I'm pulling my hair out looking at receivers. I know I want either HK or Denon but I need someone to hold my hand.

I'll go refurb to get more for the $$$. I will do 5.1 and if I do go to 6.1 or 7.1 it won't be for awhile if at all.

I came across the Denon 982 ($283) and the HK 510-Z ($328). From what I can tell the major differences are watts in favor of the 982 but the HK has more crossovers and some auto calibration thing.

Then I came across the 983 which has "Adjustable High and Low Pass Crossover (40/60/80/100/120Hz)" but it was $400 and now I'm back in the cycle of continually stepping up in price to get more and more. The next step is the 2805.

Anyway any advice on all of this? What is the difference in Denon's lines. I noticed they have a 3 digit line (800's, 900's) and then a 4 digit (1000's, 2000's).

Any pros or cons that you guys know of with Denon and HK would be helpful. Anything you've heard even if you don't own one.

Thanks!

The HK's power ratings are more accurate than the Denon's. But both brands provide plenty of power. The Denon's have different model numbers because they sell different branded products to different types of clientele. I know the 684-1604 and the 884(which I own)-1804 are the same recievers. I'm not sure what the 982's 4 digit equivalent is. Either way you can't go wrong with Denon or HK.

According to the dakmart site the 983 is the same as the 2803.

Its win, win with those two brands, but since I own a HK 630 I'll say get the HK.

Hello Moostic,

Hope you are well. I own a Harman/Kardon AVR 630 and I love it. It has plenty of power and plenty of features. Whatever you decide on getting, make sure it has good bass management. The H/K AVR 630 has individual crossover frequencies for each channel. Also, check to make sure that your choice has Pre-outs, so you can keep the processor and add an external amp if you ever need more power.

If you are going to use SACDs make sure you have multichannel direct inputs.

Choosing audio equipment can be very hard, just read all the specs and see which one gives you more for the hard earned dollar.

Later,

TonyM

Matt, the 510-Z may not be available at this time. Both the Denon and HK power ratings are accurate, but they use different measures; the FTC reg allows a rating with two channels driven, which Denon uses, while HK rates with all channels driven(but also gives a two channel number)which results in a lower number. Adjusted to the same standard they're essentially identical, and in any case a few watts difference is negligible.

You don't need a big selection of crossovers and will likely be using only 80Hz. The automatic calibration(not equalization)on the HKs is a convenience, but you can learn to do it manually with similar accuracy.

The three digit and four digit Denon models are identical, but if you're willing to accept only three digits you save some money. I gather that you've looked at the ecost refurbs. My suggestion there if you don't want to go over $300 is the 884(identical to the 1804).

I disagree with John on the crossovers. While it would be lovely to have speakers that should all cross at 80 Hz, I'm crossing at 60 Hz for the mains and 100 Hz for the surrounds. The EzSet thing on the H/Ks is, shall we say, a good starting point, but... It seems to want to turn up my left front about 2 db over where it should be to my ears (things sound seriously unbalanced, including the test tone...) Plus it doesn't do anything with the sub. I think the 510 is a pretty old model, as well.

That said, I really like my 525-Z. Plenty of power, nice feature set. Manual is relatively understandable. The remote blows, but that can always be replaced.

Ken, the main reason for my comment on that point was that the 510 which he's considering doesn't provide for individual crossover settings for different speaker groups. With speakers set small only a global setting of 80Hz or 100Hz is available.

Oh....fine.

Thanks for the input.

If I understand correctly, receivers that have crossovers of let's say 60, 80 and 100 may or may not be able to crossover different speaker groups?

Also about the different watt ratings, when Denon says 125watts per channel, they mean for 2 channels. When HK says 55watts per channel, they mean with all channels running. Is this correct?

The HKs performed well above the mfg stated power figs. Somebody have the link to the receiver test?

The ability to set each speaker's crossover independent of the other speakers in your HT might be useful, but it shouldn't be a deal breaker, IMO. You'll likely get very similar results using the global crossover at 80hz, wherein the crossover for each speaker will be the same.

Matt, most receivers provide a "global" crossover setting, i.e. regardless of how many frequency choices are offered, that frequency setting is the same for all speaker groups. The HK 525 which Ken has and some of the current HK models provide for setting different crossover frequencies for different groups.

Again, the power ratings are accurate, but you have to read carefully what rating standard is being applied. The Denon 125 watts you mention is at 6 ohms; 90 watts is the 8 ohm rating. Yes, the 55 watt HK rating is with all channels driven simultaneously at full power for at least 5 minutes(an unrealistic scenario for home use). I recall that they also show a 2 channel driven figure of 80 watts or so. Don't get too caught up in power ratings.

Try the link below.

try This

I like the idea of that link...it gives a good overview of receivers and their "actual" power...

I just wish someone would update it with a list of the most currently recommended receivers as well as the newest ones recently released (Denon 3805, etc...)

WhatFurrer

Here's one for the 3805:
3805

Thanks Lorenzo...

That is good information to have...and interesting to see.

I know this is OT (but related), anyone know of a "actual" power rating similar to the list above that singles out or included the Sony STR-DB940? I currently have one and have always wondered what the "real" measured power was for this receiver.

The HTIB speakers I previously had did not seem to care one way or the other...but my Axioms beg the question to be asked...

I think they just want more power...

Anyone?

Thanks,

WhatFurrer

Driving 7 channels with pleanty of volume the H/K 630 has more than enough clean power. Plus the crossover is pretty sweet. Through One Call I got mine for about $715 to my door (they usually run some sort of special).
Personally I didn't really use the EZ Remote feature. I used the tried and true AVIA disk w/ Radio Shack calibrator.

I got my refurb 630 for 585$

I havent gotten a db meter yet, but I want one... that EZ set thing just doesnt instill much confidence in me.