choosing the best receiver, budget 1500 $

catrazlin
catrazlin Posts: 9
edited October 2013 in Electronics
Hi there,

I need your help choosing the proper receiver within a budget of 1500 $...

I just bought a set of Polk's home cinema speakers, RTIA7 + PSW125 + FXIA4 + CSIA6 and I'm looking for a receiver to pair them.
I'm a music and movies lover, so I will use them for both activities.
So far, I saw a Yamaha RX-A2020 new for 1300 and I was wondering if it will fit my needs and if it fits my speakers too.

Do you guys can advice me please?

I will consider other receivers as well, I just don't know which one to choose.

Thanks in advance,
Cat
Post edited by catrazlin on
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  • oleon621
    oleon621 Posts: 178
    edited August 2013
    If it helps. I currently have a RX-A2000 and it powers my setup just fine. It does an amazing job and has an easy to use interface. It could easily handle just about anything you throw at it and of course if you ever decide you need more power it has pre outs to add an amp or two.
    Front- RTI A7,(powered by ADCOM GFA 5500)
    Center- CSI5,
    Surrounds- RTI 6 and Rear Surrounds- TS 15.
    TV-Panasonic P55ST50
    SUB-SVS PB10-NSD and PSW505
    Receiver- Yamaha Aventage RX-A2000
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2013
    couple others to consider:

    - Denon 4311
    - Onkyo 3009
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • catrazlin
    catrazlin Posts: 9
    edited August 2013
    The models you refer are no longer available as new units, at least not in Canada...

    I'm considering also the old Yamaha RXV1073 or the new one RXV675

    Still not decided
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2013
    catrazlin wrote: »
    The models you refer are no longer available as new units, at least not in Canada...

    http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/DENAVR4311CI/DENON-AVR-4311CI-9.2-Channel-Network-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html

    http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXNR3010/ONKYO-TX-NR3010-9.2-Ch-THX-Certified-Network-A/V-Receiver/1.html
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • jon s
    jon s Posts: 905
    edited August 2013
    What about the Pioneer Elite receivers with the Class D Digital Amps? They are rated to handle 4-ohm loads. Run cooler. I have a Pioneer SC-67 and love it... Except for the crappy remote. You really need a Logitech Harmony with any new AV setup anyway.

    The new SC-75 is about $1400 and the SC-77 is $1650...
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited August 2013
    Welcome to Club Polk!

    Do take a look at the Pioneers. Those ICE amps are very good and have enough power to drive your system fairly well!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • chumlie
    chumlie Posts: 8,658
    edited August 2013
    Pioneer SC series
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  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited August 2013
    Pioneer Elite SC-77 from Best Buy, find a coupon and win.
    Main Surround -
    Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub

    Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250

    Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
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  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited August 2013
    Where are you in CAN? Don't forget craigslist. Will allow you to keep more cash in your pocket for wire and cables, etc.

    Some examples:

    Class D ICE Amps
    Mint Pioneer Elite SC25 AV Receiver - $550 (Buffalo)
    http://buffalo.craigslist.org/ele/4000479155.html

    Non-Class D
    NEW PRICE: PIONEER ELITE VSX-82TXS - $650 (Montreal)
    http://montreal.en.craigslist.ca/ele/3962069038.html
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
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  • nwohlford
    nwohlford Posts: 700
    edited August 2013
    falconcry72 wrote: »
    couple others to consider:

    - Denon 4311
    - Onkyo 3009

    I would add the Denon 4520 (there are a few other Denon and Onkyo models). Among the main consumer brands, I would look Audyssey XT32 room correction. To me this is the biggest jump in sound among these receivers.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,567
    edited August 2013
    Pioneer Elite SC-xx series.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited August 2013
    Sc series is perfect for your setup, you won't regret it. However if I had $1500 i'd pick up this bad boy: http://www.spearitsound.com/Surround_Receivers-NAD_T775HD2_Refurbished.html
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  • PolkieMan
    PolkieMan Posts: 2,446
    edited August 2013
    http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Shop/Specials/Home+specials/SC-57+REFURBISHED
    POLK SDA 2.3 TLS BOUGHT NEW IN 1990, Gimpod/Sonic Caps/Mills RDO-198
    POLK CSI-A6 POLK MONITOR 70'S ONKYO TX NR-808 SONY CDP-333ES
    PIONEER PL-510A SONY BDP S5100
    POLK SDA 1C BOUGHT USED 2011,Gimpod/Sonic Caps/Mills RDO-194
    ONKYO HT RC-360 SONY BDP S590 TECHNICS SL BD-1
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  • John K.
    John K. Posts: 822
    edited August 2013
    Cat, the Yamaha, Pioneer and other units mentioned can be considered as essentially identical simply as amplifiers, but what makes a real difference, as another of our members has already mentioned, is the room correction processing. At the budget level you're considering the top Audyssey MultEQ XT32 processing is available on several models(Onkyo, Denon, NAD, etc.)and should be a deciding factor.

    Unfortunately, some possibilities listed(e.g., from Accessories4less)can't ship to Canada. One outstanding unit with XT32 is available in very limited quantities in Canada, and the Onkyo 818 from electronics for less is highly recommended for your consideration.
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited August 2013
    That RX-V675 won't hold a candle to the RX-A2020 you originally mentioned. I like the Pioneer SC series, too, and I think the higher end Yamaha compares favorably to them. Good luck!
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited August 2013
    B Run wrote: »
    Sc series is perfect for your setup, you won't regret it. However if I had $1500 i'd pick up this bad boy: http://www.spearitsound.com/Surround_Receivers-NAD_T775HD2_Refurbished.html
    Great recommendation! Wish that was in my budget!
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  • leftwinger57
    leftwinger57 Posts: 2,917
    edited August 2013
    I have the rx-v665 and was not impressed ,it needs alot of air space to breathe so not to overheat and it clipped a few times as I went see how far this thing could go.Well it didn't go all that far at all and I ended up adding an Adcom amp before I went w/ seperates. What ever you chose make sure as told before your avr has pre/outs so you can add an amp of your choice later down the road.The 667 is basically the same avr w/a few more added features like ethernet connection and 3d availability I think the watt rating is the same.As I was told here it is an entry level avr and I disagreed w/ that assumtion but it is MOTR for sure.I do not recommend this avr if your into louder levels of listening.
    2chl- Adcom GFA- 555-Onkyo P-3150v pre/amp- JVC-QL-A200 tt- Denon 1940 ci cdp- Adcom GFS-6 -Modded '87 SDA 2Bs - Dynamat Ext.- BH-5- X-Overs VR-3, RDO-194 tweeters, Larry's Rings, Speakon/Neutrik I/C- Cherry stain tops Advent Maestros,Ohm model E

    H/T- Toshiba au40" flat- Yamaha RX- V665 avr- YSD-11 Dock- I-Pod- Klipsch #400HD Speaker set-

    Bdrm- Nikko 6065 receiver- JBL -G-200s--Pioneer 305 headphones--Sony CE375-5 disc
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  • RamZet
    RamZet Posts: 792
    edited August 2013
    hmmm polk speakers and 1500 bucks... Go with a Pioneer Elite.
    B&W CM9Classé Sigma
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  • catrazlin
    catrazlin Posts: 9
    edited October 2013
    jon s wrote: »
    What about the Pioneer Elite receivers with the Class D Digital Amps? They are rated to handle 4-ohm loads. Run cooler. I have a Pioneer SC-67 and love it... Except for the crappy remote. You really need a Logitech Harmony with any new AV setup anyway.

    The new SC-75 is about $1400 and the SC-77 is $1650...

    Where can I find them for this price? it's still 1800 and 2200 in Canada... :(
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  • Zoomzilla
    Zoomzilla Posts: 76
    edited October 2013
    John K. wrote: »
    Cat, the Yamaha, Pioneer and other units mentioned can be considered as essentially identical simply as amplifiers, but what makes a real difference, as another of our members has already mentioned, is the room correction processing. At the budget level you're considering the top Audyssey MultEQ XT32 processing is available on several models(Onkyo, Denon, NAD, etc.)and should be a deciding factor.

    Unfortunately, some possibilities listed(e.g., from Accessories4less)can't ship to Canada. One outstanding unit with XT32 is available in very limited quantities in Canada, and the Onkyo 818 from electronics for less is highly recommended for your consideration.

    I completely understand what you are saying with the room correction, but I would place less emphasis on that when comparing AVR's. Many Onkyo's have the AudessyXT32 but are not reliable amps, and if the amp is not reliable, who cares about the room correction. Making your room more conducive to sound is a bigger improvement than having the AVR correct the inefficiencies. I would buy the amp with the best sound and features and then if it comes with the room correction that you like, that's a bonus. I would not pass over a Pioneer or Yamaha just because they have MACC and YPAO vs. the Audessy. Just my $.02
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  • YDR05
    YDR05 Posts: 7
    edited October 2013
    I second the opinion that Audessey XT32 will do an amazing room calibration.
    Onkyo TX NR818 is available for CAN 1349 on Onkyo's website, not familiar with retailers in Canada.
    I would recommend extended warranty for Onkyo products and it will still be under 1500 total.
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  • catrazlin
    catrazlin Posts: 9
    edited October 2013
    There is also Onkyo TX-NR929 for CAD $1,483.42 tax&ship included, still in the budget...

    As far as I could see, ANY Elite product bought online has no warranty... and the new SC line is more expensive in .ca than in .us, 1800 CAD for SC-75 and 2200 CAD for SC-77. The best deal I could find in a store was 2000 CAD tax included for the old SC-68

    Still not decided, the 4k video is a must have.
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  • catrazlin
    catrazlin Posts: 9
    edited October 2013
    EDIT:

    There is also Onkyo TX-NR929 for CAD $1,483.42 tax&ship included, still in the budget...

    I found online from amazon.com the Elite SC-77 for a total of $1,649.95 tax&ship included, but as far as I could see, ANY Elite product bought online has no warranty... and the new SC line is more expensive in .ca than in .us, 1800 CAD for SC-75 and 2200 CAD for SC-77.

    The best deal I could find in a store was 2000 CAD tax included for the old SC-68.

    Still not decided, but the 4k video is a must have.
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  • catrazlin
    catrazlin Posts: 9
    edited October 2013
    It's final, I bought an Elite SC-77 for 1800 CAD in the store, 3 years warranty.

    Thank you for all your advices, thread close.
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  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited October 2013
    Nice unit, be ready to be blown away! That is a lot of AVR, If I were you I would add another set of rears for a 7.1 system to take advantage of the Blu-Rays that that support that format....Hell, you'll have 190 Watts x 9 to work with.
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
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  • catrazlin
    catrazlin Posts: 9
    edited October 2013
    Do you mean something like RTi A3 ? I don't know witch one will fit to my setup.

    Thanks again
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  • jon s
    jon s Posts: 905
    edited October 2013
    I would not consider any Onkyo product considering all the issues they have had the past several years.... bad HDMI boards, bad IDE connectors, flashover issues, amps failing.... It is not an issue of if it will fail, but when the Onkyo will fail... I had two TTOL Onkyos and both failed... No more Onkyo for me.
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  • Zoomzilla
    Zoomzilla Posts: 76
    edited October 2013
    Exactly. That is why I just bought a pioneer elite to replace my last onkyo that died. OP congrats on your new toy. Heck of a product you bought!
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,567
    edited October 2013
    Hell, you'll have 190 Watts x 9 to work with.

    Slight correction, the SC-77 and 79 are rated at 140wpc. Of course, that drops slightly with 9 channels driven, but no where near what other AVR's do.

    An excellent choice, catrazlin.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • catrazlin
    catrazlin Posts: 9
    edited October 2013
    Do you think I'll kill my system using this audio cable? I know it's cheap, don't know if is reliable...

    http://www.123inkcartridges.ca/accessories-product/Cab_2791-.html#specifications

    If not, do you know any other cable to use?
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