Thinking about new AVR

[Zorba]

I am thinking about getting a new AVR to replace my old Yamaha RX-V659. I currently have a 7.1 setup in my living room and power a zone 2 on my patio. I really like my current AVR, but I think it is time to get a receiver that does HDMI passthrough and I would like some more Zone 2 features.

Features I'd like:

• Playing digital sources on Zone 2, looks like Yamaha can only do this if it is the same source on both zones and if you get the 775/777
• Being able to have 7.1 and a zone 2, I am okay if I loose the rears when zone 2 is one, but don't want them to always be dead if I hook up zone 2. This is no problem with Yamaha but looks like Denon can only do 5.1+Zone 2
• Remote Control App, so I can control it when I am outside
• I'd like there to be some way to listen to IHeartRadio on it, such as streaming from Bluetooth or native to the unit. I enjoy listening to stations from places I used to live. I don't have any I-devices so airplay won't work for me . I do have Android if there is something similar for it.
• Being able to play mp3s from a network computer would be nice too.

My sources are a HTPC (currently optical, would like to be HDMI), CD Changer (optical), Microphone for karaoke (use the front jacks), once in a very great while a VCR with RCA jacks, and once in a while an xbox via HDMI.

To me it seems like finding a receiver that could do digital Zone 2 would be pretty easy nowadays, it isn't like a DAC is very expensive but I can't seem to find much, except for the Denons that you have to give up your rears for Zone 2.

I had been planning on getting the RX-V675 for $400 until I realized it couldn't do party mode or use iHeartRadio. So my budget would probably be $400 up to $800 if I could really get everything I wanted.

 

[fastman]

Sadly, I'd hold off till likely next year until the 4K, HDMI standards are worked out. Several goods points to think about are discussed here: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2391580

 

[poofyhairguy]

I know that some Pioneers can do what you want.

 

[Zorba]

I know that some Pioneers can do what you want.

I just had a look at them. It does look like they can do digital input on Zone 2, but you loose your rear speakers, so you are limited to 5.1. I guess I'll have to decide if I am okay with a 5.1 setup.

It also looks like you can get apps that can do AirPlay on an Android phone, so I could probably use my phone to get IHeartRadio.

 

[Anubis]

will the Yamaha RX-A3000 do what you want?

if so i can sell you one

 

[Zorba]

will the Yamaha RX-A3000 do what you want?

if so i can sell you one

Looks like it can only do analog to Zone2/3 .

 

[olds]

NVM

 

[giantpandaman2]

Just get a 4x2 matrix HDMI splitter and a second receiver.

Not a good time to buy, though, with HDMI 2.0 coming.

 

[Raincity]

Just get a 4x2 matrix HDMI splitter and a second receiver.

Not a good time to buy, though, with HDMI 2.0 coming.

That's one way to skin a cat.

 

[Zorba]

Just get a 4x2 matrix HDMI splitter and a second receiver.

Not a good time to buy, though, with HDMI 2.0 coming.

Yeah, that could work, but I don't want two receivers and everything that comes with. I just want to be able to listen to something other than FM outside. I also don't really see a real need for HDMI 2.0 in the somewhat near future, maybe I am wrong, though. I did buy the last model year that didn't come with HDMI before and now I want HDMI.

So in my researching
Denon:
Pro:

• Will do digital inputs to Zone 2
• Can play the same source on Main and Second zones
• Can play network sources, MP3s, etc on either zone independently

Con:

• Zone 2 uses the same binding posts as the rear speakers so you permanently give up the rear speakers for Zone 2.

Yamaha:
Pro:

• Can play the same source on Main and Second zones, if you get a V77X or higher
• Zone 2 has separate binding posts than the rear speakers, so you can still have a 7.2 setup, but the rears turn off if you are using Zone 2.

Con:

• Can not play digital sources on Zone 2
• Lower models can't share a source
• Biggest thing: can not play network sources on just one zone, i.e. both zones must use the same network source if a network source is selected. So no watching TV inside and internet radio outside.

Everyone else seems to have less pros and all of the cons. Right now I am leaning toward Denon or waiting another year for HDMI 2 and hopefully better Zone 2 features.

 

[giantpandaman2]

2 receivers isn't that big of a deal once you get the universal (say Harmony) remotes programmed properly. The only big headache is the initial setup.

After that, you get a much better value and a hell of a lot more power with two AVR's.

I'd still wait for HDMI 2.0 though. If you plan on updating any video (TV/Projector/VR goggles etc.) in the next 5-6 years you're gonna kick yourself for not having waited for HDMI 2.0.

 

[Zorba]

2 receivers isn't that big of a deal once you get the universal (say Harmony) remotes programmed properly. The only big headache is the initial setup.

After that, you get a much better value and a hell of a lot more power with two AVR's.

I'd still wait for HDMI 2.0 though. If you plan on updating any video (TV/Projector/VR goggles etc.) in the next 5-6 years you're gonna kick yourself for not having waited for HDMI 2.0.

The problem is I have a wife . In general Zone 2 works for what I need and my wife would never let me have two receivers in the living room, and the new phone apps make it much nicer for actually using Zone 2.

I do think I am going to wait until next year, though. Hope for more options and that HDMI 2.0 has been figured out.