New AVR for Rti A5/Csi A4

French_guy

Hi
I just ordered new speakers (pair of Rtia5 and a Csia4) and was wondering which AVR would be a good match?
Budget around $500 based on what i can see on Accessories4less
I need component upscaling to hdmi, and pre-out if i decide to go separate amp some day
I like the design of the Marantz line by the way
1 more thing: is THX ability a real plus? Does it make a big difference on a 5.1 system?
Thanks

gudnoyez

Your current AVR should be ok for your new speakers. I would wait and save for more than what that $500 will get you which is either an entry level or a refurbished AVR.

French_guy

I'm fine with refurb. This is what accessories4less does, right? Any reason i should not buy from them?
I was looking at the Marantz SR5008 or even the 6008 for example
My current pioneer VSX920 is ok for now i guess, but i hope to get a better soumd with a $500 range (refurb) AVR
Am I totally wrong?

tonyb

Those 2 Marantz units are a good step up from what your currently using, so your not wrong, and THX label doesn't necessarily mean anything.

Aside from a refurb unit, you can buy used too which that 500 bucks could buy a lot of a receiver. Congrats on the new speaks too btw.

French_guy

Which used models should i look for?

tonyb

Something like this....

http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649162882-pioneer-elite-sc27-reference-quality-ice-amps/

or this...

http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649149327-pioneer-elite-sc72-av-receiver/

or this

http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649154009-marantz-sr7007-72-channel-4k-amp-3d-pass-through-networking-receiver/

French_guy

Thanks for the links
I didn't know about US Audiomart...
Is this a reputable website?
Would buy buy used here or refurb at Acessories4less?

jeremymarcinko

I purchased a Yamaha rx-a1010 recently from accessories 4 less and its been fantastic. It was around $550 but I added the 5 year warranty which took the price close to $600. However, If you're a fan of audyssey than you probably should get the marantz.

French_guy

Is it true that depending on the speakers, some AVR brands are better than others? I've always heard that Yamaha were bright ("metallic" sounding?) when Marantz were warmer....Is that right?
In that case, I'm not sure I should go with Yamaha to drive my RTi A5...

Sci-fi Polk Guy

French_guy wrote: »

Is it true that depending on the speakers, some AVR brands are better than others? I've always heard that Yamaha were bright ("metallic" sounding?) when Marantz were warmer....Is that right?
In that case, I'm not sure I should go with Yamaha to drive my RTi A5...

I used to own a Yamaha RX-V663, it was very bright. I now own a Yamaha RX-A1000, and it sounds much warmer than the '663.

polk500

As a new owner of a Yamaha 2040 I think it very warm sounding warmer, sounding then my Hadron Karman 3600 even. good luck with your hunt.

Cheers
Roger

jeremymarcinko

The Aventage line isn't bright at all, but I wouldn't call it very warm either. My 1010 is powering my csi center and rti surrounds; I think they are very neutral in my (dead) room, which is great considering the rti's are just a bit on the bright side typically. I have an ATI powering the mains and it is just a tad on the warm side. For ht I use ypao eq, and the sound quality is fantastic and seemless. I do think however the rti's may still sound somewhat bright with an Aventage if the room is lively.

deronb1

Once you hit 100 posts, you should look at some the Onks available for sale here. If they are still available.

tonyb

French_guy wrote: »

Is it true that depending on the speakers, some AVR brands are better than others? I've always heard that Yamaha were bright ("metallic" sounding?) when Marantz were warmer....Is that right?
In that case, I'm not sure I should go with Yamaha to drive my RTi A5...

Yes and no, the cheaper AVR's tend to ride the bright side while the better ones ride the neutral to tad on the warmer side.