Need advice on RECEIVERS ... trying to upgrade to more power via good used receivers

JennyM

Since I've upgraded my speakers, I've been told that my (almost new) receiver, the Sony STR-DH540, is underpowered. (See my system specs in signature below.) I honestly can't afford a new high power receiver, so have been researching everywhere, then looking for good prices for used units on Ebay and Amazon. Some are on auction on Ebay right now but I haven't bid on anything yet.

I want 100 watts per channel or more, multiple HDMI and adequate connection ports. I don't really care about bluetooth and networking as long as it has a USB port on the front. I have more focus on music than movies, only hooking up 2 fronts, a center and a sub, so quality of sound is most important to me. And, matching well with my Polk Audio speakers. If 90 real watts per channel were adequate for my system, I could add a few more receivers to my list at very decent prices.

The receivers I'm considering, that appear to fit my needs, IF I can get a decent price ($500 range max) are:
Pioneer Elite SC-61
Pioneer SC-1222-K
Pioneer Elite SC-07
Pioneer Elite SC-05 (can't find)
Marantz SR5007
Marantz SR6006
Marantz SR6004
Denon AVR-2313CI
Onkyo's TX-NR717

I'd appreciate any advice.

ZLTFUL

The first 2 on your list and forget the rest. The other Pioneers are fine but the top 2 offer newer tech.
I would also throw the Yamaha Aventage line in the mix. My RX-A1000 has 8 HDMI in, 2 out along with tons of other input options and a very decent phono stage.

Upstatemax

Whatever you settle on, make having pre-outs a priority.

That way if you run into a power issue again you can connect an external amp and not have to worry about replacing the whole receiver.

ken brydson

1222K just dropped to $399 at Costco. Picked one up yesterday myself. Run don't walk....

PolkieMan

Yes having pre-outs for future use is a good idea as the rabbit hole gets bigger. But the Sony is not a dud IMHO what are you having problems with it not being loud enough? You have a sub and it should be taking care of the lows which takes a lot of the power needs off of the Sony. I like the Onkyo's but you knew that.

Upstatemax wrote: »

Whatever you settle on, make having pre-outs a priority.

That way if you run into a power issue again you can connect an external amp and not have to worry about replacing the whole receiver.

ZLTFUL

ken brydson wrote: »

1222K just dropped to $399 at Costco. Picked one up yesterday myself. Run don't walk....

Problem is, it is very store dependent. I have checked mine weekly and have yet to see a single 1222 in the last year or so.

drummer86

If music is your priority I'd consider the Pioneer Elites and the Marantz SR6006

JennyM

Wow! I just called a local Costco, they checked and don't have it at any of the regional stores ... bummer.

Wish I had a friend somewhere who could find it and ship it to me!

ken brydson wrote: »

1222K just dropped to $399 at Costco. Picked one up yesterday myself. Run don't walk....

JennyM

There's plenty of volume but, from what I've been learning recently, I should get better quality of sound from a better receiver, with more power. The ratings on the Sony were deceptive ... said 145 watts but at 6 ohms. On another PA thread, someone said that, in reality, it was probably only putting out about 70 watts. I'd like to be taking better advantage of the nice speakers I just bought.

Does anyone else think My Sony receiver is plenty adequate??? That I won't really see any better sound from a better receiver?

PolkieMan wrote: »

Yes having pre-outs for future use is a good idea as the rabbit hole gets bigger. But the Sony is not a dud IMHO what are you having problems with it not being loud enough? You have a sub and it should be taking care of the lows which takes a lot of the power needs off of the Sony. I like the Onkyo's but you knew that.

boston1450

I would jump at a half way decent receiver as stated above. Then upgrade the fronts to A5's & use them bookshelf's for rears. At least 100 wpc to EACH speaker too. Be able to add a amp is a must if your looking to do it for quality performance. Sony is always way over on their wpc they list & your 8ohm speakers want more wpc to get that quality out of them GL

michael1947

On paper it ( the STR DH540) looks ok for the RTI-a3's. Are your speakers well broken in? It will take a couple hundred hours to do so at moderate volume and you will hear a difference when they are...if they are not. I am always changing my main HT rig around and my latest version will have RTI-A3's as front mains with a mid grade Onkyo.

Is your Sony new enough so you can return it without cost? If so you can consider keeping it as it does everything you want with a front usb and the like. It is an entry level unit with minimum power with one review, Audioholics, calculating it at 67 wpc @ 8 ohms...which is enough to make your A-3's work especially when using a sub-woofer to take care of the heavy lifting of the bass.

Most of us here have the bigger is better attitude and I cannot imagine having a use for such a unit from a power standpoint. It seems like audio is our passion but I have a suspicion the real passion is spending money. Have fun, welcome to the Hotel Polk, right next door to the Hotel California.

Inspector 24

Second the Yamaha line. If I didn't get deals on Marantz gear I'd very likely go with Yamaha.

tonyb

Well Jenny, there is a difference between "adequate" and "best". Speakers perform their "best" when fed a lot of current, not watts. Your Sony falls into the "adequate" category. Most all low-mid line receivers share the same size and type of power supply. Adequate but not best. Which is why we always suggest a receiver with preouts to be able to add an amplifier down the road when you eventually upgrade to better harder to drive speakers. Also, when you see specs in 2 channels driven, 5 channels and 7 channels, the drop off in power the more speakers you add indicates a weak power supply. This is why we usually recommend Pioneer elite receivers which use an ice amp rather that your standard a/b amp found in most receivers. The ice amp in Pioneers hold their power way better with more channels driven and are able to deliver more current to your speakers. If you don't want to have to add an amplifier, the Pioneers are able to drive more a variety of speakers before an additional amplifier is needed over their counterparts.

But that's not the whole ball of wax either. Every brand has a "house" sound to it. Sony receivers while adequate don't tend to tickle many fancies in the sound department. The Marantz would be a good choice for you too considering your speakers. A tad warmer sound with RTI's to balance it out which are a tad brighter speaker. In any case, find one with preouts and that fits your wallet. You can always just use the Sony and see how you like it first before making any decisions.

Thorton

michael1947 wrote: »

On paper it ( the STR DH540) looks ok for the RTI-a3's. Are your speakers well broken in? It will take a couple hundred hours to do so at moderate volume and you will hear a difference when they are...if they are not. I am always changing my main HT rig around and my latest version will have RTI-A3's as front mains with a mid grade Onkyo.

Is your Sony new enough so you can return it without cost? If so you can consider keeping it as it does everything you want with a front usb and the like. It is an entry level unit with minimum power with one review, Audioholics, calculating it at 67 wpc @ 8 ohms...which is enough to make your A-3's work especially when using a sub-woofer to take care of the heavy lifting of the bass.

Most of us here have the bigger is better attitude and I cannot imagine having a use for such a unit from a power standpoint. It seems like audio is our passion but I have a suspicion the real passion is spending money. Have fun, welcome to the Hotel Polk, right next door to the Hotel California.

I'm thinking the same way. If you can return it, go for it. Save a little and buy the Pioneer or Marantz with preouts. However with your current set-up, the Sony may be fine for you. Let everything break-in, get used to the sound, then decide if you want to upgrade. You may end up upgrading the speakers and receiver or just think your system is good as is.

Tornado Red

ken brydson wrote: »

1222K just dropped to $399 at Costco. Picked one up yesterday myself. Run don't walk....

I have the SC-61 and I'm real happy with it, bet it would perform well for you. But this deal Ken mentioned is an awesome one, unfortunate you can't find one, so your search continues. Happy shopping, that's part of the fun!

recoveryone

Looking cost per wpc you be better off looking at few older models:

Pioneer Elite VSX 92-94TXi Series Each output 110-140 wpc and have enough inputs for older and new gear. Several newer units are dropping or limiting the analog inputs and pre-outs.

JennyM

An update with a HAPPY ENDING! I'm in Virginia, but ended up arranging to get the Pioneer SC1222 for $399 from a Costo in Denver! It's taken 2 days to do this, but I don't lack determination. None of the stores within hours of me had it. Ah, but my son is in Denver, so I checked Denver stores, found it, put on hold. Then I find out my son's in Mps. for the weekend. So I check the Mpls. stores, none in MN at all. Almost gave up, then thought of a friend in the Denver area and she was willing to go buy it and ship it to me!

I'm SO excited, this is a great buy and the SC61 and SC1222 were my top choices. I also had the Marantz SR6006 at the top of the list. But, really could afford none of them new ... until finding this buy at Costco. Now I don't have to worry about issues with buying used from Ebay.

Thank you all for your input, and a HUGE special thanks to Ken B. for telling me about this deal at Costco!!!

Upstatemax

If you really liked the Marantz, ACC4less has the 6007 for slightly over your budget:

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR6007/MARANTZ-SR6007-4K-3D-110w-x7-Networking-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html

I personally will never own a Marantz product again after I got a taste of their customer service. But the stuff does sound nice.

I hope they build receivers better than they do BR players.

ken brydson

JennyM wrote: »

An update with a HAPPY ENDING! I'm in Virginia, but ended up arranging to get the Pioneer SC1222 for $399 from a Costo in Denver! It's taken 2 days to do this, but I don't lack determination. None of the stores within hours of me had it. Ah, but my son is in Denver, so I checked Denver stores, found it, put on hold. Then I find out my son's in Mps. for the weekend. So I check the Mpls. stores, none in MN at all. Almost gave up, then thought of a friend in the Denver area and she was willing to go buy it and ship it to me!

I'm SO excited, this is a great buy and the SC61 and SC1222 were my top choices. I also had the Marantz SR6006 at the top of the list. But, really could afford none of them new ... until finding this buy at Costco. Now I don't have to worry about issues with buying used from Ebay.

Thank you all for your input, and a HUGE special thanks to Ken B. for telling me about this deal at Costco!!!

Enjoy! Mine is still sitting on the floor waiting for install....

PolkieMan

An update with a HAPPY ENDING! I'm in Virginia, but ended up arranging to get the Pioneer SC1222 for $399 from a Costo in Denver!

wow whatadeal! I can't find a used one for that.

boston1450

Congrats JennyM. Hope when you do getter hooked up it brings you lots of enjoyment-nice receiver BTW