Time for a new AVR

FestYboy

Well, it finally happened: my onkyo has officially bit the dust (for now, pending repair assessment). This came to fruition after several months of dealing with random static in the center and all right speakers, it now jumps right to protect mode no matter what listening mode it's set to. Poor me

Whatever.

Here's what's up: room is set up for 7.3.2 (no, the numbers ARE correct). I'd like to maintain that. I have no idea what the budget is, but I should probably cap it at 1500ish.

Looking for suggestions. I wouldn't be opposed to separates, but that defeats the purpose of a budget. On the other hand, most of the pre-s I've seen are balanced outs and that would work well with pro amps in a rack...

Talk me into something (realistic) and back up your choice.

Bring it on!

rooftop59

I love my denon avr-x4200w, and the newer version would do everything you need. I also really liked my Yamaha adventage. The main benefit of the denon is the Audyssey XT32 which will do a make better job with your subs than the Yamaha.

At this point really it’s between Yamaha, denon, and marantz unless you’re going for separates. Just pick the one with the features you need at the right price point and i think you’ll be happy.

sgmsmg

Why not buy Skips Pioneer Elite SC-99 that he has for sale? Check the for sale section.

[Deleted User]

sgmsmg wrote: »

Why not buy Skips Pioneer Elite SC-99 that he has for sale? Check the for sale section.

I was about to suggest the same thing. It's a killer deal if he still has it. I'm more than happy with mine.

FestYboy

Looking at specs now...

[Deleted User]

Hey Art. What did you end up going with?

FestYboy

Haven't quite yet. Been movie poor for the last week. But I have a lead on a pre pro, but unfortunately I need more pennies in the piggy bank... So in the interim, I've been looking at A4L for an entry level 7-channel for under 3 bills just to tide me over.

Skip's options are tempting, but I'm one to do it once and I'm afraid that if I went with the SC-99, I'd be wanting more soon thereafter (sounds crazy right?). That's where the pre comes in... 13.2 control and I get to pick the amps to suit their job (thinking a couple/3 Sonus 3 channel units for surround and likely an Adcom for the main 3). Easier to update/upgrade down the road, too.

The worst part: I'm a libra and can't make a decision to save my life, lol. So many choices!!!

[Deleted User]

I hear ya. It seems like no matter what you buy you could have done better.

Good luck to you.

sgmsmg

FYI on the SC-99. You can turn the amp section off and use it just as a pre-amp if you wanted (un-balanced only). It has 11.2 or 7.4.2 capabilities. Plus is has the best version of MCACC which I found better than the YPAO I have in my CX-A5100.

chumlie

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marsr7011/marantz-sr7011-9.2-ch-x-125-watts-networking-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

dolbyd

Marantz 7703 are still available new in your budget. $1499
That would be a great pre/pro for your setup.

FestYboy

Time for a slight update: from this thread ( http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/180605/case-voltage#latest ) I contacted Onkyo support and confirmed the HDMI board has failed again, (it was replaced by them 3 years ago). I was then referred to an authorized repair facility "near" me and I'll be having it repaired. I understand the board is rather inexpensive so why not? As a side note, the case voltage wasn't present while testing with the case cover off... (Only ~6 vAC) Interesting. I'll have that looked into while it's in the shop just to verify.

In the interim, @mdaudioguy graciously karmad me an Integra AVR to hold me over while I save my pennies for the separates I have in mind.

FestYboy

How'd you get a picture of my best friend?

FestYboy

The great persuader.

mlistens03

If you decide to go with a pro amp for your separates, I really like my crown XLi 800 amp, 300 watts into 4 ohms, 0.5% distortion, and I think it sounds really nice. For a 7.4.2, (that would be 11 total passive speakers, right?) you could get like 5 of them and then a mono block amp, or buy another one and have a extra channel for... something else (another subwoofer? Never can have too many )

FestYboy

Subs are all active, and the pre I have my eyes on is 13 channel capable, so that'd be 9.4.4 (4 subs). Just for clarification, with Atmos, the configuration goes as follows: main.sub.atmos, so with the config you have posted above, you'd have 4 subs and 2 Atmos (typically front hight). With a 9. system, there will be 5 across the front. Been eyeballing a lone RTA 11tl down in b-more as a potential center to add to the 2 pair of 11t I have now... Wouldn't that look crazy!? That's a decision for later though... Need to move a wall first and decide on a projector and screen configuration, then remove a support pillar, rotate the room 90°, run all new cable, dedicated outlets, treatment, lighting, etc. I hate this hobby, too expensive!! Lol Festivas are much cheaper.

mhardy6647

nbrowser wrote: »

Apologies for this but as a previous Onkyo owner who had a AVR come back from special service worse than when it went off...the universal Onkyo repair tool...lol

Funny -- I was thinking the same thing.

That being said, if one of all y'all has an Onkyo A-7 in good shape gathering dust... well... umm... let me know, sometime, 'K?

onkyo by Mark Hardy, on Flickr

(even if that brochure has the dumbest tagline in the history of hifi marketing )

mlistens03

Oh ok... I think I get it now.
I was thinking with the sub you could do something like a sound stream car audio sub, which would be absolutely awesome (or some other passive sub).
Either way, the idea still works, you can get a crown for each pair of speakers, but there are probably better options.