later.

I should get a point back, i built my tablesaw without instructions today . yeay me

Go for the 809. I just upgraded from the 708 to the 809 mainly for MultEQ XT. I couldn't find anything better from a price/feature standpoint.

Thanks, Floyd. Any heat issues or reliability problems?

Hi Ken, I'm going to sneak in here real quickly. I've never owned the 809 but had researched it in the past. Heat was an issue with some of it's owners, but mostly referred to as running warm or very warm. There was very little talk about catastrophic failure because of it running warm. This was really the only complaint about the 809. This series was thought of very highly on other forums as a receiver being very reliable with good feature sets for the money.

Eh-xcellent. My parents are visiting for the week, so I'm using that as an excuse to see if they put the thing on free shipping or drop the price any more. If no, well, I'll probably buy it anyway in a week or two.

Yeah, but we don't care about other forums!

Ken, do dealers lower their prices when your parents are around??

No, but if my parents are around, I won't be able to do anything with a new receiver in any case, so I might as well wait, eh?

None whatsoever, although not pushing it too hard re heat. I'm driving my RF/LF speakers from an external amp. So, mine will be running a bit cooler but have to say it doesn't feel warm at all running SR/SL/Center of my 5.1 set-up which uses M22s, QS8s,VP150. I haven't seen any real critical issues with this model at all at another forum 809 owner's thread.

Ordered!

Finally! Sean, you owe me $5....he ordered it BEFORE May!

D'Oh!!

Very good, Ken; but it's disappointing that A4L didn't drop the price further in honor of your folks' visit.

I gotta know, JP, what did you slip into my burger today? And can I get a supply?

Great deal, can't wait for your impressions on the 809. I'm looking to purchase from the company later on as well.

Medic8r's Homestyle Burgers, gotta love 'em.

Hope you and Peter don't have any random drug tests at work any time soon!