A/V Receiver guys - Suggestions? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Beefcake · 01-21-2010, 01:57 PM

My 8-year old Pioneer Elite Receiver just died. It was great, but didn’t have HDMI (or even component video) switching, and so was due for an upgrade anyways.

I’m looking in the $500 - $1,000 range. My natural tendency is to go back to Pioneer Elite (the VSX-23TXH is on “sale” at Sounds Around for $899 right now), just because I was happy with the old one (which I believe I paid $1,200 for). However, I’m hoping to get a little non-sales person advice on what else out there might be worth looking into.

I’m really just using it for home theater purposes, and don’t need it to have a lot of bells and whistles (i.e. network connectivity, etc). As long as there are 3-4 HDMI inputs, an equal number of digital audio inputs, 7.1 channels, and has all the great audio stream decoding (i.e. Dolby True HD, DTS HD, etc), I’d probably be happy.

The receiver is just connected to some Polk Audio satellite speakers (8 ohms, max 150 watts), and I’ve got a powered sub.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Madman · 01-21-2010, 01:59 PM

I love my H/K.

Here is one on sale at FS.

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...18&catid=10551

Draug · 01-21-2010, 02:34 PM

I like my Marantz... its about 5 years old now so I dont know how Marantz compares currently. At the time, we demoed about 6 different units and the sound quality out of the Marantz was equal to receivers that cost way more like H/K and NAD. But, that was 5 years ago ... I dont know what the landscape is like now.

IntenseFan · 01-21-2010, 02:35 PM

This is what I picked up on boxing day: http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...10124142&catid=#

4 HDMI inputs, 110 Watts, DTS and Dolby HD (and all other reasonable formats), and an IPod dock.

I really like it.

Shazam · 01-21-2010, 04:06 PM

Denon. They have Audyssey sound processing, and fewer problems with HDMI switching than other brands.

Since1984 · 01-21-2010, 04:29 PM

I purchased an Onkyo in the said price range and I love it. Also includes Audyssey sound prcessing, THX Select II certified all the bells and whistles. Great for upconverting to 1080P. Also nice to have the ability to add a second sub woofer. My buddy has two and it is rediculous when watching movies. And a simple set up.

http://www.onkyo.ca/model.cfm?m=TX-S...s=Receiver&p=i

Nage Waza · 01-21-2010, 10:26 PM

I have a Sony that has a GUI which I really like. I would never use all the features this thing has if not for that feature, I highly recommend any system with a true menu system.

Here is my model: Sony's STRDA5500ES

HalifaxDrunk · 01-21-2010, 10:48 PM

I just picked up a Denon AVR-1910 today for $620.00. Setup was super easy and it's sounds FANTASTIC.

Great reviews too.
http://www.testfreaks.com/receivers/denon-avr-1910/

photon · 01-22-2010, 07:33 AM

I'll second Onkyo, I really like mine and their features are quite extensive for the price.

http://www.electronicsforless.ca/

I purchased from those guys to save a few bucks.

Beefcake · 01-22-2010, 01:10 PM

Thanks a lot for the feedback guys. I've had others push me towards Marantz, Denon and Onkyo over the Pioneer Elite series. The Soundsaround guys (who I'm not a huge fan of due to their pushy sales tactics) of course swear that the Pioneer Elite is far better than their equivalent in any of these other brands. Time to do some cnet and other "expert" review site surfing it seems.

Bobblehead · 01-22-2010, 01:52 PM

On another tech site I've heard both the Denon and Onkyo spoken of highly.

nfotiu · 01-22-2010, 02:08 PM

I have an older model Denon and a newer Onkyo. FWIW, I've always been a fan of the Denon sound.

bomber317 · 01-22-2010, 02:11 PM

Another one for Onkyo. I'm on my 2nd Onkyo receiver now and loved both of them (1st one got demoted because it didn't have HDMI switching)

OBCT · 01-22-2010, 04:09 PM

I'm running an Onkyo and would recommend it.

Onkyo is an easier decision to make in the States, though, where it's usually a lot more competitively priced as a brand than in Canada. (I think the same applies for Denon and H/K as well). Not sure why.

Titan · 01-23-2010, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OBCT

I'm running an Onkyo and would recommend it.

Onkyo is an easier decision to make in the States, though, where it's usually a lot more competitively priced as a brand than in Canada. (I think the same applies for Denon and H/K as well). Not sure why.

What model do you have/recomend? Thanks.

Your input on these matters is highly prized. No offence to the others on the thread.

OBCT · 01-24-2010, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titan

What model do you have/recomend? Thanks.

Your input on these matters is highly prized. No offence to the others on the thread.

I'm running an HT-R550 (the A/V receiver portion of the HT-SR800 system). It's essentially identical to the TX-SR505. Unfortunately it is not ideal (and is now old), but it hasn't given me any problems in two years of heavy use, which is all I can really ask.

Given the layout of my apartment/living room, it has met my current needs/expectations. I finally added a PS3 to the home theater setup this Christmas, and I happened to finish watching the BD of Batman Begins just minutes ago. I gotta say, it sounded good all things considered. Still, I'd love to upgrade to a DTS-HD Master Audio/Dolby TrueHD compatible system someday soon.

If it weren't for the great deal I got on it - and it's subsequent durability to this point - I frankly might have looked elsewhere for a receiver, possibly into separates (pre-amplifier/processor and amplifier(s) as individual items) and a set of more ... "refined" ... speakers. The budget doesn't always allow for such frivolities, though. It always comes down to dollars and sense. As is, I'm not itching for change - any more than usual.

I do have experience with this pre/pro (paired with Crown amps) in a more professional setting. It is one incredible piece of equipment. Crossing the border into the prosumer realm, it's a little overboard for most residential applications, but it goes to show that Onkyo successfully jams a ton of features into a relatively small and easy to use product quite regularly. Their newest version nearly boggles the mind.

As for what model to recommend for you... I'm not sure it's fair to say, "any Onkyo is a great buy - stick with them and you'll be happy," when in fact there are other great manufacturers and brands, and no brand is perfect. Based on my experience, I would look at Onkyo first.

One may peruse their current model line here, keeping in mind suggested retail prices (in US dollars), just to get an idea of what costs what right now. It all comes down to what you want from a receiver right now, what you're willing/hoping to spend on it, and how long you're likely to wait before upgrading.

Kjesse · 01-24-2010, 01:53 PM

Marantz is still on top I think, at least in the sub-5K price range, but if you're going to buy one, spend the extra--- I'd stay away from any new receiver in the sub-1K range-- Marantz offers one that is under 1K... but at that price point it just won't have enough quality in terms of the insides. For a receiver, heavy = good.

I'm running a Sherwood Newcastle R-865 and I love it. It was 2.5K new, weighs a ton and has the cleanest sound I've heard. Before getting this receiver I was partial to Onkyo. I still like Onkyo, but now know there's better out there.

You can get a Marantz or Sherwood Newcastle very cheap online if you're willing to buy used. Because the R-865 doesn't do HDMI switching, you can find them in great condition for under $500. I'm sure equivalent deals are available for older Marantz receivers. You would never get equivalent sound out of a new receiver that retails for $1K.

Denon is good too. I would stay away from Yamaha (too complicated to run, though good quality) and HK (they seem to have gone too mass market and I think quality has suffered as a result).

Edit: Wow look at this for $1400 http://ca.marantz.com/Products/2419.asp#

That would probably sound better than my Sherwood... prices have really come down.

2nd Edit: Hmmm... that Marantz rated at 110w is 1/2 the weight of my R-865.... I take that back.

Sliver · 01-24-2010, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by photon

I'll second Onkyo, I really like mine and their features are quite extensive for the price.

http://www.electronicsforless.ca/

I purchased from those guys to save a few bucks.

Wow great site. This one is on sale right now for $600 off at $1400. http://www.electronicsforless.ca/aud...iver-1049.html

Second cheapest I could find for that unit is $1700 at visions - a store I am currently boycotting because I hate their ads so much.

Anyway, I emailed Photon's site to
see if they'd go even lower on that price if I bought 2 as my buddy needs one as well. If they do bulk discounts I'll let you guys know and I'd be willing to order more of these to save more money if anyone would be interested.

McG · 01-25-2010, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sliver

Wow great site. This one is on sale right now for $600 off at $1400. http://www.electronicsforless.ca/aud...iver-1049.html

Second cheapest I could find for that unit is $1700 at visions - a store I am currently boycotting because I hate their ads so much.

Anyway, I emailed Photon's site to
see if they'd go even lower on that price if I bought 2 as my buddy needs one as well. If they do bulk discounts I'll let you guys know and I'd be willing to order more of these to save more money if anyone would be interested.

i would love to hear about any mad dealz.

i am currently looking at the pioneer elite sc-27 however it is so ridiculously overpriced in canada that i just can't seem to get there. at one time, it was $1300 usd to get to canada, plus gst/customs fees, however now seems to be closer to $2k...which is out of my price range to say the least. i know that many people think that the 2k is nothing...but its a big deal to me. i have a sony receiver which i may use in my final system build...but i am really struggling with cost/benefit.

checking out your link now!

Sliver · 01-25-2010, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McG

i would love to hear about any mad dealz.

i am currently looking at the pioneer elite sc-27 however it is so ridiculously overpriced in canada that i just can't seem to get there. at one time, it was $1300 usd to get to canada, plus gst/customs fees, however now seems to be closer to $2k...which is out of my price range to say the least. i know that many people think that the 2k is nothing...but its a big deal to me. i have a sony receiver which i may use in my final system build...but i am really struggling with cost/benefit.

checking out your link now!

Okay hopefully I hear back today. With this receiver you can also get a $399 blu-ray player for $115. Shipping estimate for both to my place in Calgary was $43 but maybe that would be cheaper with a bulk buy.