A Great Sounding Reciever!

[Skopone24]

Hello Eveyone! It has been a long time since I have been here. Good to be back. I have purchased a set of Klipsch Reference RF-63's and matching RC-64 center channel. It was matched with a Harman Kardon Avr 3600 at the store. I thought it was a wonderful full sounding dynamic reciever. It was especially brilliant in 2 channel mode for music. My question what else should be considered or given a chance before I pull the trigger. I have a sony bluray player and have heard great things about their new ES line. I like that Onkyo is huge in their options and output. Denon is popular but I have heard that it is more of a laid back sound. I wasent impressed with the sound of the 1910 or the 2310. Thanks Everyone.

[Miller Lite1]

I'm not an expert and I'm sure someone that has more knowledge than me will answer. I like my Yamaha. It is my second one and does the job I need it to do and more. I cannot listen any louder than -20 without my ears hurting and seems really clear to me. I think the Sony ES line may not be as highly regarded here as the onkyo and others. But good luck!

[kingofgrills]

I would consider comparing the HK with receivers from Yamaha, Pioneer Elite, Denon, and Onkyo. You'll want to compare features, such as lossless decoding, automatic setup calibration (Audyssey or YPAO), and most importantly, sound quality.

Let your ears do the deciding, but those are the brands I would focus on as alternatives to the HK.

Personally, listened to a lot of receivers and amps for years, and Yamaha has always impressed me with their sound quality. You'll need to let your own ears decide though.

[bigm]

Originally Posted by kingofgrills

I would consider comparing the HK with receivers from Yamaha, Pioneer Elite, Denon, and Onkyo. You'll want to compare features, such as lossless decoding, automatic setup calibration (Audyssey or YPAO), and most importantly, sound quality.

Let your ears do the deciding, but those are the brands I would focus on as alternatives to the HK.'

Personally, listened to a lot of receivers and amps for years, and Yamaha has always impressed me with their sound quality. You'll need to let your own ears decide though.

You took the keystrokes right out of mind.
That is exactly what i would have typed if u didn't beat me to the punch.

[Pycroft]

I have a HK avr...had an Onkyo. I also think that HK sound is FANTASTIC, especially for music, and holds up to other receivers in HT. It's all personal preference, but I LOVE my HK.

[Clark Kent]

Originally Posted by Pycroft

I have a HK avr...had an Onkyo. I also think that HK sound is FANTASTIC, especially for music, and holds up to other receivers in HT. It's all personal preference, but I LOVE my HK.

I would have to agree about the sound of HK receivers. Sadly though, their reliability I believe is a little below the other top manufacturers.

[Jwilly019]

Originally Posted by Clark Kent

I would have to agree about the sound of HK receivers. Sadly though, their reliability I believe is a little below the other top manufacturers.

Initially, but they seem to get fixes out sooner or later. Not excusing them at all, but the x54 line for example has had all major problems (and most of the minor ones ) fixed through firmware updates.

Again, not excusing H/K, these major problems never should have made it into the production models.

[Steve]

I would also throw Marantz into the mix. I hear their warm sound mates very well with Klipsch speakers. For my own Klipsch setup I have a new Pioneer Elite SC-25 coming that's supposed to be delivered tomorrow. I'll post back with my impressions after I get it set up.

[4x12]

Do yourself a favor and check out The Integra DTR-70.1!!

I just had the pleasure of testing it out tonight... wow. This thing is a damn beast!

Heres a little read I found :

Integra has just released its new lineup of home theater receivers and preamplifier/processors. The four new network-capable A/V receivers and two preamplifier/processors include Integra's first 9.2-channel audio systems for the ultimate in home theater sound or expanded multi-room capabilities for custom installers and systems integrators.

The DTR-70.1 is a THX certified system that includes Audyssey DSX and Dolby ProLogic IIz soundstage expansion technologies, ISF certified calibration controls, and up to eight HDMI 1.3a inputs for maximum video connectivity. All six models have advanced networking capabilities for streaming content from Pandora, Rhapsody, vTuner, and Sirius Internet Radio services. All the models are compatible with Windows 7 and are certified with DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) version 1.5, ensuring optimal compatibility with other network-enabled equipment throughout the home. Finally, all models but the DTR-40.1 receiver also include USB connectivity, further increasing the streaming audio options from either personal computers or USB-enabled portable devices.

Integra's DTR-70.1 A/V receivers has 9.2-channel audio capabilities for the expanded soundstage reproduction of the new Audyssey DSX and Dolby ProLogic IIz processor formats. The Dolby system generates two front 'height' channels, while Audyssey's format generates either two front 'height' or 'stereo-wide' channels. This receiver boasts nine powerful built-in amplifier sections, with as much as 145 Watts per channel, and the option to bridge two channels, doubling power to the main front speakers.

Like all Integra products, they include many features engineered specifically for custom installation professionals and systems integrators, such as bidirectional Ethernet and RS-232 control, and advanced multizone capabilities. Receiver amplifiers can be retasked to power stereo speakers in a second, third, or even fourth zone, and there are Zone 2/3 subwoofer outputs. Many models include component video output for Zone 2, as well as power-on and max-volume settings for additional zones. All models include selectable 12-volt triggers with adjustable delay, IR inputs and outputs, and PC-based setup via RS-232 or the Ethernet with lockable storage and recall of independent dealer settings to streamline setup and troubleshooting of systems in the field. Finally, three of the new models (the DHC-80.1, DTR-80.1 and DTR-70.1) include Audyssey MultEQ Pro compatibility, giving professional sound calibrators the most powerful setup tools available.

I was stunned with this unit. It sounded really damn good... I never heard of Integra until tonight and I kinda wish I did. There would have been a toss up between this and my SC-07. The menu system is simple and easy to use... the only thing I don't like is the look of it, I don't like the Onkyo look overall but I would be willing to live with it

[joe1515]

What is your budget? How much 2 channell music use compared to Home Theatre?

Joe

[Skopone24]

Originally Posted by joe1515

What is your budget? How much 2 channell music use compared to Home Theatre?

Joe

Well it is really going to be more for Home Theater use. But I love to get the CD's or SACD out when the wife is gone so I can listen to it at my level of listening pleasure! If you know what I mean!! My budget is 500-800 dollars. i am planning on getting a amp at some time and piecing together the rest of the surround stage. I biggest concern is Sound Quality not power. Power will come later.

[Steve]

These would be very nice choices and both are within your price range.

Marantz SR6003

Pioneer Elite VSX-23TXH

[4x12]

Originally Posted by Skopone24

Well it is really going to be more for Home Theater use. But I love to get the CD's or SACD out when the wife is gone so I can listen to it at my level of listening pleasure! If you know what I mean!! My budget is 500-800 dollars. i am planning on getting a amp at some time and piecing together the rest of the surround stage. I biggest concern is Sound Quality not power. Power will come later.

Forget the Integra... in your original post I didnt see an amount so I figured you had at least 1500 to spend... my mistake. Have you thought of something used ? i'm sure you can score a nice unit at a great price.

[joe1515]

I agree I might look for somehting used.

Joe