I want a new receiver - which one?

[Xourque]

Hello everyone!

Simple question: What receiver should I get?

But alas - that is not a simple question. Silly me!

Here is what I currently have:

Receiver: Yamaha HTR-5930 5.1

Speakers: Radiient Calypso 5-speaker set (discontinued - they actually no longer distribute speakers)

* Front Left & Right:
-- 80Hz - 20kHz
-- 8 Ω nominal
-- 120 W short-term peak, 60 Wrms continuous
-- 90dB/w/m
* Center:
-- 90Hz - 20kHz
-- 8 Ω nominal
-- 80 W short-term peak, 40 Wrms continuous
-- 86dB/w/m
* Rear Left & Right:
-- 90Hz - 20kHz
-- 8 Ω nominal
-- 60 W short-term peak, 30 Wrms continuous
-- 84dB/w/m

Subwoofer: Energy ESW-V10 10" 300 Watts RMS (discontinued)

TV: Samsung UN55B7100 55" LED

Blu-Ray player: Samsung BD-P3600

That is what I have already. As you can see, my receiver is out dated and definitely does not have the HD decoders to take full advantage of my Blu-ray movies. My speakers aren't the best either but they still sound quite nice (any opinions on the speakers is appreciated, too!)

Here are the variables that would effect my decision making process on a new receiver:

- It has to be at least 5.1
- Must have DTS-HD/Dolby True HD
- I really like the idea of self-tuning audio technology, such as Yamaha's YPAO or Denon's Audyssey
- $350 is how much I'd like to spend with maybe $400 being max
- I don't care about analog inputs and up-scaling
- The limitations of my speakers

Some receivers that have caught my eye are:
- Yamaha RX-V465
- Denon AVR-590
- Pioneer VSX-819H-K
- Pioneer VSX919AH-K

So with all that said, what are your opinions?

Thank you in advance!

[Xourque]

Actually...I never noticed that my speakers have such a limited RMS wattage and that my receiver is overpowering them each with 80W x 5 (20Hz - 20kHz) / 110W x 5 RMS (1kHz).

How bad is this?

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Xourque

Actually...I never noticed that my speakers have such a limited RMS wattage and that my receiver is overpowering them each with 80W x 5 (20Hz - 20kHz) / 110W x 5 RMS (1kHz).

How bad is this?

You're probably not overpowering them at all. Most receivers out there don't actually push their rated wattage with all channels driven, even though the specs say they do. That receiver is probably only pushing about half of what it says it is. Even if it was able to push the full 80 watts per channel, you wouldn't be getting that much power unless it was turned up as loud as it would go. The power output from your receiver is directly related to how loud you have it turned up. Basically the louder you turn it, the more power it puts out. It's not putting out a continiuous 80 watts per channel just because it's turned on.

Regarding your original question, none of the receivers you have listed are really anything special. If you could put another $100 in (for a total of $500) I would recommend this Marantz. It would completely smash any of the models on your list. Also note that it really can put out its rated power.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html

If the price is a little too steep, then this Yamaha RX-V565 isn't a bad choice for $430. This is a really good seller, and there's no tax and free shipping.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...aha-_-82115195

[callas01]

I agree with Steve on the Marantz, best thing you could buy for $500

Otherwise I would say the Sony DN-1000 because it is the best testing receiver at its price range of $319 on Newegg.com . And it will get you everything else you need. I have last years model and it is really pretty good.

[Xourque]

Thank you, guys! I see your point about the ones that I listed not being much of an upgrade. I suppose if I really wanted to upgrade and have it be noticeable then I should look more at the $500 level.

I will look into the Marantz receivers. I haven't ever seen that brand in person before. Wow, that brand is EXPENSIVE!

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Xourque

Thank you, guys! I see your point about the ones that I listed not being much of an upgrade. I suppose if I really wanted to upgrade and have it be noticeable then I should look more at the $500 level.

I will look into the Marantz receivers. I haven't ever seen that brand in person before. Wow, that brand is EXPENSIVE!

It's a really good brand. A friend of mine has one in his setup and it's a great receiver. The one I linked to above it is a refurb, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy it for myself if I was in the market for a receiver in that price range.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Xourque

Thank you, guys! I see your point about the ones that I listed not being much of an upgrade. I suppose if I really wanted to upgrade and have it be noticeable then I should look more at the $500 level.

I will look into the Marantz receivers. I haven't ever seen that brand in person before. Wow, that brand is EXPENSIVE!

yes that is why we suggested the refurbs... more affordable.

[bkbluray]

Originally Posted by callas01

I agree with Steve on the Marantz, best thing you could buy for $500

Otherwise I would say the Sony DN-1000 because it is the best testing receiver at its price range of $319 on Newegg.com . And it will get you everything else you need. I have last years model and it is really pretty good.

+1 I bought that particular Marantz (SR 5003) from Accessories4Less, and many weeks later am still LOVING it. Highly recommended as well. Accessories4Less was great to deal with as well - great service and fast delivery.