Receiver suggestions? - Decided on Denon

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Aquila76

Aquila76

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Apr 11, 2004
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I'm looking for receiver recommendations for my HT setup. Essentially, I'm looking for a 7.1 receiver with 4+ HDMI (must have at least 3 for current items, but would like some 'grow-room') and approx. 85-100W per channel in surround mode for around $650. The room is 14' x 12'. I currently have the following setup:

===Audio===
Receiver: Yamaha HTR-5150 Link
Mains: Yamaha NS-A837 Link
Surrounds: Yamaha NS-A770 / Center: Yamaha NS-AC3 Link (sold as a package)
Sub: Cambridge SoundWorks BassCube 8s Manual (sorry for the PDF link; it's all I could find)

===Video===
LCD: Samsung LN46A750 Link

BR: Samsung BDP-2550 Link (essentially the same player, but handles NetFlix and Pandora streaming. This is a Best Buy exclusive.)

DVR: Comcast's Motorola DCH3416

*soon to be added media center PC*


I was looking at the Onkyo SR-806; but, most of their '#06' product line seems to be clipping the low & high end of the HDMI colors and also introducing blue specks into the video stream.

The Marantz 5003 & 6003 only have 3 HDMI.

The Denon 1909/789 only have 3 HDMI; the 2309CI/889 are out of the price range.

Are there other suggestions/recommendations, or should I just wait for the next model lines, due out soon? I'm in no rush, and the longer I wait, the more money I'll have. That tax refund is sure burning a hole in my pocket, though...

EDIT: Ordered Denon AVR-2309CI from DAKMart.
 
D

DisgruntledVirus

Lifer
Dec 26, 2007
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Check out www.audiogon.com, and see if you can find a used receiver that meets your needs in your price point.

Honestly though for $650 you'll be hard pressed to get 4 HDMI, and/or not have some downside to it (like the clipping and blue specs).
 
C

cheesehead

Lifer
Aug 11, 2000
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Marantz stuff I've used has all been nice, though I've never touched their HT stuff.

It looks like between the HTPC, BR player, and cable box you have 3 HDMI sources. If your cable box only supports 720p, you may as well connect it via RGB anyway.
 
Aquila76

Aquila76

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Apr 11, 2004
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Thanks for the advice. I really liked the sound of the Marantz, but the lack of HDMI is rough. The HD-DVR is 1080, and many of the premium channels are broadcasting at that level now. I'll check out audiogon, but I'll probably end up waiting for the next line-up to come out and the price cramdown on the current receivers.
What I have (BR, HD-DVR, & PC into TV w/optical & Coax hooked into the receiver) is working OK. I am getting minor lip-synch issues with BR this way, however. I'll live with it for a bit until I can afford another $200 or so for the receiver.
 
J

jacc1234

Senior member
Sep 3, 2005
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In that price range I would suggest the Onkyo TX-SR806. It is around $600 and does everything you want and more. I am not sure about the clipping but I wonder if its related to the upscaling?

EDIT: After reading your post and looking into the Onkyo line more closely it does seem like a good idea to wait. I was in the market myself, and had been eying the 706 so I want to say thank you for letting me know about the clipping, etc. You might have saved me a lot of headaches. I am looking forward to see what will be coming out this year from Onkyo, hopefully the HDMI passthrough will work correctly.
 
sdifox

sdifox

No Lifer
Sep 30, 2005
99,425
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Originally posted by: Aquila76
Originally posted by: sdifox
why not get the Marantz and add an hdmi switch? http://www.monoprice.com/produ...id=5081&seq=1&format=2

hook up less used sources to the switch. It does has a remote.
Click to expand...

Is that an HDMI 1.2 or 1.3 spec? The Monoprice title says 1.3a, but the 'Specifications' section says it's 1.2a. AFAIK, 1.2 won't pass audio.
Click to expand...

Where did you see 1.2a? Besides, how many device do you have that output Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio bitstream? The only one I can think of is a BRD player and you can always pass PCM on those anyway. Rest of the digital audio format passes no problem.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hdmi#Versions

On the display front, I suggest you consider this


http://www.abesofmaine.com/ite...?item=PRPDP5020FD&l=CJ

that deal came from this thread

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2276268&enterthread=y


receiver alternative

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16882117251

stolen from this thread

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2276138&enterthread=y
 
Aquila76

Aquila76

Diamond Member
Apr 11, 2004
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Under the Specifications tab of the Monoprice product page, it said 'revision 1.2a at the HDMI Authorized Testing Center, Silicon Image'.

That display may have helped about a year ago when I bought the Sammy in my OP. ;) I'm only looking for a receiver at this point as I own the rest of the equipment already.

That Pioneer receiver was on my list earlier (I think Amazon may have it for even less), but the AVSForum guys stated that the power rating on that unit was far less than advertised. Right now, I'm aiming towards the Marantz unit w/an HDMI switch.
 
sdifox

sdifox

No Lifer
Sep 30, 2005
99,425
17,576
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Originally posted by: Aquila76
Under the Specifications tab of the Monoprice product page, it said 'revision 1.2a at the HDMI Authorized Testing Center, Silicon Image'.

That display may have helped about a year ago when I bought the Sammy in my OP. ;) I'm only looking for a receiver at this point as I own the rest of the equipment already.

That Pioneer receiver was on my list earlier (I think Amazon may have it for even less), but the AVSForum guys stated that the power rating on that unit was far less than advertised. Right now, I'm aiming towards the Marantz unit w/an HDMI switch.
Click to expand...

It was tested back then to 1.2a back in the days I guess. Monoprice is saying they guarantee it will do 1.3a.

They do have live tech support online so you can just chat with them. Should work fine anyway.

I have been on my Marantz AV9000 for oh close to 10 years now. Maybe it's time to upgrade :)

one thing though, Marantz is more of a music setup, Denon is more of a HT setup. So if you are focusing on HT, maybe Denon is the better choice. Marantz is more laid back.
 
Aquila76

Aquila76

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Apr 11, 2004
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I just found a sweet deal on an authorized refurb Denon 2309CI, for slightly less than the Pioneer 1018. That has the 4 HDMI I'm looking for and enough power. I will be doing mostly HT with this arrangement, as opposed to music; so, thanks for the heads up on that! I love how this forum can always recommend fantastic ways for me to spend my money!
 
sdifox

sdifox

No Lifer
Sep 30, 2005
99,425
17,576
126
Originally posted by: Aquila76
I just found a sweet deal on an authorized refurb Denon 2309CI, for slightly less than the Pioneer 1018. That has the 4 HDMI I'm looking for and enough power. I will be doing mostly HT with this arrangement, as opposed to music; so, thanks for the heads up on that! I love how this forum can always recommend fantastic ways for me to spend my money!
Click to expand...

err, what is the warranty on that?
 
D

DisgruntledVirus

Lifer
Dec 26, 2007
11,782
2
76
Originally posted by: sdifox
Originally posted by: Aquila76
I just found a sweet deal on an authorized refurb Denon 2309CI, for slightly less than the Pioneer 1018. That has the 4 HDMI I'm looking for and enough power. I will be doing mostly HT with this arrangement, as opposed to music; so, thanks for the heads up on that! I love how this forum can always recommend fantastic ways for me to spend my money!
Click to expand...

err, what is the warranty on that?
Click to expand...

And do you have a link to it?
 
YOyoYOhowsDAjello

YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Moderator<br>A/V & Home Theater<br>Elite member
Aug 6, 2001
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Aquila76

Aquila76

Diamond Member
Apr 11, 2004
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Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Looks shady
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Dakmart


Alternatively you can get a new one from a site with good reseller ratings for about the same amount... but still some shady feedback of their own on reseller ratings

http://www.authorizedelectronics.com/deavfrsh5.html
http://www.resellerratings.com...Authorized_Electronics

http://powersellernyc.com/prod...er-Receiver-22558.html
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/PowersellerNYC
Click to expand...

Neither of those sites are on Denon's authorized list for NY (I think that's where they are located)
 
YOyoYOhowsDAjello

YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Moderator<br>A/V & Home Theater<br>Elite member
Aug 6, 2001
31,204
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I realize that, but having it be an authorized seller might not help you if they screw you over in some way that denon can't fix.
 
Aquila76

Aquila76

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Apr 11, 2004
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Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
I realize that, but having it be an authorized seller might not help you if they screw you over in some way that denon can't fix.
Click to expand...

True. I did purchase this using a CC-funded PayPal, so at least I have some recourse should things go south.

EDIT: I'll update how this goes. *fingers crossed*
 
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