Receiver - Which One - Budget in Mind.

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Its that time again. I guess you could say I am 'BugBitten' but then not really. Haha!

I am in the market for a new receiver that has 7.1 and does hdmi switching.

The receiver is primarily for video features as I have 3 Outlaw monoblocks for my front 3 channels.

The speakers are 2xM80 , 4 QS8's, 1 VP 150, EP600. Pretty basic stuff.

I currently have a HKAVR335 which is being handed off. I like the HK line...but am really disappointed with their service after a recent issue with their "FLAGSHIP" product.

any and all advice welcome.

Budget is 700-1000 US

I have recently faced the same issue and was considering the Denon 4306 or the 2807 but decided the best thing to do is hold off for now.

From my research it is my understanding that with the HD DVD format coming down the pipe, there is also HD audio to go with it. The HDMI switching receivers out right now are all HDMI 1.0, and to take advantage of the new audio formats that will be associated with HD audio you will need a receiver that can handle HDMI 1.3 cables...at least that is how I understand it. Neither the 4306 nor the 2807 can decode these new formats.

Here's what Cnet had to say...

http://reviews.cnet.com/Denon_AVR_4306/4505-6466_7-31736750.html?tag=lst

"...the receiver lacks the ability to decode the new Dolby Digital Plus/TruHD and DTS-HD soundtracks found on forthcoming HD-DVD and Blu-ray discs. But let's put that into perspective: no receiver currently on the market can handle those formats, and it's unclear what the advantage would be if they did. Dolby, DTS, and the hardware manufacturers are telling us that HD-DVD and Blu-ray players handle the soundtrack decoding internally and pass the discrete audio streams onto the receiver via HDMI or the 5.1 analog inputs-- obviating, it would seem, the need for next-gen internal surround decoding."
(emphasis mine)

I want my next receiver to last a long time, and with these new formats just around the corner I think it is best to wait a bit.

Can anyone else provide more input in this regard?

Tarun,

I've got the disease all the time!

The 2807 is refurbed at $770 from Dakmart.

Hmm....thanks for the detailed response. I too would like my next purchase to be a keeper for a long time...atleast until they come out with 10.1

I am going to check out the reviews link.

Keep me posted.

That looks good for a mid range...especially since I have the 3 outlaws. Whats the mindset on dakmart? Trustworthy???
As for the disease...i think thats where I picked it up.

I bought my Monster 3 channel and 5100 from them through ebay with no issues. My Denon 2910 as well!

I bought my Denon 3910 from them, no problems either.

Quote:

I want my next receiver to last a long time, and with these new formats just around the corner I think it is best to wait a bit.

Can anyone else provide more input in this regard?

There's lots of discusion on avsforum about the new audio formats and hd-dvd/blu-ray requirements. It does not seem that hdmi 1.3 is all that much of a requirement or even a distinct advantage, since the players can/will do the decoding. I just bought a Denon 887 (2307) and it sounds great so far with the axioms and I have an hd-dvd player on pre-order. Here is one interesting thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=738511&page=1&pp=30

Tarun,

Well I guess I get to join you in the disgruntled 7300 club. HK sent me the firmware upgrade disk to resolve a DD surround selection bitch I had. Halfway through it, it locked up. Four hours later I had to shut the program down and now the AVR is completely dead. I also had another problem that I didn’t really care about. The component input would not switch from DVD component input to the other two component inputs. I didn’t really need this, but it bugged me nonetheless.

But in defense to HK’s customer service, they are exchanging the 7300 for a new 745. I suppose I’ll have to pick up a three channel amp to drive my mains and center speakers if this 745 won’t crank them the way I like. I guess I’ll just wait and see if this 745 will drive them OK.

This is my second HK that I’ve had problems with. I sure hope the 745 will not give me problems.

No HT until the new AVR gets here. Man, I’m already going through withdrawals……….

Quote:

Tarun,

Well I guess I get to join you in the disgruntled 7300 club. HK sent me the firmware upgrade disk to resolve a DD surround selection bitch I had. Halfway through it, it locked up. Four hours later I had to shut the program down and now the AVR is completely dead. I also had another problem that I didn’t really care about. The component input would not switch from DVD component input to the other two component inputs. I didn’t really need this, but it bugged me nonetheless.

But in defense to HK’s customer service, they are exchanging the 7300 for a new 745. I suppose I’ll have to pick up a three channel amp to drive my mains and center speakers if this 745 won’t crank them the way I like. I guess I’ll just wait and see if this 745 will drive them OK.

This is my second HK that I’ve had problems with. I sure hope the 745 will not give me problems.

No HT until the new AVR gets here. Man, I’m already going through withdrawals……….

GOOD LUCK!
I had a miserable time with them getting my unit repaired.
I had to take it to a dealer and 3 months later I got a refurb 7300 back. I parted ways with it never to own a HK again. I was very dissapointed with their customer service....I have used HK's for years without issue...but one problem is all it takes to show that they dont really care about their so called FLAGSHIP product.

Anyhow....I am now using 3 amps and bought a mid range Denon 2807 from Dakmart as suggested above. I may get the 2807 or the 987 which are both the same in essence except the remote....depends what comes first.

Good Luck with your issue....hope it gets resolved.

One idea may be to go buy a cheap open box to use while this is being replace/repaired/etc.

Quote:

Tarun,

I've got the disease all the time!

The 2807 is refurbed at $770 from Dakmart.

And that is what is expected in the days ahead.
Although no one knows for sure when it will arrive.
With turkey day coming up and all.

Bug...where is DAKMART? Florida?

No, they already sent me a pre-paid UPS two day air return label. As soon as they get the 7300, they are sending me the 745 UPS two day air.

Unfortunately, UPS two day to my location is usually 7 to 10 days. I’m screwed for at least two weeks. Time to catch up on some reading I reckon……..

Quote:

No, they already sent me a pre-paid UPS two day air return label. As soon as they get the 7300, they are sending me the 745 UPS two day air.

Unfortunately, UPS two day to my location is usually 7 to 10 days. I’m screwed for at least two weeks. Time to catch up on some reading I reckon……..

Lucky you....glad they gave you that option.
I had to take mine in for a complete processor replacement which took forever.

Anyway...catch up on that reading...go for it!!! The wait is worth it...a 745 instead.... God Bless.

If your looking for a Budget Receiver with as much Bells & Whistles as
you can get then your best option would be looking into Onkyo. Specifically the TX-NR828 THX certified

This model has everything that you need for your Axioms especially
the power output with 160Watts and 7.2 capability.
Along with 8-HDMI Inputs and Audyssey Acoustical Room Calibration and Wi-fi

The MSRP is $1099 but has a street price such as at Amazon around $750

Source: http://www.onkyousa.com/Products/prod_class.php?class=Receiver&source=prodClassSide

This thread is 8 years old.

Cool recommendation though.

Originally Posted By: Serenity_Now

This thread is 8 years old.

I'm literally laughing out loud now!

How do you laugh illeterally ?

I wondered who else saw that! And a look at Tarun's profile shows that he hasn't posted on the boards since 2008.

If AlaskanAVGuy recommends a product in the woods but Tarun is not there to hear him, does his mouth still make a sound?

I just oinked I laughed so hard.

The people on this Forum are getting worse than AVS
WOW how immature.

What, we're just having a bit of fun! Don't be too thin skinned!

Or maybe I should say, what was it ... someone said it earlier today ...

"If you think i'm bullying your sensitive nature then i'm sorry, but you need to Man-up."

Originally Posted By: AlaskanAVGuy

The people on this Forum are getting worse than AVS
WOW how immature.

LOL...LMAO

Originally Posted By: AlaskanAVGuy

The people on this Forum are getting worse than AVS
WOW how immature.

The people on this forum have built up a rapport and enjoy making each other laugh. We also come out of the woodwork to gawk at, bemoan, try to mollify the newcomer when said newcomer acts as an agent provocateur and stirs things up with aberrant behavior.

You, sir, whether intentionally or not, are fulfilling that role admirably. You are tenacious and consistent in the belief that you are correct and anyone who engages with you is not. If you wish to continue wearing the troll du jour mantle, be my guest.

...the Itchy and Scratchy show...

Since this thread rose from the grave like a character in a George Romero flick I may as well ask my question here instead of starting my own. What processor/receiver would you all recommend? I've already got Emotiva amps to power my M22's and QS8's. Just need the receiver. I have been looking at that Onkyo receiver that Alaska dude posted actually. It will be used about 80/20 for movies/music and I wouldn't consider myself an audiophile. Is it worth paying the extra money for a processor separate or would I be fine with getting a cheaper all-in-one receiver like the Onkyo and just using the pre-outs?

Looking to stay under $1500 and only requirements I have are 7.1, 2nd zone, and aforementioned pre-outs if it's a receiver instead of separate. What do you guys have/like?

A receiver is the cost-effective purchase in the vast majority of circumstances and benefits from economies of production scale compared to separate processors and amplifiers. The Onkyo 828 isn't suggested since, despite the numbering, it constitutes a "downgrade" relative to the 818(the 929 is actually the successor to the 818). Among the differences, the 828 has Audyssey MultEQ processing, down two steps from the top MultEQ XT32 which the 818(and 929)has. The best buy at this time appears to be the factory refurbished 818 for about $580 from Accessories4less . These units should be at least as reliable as a brand-new one.

Be wary of the 828 and Onkyo in general as the HDMI ports have been failing, many people complaining on various forums and ONKYO appears to be replacing failed components with same and having them fail again and again. A former forum regular I know has one and last we spoke he was down to one working port and was getting ready to send it in.

Originally Posted By: jakewash

Be wary of the 828 and Onkyo in general as the HDMI ports have been failing...

Thanks for the info, but what brand/model would you recommend if not Onkyo?

I definitely do NOT want any chance of HDMI issues. We have a Vizio tv in the family room with HDMI issues. When changing inputs the video from selected source always displays but sometimes audio doesn't work. Have to cycle power and unplug and reconnect HDMI a few times before the sound will be picked up. Really a PITA, but trying to get HT finished before dropping money on a new tv for that room.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-s.../airplay/1.html

Says last one buy now. Has multi eq xt but not xt32. Refurb.

Originally Posted By: stoudtlr

Originally Posted By: jakewash

Be wary of the 828 and Onkyo in general as the HDMI ports have been failing...

Although I have never owned a Denon AVR, over the last number of years I have owned an Onkyo, Marantz and two Yamaha models including my most recent new Yamaha CX-A5000 Pre-Pro. Of the three brands and in my case anyway, the only one that has given me consistent reliable HDMI connections has been the Yamaha and that is with other items connected between the HDMI out of the Pre-Pro and in particular to a Lumagen VP between it and the display. With HDMI sometimes the more connections the more problematic the "handshake" issues, yet, I have never experienced issues with the Yamaha. Cable/Sat boxes connected through AVRs via HDMI sometimes can have issues as well. I have read recently in the CE press that Yamaha has recently introduced some very good highly rated budget brand AVR's that might fit your bill.

Incidentally, I have found it also helps to have a good HDMI "locking" cable like the "Perfect Path" brand.

I am not saying don't buy an Onkyo, they are good avr's, just realize there may be some issues down the road and possibly sooner than you may like. When working they are very good.

I own a Denon 3808 and have grown disenchanted with Denon's latest models, they appear to lack the quality my 3808 has. They appear to have smaller power supplies, capacitors etc. I suspect the parent company has toned down the Denon line in favor of pushing Marantz as the upper end, just my opinion on this idea. I have no proof of this practice other than the Marantz line appears to be maintaining or even improving their quality over the years which I found equivalent to older Denon's like mine.

Pioneer and Yamaha appear to have brought up their level of quality over the last few years and appear to be good choices right now.

My current favorite avr is from Anthem the MRX series.

Jason, it's great to see you posting again.

Is there any good research (or even informed opinions) about the quality of the room correction, EQ, dynamic volume, etc. between Audyssey, YPAO and MCACC? I just don't have the gumption to go to AVS at the moment. I've always perceived the Audyssey works pretty well (for me, in my room) but my Onkyo 805 is aging and I might like to have dynamic EQ, dynamic volume, etc. in addition to some more HDMI inputs.

The element feedback would not change from DVD element feedback to the other two element information.

Originally Posted By: jakewash

I would tend to agree with your overall assessment. I have owned a couple of Yamahas the last go round and currently have the CX-A5000 Pre-pro which is excellent and they just provided a firmware update for HDMI 2.0. From a pricing perspective, when comparing similar model categories to Pioneer, Onkyo or Denon, the Yamaha product is a somewhat better value and the "Aventage" series has a four year warranty where the others have a maximum of three. For me, the Anthem AVRs, although I am sure excellent sounding, are a little short on features. Although I expect nothing to change in the near future, with the purchase of Pioneer by the group that owns Onkyo, who knows down the road what will happen there?