After talking with John at Axiom, I've decided to upgrade my H/K AVR130 to something with more power.
My question is, what reciever would you guys recomend in the "bang for the buck" category. I would really like to stick with H/K just because I dont like the idea of learning a new remote and a recievers "bells and whistles". But any brand with ease of use and good quality is acceptable.
I'm sure this has all been covered on a previous thread, but quite frankly I'm just to lazy to look. Please bare with me.
P.S. Bass management flexability is a must. Also I like that H/K saves my settings for each individual source.
Also needs to have 6 channel out for sacd player.
Bray,
I just recently bought the Denon AVR2805 and have been very happy with it. I got a good deal from a local dealer. Has all the connections for SACD, etc. It is a 7.1 receiver and has the auto EQ speaker setup that I liked. Comes with the omnidirectional microphone. I think it is pretty easy to use. I had an older H/K, can't remember model, that I gave to my dad and he is still using it in his HT setup. Personally I prefer the Denon a little better. The sound with it and my Axioms is great.
In reply to:
Also needs to have 6 channel out for sacd player.
Don't you mean 6 channel
inputs for SACD? 6 channel outs would be good if you later wanted to add a dedicated power amp.
Mark
Also UNDER $600.00 would be great. The more "under" the better.
(just spent $700.00 on a new sub) THIS IS KILLING MY BANK ACCT.!!!!!!!!!
Mark
Thankyou and yes that is what I mean. My head is spinning with this disease.
How about this
Denon 3803. It is from an authorized Denon e-tailer, is factory refurbished by Denon, and comes with a 1 year warranty.
Mark
Mark
That looks great, but after shipping I just couldnt afford it right now.
The new Mac I wanted is already out the window.
Hey so, on this note, what are the real differences between the 3803 and the 3805? I'd like to convince myself that it's silly to get the 3805, but if there are real features I would miss I'd rather go with the higher end.
Bray, how big an power upgrade do you want. I'm in the same boat as you with the HK 130. I bought it because of tight finances-upgradeitis is hitting me too. Onecall.com has the AVR 430 (65 watts) for $610. They are an authorized HK dealer so you will avoid the warranty hassles. Good luck-I'll be watching this thread with interest.
How about
this instead?
here is the spec sheet.
I was hopeing for something more in the 100 WPC range (or higher), but have been told that H/K underestimates or underrates their power.
Do you think thats true?
I doubt Dakmart has it in stock right now. It's a bit cheaper at
Ecost right now as well, but I think it'll be a little while before they actually get the units in. If you're not in a hurry, that seems like a pretty good choice.
H/K is pretty honest about their power rating, might see a few more watts that's about it.
I've always heard that HK rating power conservatively-I've never really researched the issue. When my HK AVR 130 was in the shop I had the opportunity to plug in a Best Buy purchased Yammie (5740 I think) rated at 100 watts/channel. I wasn't impressed and stuck with my "low powered" HK. I'm trying to save up and but the AVR 630, but wonder about going digital. Anyone have any thoughts or experience about the digital HKs
OK I'm going to the store to actually look at the Denons, any other suggetions before I go??
I have the HK AVR230 and am very happy with it. In my limited experience, it's power rating (50 wpc) is low. What makes you think you need more power?
I have no doubt the Denon's you are looking at are very nice....and in my experience, once bitten the upgrade bug is very hard to shake!
First Post, BTW
The only cure for upgraditus, is an empty wallet and a maxed out credit card.
that's not a cure, it's a treatment.
Well I guess actually it's a symptom.
A strict spouse is a good treatment though. If I were single...[censored]...I'd be watching my big screen tv, with my new EP600 in a shack down by the river.
I'd have called it remission. A cure implies permenance. Once you have it you will always have it.
jr
Kai
After reading some of Alans articles in the Axiom news letters and talking to John at Axiom, it has been brought to my attention that you get better sound with more WPC. It was described as more "headroom".
You other guys, I think I need to go out and get married otherwise I'll be living off of Ramen noodles, water, and REALLY GOOD AUDIO.
Any of you guys running an onkyo txsr701? And if so does it have 6 channel inputs for a sacd player?
I found one for 499.00 at a local store without a manual. Seems to be a good price, but if it doesnt support sacd I dont want it.
bray- i have the TX-SR701, and it has sacd analog inputs.. it is also pre/pro capabilities for adding more watts at a later date. in fact, the ONLY thing that the 701 doesnt have, is the Pro Logic IIx. but honestly, i dont think i miss it at all.
i never piped in this conversation cause everyone seems to be in a denon 'lovefest' these days, but i really like my unit. i would recommend it to anyone. the manual is very informative and easy to undersyand. the remote is awesome, and can learn all the others. it has plenty of power(100 watts), and has more inputs/outputs than i could possibly ever use. adjustable crossover, up conversion to s-video(but not component), automatic signal detection, dual zone capabilities, etc, etc.. i think, for the price, it can easily compete with every receiver you listed.
my only complaint, is that the receiver can run hot.. so, just make sure it has good ventalition, and you should be good to go.
BTW- i got mine online at macmall.com, it was a refurb for $429+shipping, and i have had not a problem one with it.. great unit, and very well priced.
bigjohn
What is the difference in Dolby pro logic and pro logic IIx??
In reply to:
What is the difference in Dolby pro logic and pro logic IIx??
Both don't sound as good as Neo 6 : Cinema?
Bren R.
the 701 has Pro Logic II, but not the new and improved Pro Logic IIx.
the 'x' just refers to the newest version. it is basically a type of decoding format that tkaes a 2 channel stereo signal, and makes a simulated surround out of it. you will basically only use it when watching TV or input from the VCR. you will never use it for music.
the 'x' version, is just supposed to be able to decode the signal better.. to be honest, i think the regular Logic II works just fine.. just my opinion.
bigjohn
I thought the X was Xtended - and adds a "discrete" - that is, a processed - rear centre over DPLII.
Don't quote me on that, though... haven't paid much attention to DPL since 1993.
Bren R.
Thanks John.
Bren
Please explain neo6. I see it on my H/K and several other recievers but have never used it.
Neo 6 is DTS' "Pro Logic"... splits a stereo signal into surround... the "cinema" flavour pans it fairly narrow (what I use for TV watching)... and the "music" flavour pans it wider (which I use for live concerts, or videos).
I prefer the sound of it (much like I prefer DTS to Dolby Digital tracks on DVDs)... your mileage may vary.
Bren R.
Thanks Bren. I've been watching TV in 3 channel stereo, but will give Neo6 a try tonight.
Bren, I prefer DTS to DD, too. But, for the life of me, I can't tell you why. I mean, the simple answer is "because it sounds better to me." But, I can't tell you why it sounds better to me. Why do you prefer it?
Same reason - it sounds better... something in the decode algorithm that makes it sound more natural to me... whether it's some EQing, the way the channels are reassigned, something... can't put my finger on WHY, but... I do like it better.
Bren R.
DTS sounds "crisper" to me over DD. I did a test wathing Castaway and the ocean sounds seemed more lifelike and detailed in DTS over DD.
Allright.... I'm leaning towards the Denon3803 or the Onkyo TXSR701.
Any other suggestions in the 500.00 to 600.00 range?
Whew! I feel much better knowing that I'm not the only one that can't quite explain the DTS preference. I keep hearing there is a difference in compression (can't remember if DD supposedly has more or less than DTS), but I have no idea what difference in sound that compression difference would make.
Someone had posted about 9 months ago that the bitrates were similar... (I guess it's like the old adage - it's not what you got but what you can do with it!)
Again, surround encoding isn't really my strong point.
Bren R.
Yes Brady, consider the
Denon 985 (identical to the 2805, except in silver)and the
Yamaha 5790 , both of which are very well-featured, including automatic calibration and equalization.
John
I like the specs on the Yamaha 5790, but havent been able to figure out if it has 6 channel inputs for a sacd player. If it does that would be a top contender.
Do you know if it does?
Remember that HK has a new line of receivers coming out so the older models are going to start getting cleared out. There are some pretty good sales (30% off or more) happening up here (Canada), although HK prices start pretty high so I'm still on the fence.
You might want to just push for a good price on a 630, be a little patient and you might get it.
JB
Yes it does, and of course you can look at the owners manual on the Yamaha site if you want full details.
"I keep hearing there is a difference in compression (can't remember if DD supposedly has more or less than DTS), but I have no idea what difference in sound that compression difference would make. "
I was told that DD is 12:1 compression, while DTS is only 3:1. I basically amounts to DD using more lossy encoding. Similar to ripping MP3s at different bitrates. The higher the bitreate the better it sounds. The numbers above may not be accurate. It's just what I heard from a buddy of mine.
Pete
I dunno, different formats/compression schemes at different bitrates cannot be compared 1:1. Just playing devil's advocate... maybe Dolby has a better, more efficient algorithm!
I was under the impression that DTS, while sounding better to my ears, actually had a lower bitrate.
Bren R.
LOL! Well! I'm certainly glad we've got that all figured out!