Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Receiver vs Separates

Long time reader, first time poster.

So here's the issue: I'm running my 80-500 system with an older Marantz AV receiver. The receiver makes a crackling sound when playing movies. Sounds like an old film projector running in the background. (I understand this is not uncommon for this model), so I've got to get something else.
I was pretty sold on the new Onkyo 805. I was leaning towards the 605 or the 705, but would like to have the piece of mind of a receiver that is rated for 4ohms. However, I ran into some very positive feedback on the Emotiva systems, of which their Ultra system is current priced BELOW the 805.
Which raises the question, given equal pricing and perceived quality (not to mention Emotiva carries a full 5 year warranty), should one go with separates vs. receiver?
I've always assumed that a separate system gives additional flexibility and better power management (more headroom) than receivers. However, I also beleive much of the separates hype is just that- hype.
I do like to run my system loud at times (esp for movies), and I do have a fairly large space- great room with 15ft vaulted ceiling)
The 805 route gives me the 130watts x 7, Onkyo name, TrueHD and maybe one or two other processing benies, Brown DACs, and a smaller package.
The Emotiva package gives me 125watts x 6, 5 year warranty, and flexibility to get an upgraded pre-pro if/when decoding systems change (or just get it re-programmed or re-fitted?), and a beast of an amp that may or may not offer more 'headroom' than the 805.

So, I respect all ya's ideas/opinions/perspectives. What would you do? (What would Jesus do? What would -ALAN- do?!)

Thanks very much

Excellent question.

One other thing worth considering is that the Onkyo has the Audyssey Multi EQ system. People who have used that high-end version of the room equalization software seem to believe in it. I am of the opinion that the room might be more important than the head room

But I'm tempted by the Emo stuff, too. I think I'm going to wait for version 2 so that I can get some more elegant HDMI switching out of the deal.

If I had to get something NOW, I'd probably get the Onkyo. You could always use it as a processor and upgrade the amp later if you felt like you needed to.

I do respect the opinions of those with more experience than I. There is a compelling case that getting the amps out of the processor chassis might mike a difference in SQ.

Good luck, and please post your decision and experience

6ave has been running a killer deal on the denon 3808, which is driving my 80-500 5.1 system LOUD with no problems whatsover.

you have to call them to get the deal.

MSRP $1599, can be had for $1098 if you call and ask.

Tell them you heard they were running a sale at AVS forum.

just another option for yah.

Thanks for the referal, but for $750 the 805 is all I need to spend (would rather spend less!).

I have the 805 and it is a very good amp driving very well the dynamic range of SACDs and DVD-Audio.

I think they are selling the denon 2808 for $800 which is MSRP $1299.

Heck, you may even ask what kind of price they will give you for the onkyo. Their prices are WAY cheaper over the phone. I'd say find what you want, and try giving em a call.

I think they are authorized dealers of everything they sell

For what its worth I also have the Onkyo 805 and am pleased with it.

The 2808 would be an excellent choice.

However, if you are going to do separates and and attach a separate amp. you can simply move down the AVR chain to get the features you want and let the amp do the heavy lifting. That might mean that a 1908 would fit your needs.

The general equation is an AVR provides more features/less power while separates provide fewer features/more power.

One other question for you to answer - which option will make you happiest.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.
I'd be happy with either choice really. Just curious if there really would be that much of a power advantage with the separate amp. Onkyo is rated at 130, the Emotiva at 125. <shrug>. Think the Emotiva will offer that much extra headroom?

Their amps are probably alot more robust than Onkyo...especially with the 4 ohm M80s, the watts/channel don't matter as much as the quality of the amp (so I understand).