Audio Receivers

[Jim Victory]

My home entertainment audio receiver is a little long in the tooth and I'm looking to replace it. Problem is I haven't looked at audio equipment for the home in years. I have been looking at Onkyo, because that is what I'm replacing, but there is so many different models I'm not sure which to go with.

I'm presently using a 5.1 system and most of the newer receivers are 7.1. I like my speaker setup so I'm not particularly interested in changing it. I would like a receiver that would compliment my Oppo BDP-83 so any suggestions of models of the Onkyo or other options would be appreciated.

[srwatters]

Consult the oracle... AVS Forum

I personally like Denon for AV and McIntosh for pure audio, but I'm just that way

[ratbert]

I currently have an Onkyo TX-SR604b and am very happy with it. This is my second Onkyo and would highly reccomend it. It is a 7.1 system but I use it as a 5.1 with no problems. The only issue with it is that component inputs do not get swiched to the HDMI ouput but that is not an issue with my configuration. I think the newer models do allow component to HDMI.

[ptrd]

How much do you want to spend?

Gizmodo just did a recent comparison of the top $500 price ranged receivers and the onkyo's bested the comparable pioneer, yamaha, and I think HK.

It's just like cameras, you can spend a crapload but if you only need X, you will make due.

I like mcintosh but prefer krell amps :) Reality sets in and I probably will buy Rotel as my next pre amp / amp.

[Rson]

I love my HK. I have had the flagship for years.

Swatters is right though, MAC for pure audio and denon for AV.

A simple test, lift the receiver, the heavier the better. The weight is usually the power supply and caps.

[janikphoto]

Both mine are Denon, but Yamaha makes some decent stuff for the price. I know what you are thinking... Yamaha?!? But, yeah. For their price point, they make some surprisingly good stuff!

[zeroendless]

On AV market right now, Onkyo is on top of their game. First to pack newest audio codec at lowest price point in today market. They have, however, move the entire lineup from top to bottom models out of Japan to reduce manufacturing cost. Denon still have the top-tier stuffs made in Japan.

These low price and action-packed pre-pro to receivers have put Onkyo / Integra back in the game from the last 3 years. For price and feature, they are very hard to beat. The con is overload warranty repair that may lasts months when **** happens. Onkyo/Integar contract local electronic store for warranty and off-warranty works, and they don't have enough authorized repaired centers in the country to fulfill recent grow.

Mine went though 2 months of wait to get audio fixed just few months ago. Actually they refused to fix it under warrant (long story) and i had to pull a few strings to get thing done.

Anyway, Denon practice the same 3rd party warranty works, pretty much the same story my buddy went though to get his unit repaired.

I actually tested out DENON AVR-3310CI for couple months while my Integer 9.8 prepro was in the shop and i didn't care much of the new Denon. If i were to upgrade, it's either one of them, most likely back to Onkyo or Integra.

American products, most of these so called high end snake oil devices are usually a day late and a dollar short. Since you have the oppo, you probably heard about the BDP-83 clone of Lexicon BD-30 at the cost of $3,500. They only different is the Kilo-grade CNC chassis (I have to admit, it looks goo though). Well, that chassis with additional drops of snake oil, Lexicon are bitch slapping these so-called audiophiles for $3000 more!! They didn't even bother to replace better caps or damping the drive!!

We are using the same Oppo, there's not much to suggest. 3 years ago, you need higher up model to get the best of Blu-ray audio codec such as DTS-HD MA decoded so you can output your Oppo via bitsteam. Now, the feature is very much standard and so does Audyssey audio calibration. I don't see the need of HDMI 1.4, unless you're gunning for 3D. Define you budget and go from there.

A simple test, lift the receiver, the heavier the better. The weight is usually the power supply and caps.

I use to replace one of my amp with AudioCap, they are $20+ a piece but paper weight. The toroidal transformer, however, weight a ton. 2nd in line is the chassis.

[venchka]

So, the gear is souped up for 7.1, hey? Most, maybe all, of the programming is 5.1. Marketing Smoke and Mioors once again.

Scott's right. Tubes rule! Unless McIntosh made some transistor stuff I'm not aware of. Very possible. Dynaco rocks!

[groovyone]

There were some issues with some of the Onkyo X05 models overheating but I don't remember which. They were among the top choices of every review I read. I opted for a Sony ES receiver since it plays nice with my TV, and my previous Sony receiver was still going strong after 9 years, and is still working great in its new home.

[Jim Victory]

Thanks everyone on your suggestions and advice. I got a good deal on a Onkyo TX-SR807 and it seems to be a good midrange receiver with some decent specs.

[ptrd]

^I hope you keep your A/V stuff as long as your "basically new canon stuff"

then again, maybe you sell it at a good price second hand :)

[mitchozie]

Go to Modia, they handle Macintosh and (my favorite) Rotel. I have had Rotel integrated amps for the past 20 years, and they are one of the bargains of high end stereo.

[Jake]

Originally Posted by venchka

So, the gear is souped up for 7.1, hey? Most, maybe all, of the programming is 5.1. Marketing Smoke and Mioors once again.

....!

There are quite a few movies out with 7.1 on Blu-Ray. Sure, TV isn't in 7.1 but some people care more about movies anyway.

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by thejakestir

There are quite a few movies out with 7.1 on Blu-Ray. Sure, TV isn't in 7.1 but some people care more about movies anyway.

I have quite a few 7.1 discs, like Jake said, on BD. I like it.

[Carl Stone]

I would go to cnet reviews and read their reviews of various audio receivers. They include owner reviews as well.

Home audio system reviews: Audio equipment for your home theater - CNET Reviews