New Receiver prospects

papatom

Greetings! There is the possibility that I may be looking for a new receiever to drive the Polk Signature S55 towers and S35 center. I currently am using an Onkyo TX-NR555 which some of you already said is not powerful enough.

I'm looking for suggestions. Things to keep in mind:

-Something that puts at least 100W per channel @ 8 ohms
-Clean power, reliable build quality
-Future proofs in a way where if I ever needed to hookup an additional amp
-No more than the $800 - $900 range

I'm currently eyeballing the Marantz SR5011. Great reviews, has plenty of power, reliable and I know a lot of people not just on here, but other enthusiast groups use Marantz. If you need anymore information, etc. or anything like that feel free to ask.

Thank you very much everyone!

Nightfall

Sounds like a great choice to me. Yamaha Aventage RX-A10xx, 20xx, and 30xx are also good choices. Both very reliable, especially compared to Onkyo.

Sell the Onkyo before it bursts into flames.

papatom

Thanks for the feedback guys! Ive been eyeing the Marantz for a while now.

I'll hit DSkip up when time permits to get more details. Thanks!

rpf65

https://www.amazon.com/Marantz-SR5010-R-Surround-Bluetooth-Recertified/dp/B01GYCPJNA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478986691&sr=8-1&keywords=marantz+sr5010

Older version of the 5011. Should still all requirements that you're looking for.

Upstatemax

NAD T758.

$800 on Crutchfield:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_745T758/NAD-T-758.html?tp=179

Build quality is FAR better than the Marantz.

Willow

Dskip has a marantz in the flea market right now

papatom

Upstatemax wrote: »

NAD T758.

$800 on Crutchfield:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_745T758/NAD-T-758.html?tp=179

Build quality is FAR better than the Marantz.

I was looking at that - unfortunately it does not have 4K passing. I have a 4K TV / 4K UHD Blu Ray player. I'm going to update the original post regarding 4K, I should have mentioned that - my apologies.

Wife and I ventured off to our local Magnolia this evening to hear the Marantz SR5011. Obviously they had it driving a pair of B&W speakers, but man oh man did it sound nice. Even at 100w a channel there was no hissing, no muffled voice - nothing. Unfortunately they did not have any in stock, but I could always order one and have it delivered to the store and pick it up.

I was also looking at the Yamaha RX-V781BL. Both good receivers, but leaning more towards the Marantz at this point.

Upstatemax

papatom wrote: »

Upstatemax wrote: »

NAD T758.

$800 on Crutchfield:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_745T758/NAD-T-758.html?tp=179

Build quality is FAR better than the Marantz.

I was looking at that - unfortunately it does not have 4K passing. I have a 4K TV / 4K UHD Blu Ray player. I'm going to update the original post regarding 4K, I should have mentioned that - my apologies.

Wife and I ventured off to our local Magnolia this evening to hear the Marantz SR5011. Obviously they had it driving a pair of B&W speakers, but man oh man did it sound nice. Even at 100w a channel there was no hissing, no muffled voice - nothing. Unfortunately they did not have any in stock, but I could always order one and have it delivered to the store and pick it up.

I was also looking at the Yamaha RX-V781BL. Both good receivers, but leaning more towards the Marantz at this point.

NAD uses a modular design, the HDMI board is going to be updated and all you have to do is update it.

It's the epitome of future proof.

motorhead43026

^^That NAD looks really nice

papatom

Upstatemax wrote: »

papatom wrote: »

Upstatemax wrote: »

NAD T758.

$800 on Crutchfield:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_745T758/NAD-T-758.html?tp=179

Build quality is FAR better than the Marantz.

I was looking at that - unfortunately it does not have 4K passing. I have a 4K TV / 4K UHD Blu Ray player. I'm going to update the original post regarding 4K, I should have mentioned that - my apologies.

Wife and I ventured off to our local Magnolia this evening to hear the Marantz SR5011. Obviously they had it driving a pair of B&W speakers, but man oh man did it sound nice. Even at 100w a channel there was no hissing, no muffled voice - nothing. Unfortunately they did not have any in stock, but I could always order one and have it delivered to the store and pick it up.

I was also looking at the Yamaha RX-V781BL. Both good receivers, but leaning more towards the Marantz at this point.

NAD uses a modular design, the HDMI board is going to be updated and all you have to do is update it.

It's the epitome of future proof.

Would it be merely a firmwate update? How would an hdmi board update to allow 4k pass through?

papatom

Just read about the modular thing. Thats pretty sick. I'm intrigued.

motorhead43026

Yep, video modules.

papatom

DSkip wrote: »

Technically, the SC-63 is off the market as the SC-05 doesn't fit in my entertainment center. The SC-63 barely hits that mark. I might be willing to let the SC-05 go, but at this point it is serving a purpose.

The Marantz I have is an SACD player, not an integrated or receiver. I might be able to help if you get into a new Marantz receiver, but you are probably better off getting a refurb for the bang/buck.

Yea, I was looking for a refurbished Marantz 5011. Just so that I understand, even though it's only 20 watts more per channel, the biggest thing is that thr power is more "cleaner", amongst other variables correct?

papatom

DSkip wrote: »

The 5011 is almost brand new to the market. The 5010 will probably be the best you can get for a refurb in that series.

I see the 5010 for $499 at accessories4less.com

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marsr5010/marantz-sr5010-7.2-ch-x-100-watts-networking-a/v-receiver-bonus-hdmi-cables-100-value/1.html?gclid=CNyM1JK0ptACFZlMDQodD88C1w#!specifications

Very tempted.

papatom

DSkip wrote: »

I might look more at the 7009. I personally struggle with receiver purchases, even as a dealer, because their resale value plummets so quickly. I only recommend people buy a new one if it is truly a long-term investment. If you think you might be prone to the upgrade bug, you should probably scour the used market some.

They've got the 7009 for $799, although it's a marantz factor refurb

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marsr7009/marantz-sr7009-9.2-ch-x-125-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html#!more

Although the 7009 doesn't support DTS:X, which is something I'm definitely aiming for.

Upstatemax

papatom wrote: »

They've got the 7009 for $799, although it's a marantz factor refurb

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marsr7009/marantz-sr7009-9.2-ch-x-125-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html#!more

Although the 7009 doesn't support DTS:X, which is something I'm definitely aiming for.

Then I would take a look at the Denon AVR-4520CI they have:

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavr4520ci/denon-avr-4520ci-9.2-ch-x-150-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

Opps, read your post again. You want DTS: X, I was looking at the Audyssey DSX...

Either way, why the need for DTS:X?

Are you actually going to run that many speakers to take advantage of it?

papatom

Upstatemax wrote: »

papatom wrote: »

They've got the 7009 for $799, although it's a marantz factor refurb

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marsr7009/marantz-sr7009-9.2-ch-x-125-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html#!more

Although the 7009 doesn't support DTS:X, which is something I'm definitely aiming for.

Then I would take a look at the Denon AVR-4520CI they have:

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavr4520ci/denon-avr-4520ci-9.2-ch-x-150-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

Opps, read your post again. You want DTS: X, I was looking at the Audyssey DSX...

Either way, why the need for DTS:X?

Are you actually going to run that many speakers to take advantage of it?

Eventually, yes. I like to future-proof myself as much as possible. It doesn't hurt to have it. Plus many lower-end avr's have it so does it really add that much more to the cost?

Upstatemax

papatom wrote: »

Eventually, yes. I like to future-proof myself as much as possible. It doesn't hurt to have it. Plus many lower-end avr's have it so does it really add that much more to the cost?

The actual idea of future proof is gone now...

Standards and codecs change with the wind now. Most of them are fairly useless.

ATMOS and DTS:X are mainly fads. 95% of people will never use them, just like 3D TV's.

You can buy an AVR with EVERYTHING and next year it's missing the next "must have".

I personally say to buy for audio and video quality.

papatom

Yea, you make some good points there. Everything you guys suggested is a good start and I'll begin doing my research. Thank you all!

rpf65

Choose your AVR based on your personal. Some people will never buy ATMOS modules many can,t or won't install in ceiling speakers. Many people won't go above a sound bar.

I don't what your plans are, or what your wife will allow you to do. Wife is usually a pretty big factor for many guys.

Personally I think you may see either ATMOS or DTS X being adopted. Maybe both, Auro we don't hear much about, but who knows. The biggest reason for 3D failure is more than likely the glasses.

Reason I think the extra channels is consumers really don't have to do anything. You have the speakers, you'll get the benefits and if you don't have the extra speakers, no biggie. Wouldn't think it costs that much to add the extra enhancement to the audio mix, but not in that line of work.

Seems the hard part is with the manufacturers of the processors. Onkyo decided that ATMOS and DTS was very important. The new calibration program, AccuEQ, doesn't calibrate the front mains, and that's what they're using in both Onkyo and Integra lines.

Like I said, if you have a system that plays either format, and you don't have the speakers, it still plays. Hate to see people spend a lot of money only to say a year later that they should have spent the few dollars.

papatom

Yea, AccuEx is pretty bad compared to Audyssey. Regarding 3D, I had a 3D tv and the reason we moved on as a family was simply because we didn't want to watch 3D movies anymore. I guess you could say the novelty wore off?

I see what you're saying regarding Atmos and DTS:X. My most important things are 4K pass through, more wattage per channel and simply a cleaner sound. Over the weekend as I was breaking the Sigs in, I've notcied the Onkyo having trouble feeding these. The louder you got (and wasnt even that loud) it just starts to distort and get messy. Voices lose clarity, mids get muddy, you start to hear more "hiss", etc. I'm looking for something around the $900 range to eliminate most that. If it means sacrificing Atmos / DTS:X then so be it.

rpf65

I think you can go back two series and get 4K pass through.

Word of caution, wattage is really a loose definition when it comes to AVRs. That unclean sound you're hearing is distortion. You have the volume knob up too high. Turn it down, or risk the magic smoke escaping from your speakers.

Nightfall

papatom wrote: »

I was also looking at the Yamaha RX-V781BL. Both good receivers, but leaning more towards the Marantz at this point.

This should be your Yamaha contender, not that one.

https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-A1050-7-2-Channel-MusicCast-Bluetooth/dp/B00YMN6FIM/ref=sr_1_2?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1479091684&sr=8-2&keywords=yamaha+aventage+rx-a1030

papatom

Nightfall wrote: »

papatom wrote: »

I was also looking at the Yamaha RX-V781BL. Both good receivers, but leaning more towards the Marantz at this point.

This should be your Yamaha contender, not that one.

https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-A1050-7-2-Channel-MusicCast-Bluetooth/dp/B00YMN6FIM/ref=sr_1_2?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1479091684&sr=8-2&keywords=yamaha+aventage+rx-a1030

I came across that one a few times. Looks good! The Denon AVR-4520CI that @Upstatemax suggested is also a contender.

papatom

I've been reading some reviews on the Denon AVR-X3300W. Seems pretty positive, has what I need, even if I splurge the extra $100 over budget for new. $649 on accessories4less.com. I remember owning a Denon years ago and it was quite the powerhouse.

https://usa.denon.com/us/product/hometheater/receivers/avrx3300w

Thoughts?

EndersShadow

Some thoughts from someone who earlier this year AGONIZED over his choices.

Get a AVR with Pre-outs (so you can augment power if needed), 4k passthrough, and maybe some built in streaming apps like Pandora/Spotify, etc. Shoot for at least 11.2 if you can (7.1 + heights + wides).

If you own your house, then look at the most speakers you can OPTIMALLY configure in your room and get the AVR that will accommodate that.

In my home going 7.1 would result in the back rear surrounds being literally 12-24" behind the side surrounds.

So while I "could" make it work, it wouldn't be optimal, so better to just skip it.

Same with Atmos. The speakers would not be anywhere near the main LP more than likely so just going to pass for now. And top firing ATMOS modules just dont do it for me either.

I "may" look at in wall heights at some point but again not sure how much content actually uses them.

IMHO there is no "future proof" when it comes to AVR's. Each year some new must-have codec gets added, or whatever. Buy the AVR with the features you can use NOW and if possible ones you will use in the next 3-5 years. I basically have my AVR's on a 3-5 year depreciation. After that point its probably time to upgrade if I want to keep up with the pace, assuming I'm missing something.


I got the Denon X4100a and its nice. I currently only run a 5.1 system and I'm hoping to be running 5.2 later next summer.

I "dream" of ATMOS but it will likely never happen.

As long as it sounds better than going to the theater, personally I'm beyond happy lol.

papatom

DSkip wrote: »

Denon and Marantz are in the same house. Where Denon focuses more on bells and whistles now, Marantz focuses more on power. Marantz is a step up from Denon, but some of those Denons are decent to good products. I represent both and usually try to push people into Marantz due to a better quality, but that isn't to say that Denon doesn't have a good product that you would be happy with - especially as you move up the chain.

Yea, I completely agree. This would be my first step into the "entry" high-end receiver market. I've always owned low-mid range receivers (TX-NR609, now the TX-NR555, etc.) so this next receiver I hope is a good step in the right direction.

Upstatemax

DSkip wrote: »

Denon and Marantz are in the same house. Where Denon focuses more on bells and whistles now, Marantz focuses more on power. Marantz is a step up from Denon, but some of those Denons are decent to good products. I represent both and usually try to push people into Marantz due to a better quality, but that isn't to say that Denon doesn't have a good product that you would be happy with - especially as you move up the chain.

I can't agree with this, at all.

While receiver shopping for my fathers system we listened to both of the flagship receivers from Marantz (SR7010) and Denon (X7200). The Denon was miles ahead of the Marantz. Better midrange and finesse, more dynamic, way more control of the soundstage.

In the end, my father decided on the NAD T787, but it was a close call for the Denon. The Marantz was off the table almost immediately.

I think we all know what I think about Marantz quality control and customer service (or lack there of)...

papatom

EndersShadow wrote: »

Some thoughts from someone who earlier this year AGONIZED over his choices.

Get a AVR with Pre-outs (so you can augment power if needed), 4k passthrough, and maybe some built in streaming apps like Pandora/Spotify, etc. Shoot for at least 11.2 if you can (7.1 + heights + wides).

If you own your house, then look at the most speakers you can OPTIMALLY configure in your room and get the AVR that will accommodate that.

In my home going 7.1 would result in the back rear surrounds being literally 12-24" behind the side surrounds.

So while I "could" make it work, it wouldn't be optimal, so better to just skip it.

Same with Atmos. The speakers would not be anywhere near the main LP more than likely so just going to pass for now. And top firing ATMOS modules just dont do it for me either.

I "may" look at in wall heights at some point but again not sure how much content actually uses them.

IMHO there is no "future proof" when it comes to AVR's. Each year some new must-have codec gets added, or whatever. Buy the AVR with the features you can use NOW and if possible ones you will use in the next 3-5 years. I basically have my AVR's on a 3-5 year depreciation. After that point its probably time to upgrade if I want to keep up with the pace, assuming I'm missing something.


I got the Denon X4100a and its nice. I currently only run a 5.1 system and I'm hoping to be running 5.2 later next summer.

I "dream" of ATMOS but it will likely never happen.

As long as it sounds better than going to the theater, personally I'm beyond happy lol.

Oh ya, I hear you. The ones I'm looking at check off nearly everything you mentioned save for the 11.2. Those are kinda way out of my price range. In addition, I would at most see myself using 5.1.2 or 7.2; simply due to room size and what I can accommodate.

papatom

DSkip wrote: »

Upstatemax wrote: »

DSkip wrote: »

Denon and Marantz are in the same house. Where Denon focuses more on bells and whistles now, Marantz focuses more on power. Marantz is a step up from Denon, but some of those Denons are decent to good products. I represent both and usually try to push people into Marantz due to a better quality, but that isn't to say that Denon doesn't have a good product that you would be happy with - especially as you move up the chain.

I can't agree with this, at all.

While receiver shopping for my fathers system we listened to both of the flagship receivers from Marantz (SR7010) and Denon (X7200). The Denon was miles ahead of the Marantz. Better midrange and finesse, more dynamic, way more control of the soundstage.

In the end, my father decided on the NAD T787, but it was a close call for the Denon. The Marantz was off the table almost immediately.

I think we all know what I think about Marantz quality control and customer service (or lack there of)...

We do know what you think and I respect your opinion, but the fact is that Marantz is the higher end brand of the two. You may have preferred the Denon, but that doesn't change the product model of the two companies.

It sounds like something was off about the Marantz - perhaps not set up properly? At any rate, I am not a receivers guy and stay out of that market for the financial reasons I listed before. In the end, one should get the unit that speaks to them.

Pioneer Elites are still great products, but I will never represent them because they do nothing to protect the dealers. I find many units listed online that are cheaper than I can get them for. One issue with Pioneer though is that they don't support discontinued models. Marantz and Denon will provide updates to maximize a receiver's performance if the receiver's hardware is up to task. Yamaha should be on your list as well. I wouldn't touch Onkyo/Integra anymore. Their days of glory are over for the time being.

Yea, I agree about the Onkyo thing. There quality has been somewhat questionable lately. The NR555 I have can occasionally flash/loose signal when watching a blu-ray. Has been slowly getting progressively worse. Turning to forums and other users, majority of the HDMI issues have been happening among the NRxxx lineup. I can't speak for the RZ lineup thought. That's another reason I want to get away from Onkyo; in addition to like I said earlier take my first step into more higher-end gear.

EndersShadow

papatom wrote: »

Oh ya, I hear you. The ones I'm looking at check off nearly everything you mentioned save for the 11.2. Those are kinda way out of my price range. In addition, I would at most see myself using 5.1.2 or 7.2; simply due to room size and what I can accommodate.

Then your good. Personally another thing to keep in mind is the diff flavors of Auto Calibration.

Pioneer = MCACC
Denon/Marantz = Audyssey (with all its diff versions)
Yamaha = YPAO

Each works differently and has diff pro's and con's. If going with a model with Audyseey, MAKE SURE it has XT32 AND SubEQ (each is its own thing). XT32 handles your speakers. SubEQ handles when you have more than one sub and they may or may not be the same distance from your seats. Good thing to have.

And good call on Accessories4less. I got my Denon from them (new though, not refurb), but I wouldn't have a problem buying a refurb from them.

Personally the Marantz AV7702, or the AV7702 mkII are some I've had my eyes on myself...