Expert Opinion required on Denon A/V receivers

techinfo2harsha

Hello All,

This is my first post on the forum and I am quite glad that I now own Polk speakers. I just bought a 5.1 Polk Audio speakers. The next task is to find an appropriate A/V receiver and I am quite confused in this regard. I have heard from many in the forum that Denon goes well with Polk Audio. Can anyone help me choose the right A/V receiver for my system? My speaker information is mentioned below. I am looking within a budget of around $500 - $700.

5.1 Information:
Centre Speaker: CS20
Front Speakers (L/R): TSi400
Surround Speakers (L/R): TSi200
Subwoofer: PSW125

Any help is very much appreciated.

Warm Regards,
Harsha H.

OOsemka

Harsha,

If I were you, I would look for the receiver with pre-outs. I looked at the Denon website and noticed only one model that offers pre-out in current line of receivers - AVR-3313CI . The pre-outs are for additional amplification. Tsi400's could definitely take advantage of good source of power.

You can also look for older models of Denon or even go with different brand. Many Polk owners prefer Pioneer Elite SC line of receivers due to Class D amplification that theoretically provides more power.

Welcome to the Club Polk.

Clipdat

Everyone has their own favorites/brand loyalty/horror stories. I've had good luck with Onkyo for what it's worth.

OOsemka makes a good point, do make sure to get an AVR with preouts for system expansion in the future. It just makes sense.

shadowlight

Agree on the preouts, having them gives you more option to potentially tailor your sound bit better down the road. Other brands to consider are Marantz (Owned by the same parent company as Denon), Yamaha and Harman Kardon. HK has a ebay store front where they sell their refurbished models. In my primary system I run Yamaha Avantage A1000 (purchased as open box) and Denon 2807 (also purchase as open box) from Best Buy. My primary system is Zu Omen Def with external power amp (Vincent SP331 and ICEPower 125asx2).

indyhawg

I currently run a Denon 2112 in a small room. I got this receiver at a killer price last year and am satisfied with it. It is fine for my current setup. However, I would recommend you get a receiver with pre-outs. I will be upgrading my receiver to one with pre-outs probably around next spring.

chumlie

Nice lil setup ya got there Harsha. I'm gonna go against the grain here. Denon AVR2312CI will do you nicely with your setup. Don't get me wrong, preouts are great if your gonna use them. If not, no use getting them. I'll second the Pioneer SC series if you decide to go with the preouts.

tonyb

Most people won't use the preouts right off the bat. It's 6 months down the road when they come across a great deal on some LSI's or similiar upgraded speakers and find out.....oops, now I need a new receiver too with pre outs to add an amp. Just avoid the headaches, you know you will upgrade sooner or later.

dracoskeeper

I'd pick up a used Denon 38??, it will retain its value and they are bulletproof. I've had top of the line Integra processors and the difference in sound quality when I switch to a tubed pre is so dramatic I can't do any real listening with a AVR?Processor anymore.

Thorton

I have an older Denon I purchased around 7 years ago and recently purchased the Polk speakers listed below. I like the combo but have not done direct comparisons versus other brands. It's been a little longer for me than the 6 months stated by tonyb but after I purchased the better Polk speakers, I was inclined to open up their true potential and purchase an amp. It definitely opened up the speakers and am glad that I made the purchase. For your price range, I would try to get all the bells and whistles required (digital processing for movies, HDMI inputs, preouts, etc) and as others have stated.

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AVR: Denon AVR-3805, AMP: Parasound Model 2250, Front: Polk RTIA7, Center: Polk CSIA6, Surrounds: Polk FXIA6, Sub: Polk DSW PRO660WI