I am considering buying the Denon 1802. I just purchased the M22s, VP150, QS8s and EP350. Is this receiver good enough? One of the reasons I liked it was because it has front plugs for my camera and my TV doesn't. But I have been reading about this DVI problem and am wondering if I should wait. I cannot set anything up for another few weeks because of a remodel, but I was going to buy it on sale somewhere. Should I wait or does anyone have a better receiver for around $400?
johng,
I have the 1602, M3's and a EP125. Soon I will have M22's and either vp100 or vp150. It works excellent with the M3's, so the M22's shouldn't be a problem at all. I don't own a TV yet so I don't know about the video switching.
Yamaha just released a new line of receivers, you could look at those. Of course, there's also those Onkyo's at the same price, like the 797 I believe.
The best thing for you to do is go to a store and just listen to the differences. You could also check
www.hometheatrespot.com for reveiws reguarding the different models by these companies.
Hi,
I'm not aware of the "DVI" problem, whatever that is. Onkyo offer lots of features for the money, and I've never had trouble with the video switching on mine. Although its power output stage blew out after less than a year. I'm assured that the new Onkyo's (they're redesigned, with better output stage cooling and heat sinking) don't have the problem I encountered. Mine was an early Dolby Digital model, now out of the line.
Regards,
I've been real happy with my Onkyo 797. Had it for 4 months now with no problems.
I've had my 797 for about 2 months and like it very much!
Look at the Outlaw 1050 @ outlawaudio.com. Its the best bang for the buck.
Onkyo has a new model TX-RS-600 $499 is in your price range.
Three low price Onkyo authoriezed Etailer (so buyers are covered by manufacturer's warranty).
Best Price usually has the lowest price, call to find out, they typically don't usually negotiate price, good shipping (double box).
One Call has a sale, 10% off $499, free shipping, they usually match competitor's price, call to place your order if you would like to negotiate.
J and R is out of stock, they match competitor's price.
Best Price
http://www.bestpriceaudiovideo.com/products/product.asp?class=64
One Call
http://www.onecall.com/About.mpt?
ShowAnyway=1&ProductLineID=17&SubLineID=51
J and R
http://www.jandr.com/JRProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=946&Product_Id=2806300&showcase=t
johng,
I hope this isn't too late to give some input.
I just went shopping for my new receiver today. I was looking a little beyond your price range, and basically went into the local AV specialty shop targeting the Denon 3802. For substantially less of an investment, the salesperson suggested I take a listen to the Arcam AVR100.
I had tested a Denon against other receivers on the market (6.1 models by Sony, Pioneer, the Denon 2802). I thought given the features, performance and reputation, Denon was the way to go.
I was dead wrong. After listening to just three songs, I picked up the Arcam as a hands-down winner. I'm not sure what its "street price" is in the U.S., but it was $200 Canadian less than the 2802 (never mind 3802), and completely embarrassed the Denon 3802 to boot (complete with DPL2, component switching, 7.1 outputs). You may be able to find it for only a few dollars more than what you had targeted to spend.
After an evening with the AVR100, my Axiom bookshelf system (M3s all around and VP50) came to life...I'm talking the room FILLED with music (Diana Krall on DVD) AND sound FX (Phantom Menace). What a difference over the Sony I was using!!
The DVI vs. FireWire problem relates to HDTV, which in and of itself has not proven to be a big deal unless you REALLY want to stare at Mimi's rolls of fat in high-definition detail on the Drew Carey Show. Just ignore it, since your next TV will have whatever inputs it needs to handle HDTV signals, and by the time Hollywood picks an input, there may actually be HDTV worth watching.
In the meantime, make your HT setup about the SOUND first (heck, that's why you're buying Axiom, right?). Give the Arcam a listen. You won't regret it, especially not with your MAGNIFICENT choice of speakers, BEGGING for quality amplification.