Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Upgrade Bug – Receiver question

Looking to go the route of selling my Onkyo 5.1 (receiver has no pre-amp outs) and replacing with a 7.1 receiver which has pre-amp outs. Final aim is to add external 7 channel amplifier either B&K, Outlaw or Rotel.

So far I am leaning towards the Harman Kardon AVR-235.

Are there any other receivers I should be researching? Is there a big difference in sound processing between different brands? I have only owned an Onkyo thus am asking this question. Looking for a receiver that will be good for music and HT.

Any direction/feedback would be much appreciated.

How much do you want to spend?

Sorry should have mentioned that as well. NOt looking to spend more than $500 right now as keeping money aside for the amplifier to be added later

Take a look at refurb Denon gear on ecost. You should be able to grab a 2805 for <$500 and it can act as a prepro.

Thx Ray - I'm now researching Denon as well

if you have been happy with the onkyo, other than the fact that it doesnt have pre-amp outs, then go with an onkyo that DOES have preouts. i have the 701, and it is a great unit, and it has pre outs. if you do some research, i believe the 601 has preouts also. being that the 'new' lines have been introduced(602 and 702), you should be able to find some pretty good bargains on the 601 and 701. i bought my 701 as a refurb on macmall.com for $429. definitely the biggest 'deal' in my whole HT.

good luck in your search.

bigjohn

Thanks Big John.

I do have one more question which in your option would be a better way to go; the way I look I can get a HK AVR235 or a similar Onkyo / Denon model for around $399 and then add a external amplifier like Outlaw 7100 for $899. The final set up thus costs me $1300.

Or I can get a top line receiver like Harman Kardon AVR 7300 for around $1399.

My thought is a separate amplifier would provide much better amplification and sound quality for music and HT.

Should I stick with my separate approach or just buy a top line receiver and call it a day?

man, to be honest, that is simply a matter of personal preference. there is no 'golden rule' as to how you should set up your system.

the purists will say that you get more direct, dedicated power from separates. the power doesnt 'break down' like most receivers when you send it out to more channels. it also gives you the ability to send different wattage ratings, to the desired specific speakers.

the receiver, 'all-in-one' approach, is more of a new generation type mindset. it is considered easier, and less complicated than the separates. it also has less wiring(which can be a prob for some), and it takes up much less space, if that is an issue.

bottom line, there is no easy answer to your question. its all about your individual preference. i find the single unit receiver to be more than adequate for me, but your situation my be different.

hopefully, people with more experience with both types of set-ups will chime in.

bigjohn

I recently added a stereo 200 WPC power amp to my setup for the front main M60's. I noticed an increase in transient attack on kick drums etc., and an ability to play to higher SPL's without distortion. However, this was not a night and day change, and I am even prepared to put out there that it may just be my brain justifying the money I spent :-). However, I wanted to do it, I had the money, and I'm glad I did.
My suggestion would be to get the best receiver that you can afford for now - get the processing that you think you will need, pre-amp outputs for future 'itch scratching', 7.1 for the same reason, and 100+WPC if you can. Then you are protecting yourself for upgrades and will have a system that you can enjoy now. For reference I have a Denon 3803 and it is a great receiver.

My 2c worth.

my opinion for what its worth is try to fight this current flare up of "upgraditus" save up and buy the outlaw 950/7100 package when you are ready for $1498 my business partner has that and it rocks for music or ht it will be worth the wait.

I looked at the Outlaw 950 Pre/Pro but it is getting kind of outdated now and is not firmware upgradeable.

expatbrit - good suggestion made by you - Looks like I would end my using my dayy off reseraching recievers.

snakeyes - I was actually all set on getting the Outlaw 950/7100 as I thought this was the best deal but read in one of the posts that the 950 is pretty obsolete, looks like I need to look at that option more carefully.

Thanks to both of you for sharing your thoughts

There is a Outlaw pre/pro on ebay right now that you may want to look at. Also, take a look at Audiogon.com. I have picked up a few items there that are great savings and items.