Master List of Receiver Review Thread

[Big Daddy]

The following receiver threads are listed in alphabetical order. Please click on them and post pictures, comments, mini review, and any other information about your receiver there. If you do not see a thread for your particular receiver, please post your comments in this thread.


The Official Anthem Receiver Thread

The Official Arcam AVR600 Receiver Thread

The Official Denon 789/1909 Receiver Thread

The Official Denon AVR-2309CI Receiver Thread

The Official Marantz Receivers Thread

The Official Onkyo TX-SR606 Receiver Thread

The Official Onkyo TX-SR805/806 Receiver Thread

The Official Pioneer Elite 01/03/05/07/09 Receivers Thread

The Official Pioneer Elite 21/23/25/27 Receivers Thread

The Official Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH Receiver Thread

The Official Pioneer VSX-1018TX HDMI 1.3 Receiver Thread

The Official Sony STR-DG920 Receiver Thread

The Official Yamaha RX V663 Receiver Thread

[Big Daddy]

RECEIVER REVIEWS

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/tax...erm/14/archive
http://www.audioholics.com/buying-gu...mparison-guide
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/
http://reviews.cnet.com/best-av-receivers/
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/maste...rocessors.html
http://www.hometheatermag.com/buyersguides/avreceivers/
http://www.ultimateavmag.com/avreceivers/
http://hometheater.about.com/od/audi...ts_Reviews.htm
http://www.hometheaterreview.com/receiver_reviews/
http://www.avreview.co.uk/review/rev...0248412684/v/1
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/ampli...S_2718crx.aspx
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/ampli...S_2718crx.aspx
http://www.testfreaks.com/receivers/
http://www.testseek.com/home_electro...ers-c-192.html
http://www.smartratings.com/electronics/receivers
http://wize.com/receivers/t107-home-theater
http://wize.com/receivers/t61235-av
http://www.bigpicturebigsound.com/re...witchers.shtml
http://hometheater.about.com/od/avre...atpmidavra.htm
http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-av...-receiver.html
http://products.howstuffworks.com/a+.../All/award-all
http://www.crutchfield.com/g_10420/R...rs.html?tp=179
http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&rs=2...2Cn%3A14269281
http://www.epinions.com/Receivers--~...kin_id=3065542
http://search.ecoustics.com/Consumer...rs/Alpha-Name/
http://www.gadgetguy.com.au/section_...gadget=&id=106
http://www.productreview.com.au/cate...hp?cat_id=1070
http://www.smartguider.com/Receiver/...FQk_agodwiag9Q
http://www.avrev.com/equipment-revie...receivers.html

Denon AVR-989




Pioneer Elite SC-07




Onkyo TX-SR706




Yamaha RX-V863




Integra DTR-8.8




Anthem AVM 50 Preamp/Processor and MCA 50 Amplifier
 



Onkyo TX-NR1008
Rated Power per Channel: 135 Watts
1 Channel: 177 W
2 Channels: 160 W
5 Channels: 125 W
7 Channels: 45 W

Marantz SR7002
Output at clipping (1 kHz into 8/4 ohms)
1 channel driven: 150/236 watts (21.8/23.7 dBW)
5 channels driven (8 ohms): 93 watts (19.7 dBW)
7 channels driven (8 ohms): 83 watts

Yamaha RX-V1800
Yamaha's RX-V1800 yielded the fine technical performance usual from the firm's
A/V receivers. Power exceeded its specs by a good margin and bettered 100
watts all around, even with 5 channels driven. The unit's power supply
appeared to run out of current when 2 more were added, however, since 7-
channel results dropped by nearly 3 dB, to 55 watts - a non-issue in the real 
world. Yamaha equips its receiver with a software setup switch for speakers 
of 6 ohms or lower, which effectively limits power to about two thirds.

Onkyo TX-SR875
Power results handily exceeded the receiver's ratings in all except 7-channel-
simultaneous testing, which came very close (128 wpc). Bridged output 
measured in excess of 300 watts x 2 into 8 ohms. The receiver got quite hot 
during prolonged power testing, and the fan (which came on only under 
severe stress) was a bit noisy -- though with a program playing, users should 
never hear it.

Denon AVR-4308CI
Denon's AVR-4308CI impressed, with very good power results and virtually 
perfect noise and linearity performance. Stereo power handily bettered the 
140-watt spec, and 5-channels-driven power was only a scant half-dB shy. 
S/N on PCM signals was spot-on the theoretically "perfect" mark, and a 
couple tenths "better than perfect" with Dolby Digital signals (a lab-only 
anomaly).

Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH
Power output was generous in 2- and 1-channel tests, and the 94TXH was 
happy enough driving 4-ohm loads. With 5 and 7 channels driven, and its 
clamping circuitry in full effect, it fell well short of 100 watts per channel, but 
the result was still better than some receivers of similar ratings we've seen, 
and in any event, this is of no real-world consequence.

Sony STR-DA5200ES
Power was generous in all tests save all-channels-driven, where the receiver 
topped out at 66 watts all around; note that this is only 4 or 5 dB less than 
from the most powerful receivers we've seen and was more than adequate to 
drive my medium-sensitivity speakers to cinema-like volume. When 
deliberately overdriven, the 5200ES behaved well, shutting down without fuss 
and restarting without complaint. 

Integra DTR-7.6
Output at clipping (1 kHz into 8/4 ohms)
1 channel driven: 148/239* W (21.7/23.8* dBW)
5 channels driven (8 ohms): 58 W (17.6** dBW)
6 channels driven (8 ohms): 44 W (16.4** dBW)

Denon AVR-3806
Output at clipping (1 kHz into 8/4 ohms)
1 channel driven: 166/260 W (22.2/24.2* dBW)
5 channels driven (8 ohms): 108 W (20.3 dBW)
6 channels driven (8 ohms): 108 W (20.3 dBW)

Yamaha RX-V2600
Output at clipping (1 kHz into 8/4 ohms)
1 channel driven: 196/297* W (22.9/24.7* dBW)
5 channels driven (8 ohms): 121 W (20.8 dBW)
6 channels driven (8 ohms): 119 W (20.8 dBW)

[Sammy]

Nice!!!

[ultrablue]

Indeed. Now we have everything in one place. Would have been handy 2 weeks ago if I had noticed it.

[Rob J in WNY]

Big Daddy,

Cembros posted up a much-needed Official Pioneer Elite 01/03/05/07/09 receiver thread recently. Here's the link:

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=102113

All the Elite models listed share very similar operation features and MCACC room correction.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Rob J in WNY

Big Daddy,

Cembros posted up a much-needed Official Pioneer Elite 01/03/05/07/09 receiver thread recently. Here's the link:

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=102113

All the Elite models listed share very similar operation features and MCACC room correction.

I added the link. Thank you.

[Driver_King]

Don't forget the Onkyo TX-SR805 owners thread.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

Don't forget the Onkyo TX-SR805 owners thread.

Done.

[LordoftheRings]

Arcam, not 'Acram'.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRings

Arcam, not 'Acram'.

Thanks for catching that. I am sure there are a ton of spelling mistakes in most of the threads.

[ZIPPO]

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/affor...y.html?start=2

[PTplayers]

Hi , guess you can add Anthem to the receiver list.


Thank you

Rob

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by PTplayers

Hi , guess you can add Anthem to the receiver list.


Thank you

Rob

Done.

[sonic_debauchery]

Could you add NAD to the receiver list.

[frank001]

Hi Big Daddy, What about Rotel? I'm trying to define if I need to replace my RSX-1067. I think is getting obsolete. Some opinions or solutions will be very helpful.

[Early Memphis]

Okay, so my forum searching skills suck and I can't find an Official Sony Receivers Thread. So I'm just gonna post this here and hope someone can help out or direct me there.

Perhaps someone out there can help with this. It's time to replace my 12-13 year-old Sony DA333ES Amp. I call it an amp because that's all I use it for : no radio, internet, clothes washing, etc. Anyway, I was set to step up to a Pioneer SC-61 when I ran into Pioneer's BS policy of not giving warranties on Elite equipment bought online - only to walk-in, B&M purchases. The extra $300-350 put it totally out of my reach (+ the listed 17 in. depth might not have worked with my 16" shelves ).

Anyway, I found a really good deal on a Sony STR-DA4600ES which I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on (again, only as an amp for DVR, Computer & Blu-ray sound). Here's the thing, the store where I ran into this deal had a printed review from Sound & Vision Magazine. After researching on the web, I realized the review was using a picture of the Sony STR-DA4400ES (OOP), not the 4600ES. Unfortunately, IMHO, the 4400ES looks way sharper than the 4600ES (of which, digitaltrends.com said : "The multiple knobs, window location and finish of the front face give this receiver a sort of dated look that isn’t quite “retro” and not entirely high-end looking either. There’s nothing blatantly unattractive about it, but the design doesn’t really fit the ES legacy of looking brawny yet refined."). Again, IMHO, comparatively, it looks butt ugly.

As best as I can find out, there is zero technical difference between the two - exact same performance, capabilities, codecs, etc. My question to anyone who may know better : is this true? If so, why would Sony change the design to a more boxy, less impressive unit with no upgrades? I have to be missing something, right? Please enlighten me if you can.

Sony STR-DA4400ES:


Sony STR-DA4600ES:

[Big Daddy]

Early Memphis,

Sony ES receivers are generally considered to be pretty good. As a general rule, manufacturers do not want to change the appearance of their products too often so that they can use the same knobs, cases, etc. to save money. Personally, I care more about the performance of a product than its looks.

The Sony-STR-DA4600ES is a discontinued model and a few years old. That is why you may be able to get very good prices on it.

We do not have a Sony STR-DA4600ES thread except a general page such as the following:

https://www.blu-ray.com/Sony-STR-DA4600ES/14801/

The following member owns a Sony STR-DA4600ES receiver. He may be more helpful.

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...y+str-da4600es

The Home Theater Magazine did a review and gave the receiver high marks.

http://www.hometheater.com/content/s...es-av-receiver
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/art...es-av-receiver
http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers...-34357684.html
http://www.powersellernyc.com/Catalog/View/108310

[BRob1]

I am in the market for a new receiver and am looking at the Pioneer Elite SC-75 or the Onkyo TX-NR929. I am looking for 9.2, zone 2 and 3 capabilities, at least 6 HDMI, 135 watts or more per channel, WIFI capabilites for streaming music, a unit that will last and I am looking to spend around $1,500.

I am more familiar with Onkyo and Pioneer products but welcome all feedback on other brands as well. I am looking to also start with Definitive Tech BP-8060ST and will be adding a center and rears later.

Appreciate your feedback!

BRob1

[SirBoss]

Hi I have an older reciever that does not have HDMI so i am using Optical cable, I have read in some other forums that this connection will only output 2.0 channel, but on the front panel screen of the reciever it displays dolby digital when playing DVDs and DTS when playing bluray also theres a massive difference from PCM to dolby to DTS (obviously) with optical audio cable used.

1. So my question is my Optical cable outputing 2.0 still even when it shows dolby or DTS OR is outputing 5.1 channel surround please help it is frustrating me 2. Also my samsung bd-f7500 analog out.

[DIY_HD]

I just purchased this AVR. I am upgrading from a Denon AVR-4802 (pre-HDMI) receiver. While the Denon is a solid performer and had analog inputs for 7.1 from my BD player, it got to be a real hassle always manually changing modes for different codecs.
Since my display is Sony and my BDP is Sony, I thought that they would all play nice together. Well, yes, they do, but not exactly as I expected. I still have to change remotes to switch to specific program sources. For example, I have a digital antenna for receiving local broadcasts. I watch OTA programming for news only, but it comes in beautiful 1080p. This is handy when a storm knocks out the Internet. Turning on the TV and changing to tuner doesn't automatically change the AVR to receive the audio from the TV. I have the audio out via optical cable. The TV is still connected to the AVR via HDMI, but the CEC signals apparently don't tell the AVR to change the input to TV.
The other deficit is with my Apple TV (4th Gen). While the ATV supports CEC, it does not work very well. It only sometimes turns the AVR off. And if I have the volume control CEC enabled, it spontaneously shuts off the AVR! So I disabled the volume control on the ATV remote. This seems to have resolved the issue, but not without a loss of functionality. I don't blame Sony for this. Apple supposedly tested it's CEC with many devices to ensure compatibility, but I think they still have some work to do. This is the only device I have that is not Sony. Well, that's not entirely true. I do have a Samsung VHS tape player, but it's slated for termination . . . as soon as I replace all the tapes with BDs!
The documentation is scant, but then the intended market for this unit is for professional installers, not DIYer's.
Connections were straightforward for anyone who has done this before, so the instructions were not a real issue. I love the auto-calibration feature. Put the included microphone at your sitting position, and run the program, then Voila! It's done! No SPL meter required.
It sounds great. I just wish it had a source leveling feature, so that I didn't have to change volume every time I changed input sources. I expected that for nearly a grand, I would get such a feature. It does support 4K, so it's not without it's pluses.
For the most part I am happy with it, except for a couple of small disappointments. My 7.2 system never sounded better. That includes when I listen to the radio or music CDs.
I'm still learning some of the nuances of the new AVR. Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, but primarily to Sony fans. One of my primary decision factors was to have all the components talk to each other and cooperate. There is probably a universal remote in my future, perhaps a Harmony.

Side note: I'm ready to sell the Apple TV and get another streaming box. My wife and I both hate the remote that comes with the Apple TV. Unless you were born with a laptop in your hand, it's a pain to control. A one-square-inch trackpad -- seriously? I will accept any reasonable offer (64Gb). It's 1080p capable.