New AVR time. Fire away!

[Dase]

I currently have the Denon 2309 and I like everything about it except the lack of preouts.

So, I am in the market for a new AVR. I was just going to step up to the Denon 2809/989. However with the price of the Pioneer SC-07 as low as it is, I have been considering it as well.

I would like some feedback from owners of both if possible about their likes and dislikes of the units. I am not really concerned with the power difference because I will eventually have an external amplifier anyway.

If you think I would be better served with an offering from another manufacturer, please share your recommendation. I am not a big fan of Onkyo or Yamaha even though they make some nice gear.

Budget is roughly 1k

Thanks!

[devilfan9500]

pioneer all the way!!!!!

[Hammie]

Personally, I would save up and get separates. You can get the Emotiva pre and ampnfor around $1500.

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by louhamilton

Personally, I would save up and get separates. You can get the Emotiva pre and ampnfor around $1500.

This is A good idea !

I have yet to find anything wrong with my last upgrade . & I know you know what that is dase .

[rded]

Originally Posted by -dase-

I currently have the Denon 2309 and I like everything about it except the lack of preouts.

So, I am in the market for a new AVR. I was just going to step up to the Denon 2809/989. However with the price of the Pioneer SC-07 as low as it is, I have been considering it as well.

I would like some feedback from owners of both if possible about their likes and dislikes of the units. I am not really concerned with the power difference because I will eventually have an external amplifier anyway.

If you think I would be better served with an offering from another manufacturer, please share your recommendation. I am not a big fan of Onkyo or Yamaha even though they make some nice gear.

Budget is roughly 1k
Thanks!

Dase: if Dynaudios are in your immediate future, I would have to say none of the above. Look into the new receiver Rotel or the upcoming Parasound receiver. So save your money and wait.... But If I have to vote then the Denon gets it. Also 3808CI can be had for less than 1k- I ahd it powering the 3.4s before and it did a decent job

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by rded

Dase: if Dynaudios are in your immediate future, I would have to say none of the above. Look into the new receiver Rotel or the upcoming Parasound receiver. So save your money and wait.... But If I have to vote then the Denon gets it. Also 3808CI can be had for less than 1k- I ahd it powering the 3.4s before and it did a decent job

If as Rhett has suggested, you are looking for some better speakers or more demanding speakers, consider the receivers that Rhett has, is suggesting, or go straight to separates. Separates would personally be my choice. I think that you would be happier in the long run.

Rich

[Dase]

Originally Posted by louhamilton

Personally, I would save up and get separates. You can get the Emotiva pre and ampnfor around $1500.

But the Emo pre isn't even out yet... I am looking at the XPA-5 down the road though to be paired with this AVR upgrade

Originally Posted by rded

Dase: if Dynaudios are in your immediate future, I would have to say none of the above. Look into the new receiver Rotel or the upcoming Parasound receiver. So save your money and wait.... But If I have to vote then the Denon gets it. Also 3808CI can be had for less than 1k- I ahd it powering the 3.4s before and it did a decent job

I'll have to look into the Rotel and Parasound offerings.

I just don't know if I can go that long with no AVR. My Denon may be gone as early as Sunday and if I have to save more that would mean a few months with... GASP... TV SPEAKERS

[Dase]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

If as Rhett has suggested, you are looking for some better speakers or more demanding speakers, consider the receivers that Rhett has, is suggesting, or go straight to separates. Separates would personally be my choice. I think that you would be happier in the long run.

Rich

Rich and Rhett,

What separates would you recommend for a guy with a "humble" budget? The only way I will end up with an Arcam is if I break in and steal Rhetts lol .

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by -dase-

Rich and Rhett,

What separates would you recommend for a guy with a "humble" budget? The only way I will end up with an Arcam is if I break in and steal Rhetts lol .

I think that you would have to increase the budget to perhaps $1200 to $1500. Well if you can get one of the Emo amps you can find one of the Onkyo 885 units which are the generation before the Onkyo 886. Ultimately with time, when you can afford it, if you were so inclined, you could have Dave Schulte of the Upgrade Company perform an upgrade (modification) to bring the unit to spectacular performance. In the mean time, it would perform better than the receivers that you are considering.

Here is an 885 on Audiogon now: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....885-(integra-9

I am using the Onkyo 885 in the most current upgraded form with the 7 high end fuses. It has spectacular performance and performs up to my high end analog turntable, CD, and Blu-ray systems.

Rich

[rded]

I agree with Rich. Although waiting a few months and saving up will be worth the wait IMO.

[Jwilly019]

Originally Posted by rded

Dase: if Dynaudios are in your immediate future, I would have to say none of the above. Look into the new receiver Rotel or the upcoming Parasound receiver. So save your money and wait.... But If I have to vote then the Denon gets it. Also 3808CI can be had for less than 1k- I ahd it powering the 3.4s before and it did a decent job

OT: I was looking through your gallery today and I love the look of the Dynaudios. I did some research afterward and everything I read was positive. While anything of that caliber is still years away (still in college), when I'm ready to upgrade, Dynaudios will be at the top of my list to demo.

[rded]

Originally Posted by Jwilly019

OT: I was looking through your gallery today and I love the look of the Dynaudios. I did some research afterward and everything I read was positive. While anything of that caliber is still years away (still in college), when I'm ready to upgrade, Dynaudios will be at the top of my list to demo.

Thanks! Then you need to audition them ASAP

[Chizzap30]

NAD T-747. It might be a little more than your budget but they a great sounding receivers after all set up.

[rded]

Originally Posted by Chizzap30

NAD T-747. It might be a little more than your budget but they a great sounding receivers after all set up.

There you go Dase! Get a NAD. I betcha you can get the T-747 for around 1k if you find the right dealer. And don't let that 60w/channel fool you...

[Hammie]

Originally Posted by -dase-

But the Emo pre isn't even out yet... I am looking at the XPA-5 down the road though to be paired with this AVR upgrade



I'll have to look into the Rotel and Parasound offerings.

I just don't know if I can go that long with no AVR. My Denon may be gone as early as Sunday and if I have to save more that would mean a few months with... GASP... TV SPEAKERS

I know its not out, but I figured that would give you time to save some.

I also did not know that you already had your Denon so close to being sold. Ouch!

[-DLS-]

Originally Posted by Chizzap30

NAD T-747. It might be a little more than your budget but they a great sounding receivers after all set up.

This is one I've also been waiting to check out.. probably next trip to the city the dealer actually has them and my speakers in store.

[Dase]

Originally Posted by rded

There you go Dase! Get a NAD. I betcha you can get the T-747 for around 1k if you find the right dealer. And don't let that 60w/channel fool you...

Well it look like a another trip to the dealer is in store. I don't know if he carries NAD so I hope I can find someone who does. I haven't heard of them until tonight, but I'm sure it's worth checking out.

Also good call on the 3808ci. I could pair that up with an XPA-5 later and be in good shape .

Thanks for the suggestions and input so far! Keep em' coming.

[Fors*]

Hey -dase-, I think you know where I stand, per our Pm's....I hope you continue to do your homework and make the right choice for yourself. You have gotten a lot of good suggestions here. Good luck!

[Dase]

Thanks Forsberg!



I was able to go and audition a couple AVR's today.

The Rotel rsx-1560. It's way outside my price range, $2500. I'm sure I could haggle a discount but after hearing them I really wasn't that impressed for the coin. I was also surprised that they use the ICE amps that are found in the pioneer. With the pioneer at $950, I'm not sure the additional $1500 would buy me something I would miss if I went with the pio.

The Integra 8.9. This one sounded pretty good. It's definitely warmer sounding than my Denon, and it's likely warm enough to fry an egg on after a good night of movies. $2000 but I can get a demo for half that.

I didn't have the time to listen to much else today. I may get another day to listen to some others next week.

Today is the last day of name your price from 6ave so just for the heck of it I put in an offer on an SC-07 and they accepted it. If nothing else pans out I may just go this route.

[Chizzap30]

Dase,
Where abouts are you from? I would really recommend finding a dealer for some audition of the NAD. They are great for their price point. Based more on performance over features.