Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater @#&&^! Receiver

OK....back to my "go to" source of Home Theater info - the Axiom Forums!

Several years back I bought the entry level Yamaha Receiver RXV663 to access the latest surround technology. Normally, I don't buy the entry level items and I am now regretting that I did on the receiver. I have already had it in the shop once because one of the surround channels stopped playing. Now, one of the front channels is cutting in and out and the same surround is completely out again. I'm thinkin' I may be done with Yamaha - even though that is all I have ever owned. SO.....I know there is a big Denon contingent here that is usually happy to recommend. Any input is welcome. I did look at the AVRxxxxCI series starting with the 2312 or maybe the 3312....But maybe the 2112 is adequate?

Rob, if you definitely want to go with a Denon, I'll zero in on them in some detail, and they'd be fine choices. My first choice, however, in the price range that you're looking at would be the Onkyo 709 factory refurb available here at A4L for about $470.

I have had zero problems since nov 2007 with my denon 3808. Haven't kept up with their current models but just get the one that has the features you need. Be sure and check around online for a good deal.

The Pioneer VSX-1121-K is also available from Amazon for around $450 right now. Much better feature set than the Denons. It has MCACC instead of Audyssey, though, and I'm honestly not sure how the two compare.

I don't know how they compare either, but my new receiver has MCACC and the feature works really good.

A4L has the Denon 3312ci for $699 (refurbished) with free shipping. I am still trying to decide between this Denon and the Marantz SR6006. Have heard that the Denon 3312ci has had firmware issues

I wouldn't touch the Marantz with a 10 foot pole. The Denon's already down on features, the Marantz is going to be worse.

Is there any difference in reliability between the Japanese made Denons and the Chinese ones?

The older 3808 was made in Japan as was my 2808. The newer 23xx models are of Chinese manufacture.

John
Denon is not necessarily the only choice. I am not familiar with A4L - They seem to be reputable? Have you had experience with them and with refurbs? I am also curious as to the thought behind recommending Onkyo?

Ken,
You are recommending Pioneer - is that your brand of choice? Do you have a sales pitch prepared? Truth is that I have not looked at receivers in a long time so I don't know what features are supposed to be desirable. I don't really need upscaling. I like the Ipod connection, 90-100 watts per channel (or more), the ability to decode the latest surround codecs and at least 4 HDMI inputs.