Which AVR? Denon AVR-991 or Onkyo TX-NR708

[Slimline]

The wife has given me permission to upgrade during the christmas season and I have narrowed my decision down to these two recieveres. (Any other recommendations in this price range appreciated as well) I am heavily leaning towards the onkyo. The onkyo seems to have more inputs/outputs (not that I need that many at this time) and thx select 2 plus certification. The Denon has more power per channel with 0.05thd versus the onkyo at 0.08thd.

The Denon also has Audyssey MULTEQ XT which is a step above the onkyos' standard MULTEQ . I am very interested in the networking capability of the next AVR I purchase as I would love to stream audio from my home server.

Does anyone have any experience with either of these receivers or even brand experience they would like to chime in? They are both $999 regular price at stores near me. It makes me bitter when I see what you guys in the states can buy these for.

 

[Aharami]

708 is $499 at A4L - http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...Channel-3-D-Ready-Network-A/V-Receiver/1.html

I battled with this same decision also when I was shopping for an AVR. From what I read, Denon AVRs have a better sound but Onkyos have more features and are more of a bang for the buck. I ended up getting a refurb Onkyo 876 for $650 from shoponkyo.com

 

[Slimline]

Oh wow and they even ship to Canada. Reconditioned though. Wonder if I should jump on that or not? The 1 year warranty is a little disheartening and the fact I would have to ship the receiver state side to get warranty

 

[Slimline]

Ok same website, they have last years model even cheaper of the 807. clicky

It seems the only difference is 1.4a 3d support. I cant really see myself getting anything 3d in the next 5 years or so not to mention my home theatre is a projector setup. What do you guys think, nab the 807 for $449.99? It appears to have the same features as this years tx-nr708 but with more power. (less 3d)

 

[vi edit]

I've got the RC-180 which is a very slightly detuned 807. It's a beastly device. Pictures and measurements don't do it justice. It's HUGE. For $450 I think it's an incredible bargain. It's just a much higher end device than the 707/708.

It does run blisteringly hot though. If you have space and ventilation issues, I'd probably avoid. I think Denons run a bit cooler and they aren't as big.

 

[Slimline]

Thanks for the info vi edit. I am still really torn between the two. The 807 does not specify windows 7 compatibility. I am trying to figure out if that will give me issues with streaming audio from my windows home server box.

Can your RC-180 pass through 3d content? I am really trying to future proof myself here and dont want to shake my head later for not having a 1.4 compliant receiver. Are there any other perks to hdmi v1.4 other than 3d?

I also am fond of the iphone control usb on the front of the unit as well as the HDMI connector on front. On the bright side I have no ventilation issues if I was to go to the 807. I tend to stream music from my iphone a lot, I wish I could find out exactly what the 708 does with that usb port.

 

[Slimline]

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCKKKKKK.....just noticed in bold red letters that they will NOT ship onkyo outside of the US......something to do with onkyo stipulating that.

Well looks like I am waiting on a Canadian sale.

 

[vi edit]

No clue on 3D content as I have absolutely no interest in it. I don't have any devices that could play it or display it. Also not sure on the Windows 7 functionality. I've got a Win7 box but I use the UPNP server built into my NAS instead to stream to the receiver. It's just a heck of a lot faster. I also use the Rhapsody built in services a lot too.

 

[s44]

991. You want XT.

 

[Aikouka]

Can your RC-180 pass through 3d content? I am really trying to future proof myself here and dont want to shake my head later for not having a 1.4 compliant receiver. Are there any other perks to hdmi v1.4 other than 3d?

According to Onkyo's website, the HT-RC-180 only supports HDMI 1.3a, which means it most likely cannot support 3D completely. Side-by-Side and Top-Bottom 3D methods (as well as Checkerboard) are usually compatible with HDMI 1.3 receivers, although I believe it requires some more annoying hook ups, as your receiver fails to process the TV's signal stating that it's 3D capable. Usually this requires you to hook the 3D-capable device (such as the PS3) to the TV or 3D conversion device (in the case of Mitsu DLPs), let them have their quality time together, and then hook them back up through the receiver. Blu-Ray's Frame Packing method is usually not supported since most non-1.4 receivers are unable to process the audio, so it'd require a separate cable to carry the audio.

The other difference I saw in a feature listing was the Audio Return channel. This simply allows you to forgo a S/P-DIF cable going from your TV to your receiver when you use an antenna (such as HD OTA channels).

I also am fond of the iphone control usb on the front of the unit as well as the HDMI connector on front. On the bright side I have no ventilation issues if I was to go to the 807. I tend to stream music from my iphone a lot, I wish I could find out exactly what the 708 does with that usb port.

Based on this -- "along with a USB input for flash memory devices and iPod models" -- I assume that means you just plug the iPhone in with the usual USB charger/data cable.

 

[Slimline]

Well guys I managed to drag the wife into futureshop to show her what I have been oogling for months. I brought home a Denon avr-991! Thought i would update, I am just getting her setup now. Maybe I will get some pictures tonight to show everyone