Receiver Dilemma

[gamer2600]

I am in the market for a new receiver and I am going nuts trying to figure what is important to me while comparing that to cost.

I really like the Onkyo 805 and the 875 (for the video upscaling capabilities) but if I buy one is it going to catch on fire? I have heard countless things that they crap out and catch on fire, etc. I just don't want to get screwed.

I like the Denon 3808CI but do I need the video upscaling capabilities? I have a Samsung LCD 1080P TV. The only things I would plug into the receiver that would potentially need upscaling are the Xbox 360 Core (component) and the Wii. I have a HD Cable Box and a PS3 so I am OK there. I also use the PS3 for my regular DVD player also.

I am not really trying to spend more than $1200 on a receiver and would actually like to find a nice one for under $1000.

Any other recommendations would be great and thanks

[twoboyz]

Check out onecall.com I bought a Denon 4308ci there and love it. I know they have some good deals on recievers. Also check out accessories4less.com. Don't rule out a Marantz 7002. And you may find a good deal on a 8001 or 8002.

[mdabb]

I just picked up the Onkyo 875 and so far so good. I looked at probably the same receivers as you. I went with the 875 because of the article in this month Home Theater Mag (may be online as well). It also included the Denon model you're looking at. However the Denon didn't fair as well as the Onkyo. As for the "heat" issue it does get pretty warm and I wouldn't hide it in a media center/AV cabinet. Mine is out in the open with a couple 12 volt DC fans hooked up to a power pack. The fans took care of the heat. So far I'm lovin' it.

There are a lot of nice receivers out there and it was hard for me to choose as well. Even on pass-through some receivers affect PQ. Happy Hunting.

[fronn]

Originally Posted by gamer2600

I am in the market for a new receiver and I am going nuts trying to figure what is important to me while comparing that to cost.

I really like the Onkyo 805 and the 875 (for the video upscaling capabilities) but if I buy one is it going to catch on fire? I have heard countless things that they crap out and catch on fire, etc. I just don't want to get screwed.

I like the Denon 3808CI but do I need the video upscaling capabilities? I have a Samsung LCD 1080P TV. The only things I would plug into the receiver that would potentially need upscaling are the Xbox 360 Core (component) and the Wii. I have a HD Cable Box and a PS3 so I am OK there. I also use the PS3 for my regular DVD player also.

I am not really trying to spend more than $1200 on a receiver and would actually like to find a nice one for under $1000.

Any other recommendations would be great and thanks

I'm actually at a similar crossroads, or will be sometime soon...

It's sort of been a question between the Onkyo 875, Denon 3808CI, and Denon 2809CI/989 (coming real soon and not 100% sure if it's even a contender yet) for me. They should all be pretty close in pricing (with the 3808 being a little more).

I didn't really consider the 805 myself, as I wanted 1080p upscaling, not just passthrough.

The 875 has the Reon, but seems to run quite hot and there is no control over the Reon features/settings (maybe in a future update?) so you'd have to compensate in the TV (which isn't necessarily end of the world).

the 3808CI has network streaming features and is upgradeable (will be able to buy new features, apparently) and a rather 'meh' DCDI upscaler (not terrible, but it's not great). 3808CI seems quite solid, if not a little expensive for, what I consider, the core features (sound quality/watt rating and scaler).

the 2809CI/989 looks to be pretty standard receiver with a DCDI and a few new features (like volume stabilizer, which is handy for TV watching -- massive volume differences per channel and for commercials in my neck of the woods). Seems like a safe bet that should hit under 1k. I'm still not sure if it scales to 1080p though.

I'm sure there are other receivers out there (like the Marantz 7/8 series, Pioneer Elites, Yamaha 863/663, or maybe even a Harmon Kardon 354? -- they are very conservative on the wattage rating) ... I haven't spent much time searching for info, as I am not ready to purchase yet and I don't want to get too excited and end up having to wait

[Petra_Kalbrain]

The 805 and 875 will only catch on fire if you wrap them in blankets! If it occurred even once without user stupidity being the reason, they would have halted production and pulled all units from the shelf.

I have an 805 and it runs warm in a completely open space... not nearly as warm as the PS3 though. It is a fantastic and versatile machine. The only downside is that it is really big and heavy. If you don't have a place to put it, it could prove a challenge for placement.

[mdabb]

The 875 has the Reon, but seems to run quite hot and there is no control over the Reon features/settings (maybe in a future update?) so you'd have to compensate in the TV (which isn't necessarily end of the world).

Yes you can. It is a hidden menu I'm not sure which button, but all you have to do is hold in a certain button for a few seconds and it brings up the proper screen which allows adjustment of the REON. Provided you have a current firmware. A search on this topic will provide the correct answer.

[MacDaddyOJack]

I hate it when people post stuff about the Onkyo's catching on fire. It's just stupid. Don't put a blanket, cat, center channel, or anything else stupid on top of it while its running and it won't catch on fire. Simple as that.

You will be amazed by the 875 once you get it, just give it the recommended 5 or 6 inches above and you will be fine.

[fronn]

Originally Posted by mdabb

Yes you can. It is a hidden menu I'm not sure which button, but all you have to do is hold in a certain button for a few seconds and it brings up the proper screen which allows adjustment of the REON. Provided you have a current firmware. A search on this topic will provide the correct answer.

Oooh, that's very good to hear. I guess I didn't read much about the most current firmware (as I mentioned, I haven't looked into all the receivers too much, as I'm not quite ready yet).

[gamer2600]

Thanks guys, I really like the Onkyo's just a little skeptical when you read numerous reports on Amazon and other sites about theirs fizzing out or catching fire.

I am now feeling a bit more confident in them and am leaning towards the 875

[fronn]

Originally Posted by gamer2600

Thanks guys, I really like the Onkyo's just a little skeptical when you read numerous reports on Amazon and other sites about theirs fizzing out or catching fire.

I am now feeling a bit more confident in them and am leaning towards the 875

Almost every time you hear about problems it's the vocal minority who has them (people are much more likely to post things when something is wrong than when something works right).

The heat is an issue, only in that you'd need to be aware of the space you give it to keep the unit working well (no electronics like excessive heat).

Hard choice between the 3808CI and 875, if you ask me. Both look very appealing for slightly different reasons.

[mdabb]

I am quite certain if the Onkyo's were a real fire hazzard then Onkyo would have issued a recall. Like I said It does get warm but it is a "BEAST". So far I am really glad with the purchase of the 875. It was an easy setup too.

[SlmShdy1]

If you're really worried about the 805 heating up too much, there are fans that you can buy for it.

[Joker]

$500 - $700.00 for a home theatre receiver that i will use on a daily basis , that is cheap . In my opinion that is a cheap piece of #$@& that i do not want to own . That's just my opinion , spend your money how you wish but i wouldn't . YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR !!!

[Driver_King]

Originally Posted by Joker

$500 - $700.00 for a home theatre receiver that i will use on a daily basis , that is cheap . In my opinion that is a cheap piece of #$@& that i do not want to own . That's just my opinion , spend your money how you wish but i wouldn't . YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR !!!

What's that supposed to mean? I just paid $375 for an Onkyo 805, hooked it up today, and fell in love with music and movies again. What's your point?

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by Joker

$500 - $700.00 for a home theatre receiver that i will use on a daily basis , that is cheap . In my opinion that is a cheap piece of #$@& that i do not want to own . That's just my opinion , spend your money how you wish but i wouldn't . YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR !!!

All pseudo-eliteist statements like this REQUIRE the inclusion of your equipment list, along with pictures...... We just want to know what YOU found worthy of your hard earned money? My AVR (around the $700 range) serves my purposes quite well.... I'd prefer separates, but for the time being, it's getting the job done, and I think my audio quality is pretty darn good.

[Beta Man]

ha..... Nice one Joker.....

I just purchased 2 sets of Polk monitor 30's and a Polk PSW10 subwoofer from Fry's electronics and i Love these speakers . When you buy $499.99 or more on Polk products from Fry's you get a FREE set of Polk Atrium 45 outdoor speakers which are $199.99 . I looked on the Polkaudio.com site and they also have a eBay store and they sell remanufactured and refurbished speakers at a nice discount and they come with a FULL Polk warranty .I picked up a set of Polk monitor 60 floor speakers for around half off normal price and the smae goes for my CS2 center speaker . If your interested check out PolkDirect on eBay or grab a link from www.polkaudio.com . Good luck to you !

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Last edited by Joker : 05-13-2008 at 10:18 PM.

My "Piece of Garbage" receiver in your opinion doesn't have the luxury of pushing such "Fine audiophile quality" speakers that you have..... but I do manage to 'TRY' to enjoy my gear, which is the hand that I was dealt.... whoa is me.....

[Beta Man]

You paid more than $700 for your 705

I was just in a situation like this on $2000.00 budget . I bought the onkyo 705 and Polkaudio Monitor speakers . 2 sets of Monitor 30 speakers for surrounds and 2 Monitor 60 for my fronts and a Polk CS2 for a center with a Polk PSW12 for a sub and spent around $1800.00 for all of it and i am very happy with my new 7.1 system and recommend it to anyone on a limited budget and yes all my cables were ordered from monoprice . Frys.com is were i got my Polks from , amazon for the Onkyo . Goodluck in your search !

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Last edited by Joker : 04-30-2008 at 11:31 PM.

Keep Trolling Joker.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Joker

$500 - $700.00 for a home theatre receiver that i will use on a daily basis , that is cheap . In my opinion that is a cheap piece of #$@& that i do not want to own . That's just my opinion , spend your money how you wish but i wouldn't . YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR !!!

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by prerich

I exposed him for what he is...... a hypocrite!

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

I exposed him for what he is...... a hypocrite!

That's 10-4, I don't mind inexpensive or value electronics - for a person on a budget, I call that wise and prudent. But when a joker like that (pun intentded) begins to rant about how cheap a piece of gear is...you'd better have something alot better. I own a Yamaha RX-V663 and I got it cheap (350.00) however, as you guys know - I don't use it as a receiver, its my prepro - I leave the amplifiction to other parts of my system. I'm also a lover of vintage gear - but a lot of my vintage gear more than keeps up with the latest stuff that most people buy. I compliment you for addressing this person in such a manner and exposing him. Good go Beta!


P.S. Trying to get some decent pics of my system since I've installed my 42 inch 1080p Phillips (still couldn't tell the difference between 1080p and 720p - that is until I got my new glasses I was so used to seeing poorly that I didn't realize that my vision had gotten worse, I still however, value AQ more than VQ - and SD looks horrible on a 1080p - just like good speakers, if you put bad stuff in them - they will tell on you)!!!