Looking to purchase a reciever.. which one? - Blu-ray Forum

DezNutz · 01-02-2008, 06:52 PM

I have a 5.1 speaker setup, but am using an older receiver with no HDMI1.3 input, thus I am using optical input on my receiver.

I am looking for opinions on which receiver to get for the best HDMI 1.3 setup, both that supports 1080p input and the best sound input.

There seem to be at least one of these for all the major brands, Sony, Pioneer, ect.. but which brand do you use or prefer and why?

Codywan24 · 01-02-2008, 07:08 PM

What's your budget and what speakers do you have? I'm a Denon fan and I own a 2808ci myself (which I freakin love btw), but it's pricey. I've owned Sony ES in the past, and they're okay, but Denon blows them away imho on pure sound quality and custom settings. Do some research (in store if possible) and find out for yourself what you like. Good luck!

miked924 · 01-02-2008, 07:15 PM

A few people at work have the Denon3808CI, no complaints...I plan to get it one day, it's pricey though

MacDaddyOJack · 01-02-2008, 07:16 PM

Onkyo 805

Tons of customizable features, renameable inputs, 130 watts x 7, THX ultra2, 1080p 60/24 compatible, HD audio compatible, and less than $800. I beat this subject to death before I bought the 805 and I'm so happy that I went with the Onkyo.

amavon · 01-02-2008, 07:25 PM

I am an AV system designer and these are the units I use the most in my systems.

My recommendations are as follows:

1. Denon AVR-4308 or 3808 or 2808 in that order
2. Yamaha RX-V1800
3. Onkyo 805

Denon...better DAC's, Rock solid and reliable built, customer support and updates, flat, uncoloring sound so better musical performance, better power supplies...built like seperates in 1 box...mulitple dedicated power supplies

Yamaha..great feature set...hate to say it but like it for the more HDMI inputs over the 2808

Onkyo great receiver, not as easy to use and set up as Denon, good feature set.

My 2 cents

Kris

DezNutz · 01-02-2008, 07:35 PM

Thanks for the input. I am not limited to a budget as I will pay for quality if it is out there.. looking to see if quality matches the price point. I notice Sony recievers seem to be a bit over priced for what you get.

Lots of recommendations for the Denon series, so I will start looking at those a little more.

Right now I have Bose Acoustamass III series I believe, ya know the two cubes x 5 and box bass... I know they are not the best speakers, and I am in process of actually upgrading all components of my home theaters, but figured I would start with the receiver.

I am also looking at the Pioneer Kuro Elite 60" that came out.. looks like best picture for a larger screen size of any TV models I have seen.. need 1080p and that delivers..

I guess my question would be is the Denon worth the price difference with say the Onkyo? On papers it looks like they both deliver solid comparable stats. I do not care much about difficulty to setup, I am a network engineer and can get through any commercial product setup. I guess I would be paying for the known historical Denon performance over say a newer not really tested long term product in the Onkyo?

Downhere · 01-02-2008, 07:37 PM

When it comes to receivers in the less than 2000 dollar range, you won't be going wrong with any of the brands out there. Marantz, Denon, Pioneer Elite, Yamaha, Onkyo, etc. will all give you great quality and great sound.

doctorD · 01-02-2008, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amavon

I am an AV system designer and these are the units I use the most in my systems.

My recommendations are as follows:

1. Denon AVR-4308 or 3808 or 2808 in that order
2. Yamaha RX-V1800
3. Onkyo 805

Denon...better DAC's, Rock solid and reliable built, customer support and updates, flat, uncoloring sound so better musical performance, better power supplies...built like seperates in 1 box...mulitple dedicated power supplies

Yamaha..great feature set...hate to say it but like it for the more HDMI inputs over the 2808

Onkyo great receiver, not as easy to use and set up as Denon, good feature set.

My 2 cents

Kris

what are your thoughts on the Pioneer Elite systems?

Bourne1 · 01-02-2008, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DezNutz

Right now I have Bose Acoustamass III series I believe, ya know the two cubes x 5 and box bass... I know they are not the best speakers, and I am in process of actually upgrading all components of my home theaters, but figured I would start with the receiver.

I also have the Bose Acoustamass 10 series III. For the size of my living room, I think they deliver a really good sound. The speakers are not intrusive at all and if you have a decent receiver, they actually sound better than a Lifestyle system. I'll also note that I bought the set up really cheap when I was working at a Bose store during their spring employee sale; saved about $500.00. I was in need of a new surround sound system and I could not pass that up since I was only going to work there for another week.

I also am planning on buying a new receiver. I am stuck between Onkyo, Denon, and Harmon Kardon. I am in an $800 max price range (have heavy student loan payments). It seems like the Onkyo 805 and 705 are really good choices and the more I think about, I should maybe stay away from HK?

Tichols · 01-02-2008, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miked924

A few people at work have the Denon3808CI, no complaints...I plan to get it one day, it's pricey though

Miked: As you can connect the 2808 to the internet through your PS3, there is really no need for you to buy the 3808..?

amavon · 01-02-2008, 08:04 PM

Honestly the difference in sound between any of them is going to be minimal. That being said the internal architecture of the Denon's are better than most out there. Somebody else said it as well. You cannot go wrong with any of them.

Pioneer Kuro...Would have to give it a slight advantage to the Sony XBR on being the best flat panel you can buy.

Kris

amavon · 01-02-2008, 08:06 PM

Nice amps...horrible set up and not user friendly...but notoriously well built...Pioneer Elite that is

seto · 01-02-2008, 08:15 PM

I was debating with a friend about the Denon 4308. I said that it can upconvert everything to 1080p and output the signal via HDMI. My friend said contrary and that is why they went with the Onkyo 805. Could someone clarify this for me?

amavon · 01-02-2008, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seto

I was debating with a friend about the Denon 4308. I said that it can upconvert everything to 1080p and output the signal via HDMI. My friend said contrary and that is why they went with the Onkyo 805. Could someone clarify this for me?

The Denon does use DCDI (Faroujda) to upconvert and scale all to 1080p (and this is selectable based on the Video display)

T-Town Oil · 01-02-2008, 08:31 PM

the pioneer elites are always a good pick. im in love with mine (92 txh)

seto · 01-02-2008, 08:38 PM

Thanks amavon ^^b

dperrone · 01-02-2008, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DezNutz

Thanks for the input. I am not limited to a budget as I will pay for quality if it is out there.. looking to see if quality matches the price point. I notice Sony recievers seem to be a bit over priced for what you get.

Lots of recommendations for the Denon series, so I will start looking at those a little more.

Right now I have Bose Acoustamass III series I believe, ya know the two cubes x 5 and box bass... I know they are not the best speakers, and I am in process of actually upgrading all components of my home theaters, but figured I would start with the receiver.

I am also looking at the Pioneer Kuro Elite 60" that came out.. looks like best picture for a larger screen size of any TV models I have seen.. need 1080p and that delivers..

I guess my question would be is the Denon worth the price difference with say the Onkyo? On papers it looks like they both deliver solid comparable stats. I do not care much about difficulty to setup, I am a network engineer and can get through any commercial product setup. I guess I would be paying for the known historical Denon performance over say a newer not really tested long term product in the Onkyo?

I have the 50in Kuro paired with a Pioneer Elite Receiver VSX-94TXH Elite 7.1
I have no complaints at all, love the set up.

Bourne1 · 01-04-2008, 02:11 PM

For my $800 budget and also factoring in my Bose Acoustimass 10 5.1 speaker system, which receiver should I go with; Denon, Onkyo 805, Onkyo 705? My plan is to get a new receiver in the spring and when it comes time to purchasing it, I want to know exactly what I am getting. So I need round up the choices. Oh and also for the mean time, my PS3 is my main Blu-ray player. I know any of these receivers will be a major step up from my Sony receiver with no HDMI video/audio passthrough.

BluM3 · 01-04-2008, 02:58 PM

Does nobody like NAD....I went from a Denon 2801 (still my all time favorite receiver) to a 3807 (which I hated - not easy to use and the remote was awful) to my NAD T763, which I love. The sound is much cleaner then the Denons, great for music and built like a tank. However, it isn't the best looking receiver on the market. It also dones't do HDMI switching - which doesn't matter to me because I'm a pure path guy - but the new ones do.

The best thing for you to do is go listen to as many receivers as you can, take music or movies that you are familier with and listen to them; of coarse room size and speakers can influence the reproduction of sound, but this should give you a general idea of what it will sound like. It's a fun process, but can be time consuming. In the end getting what you want is worth the effort.

cawgijoe · 01-04-2008, 06:34 PM

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the mainstream brands out there in the mid to high price range.

The Onkyo 805 seems to be a terrific deal for what you get.

Denon makes fantastic receivers. I would put Yamaha just a slight step lower, but still great.

Don't discount the Sony DA4300ES and DA5300ES receivers either, they have received very good reviews and also include a 5 year manufacturers warranty.

Whatever you buy, make sure it supports the latest audio codecs.

01-02-2008, 06:52 PM	#1
DezNutz Expert Member Member since:Mar 2007 Home Theater Gallery:8 Blu-ray collection:24	Looking to purchase a reciever.. which one? I have a 5.1 speaker setup, but am using an older receiver with no HDMI1.3 input, thus I am using optical input on my receiver. I am looking for opinions on which receiver to get for the best HDMI 1.3 setup, both that supports 1080p input and the best sound input. There seem to be at least one of these for all the major brands, Sony, Pioneer, ect.. but which brand do you use or prefer and why?

01-02-2008, 07:25 PM	#5
amavon Junior Member Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Wisconsin	Denon, Onky, Yamaha..which one I am an AV system designer and these are the units I use the most in my systems. My recommendations are as follows: 1. Denon AVR-4308 or 3808 or 2808 in that order 2. Yamaha RX-V1800 3. Onkyo 805 Denon...better DAC's, Rock solid and reliable built, customer support and updates, flat, uncoloring sound so better musical performance, better power supplies...built like seperates in 1 box...mulitple dedicated power supplies Yamaha..great feature set...hate to say it but like it for the more HDMI inputs over the 2808 Onkyo great receiver, not as easy to use and set up as Denon, good feature set. My 2 cents Kris

01-02-2008, 07:35 PM	#6
DezNutz Expert Member Member since:Mar 2007 Home Theater Gallery:8 Blu-ray collection:24	Thanks for the input. I am not limited to a budget as I will pay for quality if it is out there.. looking to see if quality matches the price point. I notice Sony recievers seem to be a bit over priced for what you get. Lots of recommendations for the Denon series, so I will start looking at those a little more. Right now I have Bose Acoustamass III series I believe, ya know the two cubes x 5 and box bass... I know they are not the best speakers, and I am in process of actually upgrading all components of my home theaters, but figured I would start with the receiver. I am also looking at the Pioneer Kuro Elite 60" that came out.. looks like best picture for a larger screen size of any TV models I have seen.. need 1080p and that delivers.. I guess my question would be is the Denon worth the price difference with say the Onkyo? On papers it looks like they both deliver solid comparable stats. I do not care much about difficulty to setup, I am a network engineer and can get through any commercial product setup. I guess I would be paying for the known historical Denon performance over say a newer not really tested long term product in the Onkyo? Last edited by DezNutz; 01-02-2008 at 07:38 PM.

01-02-2008, 08:06 PM	#12
amavon Junior Member Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Wisconsin	Nice amps...horrible set up and not user friendly...but notoriously well built...Pioneer Elite that is Last edited by amavon; 01-02-2008 at 09:29 PM.

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01-02-2008, 07:08 PM	#2
Codywan24 Active Member Member since:May 2007 Location:Albuquerque, NM 4K collection:61 Blu-ray collection:274 DVD collection:1 MA collection:3 iTunes collection:555	What's your budget and what speakers do you have? I'm a Denon fan and I own a 2808ci myself (which I freakin love btw), but it's pricey. I've owned Sony ES in the past, and they're okay, but Denon blows them away imho on pure sound quality and custom settings. Do some research (in store if possible) and find out for yourself what you like. Good luck!

01-02-2008, 07:15 PM	#3
miked924 Expert Member Member since:Feb 2007 Location:Queens, NY Home Theater Gallery:5 4K collection:295 Blu-ray collection:1038 DVD collection:22 iTunes collection:4 Prime collection:1 Blu-ray reviews:2	A few people at work have the Denon3808CI, no complaints...I plan to get it one day, it's pricey though

01-02-2008, 07:16 PM	#4
MacDaddyOJack Blu-ray Guru Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Richmond, VA PSNetwork: MacDaddyOJack Trophy Level: 12(4%) Home Theater Gallery:12 Blu-ray collection:71 Blu-ray reviews:23 Trading Score:4	Onkyo 805 Tons of customizable features, renameable inputs, 130 watts x 7, THX ultra2, 1080p 60/24 compatible, HD audio compatible, and less than $800. I beat this subject to death before I bought the 805 and I'm so happy that I went with the Onkyo.

01-02-2008, 07:37 PM	#7
Downhere Power Member Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Central Florida Blu-ray collection:444 Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:8	When it comes to receivers in the less than 2000 dollar range, you won't be going wrong with any of the brands out there. Marantz, Denon, Pioneer Elite, Yamaha, Onkyo, etc. will all give you great quality and great sound.

01-02-2008, 08:04 PM	#11
amavon Junior Member Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Wisconsin	Honestly the difference in sound between any of them is going to be minimal. That being said the internal architecture of the Denon's are better than most out there. Somebody else said it as well. You cannot go wrong with any of them. Pioneer Kuro...Would have to give it a slight advantage to the Sony XBR on being the best flat panel you can buy. Kris

01-02-2008, 08:15 PM	#13
seto Senior Member Member since:Jul 2007 Blu-ray reviews:1	I was debating with a friend about the Denon 4308. I said that it can upconvert everything to 1080p and output the signal via HDMI. My friend said contrary and that is why they went with the Onkyo 805. Could someone clarify this for me?

01-02-2008, 08:31 PM	#15
T-Town Oil Expert Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Tulsa, Oklahoma Home Theater Gallery:20 Blu-ray collection:42 Blu-ray reviews:3	the pioneer elites are always a good pick. im in love with mine (92 txh)

01-02-2008, 08:38 PM	#16
seto Senior Member Member since:Jul 2007 Blu-ray reviews:1	Thanks amavon ^^b

01-04-2008, 02:11 PM	#18
Bourne1 Senior Member Member since:Dec 2007	For my $800 budget and also factoring in my Bose Acoustimass 10 5.1 speaker system, which receiver should I go with; Denon, Onkyo 805, Onkyo 705? My plan is to get a new receiver in the spring and when it comes time to purchasing it, I want to know exactly what I am getting. So I need round up the choices. Oh and also for the mean time, my PS3 is my main Blu-ray player. I know any of these receivers will be a major step up from my Sony receiver with no HDMI video/audio passthrough.

01-04-2008, 02:58 PM	#19
BluM3 Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:IA Blu-ray collection:470	Does nobody like NAD....I went from a Denon 2801 (still my all time favorite receiver) to a 3807 (which I hated - not easy to use and the remote was awful) to my NAD T763, which I love. The sound is much cleaner then the Denons, great for music and built like a tank. However, it isn't the best looking receiver on the market. It also dones't do HDMI switching - which doesn't matter to me because I'm a pure path guy - but the new ones do. The best thing for you to do is go listen to as many receivers as you can, take music or movies that you are familier with and listen to them; of coarse room size and speakers can influence the reproduction of sound, but this should give you a general idea of what it will sound like. It's a fun process, but can be time consuming. In the end getting what you want is worth the effort.

01-04-2008, 06:34 PM	#20
cawgijoe Special Member Member since:Feb 2007 Trading Score:1	I don't think you can go wrong with any of the mainstream brands out there in the mid to high price range. The Onkyo 805 seems to be a terrific deal for what you get. Denon makes fantastic receivers. I would put Yamaha just a slight step lower, but still great. Don't discount the Sony DA4300ES and DA5300ES receivers either, they have received very good reviews and also include a 5 year manufacturers warranty. Whatever you buy, make sure it supports the latest audio codecs.

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