...It's a sad day...really could use some advice here...

AsSiMiLaTeD

Well I'm a little bummed now...

I tend to ramble...but background info is needed, there actually is a question at the end of my rambling on which I need opinions pretty quick...

Some of you may know, I've spent quite a bit of time recently looking for the perfect receiver for me that won't break the bank (we've got a pool and back enclosed wooden deck going up this summer). I've asked quite a few questions on this forum, probably annoyed a few people along the way. Well, about two months ago, I finally decided to go a different route, getting an older receiver without DD or DTS and supplimenting with with a separate decoder.

I got an old AVR80 MKII and Klipsch decoder to build my receiver/decoder combo. I also just picked up a PA 2000 from Carlos and help power my beast 150's.

Well, the AVR80 and Klipsch have to go...actually the Klipsch is already gone...I'm really gonna miss this setup....

Couple of reasons it has to go:

The receiver with the decoder and amp and Dish DVR and TV is just too much for the wife, she can't really work everything...

The main reason is lack of expandability...the decoder only has two digital inputs and no 5.1 inputs...so DVD-A and SACD are out the window...I can't hook a SACD player up directly to the receiver becuase the decoder is hogging the 5.1 inputs on the receiver...and of course the receiver doesn't have any digital inputs...So every time I wanna play the Xbox or PS2, I have to rearrange everything on the back of the decoder...it's just a mess...and I don't see anyway around it with my setup. This setup is great for a dedicated media room, but not for everyday use...

I have two rooms with HT setups and both have this same setup, so I will at least get to keep one of my AVR80s and decoders for that room...but I really hate even letting this one go...

Now now I gotta get a setup for the main Living area without spending a bundle...really the only thing I need is a receiver becuase I'm going to keep the amp hooked up...

So I'm looking at a few units on Ebay. I don't really have the resources to go out and listen to these, so I'd like some advice from the group (I know I know, let your ears tell you what's best...but I also know every single person on here has opinions and I'd like to have those to factor in as well). So here's what I'm looking at:

Harman Kardon AVR 525

Denon 2802 - I'm also looking at one of these for a friend

Denon 3300

Yamaha RX-V740

All of these have the features that I require including 5.1 inputs and preamp outputs, so I'm just looking for opinions about quality, sound, etc...

Thanks for all your responses...

dorokusai

Sorry to hear of your troubles, that is unfortunate. I get dirty looks from my wife daily, about stereo gear, and it's associated functions.....I can certainly relate.

It will work itself out, don't sweat the small stuff.

HBombToo

I have the h/k 520 which is about 6 months older that the 525 is still works well. I have no personal experience with Denon but from what I have read on the forum is they are well regarded.

You'll figure it out and I'd much rather have these type of problems rather than health or family wellness issues. Don't sweat the small stuff bud.

HBomb

cfrizz

I have the Denon 3802 and I am very happy with it. It's built well, and it sounds great. My reason for choosing it was when I got into HT is it came the closest to matching my old 2 channel Rotel RB-850 & and RTC-850 musically.

This was the most important factor for me. I didn't want to lose any of the sound that I was used to with my Rotel setup. Therefore, based on what the salesman told me at Tweeter plus my own research about Denon led to the purchase.

I have not been disappointed.

Just my 2c.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Originally posted by HBombToo
You'll figure it out and I'd much rather have these type of problems rather than health or family wellness issues. Don't sweat the small stuff bud.

HBomb

Oh I know what you mean, I'm not that upset yet, just a little bummed that it's gotta go...

I'm seriously considering the 525, looks like I've got about 20 minutes to decide...

dorokusai

Any of those is a firm choice, go with what you can get at the best price. Let us know how you fare

gregit

I have no real advice to offer but here is a listing on Videogon for a V740 that you might be able to get for less than the ebay price.

http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?rcvr71ch&1084699980&class&3&4&

good luck

AsSiMiLaTeD

Originally posted by cfrizz
I have the Denon 3802 and I am very happy with it. It's built well, and it sounds great. My reason for choosing it was when I got into HT is it came the closest to matching my old 2 channel Rotel RB-850 & and RTC-850 musically.

This was the most important factor for me. I didn't want to lose any of the sound that I was used to with my Rotel setup. Therefore, based on what the salesman told me at Tweeter plus my own research about Denon led to the purchase.

I have not been disappointed.

Just my 2c.

I really like the 3802, just a little out of my price range...so looking at the 2802 instead...

AsSiMiLaTeD

well I thought I had the 525 and then the 520 on Ebay, but got outbid by like two pennies in the last 4 seconds...

man I hate it when people do that...

cfrizz

Originally posted by Polkmaniac
I really like the 3802, just a little out of my price range...so looking at the 2802 instead...

I only brought up my 3802 to tell you how good I think it is. Which means the 2802 should be just as good.

fgr41

I think you should get a Sony STR-DE985 for 2 bills and let that hold you till you find exactly what you are looking for. I think I know just the 985 for you too.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Originally posted by fgr41
I think you should get a Sony STR-DE985 for 2 bills and let that hold you till you find exactly what you are looking for. I think I know just the 985 for you too.

Funny you should mention that...I went and auditioned receivers tonight and really like the Sony, but only the ES stuff...was surprised by the quality of the Sony...

fgr41

the 985 has more options than you can throw a stick at. Anyway I have it and interest doesn't seem to be all that great at the moment so I'll hold onto it for a while. It's a great receiver and woth the 2 bills IMHO.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Well, it looks like I'm gonna but the STR-DA2ES from Doro, hoping this will get me taken care of for a while...and for a really good price I can't say no...

I figured it's a good way to try out the Sony ES stuff on the cheap for a while...

I think I'm gonna save up for the next year or so for one of the Krell or Sunfire setups...I'd rather just save and get what I really want that just keep settling for stuff...

Thanks to Doro for the offer and all the info...

bullwinkle1968

I know it is probably out of your price range but i would go with what i am getting if yo wait a little it may drop a bit i would give one call a call and talk with stephanie and tell her i referred you and ask her if she could put you like on a trial order and she will keep a strict eye on he amount she has and if supplies get low she will call you. the price may go down more as the new 7300 gets closer to coming out. i know you do not buy thngs new but i frealy feel this reciever will give you everyting you need. and besides how often do you find a flagship reciever for less than half price brand new in a box. tell stephanie jack shields referred you and thier might be a chance that she mnght be able to do something for you.

dorokusai

I missed this earlier, sorry Polkamaniac. Yes, no problem, glad that I could help you find something in the interim. It will serve you just fine, it's a solid performer.

Pablo

I have the 3803 and I like it a lot. I really didn't have much before, so I can't give you a good comparision to anything else.

I bought it because it had good reviews, all the features I wanted, and a good price (my local store was going out of buisness). It has a decent amount of power (110w x7), 7.1 surround (6.1 actually), 2 zones, hook ups for everything and your mother, and can handle 2 component inputs (I needed the extra because my tv only took 2 and need one for my gamecube [although I just got an xbox as well, so I'm an input short).

As far as ease of use, my wife has a little trouble changing things as well. But if you give them a good lesson, they should get the hang of it (it's really only turning the knob until the display says TV or DVD. I think it's all the buttons on the remote that confuses them).

If you go to the Denon site (www.denon.com), they list all of thier e-sellers. There they have a couple that sell refurbished systems that are authorized by Denon. You may be able to get what you are looking for there at a good price with a good warranty. (They didn't do this until after I got my system. I may even upgrage my 3803 to a 5803 since the price is so good).

Good luck.

reeltrouble1

Home Theater Mag gave a nice write up to the Kenwood VR-7070, it can be had new for around 450.00 and their was one on Audiogon used for about 250.00, it is THX select certified and 100 watts ch. I have not personally heard it but like I said they gave it a nice write up.

As for the WAF well, I had to program a remote with Macro for her and she still does not like it much so I understand completely.

RT1