receiver upgrade help!

[murph1234]

hey guys currently running and onkyo reciever (check my signature)

been offered a cheap second hand (by a friend and extremely well looked after) denon avr3608

is it worth the upgrade for the extra power and specs?

thanks in advance

[Beta Man]

In my opinion......

NO, it's not worth the upgrade for the Specs, or extra power...... BUT, it's DEFINITELY worth the upgrade for AQ improvement you'll get from it though.......

[prerich]

Originally Posted by murph1234

hey guys currently running and onkyo reciever (check my signature)

been offered a cheap second hand (by a friend and extremely well looked after) denon avr3608

is it worth the upgrade for the extra power and specs?

thanks in advance

Much better audio with the 3608!

[ReggaetonSalsero]

Ok my experts, which of these receivers would any of u say is the best from best to worst, in that order:

marantz sr 7200, arcam and B&K are highend receiver.

I have a chance to get one of them, maybe even 2 of them but i am not sure about these. I do have a Yamaha rx-v663 and an Onkyo as well but was told these are way better but i don't know if these are worth it since the others i have can decode truehd and master hd but it doesn't matter cause the ps3 decodes it all and sends it via pcm anyway through multi so what do u all say gentlemen?

[Beta Man]

not sure what Arcam or B&K you're looking at, but If I had to put them in an order for what "brand" I tend to find to be the best....

B&K
Arcam
Marantz


This is in no-way saying the Marantz SR-7200 isn't good.... it's great.... but Arcam and B&K make excellent stuff.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

not sure what Arcam or B&K you're looking at, but If I had to put them in an order for what "brand" I tend to find to be the best....

B&K
Arcam
Marantz


This is in no-way saying the Marantz SR-7200 isn't good.... it's great.... but Arcam and B&K make excellent stuff.

Agreed, I would like to know what model Arcam and B&K you're looking at and what you want to do with them (music mainly or movies ect.)

[ReggaetonSalsero]

Originally Posted by prerich

Agreed, I would like to know what model Arcam and B&K you're looking at and what you want to do with them (music mainly or movies ect.)

Well i am looking to use it MOSTLY for blu ray movies, animations, dvds. I don't really listen to alot of music. Once in a longggggggg while. Sometimes i hit a video game but my main thing is the blu ray movies, dvd's and animations. I was leaning toward the marantz 7200 and it's actually used because i'm trading a 360 elite 120 system with hdmi, games and stuff for it. So the guy gave me a choice between the marantz 7200, the b&k arcam, bose 15 acoustamass with receiver (i know bose is not all of that but i was thinking of just using the speakers for my yamaha 663 or my onkyo 605

[bkbluray]

Originally Posted by ReggaetonSalsero

Well i am looking to use it MOSTLY for blu ray movies, animations, dvds. I don't really listen to alot of music. Once in a longggggggg while. Sometimes i hit a video game but my main thing is the blu ray movies, dvd's and animations. I was leaning toward the marantz 7200 and it's actually used because i'm trading a 360 elite 120 system with hdmi, games and stuff for it. So the guy gave me a choice between the marantz 7200, the b&k arcam, bose 15 acoustamass with receiver (i know bose is not all of that but i was thinking of just using the speakers for my yamaha 663 or my onkyo 605

I'd go with the Marantz, especially because you're getting it for a trade.

[ReggaetonSalsero]

Originally Posted by bkbluray

I'd go with the Marantz, especially because you're getting it for a trade.

Ok i went to this guys house and he had the acoustimass bose 15 speakers connected to the marantz sr7200. Let me tell u that set up blew AWAY my yamaha 663 and onkyo 605 easily. I didn't know bose speakers could sound THAT GOOD....unless it's the marantz 7002 that's doing all of that. WOW. I thought bose sucked. They sounded way better than my polk audio speakers and better then the infinitys i had, the kleff i had as well. I was thinking of going with the BIC ACOUSTECH HT75 HT63 H100 set but i heard they are discontinued and the klipsch reference series is just as good they say. I also heard the marantz 7002 cannot upscale or CONVERT the component or other video connection sources to hdmi use. This guy wants 400 bucks for this amp....would do u think?

[red_5ive]

Originally Posted by ReggaetonSalsero

Ok i went to this guys house and he had the acoustimass bose 15 speakers connected to the marantz sr7200. Let me tell u that set up blew AWAY my yamaha 663 and onkyo 605 easily. I didn't know bose speakers could sound THAT GOOD....unless it's the marantz 7002 that's doing all of that. WOW. I thought bose sucked. They sounded way better than my polk audio speakers and better then the infinitys i had, the kleff i had as well. I was thinking of going with the BIC ACOUSTECH HT75 HT63 H100 set but i heard they are discontinued and the klipsch reference series is just as good they say. I also heard the marantz 7002 cannot upscale or CONVERT the component or other video connection sources to hdmi use. This guy wants 400 bucks for this amp....would do u think?

Ok, so you are talking about the SR7002 and not the older 7200 model (you mentioned both)? If that's the case, $400 is a great deal as it sells for $1200 new (assuming there's no probs with it).

There's no upscaler because Marantz is one of those companies that believes less is better in order to preserve audio quality. In their mind, a good HD monitor will already upscale so there's no need to overload an AVR with additional video circuitry. So, the best you'll get with the 7002 is pass-through for anything above 480i.

I agree with the others and put B&K at the top of the list, but it would help if we knew what B&K and Arcam models you're also looking at. I have otherwise auditioned the SR7002 and the SR8002 models, and they are very good units and IMO are in a class of their own in the AVR market, easily up there with the likes of B&K AVRs.

[ReggaetonSalsero]

Originally Posted by red_5ive

Ok, so you are talking about the SR7002 and not the older 7200 model (you mentioned both)? If that's the case, $400 is a great deal as it sells for $1200 new (assuming there's no probs with it).

There's no upscaler because Marantz is one of those companies that believes less is better in order to preserve audio quality. In their mind, a good HD monitor will already upscale so there's no need to overload an AVR with additional video circuitry. So, the best you'll get with the 7002 is pass-through for anything above 480i.

I agree with the others and put B&K at the top of the list, but it would help if we knew what B&K and Arcam models you're also looking at. I have otherwise auditioned the SR7002 and the SR8002 models, and they are very good units and IMO are in a class of their own in the AVR market, easily up there with the likes of B&K AVRs.

I asked this guy several times what are the models of the b&k and the arcam, but all he keeps saying is how great they are. So i'm assuming ANY b&K model and/or arcam model avr is better than the marantz 7002 or 7200. Yes i believe he said 7002 but even if it's 7200, u think it's still worth 400 bucks? By the way...[QUOTE=ReggaetonSalsero;1071859]Ok i went to this guys house and he had the acoustimass bose 15 speakers connected to the marantz sr7200. Let me tell u that set up blew AWAY my yamaha 663 and onkyo 605 easily. I didn't know bose speakers could sound THAT GOOD....unless it's the marantz 7002 that's doing all of that. WOW. I thought bose sucked. They sounded way better than my polk audio speakers and better then the infinitys i had, the kleff i had as well. I was thinking of going with the BIC ACOUSTECH HT75 HT63 H100 set but i heard they are discontinued and the klipsch reference series is just as good they say.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by ReggaetonSalsero

Ok i went to this guys house and he had the acoustimass bose 15 speakers connected to the marantz sr7200. Let me tell u that set up blew AWAY my yamaha 663 and onkyo 605 easily. I didn't know bose speakers could sound THAT GOOD....unless it's the marantz 7002 that's doing all of that. WOW. I thought bose sucked. They sounded way better than my polk audio speakers and better then the infinitys i had, the kleff i had as well. I was thinking of going with the BIC ACOUSTECH HT75 HT63 H100 set but i heard they are discontinued and the klipsch reference series is just as good they say. I also heard the marantz 7002 cannot upscale or CONVERT the component or other video connection sources to hdmi use. This guy wants 400 bucks for this amp....would do u think?

Haven't met a Bose system that could touch my Snells yet ...and I've owned the Acoustimass AM5's and 7's (for 5.1),201's, 301's,501's, and 901's (I currently use the 901's for PA applications). How much time did you take to set up your Polks, Infinity's and Kef's? Also the Marantz out classes the Yamaha 663 and the Onkyo 606 (the Marantz is next to the top of the line - you would need to compare it to Yamaha's RX-V3800 or the Onkyo 805)

[red_5ive]

Originally Posted by ReggaetonSalsero

I asked this guy several times what are the models of the b&k and the arcam, but all he keeps saying is how great they are. So i'm assuming ANY b&K model and/or arcam model avr is better than the marantz 7002 or 7200. Yes i believe he said 7002 but even if it's 7200, u think it's still worth 400 bucks? By the way... Ok i went to this guys house and he had the acoustimass bose 15 speakers connected to the marantz sr7200. Let me tell u that set up blew AWAY my yamaha 663 and onkyo 605 easily. I didn't know bose speakers could sound THAT GOOD....unless it's the marantz 7002 that's doing all of that. WOW. I thought bose sucked. They sounded way better than my polk audio speakers and better then the infinitys i had, the kleff i had as well. I was thinking of going with the BIC ACOUSTECH HT75 HT63 H100 set but i heard they are discontinued and the klipsch reference series is just as good they say.

If it's a 7200 pass on it. That model is maybe 5-6 years old and thus won't have hdmi and hd audio support.

I can't speak for Bose. I'm not much a fan, but if you think they sounded good then I'd have to credit the Marantz. I'll leave it at that as I don't intend to turn this into a Bose bashing thread, which is not my intention at all.

[red_5ive]

Originally Posted by prerich

Also the Marantz out classes the Yamaha 663 and the Onkyo 606 (the Marantz is next to the top of the line - you would need to compare it to Yamaha's RX-V3800 or the Onkyo 805)

I'd have to put the 805 over the 3800. I've been a HUGE Yamaha fan for years, but the new Onkyo models really impressed me, especially with 2 channel music. I couldn't believe I'd ever use the words sound-stage with an AVR that cost less than $1000. But I still regard the Marantz higher in over all AQ for music.

[ReggaetonSalsero]

Originally Posted by red_5ive

I'd have to put the 805 over the 3800. I've been a HUGE Yamaha fan for years, but the new Onkyo models really impressed me, especially with 2 channel music. I couldn't believe I'd ever use the words sound-stage with an AVR that cost less than $1000. But I still regard the Marantz higher in over all AQ for music.

Believe it or not, i had the 805 and the 905 TWICE. I got rid of them because they all 3 over heated, gave me so many problems, on one of them the display would just shut off after about a few minutes. I had them all fixed and they still had something else wrong with them. Even the 605 gave me issues. When i got the yamaha 663, NOOOOOOOOOOOO issues or problems, no overheating. Every onkyo i've had gave me overheating problems, display or shutoff issues, wouldn't last at all. And yes i had it in a open area as i do with the yamaha. This Yamaha was my saving grace. U have snells? What is that? Do u think it's worth me spending 800 bucks on a pair of Bic Acoustech ht-75, ht-65 center, a pair of ht-63 mids and an ht-100 subwoofer? These are supposed to be superb speakers but i believe they are out of business. I read a few reviews stating these were better than even the klipsch reference series speakers and for less money. Or is the orb audio really worth paying 100 bucks and better than even these? I want to match it up with that marantz 7002. thanks all

[ReggaetonSalsero]

Oh i was told that this marantz 7002 will not upconvert any single unless u buy a separate converter? Is that true? If so what is it?

[red_5ive]

Originally Posted by ReggaetonSalsero

Believe it or not, i had the 805 and the 905 TWICE. I got rid of them because they all 3 over heated, gave me so many problems, on one of them the display would just shut off after about a few minutes. I had them all fixed and they still had something else wrong with them. Even the 605 gave me issues. When i got the yamaha 663, NOOOOOOOOOOOO issues or problems, no overheating. Every onkyo i've had gave me overheating problems, display or shutoff issues, wouldn't last at all. And yes i had it in a open area as i do with the yamaha. This Yamaha was my saving grace. U have snells? What is that? Do u think it's worth me spending 800 bucks on a pair of Bic Acoustech ht-75, ht-65 center, a pair of ht-63 mids and an ht-100 subwoofer? These are supposed to be superb speakers but i believe they are out of business. I read a few reviews stating these were better than even the klipsch reference series speakers and for less money. Or is the orb audio really worth paying 100 bucks and better than even these? I want to match it up with that marantz 7002. thanks all

Well, the overheating is a different thing entirely. I was merely speaking of the difference in audio quality. But I think where the 805 is concerned the overheating was with the early models. The 805 I had for about 2 months had absolutely no problems, and it actually ran relatively cool considering the stories I read about how hot they ran. I ran mine at -10db for hours at a time full range (no sub) with music and it did get warm, but nowhere near what I've read. I actually missed the darned thing. Can't speak of the 905 though, I hear that unit still has problems.

As for the Snell, that's prerich running those babies. I hear nothing but good things about them, but I haven't had the pleasure to hear them in action. The same goes for Bic Acoustech, I've heard nothing but good things but I haven't researched or have any experience. Maybe someone will jump in and answer your question on these.

[red_5ive]

Originally Posted by ReggaetonSalsero

Oh i was told that this marantz 7002 will not upconvert any single unless u buy a separate converter? Is that true? If so what is it?

I answered this a few posts up in post #10

[prerich]

Originally Posted by ReggaetonSalsero

Believe it or not, i had the 805 and the 905 TWICE. I got rid of them because they all 3 over heated, gave me so many problems, on one of them the display would just shut off after about a few minutes. I had them all fixed and they still had something else wrong with them. Even the 605 gave me issues. When i got the yamaha 663, NOOOOOOOOOOOO issues or problems, no overheating. Every onkyo i've had gave me overheating problems, display or shutoff issues, wouldn't last at all. And yes i had it in a open area as i do with the yamaha. This Yamaha was my saving grace. U have snells? What is that? Do u think it's worth me spending 800 bucks on a pair of Bic Acoustech ht-75, ht-65 center, a pair of ht-63 mids and an ht-100 subwoofer? These are supposed to be superb speakers but i believe they are out of business. I read a few reviews stating these were better than even the klipsch reference series speakers and for less money. Or is the orb audio really worth paying 100 bucks and better than even these? I want to match it up with that marantz 7002. thanks all

What's your budget (the most you're willing to spend)? I can give you some recommendations other than BIC.

Just FYI, Snell is a New England based company that has produced high quality speakers for years (even the US President's HT is outfitted with Snell). Mine are classic Snells designed by the companies name sake himself. When Peter Snell died, the owner of Audio Note bought the design rights and every cabinate for the Snell E,J, and K models for his AN-E/AN-J/and AN-K series speakers. These speakers are very high end (and the fact that they are based off of older Snells - the Snells can be converted to Audio Note speakers as long as you have originals or series II - Peter Snell didn't design the III series and above).

I have listened to orbs and they are fine speakers, but the Gallo Acoustics sound better IMHO

[ReggaetonSalsero]

Originally Posted by prerich

What's your budget (the most you're willing to spend)? I can give you some recommendations other than BIC.

Just FYI, Snell is a New England based company that has produced high quality speakers for years (even the US President's HT is outfitted with Snell). Mine are classic Snells designed by the companies name sake himself. When Peter Snell died, the owner of Audio Note bought the design rights and every cabinate for the Snell E,J, and K models for his AN-E/AN-J/and AN-K series speakers. These speakers are very high end (and the fact that they are based off of older Snells - the Snells can be converted to Audio Note speakers as long as you have originals or series II - Peter Snell didn't design the III series and above).

I have listened to orbs and they are fine speakers, but the Gallo Acoustics sound better IMHO

I just found some used gallo's but they are single orb speakers and the guy wants 250 EACH. How much better are they over orb audio? They even look similar. I mean is a crack or voice going to make that much of a difference that a person can tell and be like oh okay? I don't want to spend more than 900-1000 for speakers but they really need to make a difference. When i had the infinity's i was told to upgrade to kefs and there would be better sound. I did but i heard no difference in sound. Then i was told to upgrade to klipsch, i i did and heard nothing that sounded different. Then i was told i can't go wrong with the polks rm6750's. Same thing, i don't know what it is i'm supposed to be hearing that is supposed to be better. Then i was told that bic acoustechs would definitely hear a difference but wasn't told as far as what. I've held off on it as i don't want to go through that for a 4th time again. They told me that even if i got the bose acoustamass 15 set, it would all sound the same. That system i can get for about 400 as well. I'm not sure what it is i'm supposed to be hearing that makes it all better. So far, all speaker sets i've purchased all sound the same. I hear no difference in cracks, yells, voice or anything.

As for the receivers, even the yamaha 663 and the onkyo 605, 805, 905, they all sounded the SAME to me. I heard NO viable difference than that of my old bose. I have No idea what i'm supposed to hear that will make it sound better. The only receiver i heard that i used that i had that i felt sounded clear as hell was an old hk avr307 i think it was. But still, i hear no difference in cracks, breaks or voices in movies. I really need help on these lol.