So I'm looking for a mid-level HT Receiver to go with a M60 system. I've been looking in the $800-1000 level. So far the Onkyo TX-SR806 and Yamaha RX-V863 (HD Radio!) are the two that look promising. Any thoughts?
I need:
- Dual zone
- HDMI switching
- 1080p upconverting
This is about the most I want to spend on the receiver as the technology seems to change every few years (i.e. my 4 year old yamaha doesn't have HDMI).
Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
Mike
You might want to consider the Denon 2809 as well. I'm not sure what it sells for US$$ but I'm sure it's in that range.
What exactly do you need to upconvert? I ask because doing that WELL can be an expensive proposition. It really depends on the quality of the scaler in your TV and what your source components are like.
I'm using an Onkyo 805 with my M60/VP100/QS8 system and I think it's the cat's pajamas. I needed the zone and HDMI switching stuff too.
If you are looking at the 806, as I was, you should see this review.
Onkyo 806
Accessories4less still has
refurb 805's for $599 or the
875 with the Reon chip for $799. My understanding is that the x05 series passes HDMI unmolested.
Mike, the 806 should be an excellent choice, especially at the $600 price it's available for as a factory refurb from the Accessories4less site that Tom linked. Up one notch, but still within your budget at $950, would be the 876. This has the superior Reon video processor(the 806 has a standard processor which may or may not be better than the TV itself would do)and the highest grade of Audyssey, the MultEQ XT. Both X06 models have added Audyssey Dynamic EQ(not present on the X05s)which has drawn praise.
Mike, pretty much any of the mid-range receivers being discussed will do the job for you. Just understand that video upconversion is not their MAIN job.
I'm a Denon guy, so I'll speak to that a bit. The 2809 was mentioned and that will do a good job, as would the 2309 for a few $$ less.
As opposed to some other manufacturers who have their own refurb stores, Denon sells their refurbs through ecost. I have purchased 4 items that way and have had several friends do the same thing.
Having said that, there is a substantial savings available when they have stock (it comes & goes quickly). Both the 2309 and 2809 would be nicely reduced, but ecost also would bring the 3808 into your budget range as well.
Ecost has the 2808 (LY model) at 437.99 - a real steal.
Just another thought to consider.
I use an Onkyo 905, which drove the m80s just fine. Tho now I cheat and have the A1400-8 in my chain to drive the fronts and drive the rear channels with my onkyo. Can't complain, I've had it for about a year. There's a slight sound drop off when you change to a new sound source, but not a big deal usually.
6th ave is selling yamaha rxv2700 for 799 as its not the current model but are brand new with full warr.they were 1599 when they came out. i bought a cd player with it and they took off another 50