What reciever to use

jaritta

Hey guys, right now i have a HK avr510, not a bad reciever but it is time for hdmi switching, so here is my question.

I am looking for a reciever with hdmi switching and pre-amp outs...this is my only 2 requirements, I have a Harman kardon signature 2.1 amp (5ch seperate amp) I will not be useing the reciever to power the speakers just as a pre amp.

Are all recievers created equal as pre amps/decoding ( i am guessing no) because i am useing a seperate amp to power the speakers will it make that much of a difference if i get a semi cheap reciever with hdmi and pre outs or should i look for a quality reciever even though i am not going to be useing it to power the speakers.

Is it a mistake to use the seperate rather than a quality reciever. I have always heard that seperate amps are better than recievers, is this right.

Thanks for any help.

jaritta

Bump....


I hope my question was clear.

I am looking for a reciever to use as a pre-pro, because of my sepereate amp.

I guess i am just wanting suggestions on what to use. I am also looking for one with hdmi switching with masterhd audio

Thanks

cnh

Using separate amps and an AVR is pretty standard for HT around here. Although some use a separate HT Pre-pro too.

If you like the Harman Kardon sound. Look at the HK 3600. Another option would be the Marantz 6005. Or the New Pioneer Elites, preferably the SC series but if budget prohibits that, then the lowest Elite Model that has pre-outs would be fine.

The Onkyo TX-SR 708/9 or higher will also do you. But it's important to listen to a few of these before purchasing because the Pre-pro AVR will determine, to an extent, what your amplification will sound like!

If you like your sound 'warmer' then the HK or Marantz are the ticket. If you want more dynamics and HT slam, then maybe the Pioneer Elites and/or the Onkyo?

Good luck!

cnh

jinjuku

I got rid of my HK3600. Just was never happy with the overall sound or room correction. The Denon 4308Ci does a better job for my setup.

Depending on budget I would look at the Denon 3XXX or 4XXX series, the Marantz (also from the same company as Denon and NAD).

Audio Advisor has the NAD 747 for $599 currently. Seems like a real good value.

Onkyo and Pioneer, Sony ES series. What budget did you have in mind?

jaritta

I am kind of leaning toward the denon, I work for a custom av installer and we carry denon. I like the sound and use of the denon/audyssey system.

That being said How much does the avr affect the sound, considering i am useing the seperate to power the system. Would there be any difference in the sound of 3xxx series vs the 4xxx series if i am only useing them to do sound processing vs powering the speakers. ( I guess this could apply to other hk's or marantz, onkyo ect.) I guess i am wondering if i need a high power rating on the amp or will the other recievers that have pre outs and a lower power rating do just as good at sound processing, therefore saving me cash.

On a side note i am hoping to pick a used 3311 or 4311 off of my boss to get ready for the 12 series of denon recievers!

piker

As far as I can tell the only differences you may hear would come from varying versions of receivers' audio calibration technology. For instance, in the Onkyo line there is MultEQ XT, MultEQ, or 2EQ based on which receiver you go with. I imagine there's slight differences between how each one sounds.

If you are lucky enough to have local places to visit and audition a variety of receivers, that would be my best suggestion. See what sounds best to you. Take your time and experiment with what you have access to.

jinjuku

jaritta wrote: »

I am kind of leaning toward the denon, I work for a custom av installer and we carry denon. I like the sound and use of the denon/audyssey system.

That being said How much does the avr affect the sound, considering i am useing the seperate to power the system. Would there be any difference in the sound of 3xxx series vs the 4xxx series if i am only useing them to do sound processing vs powering the speakers. ( I guess this could apply to other hk's or marantz, onkyo ect.) I guess i am wondering if i need a high power rating on the amp or will the other recievers that have pre outs and a lower power rating do just as good at sound processing, therefore saving me cash.

On a side note i am hoping to pick a used 3311 or 4311 off of my boss to get ready for the 12 series of denon recievers!

The amp in the receiver makes zero difference if you are using the receiver as a pre-pro feeding external amplification.

Aren't the guys at the custom A/V installer you work for able to provide you with good advice?

cnh

Jinjuku is right, of course.

But as for the AVR having 'no' effect on the sound because you're using external amps--that's not quite true. You should listen to a few and see for yourself. None of these AVRs is without its signature sound because it is 'processing' your sound and its DACs are converting bitstream signals into analog waveforms etc. And there are various architectures that are built around those various DACs--some are better than others. Nonetheless, it's often a matter of personal listening preference.

Denons were known for their 'musicality' in the past. I have a 4 or 5 year old that certainly demonstrates that. But the build quality of all but the best units is not what it was when I bought mine years ago.

To illustrate. Look at the weight reduction. My 2807 is 14 Kg. A new 3311 is only 12.8 Kg and the 4311 is basically a 3808 more or less (and somehow, even though the newer models have a lot more 'features' they weigh less)? More of the units are now made in China with lighter/cheaper materials, for example; the heat sinks on the 3311 are thin and cheap compared to those in the older 2807 or 3806, etc.

Compare an older model Denon with a newer one, look inside. It will 'surprise' you a little.

cnh

jaritta

jinjuku wrote: »

Aren't the guys at the custom A/V installer you work for able to provide you with good advice?

They do, but i am fairly new to the company...and my wife just had our baby so i am off of work for a couple of weeks....and thought I would kill some time and ask some questions on club polk.


So in other words i am new and learning, and dont have access to my boss to ask questions.