Which receiver to get?

krt919

Hello,
I am currently looking to buy a new AV receiver. I have been bouncing around between, Denon, Yamaha, or Marantz. I currently have Polk New Monitor 25C for center, 75T for fronts, and T15 for the rears. I am looking at Yamaha Aventage RX-A750, Denon X3100, or the Marantz NR 1605/SB5008.
I have been looking around for the past few weeks, and even have been to Best Buy to try out the different receivers, I can't make up my mind. Which one do you think will be good to power these speakers? I like the sound of Marantz NR 1605, but with 50 watts per channel, I don't know if it will be enough to power my front speakers. I appreciate any input at this point.

krt919

The room size is 12×10, and I'd like to use for ht use as well as stereo for music. I want to spend around 400 and the models are around that price refurbished on accessories4less.com

Upstatemax

The little NR series do sound good for the price/size. but the power output, will be the issue.

If you can step it up to an SR series Marantz receiver, I don't think you'll be sorry.

krt919

Thanks all! I have been looking at the SR series and going that step up, is it worth getting the Marantz, or should I lean towards Denon or Yamaha?

Upstatemax

Personally, I really like the sound signature from Marantz. Detailed, warm and a great mid-range.

My old Denon 2808 kicked the bucket and I have been borrowing a buddies Marantz while I wait to order a new receiver.

I find the Marantz, despite the fact it's only an NR series to sound awesome. But it is lacking in power, I have to really watch the volume knob.

OldSchoolPolk

I use the NR-1603, an earlier version of the one you are considering. My room is approx. 16x24. The Polk 75Ts are listed as 8 ohm & 90db so I would think you would be ok given your room size and the 75Ts specs.

But.... more is always better.

rpf65

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marsr5008/marantz-sr5008-7.2-network-home-theater-receiver-airplay/1.html

This should work

Mikey081057

Marantz will give you nice music and ht... wattage is meaningless to sound quality which is subjective to the taste of the listener

tonyb

Mikey081057 wrote: »

Marantz will give you nice music and ht... wattage is meaningless to sound quality which is subjective to the taste of the listener

I might disagree there pal. If your speakers aren't performing to their fullest, then Sound Quality will be less optimal. If they have the proper power, then SQ increases. Wouldn't you agree ?

Rex81

I think for the size of your room, you'll have plenty of power with the NR, unless you like it REALLY loud.

Mikey081057

tonyb wrote: »

Mikey081057 wrote: »

Marantz will give you nice music and ht... wattage is meaningless to sound quality which is subjective to the taste of the listener

I might disagree there pal. If your speakers aren't performing to their fullest, then Sound Quality will be less optimal. If they have the proper power, then SQ increases. Wouldn't you agree ?

Perhaps if the specs are/were correct and all things were measured equally. But manufacturers tend to talk smack about their wattage ratings... I'll take an honest well made receiver with 50 watts over a 1000 watt Pyle any day.

tonyb

Mikey081057 wrote: »

tonyb wrote: »

Mikey081057 wrote: »

Marantz will give you nice music and ht... wattage is meaningless to sound quality which is subjective to the taste of the listener

I might disagree there pal. If your speakers aren't performing to their fullest, then Sound Quality will be less optimal. If they have the proper power, then SQ increases. Wouldn't you agree ?

Perhaps if the specs are/were correct and all things were measured equally. But manufacturers tend to talk smack about their wattage ratings... I'll take an honest well made receiver with 50 watts over a 1000 watt Pyle any day.

But if watts didn't matter, or good power in general, why the preference ? All I'm sayin' is good quality power has plenty to do with SQ. If it didn't, we'd all be using receivers alone to power everything.

Upstatemax

While I can agree, it's not ALL about wattage, it can certainly make a difference.

As I said, I'm using an NR series Marantz right now. I will only connect my 806V's to it, no surrounds. Even with it running only 2ch and crossing over at 80hz (I usually crossover closer to 60hz), the NR runs out of steam quickly. I have to be VERY careful with the volume knob.

My old Denon had zero issue driving the 806V's crossed over at 60hz and surrounds.

A lot of it will also be the receivers ability to deliver current to the speakers. Better power supplies and caps in the bigger, more expensive receivers, help control the speakers.

One of the big reasons I suggested the SR series is that he runs multiple speakers. Once you start running a full 5ch system, the power ratings drop, quickly. Little receivers with little power supplies can only only run so much...

gudnoyez

Get a new Onkyo TX-NR838 they have plenty of power and are priced reasonably and well worth the money spent.

Mikey081057

Best to select an avr with the features that you want with pre-outs and add a minimum 3 channel amp for the fronts and center to give you the SQ you want for music.

MrRoboT

My Marantz 8801 cost $850 with a $450 5ch amp it sounds divine. That price is on par with a receiver these days.