New Receiver Conundrum

JimKellyfan

Some may remember, I used to have an older Sony 1010, and then a newer 2010, as well as that behemoth Sansui G33000. I sold the Sansui, as the caps were worn out, and I didn't really want to put money in a receiver that old.
I miss it, but, then again, I had to move on....
My Sony 2010 is now a 7.0 (sub output burned out), and I have the sub hooked somehow, I forget, but it's hooked.
I will be buying a receiver for 1k or less, but am having a time and a half at picking one.
Some parts of me are thinking the Pioneer SC1523K, and then of course, other parts have me looking at Marantz, Denon, Yahaha, or unknown.
The 3 wants will have the (1) (2) (3) around them...
....
I do want (1) the good transformer in whatever it may be...
Based on past purchases, I am leaning towards the Pioneer.
In the end, (2) being able to push the power and not blow up is a concern/need/want.
I will be teaming up with my Monitors (60/40/CS2/PSW10) and whatever else I round up or buy new, to go with.
Also of concern, (3) is getting a receiver that won't take a dump as well, and will last me.
It will be mainly watching TV, with the occasional concerts and if I get a multi zone unit, maybe take over for the old Pioneer in the dining room.
Opinions/suggestions ?

deronb1

Pioneer gets a lot of love here for their sound, features and reliability. If your sub is going to handle the low end, i would any decent AVR will powre your system for HT and concerts. May want to bump up your sub on the food chain imho.

Talon_Sr

Just got a SC-1523K about three weeks ago. I am having a blast with it. Getting ready for delivery of a separate amp to power my fronts in a 7.2 setup. The Pio SC-1523 is virtually identical to the SC-75 sans the "Elite" badge (who cares). And at half the price it is the deal of the year. If you get it, you will be ecstatic. So many options and 135W X 9. Excellent AVR.

JimKellyfan

Talon, a separate amp for your fronts ? Not enough power or ?

Talon_Sr

No, it's not that it doesn't have the power. I mean at 135 wpc x 9 into 8 ohms, it has the power. I'm just getting the amp for future zone setups, if any. And in the meantime, I'll just put the amp on the fronts. Plus, I kept my older Pio VSX-1018-k and if I use that in another room, the amp will probably go with that to bolster the fronts with that lower powered receiver.

JimKellyfan

ahhh, I see...thx

kevhed72

I have been AVR hunting myself and I have the following 2 models in mind:

Yamaha - RX-A1010. I read somewhere the A10x0 and above models have a better power supply than the lesser models. The weight of this unit seems to confirm this.

NAD 748 or 757. I like these because they don't appear to be loaded with a bunch of stuff I will never use, although I need to research the reliability a bit more.

JimKellyfan

I was looking at the yahahas as well, but couldn't see type or differential of transformers, except the MA line, they have the darlington...I hear NAD is decent, but yeah, know that about them is all, besides maybe a bit pricey for borderphiles like me.

kevhed72

If you don't find refurb'ed on NADs, check out Spirit Sound

JimKellyfan

Yeah, I tried the refurb route once with a Marantz that lasted an hour and a half. So, no refurbs for me in the stereo category but thanks.

tonyb

Like most things, price dictates quality of parts used. If your main concern is power, then adding an amp is the best route to go. No receiver will compete with a decent amp, that's just a simple fact.

That said, choosing a receiver doesn't need to be complicated. Pick one with the bells and whistles you like, but pick one that has full pre-outs to be able to add an amp should the need arise. Then you don't have to worry about transformers or a receivers power being too weak. Also, your speakers are pretty easy to drive and are not power hungry so any mid-line on up receiver will do just fine but get one with pre-outs for future use.

voltz

I have the NAD T-758 which is a great sounding AVR, but it really lacks some bells & whistle and can be a pain to set-up, in the end I do not think I'm missing any features and I'm now happy with my purchase but I think if I did it again maybe a PIO!

just me but I think Mantis would agree

JimKellyfan

Thanks, yeah (I hadn't thought about/but think) pre-outs are a good idea, especially if I jump up the speaker ladder/chain some.

xjghost

I have been considering the Yamaha - RX-A1020. It was on closeout at Crutchfield recently for $699.00. For cost features and the fact it has pre outs for my mains and a phono input was a win for me. It was just replaced with the Yamaha - RX-A1030 which is $1099.00 at Crutchfield IIRC.

voltz

I looked the yamaha over really hard and almost bought it, why at the last second did I grab a NAD? and I also looked the Onkyo over really hard also and the PIO's. All in all I don't think you go wrong with any of them (just my 2 cents). some have more bells & whistles then others why others have less features for more SQ I'm told as in the case of my NAD.

I think in the end it is the one that talks to you the most maybe its style or look etc.. But it can be a tough decision to make, sometimes the price is just right!

gudnoyez

Easy get the Yamaha RX a1020 Rick88 has for sale the guys stuff is always immaculate and priced to sell a great deal plus its comes with other goodies.

gudnoyez

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?162311-Yamaha-RX-A1020-Aventage-A-V-Receiver

Here you go

Monster Jam

Thought I would chime in and announce that I just scored a used Pioneer SC-1222k off of ePray that will be replacing my HK525. The HK525, when it works (and you never know...), works GREAT. A very powerful receiver with fantastic sound that drove my 4 LSi15s and a LSiC for years until I finally got my separate amp. Then the HK became the processor.

The Pioneer replaces the HK as the pre because the HK had only optical digital connections and no DVI/HDMI. The SC-1222k seems to have everything I need at the moment.

Hope it isn't DOA (or has any other issues)!

Polkie2009

gudnoyez wrote: »

Easy get the Yamaha RX a1020 Rick88 has for sale the guys stuff is always immaculate and priced to sell a great deal plus its comes with other goodies.

+1 for Rickk88's Yamaha RX a1020 avr for sale in the flea market. Is it just me or are there not a ton__ of great equipment and deals for sale in the flea market right now????

polrbehr

Talon_Sr wrote: »

No, it's not that it doesn't have the power. I mean at 135 wpc x 9 into 8 ohms, it has the power. I'm just getting the amp for future zone setups, if any. And in the meantime, I'll just put the amp on the fronts. Plus, I kept my older Pio VSX-1018-k and if I use that in another room, the amp will probably go with that to bolster the fronts with that lower powered receiver.

+1, adding an amp for the fronts also means your AVR will run much cooler, at least mine did after adding one. That alone will probably add years to its life expectancy.
That's why preouts are nice to have, it's too bad so many mfrs. don't offer them on >$500 receivers.

kevhed72

Monster Jam wrote: »

Thought I would chime in and announce that I just scored a used Pioneer SC-1222k off of ePray that will be replacing my HK525. The HK525, when it works (and you never know...), works GREAT. A very powerful receiver with fantastic sound that drove my 4 LSi15s and a LSiC for years until I finally got my separate amp. Then the HK became the processor.

The Pioneer replaces the HK as the pre because the HK had only optical digital connections and no DVI/HDMI. The SC-1222k seems to have everything I need at the moment.

Hope it isn't DOA (or has any other issues)!

I was eying that Pio for awhile now....hope it work oout for you.

Monster Jam

There seem to be plenty used receivers on the market. Admiringly this is far more risky of a purchase than a used amp (both my amps are used) considering that an inoperable amp is easier to repair - and can be done locally - than a modern receiver.

gce

I've had an Onkyo, Yamaha and now a Marantz. Out of the 3 the Marantz sounds the best. The Yamaha was a close 2nd and still is (it's in the bedroom) the Onkyo was a distant 3rd. Whatever you get make sure it has Per-outs.

Monster Jam

Update: The Pioneer works just like new. Couldn't be happier. All for less than $360 out the door.

I have debated dedicated pre-processors as a replacement to the receiver, but I personally don't see he benefit. On average you pay more and get less. And I'm not talking about the fact that it lacks an amp (making its resale value worse than a receiver), but on average, a receiver simply has more widgets and thingy ma-bobs than a processor.

The counter argument I would get on this forum (which is hopeless to debate) is that the processor provides greater sound quality. But I don't need better sound quality.

Which of course begs the question why I upgraded - the old HK525 was unreliable and wouldn't always power on when desired. Otherwise, even with optical audio out, it sounded great.

tonyb

Monster Jam wrote: »

The counter argument I would get on this forum (which is hopeless to debate) is that the processor provides greater sound quality. But I don't need better sound quality.
.

Uhh.....you should have kept that one under your hat. The long knives will be out shortly.

JimKellyfan

I am thinking I want a 9.2. Agreed on pre outs and new and another amp eventually. Playing the waiting game for a sale, plus the wife's employment woes. Tossing between the onkyo 929, the Pio 1523 and the port hole Marantz, but for the Marantz, would have to wait until the current model is the old model or accept 7.2 again. Lotsa good advice thanks fellow polks.

gudnoyez

I just got a new Onkyo TX-NR838 and absolutley love it. Its only 7.2 but that's all I want. I think any of those AVRs your considering would make you happy let us know what you end up getting.

JimKellyfan

Not yet hooked, but I just got today, the Onkyo TX-NR636. Pretty low on cost, 329 from Amazon currently. Thanks for the help all. While I wanted 9.2 or 11.2, or Marantz with the porthole, or Pioneer monster, I ma low on funds from building second home, so budget has to play in. I think this will be just fine in the mix. Gonna leave the Sony for bi-amp duty, and set up the Pioneer for outdoor duties only, but 3 rigs in the living room should keep me well powered without blowin em up ;>p

tonyb

You just bought a receiver, after asking over a year ago ? lol

No pre outs either, and bi-amping with the Sony ? I dunno man, sounds like more of a hassle than it's worth. Good luck with it anyway.