Can you guys tell me what is your receiver of choice?
Now I know this question is subjective as hell, I mean it can be broken down in many different areas, cost being the big one.
Be that as it may though, I'm still interested in knowing what your receiver of choice is.
Since I had to sell off all my gear to help aid in the cost of my wifes operation, I'm now on the hunt to replace things as I can. My game plan now, is to get the very best I can for the least amount of cost. I figured I'd start by looking at last year models or refurbished units.
Sutter Cane
For discontinued models, I would look for an HK 7200.
Curtis:
Thanks for the suggestion bud. I guess I should have been more clear in my orginal post.
The HK7200, is still somewhat high for me. I had to sell off all my gear due to my wifes medical bills. The point is, we're up to our eyeballs in cost, so I'm not looking to drop 800+ on a receiver, for as much as I'd love to, I just can't.
Some of the receivers I've been looking at, although the list is long, are as follow:
HK AVR-525 ($440 at HK's Auto Store)
Onkyo TX-SR601 ($289.99 at Ecost)
Denon AVR-2805 ($529.99 at Ecost)
Denon AVR-3803 ($528.99 at Ecost)
Marantz SR-5400 ($449.99 at Accessories 4 Less)
There's a few Yamaha models I've been looking at as well.
Sutter Cane
Sutter,
I've not really heard any of them. I have an Onkyo TX-DS-797 which has been just fine. But, upgradeitis struck me and I've ordered a B-Stock Denon AVR-3805 (much more than you want to spend). So, I'm kinda on a Denon kick, at the moment. But for the price, that 3803 is a LOT of Receiver. Ray3 has one and loves it. The 2805 probably has less power, but more of the current bells and whistles. And, for the money the Onkyo 601 would do a great job for you. Not being much help am I? The truth is you've picked out some very competent units. Find the one that has the features you want, and works with your budget, and go for it.
Sutter, I have the 3803 and love it. $530 is a real bargain. I can't imagine that you would not be happy with this receiver.
P.S. Hope your wife is o.k.
Sutter, I'll echo Jack's comments about the 3803. Great unit at a great price. The bells and whistles of the 2805 are pretty cool, but the SHARC processer in the 3803, in my opinion, makes it the better choice.
Having said that, if $$ are an issue, ecost also has the 1804 available for $287 and it is an excellent unit. I had traded up to the 3803 from an 1803 for no good reason other than I wanted to. The 1803 (now 1804) was more than enough to drive my HT. If you want to add amps later, the 2805 and 3803 can act as a pre/pro, but the 1804 can't.
BTW, the 883 on ecost ($404) is the 2803, another good choice.
Well said. I agree. The 3803 has a lot of bang for your buck and sounds great.
3803 hands down! For the money you can't go wrong. I must point out that I have never heard it but if it's half as good as the 3805, you will not regret your choice.
In that price bracket, my choices would be the 3803 and 525.
The 525 I think would give you more flexibility down the road with its bass management features.
I'd avoid the Marantz. You listed the SR5400. There's
another thread on Marantz vs. Yamaha. My Marantz that went up in smoke and flames yesterday was a SR5200.
You have a 5200 and it just went up now?
Wow.
There was a problem with a batch of the 5200's, something with the power supply I believe, that caused a bunch of them to go up in smoke. Its an acknowledged problem, and I'm sure Marantz would replace it no problem.
I wouldn't discount Marantz just because of one bad batch. My later generation 5200 has worked perfectly since the day I got it.
The 3803 seems like a great deal though.
Craig,
I've tried twice to PM you, but I guess something's funky with the Axiom board right now. This is actually the second time in about 18 months that the SR5200 has detonated. If this is a documented issue, I'd much rather have a replacement than buy a new receiver right now. Where did you first hear about this? Any additional info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
SC, of those you specifically listed, I'd suggest the 2805 refurb. Incidentally, it does have the same SHARC processor as the 3805, both having automatic calibration and equalization provisions. You mentioned Yamaha, and there you might look at the new
5790 for about the same price, which is very similar to the 1400.
JohnK:
I've decided on the Yamaha RX-V1400. I've got a lot of contacts in the home theater biz and can pick one up for about $600-$650.
I'm going to replace my Axioms first, then I'll be going after the other components I had to sell off. I plan to put my order in for the speakers I'm going to get within the next day or two.
This is kind of off topic, but I'm always curious to know who everyone placed their order with. Everyone at Axiom is great guys, and they all know their stuff, so everyone call out here and name the rep who took your order, Jean, Joe, Brent, or Alan?
Sutter Cane
Joe. Note that the 5790 is essentially identical to the 1400, with some cosmetic differences, and is about $100 less.
I won my HK 630 on ebay (via HK Refurb Store) for 585$
Mike (dmn23)
I'm not sure if its officially documented or not, but when I bought mine from an authorized dealer (which only deal with about 4 or 5 receiver companies), the salesman there told me that there had been some sort of problem with the early generation 5200's, and, if I remember correctly, some issue with the power supply was causing them to die in a small puff of smoke. He assured me mine was a later gen one, and the problem had been addressed. I don't know if he had just seen enough of these to know it was a problem, or if Marantz had officially recogonized a problem. Either way, I'd try going to a dealer and see if they can help you out, or maybe get in touch with Marantz directly.
Sorry, that's probably not a lot of help, but its the best I got.
In reply to:
so everyone call out here and name the rep who took your order, Jean, Joe, Brent, or Alan?
In reply to:
None of the above. Amie has it done it for me everytime except once! The other Noreen looked after for me. With all the Axiom products I own, I should have my own direct line there! lol
"I should have my own direct line there".
Neverhappy:
LOL, I know what you mean buddy. Might have to think about putting there number on speed dial. lol