Sony STR-DG810 or HK AVR 247

[seedubxj]

I have a chance to pickup one or the other for $125. I plan to use my Sony BDP-S360 to decode and send PCM via HDMI.

Any thoughts as to why pick one over the other?

I can't really spend much on an AVR until we move to a new house. My wife said I get a dedicated theater room in the next house, so I can't complain too much.

Needless to say, given my situation, and my desire for lossless audio, this was a compromise I can live with for the time being.

I am holding off watching Band of Brothers until I have the lossless option.

Any opinions would be great.

Thanks guys. Really enjoying this forum. Just wish I had the knowledge to participate in a way other than asking questions.

On an unrelated note, if anyone has questions about saltwater reef tanks, I'M YOUR GUY!

[callas01]

Originally Posted by seedubxj

I have a chance to pickup one or the other for $125. I plan to use my Sony BDP-S360 to decode and send PCM via HDMI.

Any thoughts as to why pick one over the other?

I can't really spend much on an AVR until we move to a new house. My wife said I get a dedicated theater room in the next house, so I can't complain too much.

Needless to say, given my situation, and my desire for lossless audio, this was a compromise I can live with for the time being.

I am holding off watching Band of Brothers until I have the lossless option.

Any opinions would be great.

Thanks guys. Really enjoying this forum. Just wish I had the knowledge to participate in a way other than asking questions.

On an unrelated note, if anyone has questions about saltwater reef tanks, I'M YOUR GUY!

I owned both a Sony 710 and now a Sony 920, The 710 was ok and it powered my speakers just fine. When I got the 920 sound seemed fuller and more detailed. The 810 has the same weight as the 710 and same size, so I would think that they share the same power supply and amp. I would expect that their sound is much the same, it will be good sounding but it isn't over powerful. I would say that you will get about 30 watts per channel.

The Harmon will be a lot warmer sounding and they are usually pretty accurate about there power ratings. If it says 50 watts per channel, then that is what you will be getting.

I would have to suggest the Harmon in this option.

[lojack1976]

Definitely the Harman. I have this very model and its a powerful and excellent sounding receiver. The lower end Sony's just don't do it for me. I personally wouldn't want a non-ES Sony although the one Callas has is really a lite version of an ES so his is an exception, but most others are rather lackluster.

The only thing that I have heard about the newer ones that came out this year is that there is a major improvement in the sound quality department. Previous entry level Sony's weren't very good sounding to me mostly because they distort at higher volumes, but from what I've read they have improved that considerably.

I haven't heard any recent ones myself though. My gut still tells me go with the proven if its a blind buy and with Harman you know will be getting a receiver built like a tank with ample power and a trademark sound. Another good thing is that it has pre-outs so if you ever upgrade to some thirsty speakers you can add an amp instead of having to replace the receiver.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by lojack1976

Definitely the Harman. I have this very model and its a powerful and excellent sounding receiver. The lower end Sony's just don't do it for me. I personally wouldn't want a non-ES Sony although the one Callas has is really a lite version of an ES so his is an exception, but most others are rather lackluster.

The only thing that I have heard about the newer ones that came out this year is that there is a major improvement in the sound quality department. Previous entry level Sony's weren't very good sounding to me mostly because they distort at higher volumes, but from what I've read they have improved that considerably.

I haven't heard any recent ones myself though. My gut still tells me go with the proven if its a blind buy and with Harman you know will be getting a receiver built like a tank with ample power and a trademark sound. Another good thing is that it has pre-outs so if you ever upgrade to some thirsty speakers you can add an amp instead of having to replace the receiver.

I can say that my 710 did distort on me 2 times. I have had my 920 up to +10db, which is ear splittingly loud, I mean deafening.... and there has been zero distrotion.
Personally I wasn't to happy with the 710, it was OK, and the 810 is basically the same receiver, that is why I am saying go with the Harman.

[seedubxj]

I am just concerned with the "sparkle issue" I have been reading about with the 247. That and the whole need for a serial port to update firmware.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by seedubxj

I am just concerned with the "sparkle issue" I have been reading about with the 247. That and the whole need for a serial port to update firmware.

go with what your gut is telling you to go with. I am not saying the 710 I had was terrible, it was OK for what I needed it to do and while I had it, it was good. Just that there was a step up with the 920 I got. Much like I think you may find with the Harman. BUT if you are more comfortable with the Sony, then you could be happy in the interim with it to get you to where you want to be.