Best bang for the buck at $350-400? - Blu-ray Forum

acritzer · 05-21-2010, 07:29 PM

Using the speakers listed in my sig. Wondering if I can get a sound upgrade with a new receiver. Also interested in consolidating my cords and possibly taking advantage of video upscaling.

Probably using 90% for HT. 10% for music.

Additional question: Seeing as I've never used a receiver to plug in all my video units before....I'm wondering if doing so will require me to always have the receiver on? And, would I be able to use the TV sound if I wanted to? For just regular viewing?

Thanks everyone.

Steve · 05-21-2010, 07:39 PM

The biggest sound upgrades usually come from upgrading speakers. A receiver can upgrade sound somewhat, but you generally buy a receiver for its features. Some brands, however, have a warmer sound than others. Marantz comes to mind. I don't know if your current receiver can currently decode lossless audio or not, but if it can't IMO a new receiver would be well worth it. You would also have the convenience of being able to run all your components through the receiver and then run only one cable to the TV. However, most receivers have to be on any time you want to watch TV.

acritzer · 05-21-2010, 07:43 PM

My receiver doesn't do HD sound, but my BD player does and I have multi-channel analog inputs so I'm getting HD sound that way. I just upgraded speakers, from Onkyo HTIB stuff to the Polks....and there's no way I can get another speaker purchase past the wife.

But might be able to do a receiver since the current one is 5 or so years old.

Fors* · 05-21-2010, 08:05 PM

I don't own a Denon, but they are a good, quality receiver with a neutral sound. I have read where the Denon 1910 may be one of the best deals around, and it falls right into your budget too at $342.47 + 30.00 shipping. Here is the link....

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR1910-...4472219&sr=8-1

acritzer · 05-21-2010, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fors*

I don't own a Denon, but they are a good, quality receiver with a neutral sound. I have read where the Denon 1910 may be one of the best deals around, and it falls right into your budget too at $342.47 + 30.00 shipping. Here is the link....

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR1910-...4472219&sr=8-1

I have also read that the lower end Denons might be a bit average on the sound quality....any input on this?

Onkyo 607 I think is around 400...also there might be a Pioneer model around there too?

Fors* · 05-21-2010, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acritzer

I have also read that the lower end Denons might be a bit average on the sound quality....any input on this?

Onkyo 607 I think is around 400...also there might be a Pioneer model around there too?

I can tell you that the non-Elite Pioneer models are weak with their power. Although the specs will state it higher, those amps are just not putting out all that much power, so you may want to be careful with a non-Elite Pioneer receiver. I had an Onkyo 605, and the sound was OK, but I felt the Onkyo sound just seemed unnatural in some way to my ears. They also run quite hot, which means you'll need ventilation as well. Marantz is another receiver I would look into if I was you. Again, I have never owned one, but those that do have one love them and I rarely see any complaints about them either, and this includes the refurbs that can come with a warranty as well.

acritzer · 05-21-2010, 08:55 PM

Decisions decisions... Hopefully some more members will jump in. I really value personal feedback from owners.

Steve · 05-21-2010, 09:29 PM

If you could squeeze out $500 this would be a very nice model.

Marantz SR5004

acritzer · 05-21-2010, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve

If you could squeeze out $500 this would be a very nice model.

Marantz SR5004

Don't think I can manage that...400 is a little higher than what I'd like as it is. Maybe the Denon is my best bet?

McGarnigal · 05-21-2010, 10:36 PM

I'm trying to go for the denon soon..

callas01 · 05-21-2010, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acritzer

Don't think I can manage that...400 is a little higher than what I'd like as it is. Maybe the Denon is my best bet?

I would offer up that sony DN-1000 may be a great receiver for you. I like my 920 a lot. its just below their ES line and has many of the same features, without pre-outs and the advanced gui or RS232 port. In the bench tests it did better then Yamaha and Pioneer by over double. So your in the 55-60 wpc range, which is about typical from most receivers at this price point.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STR-DN100.../dp/B001TP4RRC

Sound quality, very good detail, maybe lacks a little low-end punch, but fairly neutral with maybe a slight touch of brightness.... Easy to install, about as plug and play as I have found.

lojack1976 · 05-21-2010, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve

If you could squeeze out $500 this would be a very nice model.

Marantz SR5004

I know you like Marantz a lot, but I gotta ask....why do you keep recommending this receiver when its known to be very problematic? There are several ongoing threads around the net including avsforum discussing the failure rate of the 5004/6004 series receivers. Then there's also the fact that Marantz has consistently denied that there is a problem with this line of receivers until recently.

To anyone out there looking at Marantz the 5003/6003 series receivers are the ones to go with if you can get them. The 5004/6004 line should be avoided until Marantz corrects the problem. Also keep in mind that many buyers have lost their money because Marantz has refused to honor warranties on this line. This should concern anyone considering this manufacturer IMO. Look at the ongoing thread over on avsforum before making the plunge people.

acritzer · 05-21-2010, 11:37 PM

Back to my searching. From Cnet....looks like the Sony has good sound, bad video, the Denon has good video, average sound....The Pioneer has the best overall ratings, with a slightly higher price.

More ideas, guys? I think the Denon is looking good, but I could maybe go Pioneer 1910 with some more personal experiences from members.

McGarnigal · 05-21-2010, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callas01

I would offer up that sony DN-1000 may be a great receiver for you. I like my 920 a lot. its just below their ES line and has many of the same features, without pre-outs and the advanced gui or RS232 port. In the bench tests it did better then Yamaha and Pioneer by over double. So your in the 55-60 wpc range, which is about typical from most receivers at this price point.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STR-DN100.../dp/B001TP4RRC

Sound quality, very good detail, maybe lacks a little low-end punch, but fairly neutral with maybe a slight touch of brightness.... Easy to install, about as plug and play as I have found.

Callas- do you know how the str-dh700 is? i have a shot at getting on e for a steal on craigs...

callas01 · 05-22-2010, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McGarnigal

Callas- do you know how the str-dh700 is? i have a shot at getting on e for a steal on craigs...

I had the DG-710 as my first receiver, and I can say that the 920/DN1000 is a much much better receiver. from the features to the power and detail and overall abilities. I was OK with my 710, but once the 920 got hooked up I was very well pleased with it. As a matter of fact, if the 920 had Pre-outs I would not get another receiver, and the pre-outs are the only reason I am going to get another receiver.

I would avoid the 700/800 series unless your gonna use it in a bedroom setup with small satelites.

callas01 · 05-22-2010, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acritzer

Back to my searching. From Cnet....looks like the Sony has good sound, bad video, the Denon has good video, average sound....The Pioneer has the best overall ratings, with a slightly higher price.

More ideas, guys? I think the Denon is looking good, but I could maybe go Pioneer 1910 with some more personal experiences from members.

Id avoid the Pioneer 1019 like the plauge.... horrible bench test numbers and definetly a step down receiver from the Vaunted 1018 that preceeded it.

The 1020 is said to be a much better receiver, and I would love to see how it tests....

I wouldn't worry about CNETs reviews, on the Sony they're talking about it upconverting, which I would bet you won't ever do. Trust me, you wont be doing it. Do you have a VHS player? Probably not... so video conversion is not to be a concern.

I would go listen to the denon and sony and see what you like the best. Heck Id suggest you listen to the Yamaha 765 and find it online for $400.... Looks like you should take a trip to Best Buy.

acritzer · 05-22-2010, 12:09 AM

What about the cnet reviews? I'd rather not sacrifice the 1080p video as it sounds like the Sony would be. But obviously I don't want sub par sound. The user reviews on cnet disagree though and seem to think the Denon is solid overall?

acritzer · 05-22-2010, 12:12 AM

Woops you jumped
in there while i was typing. Wouldn't the upconverting be good for DVDs? Or for cable TV? When listening to receivers how do you judge if they're hooked up to completely different speakers than what you have or from each other?

acritzer · 05-22-2010, 12:37 AM

Or what about the sound quality in the Denon as per the cnet reviews?

lojack1976 · 05-22-2010, 12:44 AM

Your Blu-ray player should handle dvd upconverting fine and the receiver should leave it untouched. I wouldn't say avoid the Pioneer VSX-1019 because of the low bench tests. Even with the low bench tests it was still reviewed better than any of the competition and that includes receivers that scored better in the bench tests. Why you ask...because it sounds great and the real world performance was very good.

My suggestion would be to go with the 1020 instead though. Its newer and it weighs more suggesting that its built better with a stronger power supply. It also adds some very nice features. I have one myself and I love it. It never feels underpowered and it replaced a Harman which was very beefy. I wouldn't say that its more powerful than the Harman, but its very comparable.

The sound is incredibly detailed though and that was the very first thing that I noticed when I fired it up for the first time. I've heard things in songs that I've been listening to for years that I've never noticed before. It also runs extremely cool with barely any heat to the touch. I've never seen a receiver run this cool. If sound quality is the focus then you won't be disappointed in this receiver. If you were using some power hungry speakers then you probably would want something beefier, but for most speakers all of the suggested receivers would be fine power wise. I rarely go past -30db and at times I find that to be too loud. Neighbors in my building may agree. Lol.

05-21-2010, 07:29 PM	#1
acritzer Expert Member Member since:Dec 2008 Location:Cincinnati, OH Home Theater Gallery:15 Blu-ray collection:32 Trading Score:1	Best bang for the buck at $350-400? Using the speakers listed in my sig. Wondering if I can get a sound upgrade with a new receiver. Also interested in consolidating my cords and possibly taking advantage of video upscaling. Probably using 90% for HT. 10% for music. Additional question: Seeing as I've never used a receiver to plug in all my video units before....I'm wondering if doing so will require me to always have the receiver on? And, would I be able to use the TV sound if I wanted to? For just regular viewing? Thanks everyone.

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05-21-2010, 07:39 PM	#2
Steve Blu-ray Knight Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:May 2008 Location:Anna, TX 4K collection:128 Blu-ray collection:416 Trading Score:41	The biggest sound upgrades usually come from upgrading speakers. A receiver can upgrade sound somewhat, but you generally buy a receiver for its features. Some brands, however, have a warmer sound than others. Marantz comes to mind. I don't know if your current receiver can currently decode lossless audio or not, but if it can't IMO a new receiver would be well worth it. You would also have the convenience of being able to run all your components through the receiver and then run only one cable to the TV. However, most receivers have to be on any time you want to watch TV.

05-21-2010, 07:43 PM	#3
acritzer Expert Member Member since:Dec 2008 Location:Cincinnati, OH Home Theater Gallery:15 Blu-ray collection:32 Trading Score:1	My receiver doesn't do HD sound, but my BD player does and I have multi-channel analog inputs so I'm getting HD sound that way. I just upgraded speakers, from Onkyo HTIB stuff to the Polks....and there's no way I can get another speaker purchase past the wife. But might be able to do a receiver since the current one is 5 or so years old.

05-21-2010, 08:05 PM	#4
Fors* Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Pottstown, PA Home Theater Gallery:160 4K collection:12 Blu-ray collection:142 Trading Score:11	I don't own a Denon, but they are a good, quality receiver with a neutral sound. I have read where the Denon 1910 may be one of the best deals around, and it falls right into your budget too at $342.47 + 30.00 shipping. Here is the link.... http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR1910-...4472219&sr=8-1

05-21-2010, 08:55 PM	#7
acritzer Expert Member Member since:Dec 2008 Location:Cincinnati, OH Home Theater Gallery:15 Blu-ray collection:32 Trading Score:1	Decisions decisions... Hopefully some more members will jump in. I really value personal feedback from owners.

05-21-2010, 09:29 PM	#8
Steve Blu-ray Knight Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:May 2008 Location:Anna, TX 4K collection:128 Blu-ray collection:416 Trading Score:41	If you could squeeze out $500 this would be a very nice model. Marantz SR5004

05-21-2010, 10:36 PM	#10
McGarnigal Blu-ray Guru Member since:Oct 2008 4K collection:149 Blu-ray collection:329 Blu-ray reviews: 1 Trading Score:10	I'm trying to go for the denon soon..

05-21-2010, 11:37 PM	#13
acritzer Expert Member Member since:Dec 2008 Location:Cincinnati, OH Home Theater Gallery:15 Blu-ray collection:32 Trading Score:1	Back to my searching. From Cnet....looks like the Sony has good sound, bad video, the Denon has good video, average sound....The Pioneer has the best overall ratings, with a slightly higher price. More ideas, guys? I think the Denon is looking good, but I could maybe go Pioneer 1910 with some more personal experiences from members.

05-22-2010, 12:09 AM	#17
acritzer Expert Member Member since:Dec 2008 Location:Cincinnati, OH Home Theater Gallery:15 Blu-ray collection:32 Trading Score:1	What about the cnet reviews? I'd rather not sacrifice the 1080p video as it sounds like the Sony would be. But obviously I don't want sub par sound. The user reviews on cnet disagree though and seem to think the Denon is solid overall?

05-22-2010, 12:12 AM	#18
acritzer Expert Member Member since:Dec 2008 Location:Cincinnati, OH Home Theater Gallery:15 Blu-ray collection:32 Trading Score:1	Woops you jumped in there while i was typing. Wouldn't the upconverting be good for DVDs? Or for cable TV? When listening to receivers how do you judge if they're hooked up to completely different speakers than what you have or from each other?

05-22-2010, 12:37 AM	#19
acritzer Expert Member Member since:Dec 2008 Location:Cincinnati, OH Home Theater Gallery:15 Blu-ray collection:32 Trading Score:1	Or what about the sound quality in the Denon as per the cnet reviews?

05-22-2010, 12:44 AM	#20
lojack1976 Blu-ray Guru Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Aug 2008 Location:7 Cities, VA Home Theater Gallery:62 Blu-ray collection:203	Your Blu-ray player should handle dvd upconverting fine and the receiver should leave it untouched. I wouldn't say avoid the Pioneer VSX-1019 because of the low bench tests. Even with the low bench tests it was still reviewed better than any of the competition and that includes receivers that scored better in the bench tests. Why you ask...because it sounds great and the real world performance was very good. My suggestion would be to go with the 1020 instead though. Its newer and it weighs more suggesting that its built better with a stronger power supply. It also adds some very nice features. I have one myself and I love it. It never feels underpowered and it replaced a Harman which was very beefy. I wouldn't say that its more powerful than the Harman, but its very comparable. The sound is incredibly detailed though and that was the very first thing that I noticed when I fired it up for the first time. I've heard things in songs that I've been listening to for years that I've never noticed before. It also runs extremely cool with barely any heat to the touch. I've never seen a receiver run this cool. If sound quality is the focus then you won't be disappointed in this receiver. If you were using some power hungry speakers then you probably would want something beefier, but for most speakers all of the suggested receivers would be fine power wise. I rarely go past -30db and at times I find that to be too loud. Neighbors in my building may agree. Lol.

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