Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo av receiver sugestions? H/k, denon, yamaha etc?

we purchased an h/k avr 230 but decided to upgrade to avr 430 0r 630. they're out of stock so @ the moment, we aren't committed to any receiver. any thoughts on the denon 3803 or other models? probably considering the m60, m50 or m40 as mains, will add surround later.

can you not upgrade to the 525? i have heard great things about that(actually, thats what im going to buy) and since its last years model you can get it around 500 bucks. That model is comparable to the 630(i think the 630 is the same except for some minor features)

anyways, i have heard that the Denon is a bright reciever. Combine this with the fact the axioms are so clear and precise, that the brightness of the Denon will effect the sound negatively. On the other hand, HK's are warmer, and are a good match with the axioms. But the Denon is a good reciever. I think you choose one or the other based on the speaker company you are buying.

Finally, to add to your confusion, the m50's and m40's are tuned differently(on purpose) then the m60' m80 and m22 lline. They are the same awsome speaker, but are apparently warmer. So, getting a Denon with the m50 or m40 may not be that bad. But, i know more people own the m60's then the m50 or m40. But, if you are really curious, there is the 30 day return policy.

Finally, email alan because he will give you a good idea on which speaker to get, depending on room size and other factors.

thanks, yes the 525 is last yrs' model and not sure if i can still find it locally so i am considering the 430 or 630. there is no 530 so one or both have replaced the 525. that's interesting what you've written about the denon. i also read in another thread the same comment about denons being bright. i'm a little surtprised because i thought the hk was also bright, at least when compared to the onkyo. i haven't been able to compare it to the denon line but you're right, i don't want it if it's indeed brighter than the hk, the hk is plenty bright for my tastes. (that's why i'm considering the m50 and m40)

NC,in my view you shouldn't spend any time worrying about "bright" or "warm" receivers, which haven't been shown to actually exist. Buy a receiver on the basis of features and price. One feature you should especially consider is the automatic room and speaker equalization available on a few models, such as the Yamaha 1400, available for a little under $600.

JohnK speaks the truth. I myself have only heard of the fact the Denon's dont mix well with HK. But i have only heard(here and on another forum-i was basically in the same boat as you a couple weeks ago and did some searches)

The best way to sample a reciever is to listen to it using your speakers. Since this is not possible, listen to the recievers using the same speaker and make the decision yourself. Try getting a model that is similiar to the axiom line(not in price but in quality-so look at the higher models)

Another thing i have heard was that when using a powerful amp(200 watts+) the m22's sound really bright(comparing 100 watt HK to 200 watt HK-same for other brands. So on the less powerful speakers stay in the 630 range.

i saw this at hometheaterspot.com under the axiom forum

What JohnK said.

I feel like I've typed this three times already this week, but... Most mainstream, solid-state receivers do not "sound" different. I've owned HK in the past and currently have a Denon. They are both excellent, and either one will power the Axioms nicely. Shop for features and price.

If you can get an HK 525 for <$500, I would think that would be an excellent bargain.

Hi newconvert

I was just wondering why you decided to upgrade the AVR230, other than the amount of power was there anything else you found lacking?

I have been looking at this receiver and to my eyes it looked fine, I've still got to listen to it but I thought I'd ask you for your overall opinion.

today i listened to a bunch of models. but my most serious testing (about 5 minutes each) was between Denon 3083 and yamaha 1400. although hte denon is more costly, i thought the yamaha was more precise in the mids. kind of. im not really a good tester because i dont know what to listen for, bu in any case while listening to Michael Jackson i thought it sounded better on yamaha

i was using magnepans that cost 3000 bucks while testing

You need help in what to listen for?

Simple: what YOU think sounds the best.

Hi FP, i was very pleased with the 230 but when i brought home a pr of cambridge soundwork towers, i had to turn up the volume (for stereo) from -24 to -16. i don't want to outgrow the receiver & i just want to make sure i'll have enough amps for HT when i get the rest of my speakers. Other than that, I've been very pleased with H/K, (I really like their high current capability, not sure if Denon is high current in the same way. Salesmen have said so but hesitatingly and I would expect that the w/channel would be more similar to the H/K. Denon's watts are more like other reg. current receivers.