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.

[lojack1976]

I don't have the sparkle issue myself. I'm not sure many people are having that issue now since Harman refurbs have been going out with the newer firmware for some time now.

[McGarnigal]

If i could hijack a little how about HK AVR 247/347 Vs. Yamaha rx565/765?

[callas01]

Originally Posted by McGarnigal

If i could hijack a little how about HK AVR 247/347 Vs. Yamaha rx565/765?

I am looking into the Yamaha's and they are really nice. I love their sound. you should try to hear them yourself

[McGarnigal]

Yea a couple of my friends have newer yamahas but without the hd-codecs, and i love the soud on them so far..

[callas01]

Originally Posted by McGarnigal

Yea a couple of my friends have newer yamahas but without the hd-codecs, and i love the soud on them so far..

I got a guy that was interested in getting my Sony from me, if he does then I am onto the Yamaha's or possibly a Marantz...

[McGarnigal]

Originally Posted by callas01

I got a guy that was interested in getting my Sony from me, if he does then I am onto the Yamaha's or possibly a Marantz...

No offense to anyone out there, and i do respect both brands, but I do like how you aren't overly harsh on sony and seem to explore into receivers and speakers beyond onkyo and polk, for those of us that like them but arent in full blown love with them...

[callas01]

Originally Posted by McGarnigal

No offense to anyone out there, and i do respect both brands, but I do like how you aren't overly harsh on sony and seem to explore into receivers and speakers beyond onkyo and polk, for those of us that like them but arent in full blown love with them...

well thanks.

I like to have an open mind about all speakers and receivers. I have found over the past few years that I like warmer sounding equipment and speakers. I can respect that not everyone has my tastes, and I don't expect them to, but you shouldn't be pesimistic to another persons taste or preference either. I have always enjoyed my Sony, it has good sound and good power, but if I can get into a better Sony or any receiver I will. If I can find it for the right price and sell my old equipment. And with all due respect to the many Polk and Onkyo owners on this site, neither of those speakers suit my taste.

[McGarnigal]

I also cant bring myself to get an onkyo receiver because theyre the hottest most warmed up piece of elctronics i've ever seen in my life! But no one else seems to really mind much..

[callas01]

Originally Posted by McGarnigal

I also cant bring myself to get an onkyo receiver because theyre the hottest most warmed up piece of elctronics i've ever seen in my life! But no one else seems to really mind much..

So what receiver do you suppose you are going to buy? And what speakers are you going to be powering?

[McGarnigal]

I'll probally end up with one of the current Yamahas rxv465/565/765, theres are alot of good online deals on the differant models, I wouldnt rule out something like the HK avr 247, but I get to hear yamahas alot more and yamaha=new Harmon = refurbished in my price range. I have some of those newer black wood stained look sony speakers. I'm going to be moving around a few times within 6 months, then i'll probally get a larger setup, maybe Klipsch or check out energys and a few other brands if i'm able to demo them.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by McGarnigal

I'll probally end up with one of the current Yamahas rxv465/565/765, theres are alot of good online deals on the differant models, I wouldnt rule out something like the HK avr 247, but I get to hear yamahas alot more and yamaha=new Harmon = refurbished in my price range. I have some of those newer black wood stained look sony speakers. I'm going to be moving around a few times within 6 months, then i'll probally get a larger setup, maybe Klipsch or check out energys and a few other brands if i'm able to demo them.

I'd say go for the Yammy 765, it has pre-outs in case you ever get into higher end component and want to add an amp.

definetly spend time auditioning speakers, you will find what you like. Plus its fun.

[Uniquely]

I have the 710 in my game room, and it is pretty meh.

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by McGarnigal

I also cant bring myself to get an onkyo receiver because theyre the hottest most warmed up piece of elctronics i've ever seen in my life! But no one else seems to really mind much..

I wouldn't rule out Onkyo because of heat issues. I personally think its a way overblown issue. My 605 has never gotten the least bit hot, and I've blasted music for hours at a time without any problems. I'm sure that some models have had heating issues, but I don't think its the case with all of their receivers.

I also believe that models that do get warmer are designed to run this way. Onkyo receivers are just as reliable as any other manufacturer and failure due to heat is probably more because of poor ventilation than the design of the receiver. All receivers need some sort of breathing room instead of being cooped up in an enclosed cabinet, but I see people do it all of the time and then complain that it gets too hot. Its also possible that other manufacturers' receivers don't warm as much because they aren't putting out anywhere near the wattage that they claim while Onkyo at least comes close to their stated wattage in most cases.

Of course this year their actual wattage has dropped even further below what's stated, but they do still output a lot more than the competition. Only Marantz and Harman Kardon seem to give actual ratings these days with entry and mid level receivers. IMO Onkyo makes a very solid product and should only be overlooked if you don't care for the sound that they produce, or when they don't have the features that you are looking for.

[Fors*]

I had the 605 for 1 1/2 years, and it was a good performer with no issues at all. I will say it did feel like it was hot at times, but that is relative. I agree with lojack that the only reason not to go with Onkyo is because of the sound or features. However, their customer service is a whole other issue....hopefully you wouldn't have to deal with their support. I think those of you out there know what I mean....