Time for an Upgrade

MrNightly

So, you can see my humble gear in the signature line. I'm realizing that it's time for up an upgrade in the "Electronic" portion of my setup. What do you all suggest for someone that has been out of the game for a while now?

I have loved my Denon 3805 and it's been rock solid. But the newer technology is scratching at my door and I believe I must answer the call.

Trying to spend less then $1000 on an AVR and 2nd hand is most welcome!

Also, is the Rotel Amp still ok? Or has the Amp technology changed much in the past 7-8 years?

Thanks guys and glad to be back!

rpf65

Your amp technology will probably be enough to do the job it's designed to do 70 years from now, so if you like it keep it.

If in the U.S. Look at accessories 4 less. Think that's roughly the price range for a Yamaha RX A2050. Not really a lot of difference between the xx50 and xx60 series, from what I've read.

dalylaleahthor

Are you looking for a avr that does all the current bell and whistle such as Dolby Atmos? What speakers are you planning to use (sorry can't see your signature)? Sticking with the same brand of receiver?

Agree with what rpf65 said about the amp.

MrNightly

I'm looking for Dolby Atmos yes, all the latest bells and whistles. Here's my current setup:

RTi12's - front
CSi5 - center
FXi3's - surrounds
RTi4's - surrounds
SVS PB12-NSD/2 - sub
Denon 3805
Rotel RB-985 5-Channel Amplifier
PS4 BluRay Player
Samsung UHD 4K Curved 55" TV

I don't really like Yamaha's... never been impressed with them. Perhaps the newer models are better?

JPete

If you could up the budget just a little bit and be patient you could probably snag a nice pre/pro, like a 1st gen Marantz 7702, and a decent 2 channel amp to run the fronts, leaving the Rotel for center and side/rear surround duty. I run a 7701 that's been excellent, but I wasn't looking for Atmos capability.

dalylaleahthor

Your best bet would be accessories4less for one with a warranty. Just check and saw a denon for 899. Does Dolby Atmos 9.2. Only you can really decide on what you want. Also saw a pioneer sc91 for 699 and the 95 for a few hundred more from a different sure.

I have both denon and yamaha and can't complain about neither. The yamaha is just a a pre and will never be relieve of its duty till I can find something similar to replace it with.

MrNightly

DSkip wrote: »

A4L has been used many times with success on this forum, but I also recall several poor experiences as well. Their prices are phenomenal when compared to a new unit.

Marantz and Denon are under the same roof, where Marantz has better quality and Denon offers more bang for the buck in bells and whistles. Yamaha is another great receiver company. Pioneer and Onkyo I would personally steer away from at this time, but that is more on my perception and not real knowledge. Pioneer and Onkyo have basically backed away from protecting dealers from their investments, which is a bad sign IMO.

I think I'll consider both the Marantz and Denon... good suggestions. I don't know much bout Marantz so time to get my learn on with that brand.

I like the Denon brand, and it does blend well with my RTi speakers, which can be sharp at times. Plus it's a nice household name that sounds semi-professional.

I only push the front three channels currently with the Rotel, and the back 4 channels with the Denon. I like that setup personally, but not really for any particular reason other then i've done it in the past

Any particular Marantz AVR you all recommend?

rpf65

Don't think the 50xx series and below have pre-outs. You'll have to go 60xx or 70xx series.