Time for a new surround receiver or processor

simm

My Yamaha RX-A3000 receiver seems to be dying. The volume, input selector, and surround mode will not function with the remote- either the original or a Harmony universal. When I turn the volume up it goes to max and when I turn it down it goes all the way down without stopping. When changing inputs it cycles through them all without stopping. I can make changes manually but with volume control this is a real problem. Trying to decide what to replace it with. I like Yamaha and have had several over the years but all at some point have had an issue with the motor in the volume knob. I had a Denon 3805 several years ago that was decent but I prefer the Yamaha “sound”.

I probably listen to music 80% percent of the time and movies the other 20%. Sources are a Oppo 205, Sony HAP Z1-ES, and cable box. I may add a streaming service such as Apple TV or Roku at some point. No turntable or gaming. Speakers are LSIM 705, 706, 703, and 702’s. I also have a SVS 20-39 PC.

I want something that does music well and has the latest tech such as 4K pass through, room equalization, 7 channel input for surround music, etc. I tend to keep my gear for several years.

I am starting to research now but would appreciate any suggestions or advice. I have always had AVR’s and could do that again but am also interested in separates but may not be able to get into that with my budget. I am willing to go about $2k for a receiver or up to $4k for separates. Not opposed to used amp but would want the processor to be a current generation if not new.

txcoastal1

Marantz

mantis

I see you budget but if your willing to go 4K with separates why not with a AVR?
The Integra DRXR1.1 is a pretty awesome AVR with tons of power everything you need for todays formats plus it's very musical.
I've installed a few that where driven for music use and with Revel Speakers this thing really sounded great. I also have heard it with Monitor Audio and again sounded great.
I would buy one myself .
Marantz is not a bad way to go for sound quality.

mrloren

How about something in your budget with power https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marsr8012/marantz-sr8012-11.2-ch-x-140-watts-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

zeppage2

https://anthemav.com/products-current/series=mrx-series-gen3/model=mrx-720/page=specs

You can buy it through Crutchfield if that makes you feel better.

simm

mrloren wrote: »

How about something in your budget with power https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marsr8012/marantz-sr8012-11.2-ch-x-140-watts-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

I’ve never dealt with accessories4less. Are they pretty good about handling issues if there are problems? The Marantz does cover all the bases.

simm

mantis wrote: »

I see you budget but if your willing to go 4K with separates why not with a AVR?
The Integra DRXR1.1 is a pretty awesome AVR with tons of power everything you need for todays formats plus it's very musical.
I've installed a few that where driven for music use and with Revel Speakers this thing really sounded great. I also have heard it with Monitor Audio and again sounded great.
I would buy one myself .
Marantz is not a bad way to go for sound quality.

I’ll do some research on the Integra. Seems like I remember reading about some QC issues a few years ago with them. Am I misremembering?

zeppage2

I bought a used Integra off Audiogon that had the notorious lemon HDMI board. Yes, they fixed it out of warranty, but it soured me on the brand.

gp4jesus

Separates? I like my Outlaw Audio 976 w/optional Bluetooth* module - my kids love it*!

https://www.outlawaudio.com/products/976.html
4K compatible.
Balanced and unbalanced outputs
7 channel and two Sub outs

A review I’ll read later
https://www.avnirvana.com/threads/outlaw-audio-model-976-7-2-surround-processor-review.3778/

They sell several robust 7 channel amps. Here’s 130WPC - they meet or exceed specs all channels driven.
https://www.outlawaudio.com/products/7000x.html

If you Decide Outlaw, I hafta warm you: my remote’s volume control sucks - but I got an early one. Does everything else just fine. Like Polk, they have their own forum. Look there, you’ll see a big 976 remote thread. My Harmony 665 works great.

Enjoy! Tony

audioluvr

zeppage2 wrote: »

I bought a used Integra off Audiogon that had the notorious lemon HDMI board. Yes, they fixed it out of warranty, but it soured me on the brand.

Ditto. Which sucks because I've always liked the Integra line

mrloren

simm wrote: »

mrloren wrote: »

How about something in your budget with power https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marsr8012/marantz-sr8012-11.2-ch-x-140-watts-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

I’ve never dealt with accessories4less. Are they pretty good about handling issues if there are problems? The Marantz does cover all the bases.

I've purchased 2 AVR's from A4L no problem. A couple friends have also purchased from there, no problems.

You could go new from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Marantz-SR8012-11-2-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B0779KHLXJ/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=sr8012&qid=1581840529&sr=8-9

Milito

Also purchased from A4L about 1 1/2 years ago and no problems with AVR.

Nightfall

I'm going to be buying a Marantz through A4L soon.

afterburnt

I bought a defective $20 item from A4L and they gave me a bunch of crap trying to return it. I gave up on them because of it.

rpf65

Bought a AVR from A4L 3years ago and CD player 2 years ago. No issues with either one.

jumpindick

txcoastal1 wrote: »

Marantz

+1 for Marantz.

Have a processor AV7702MK ii, not a current one, but does everything I expect. The calibration is very detailed and if you have great amp (do not have to be expensive ones) matching with speakers, the Marantz can really up the game. Might wanna check at Accessories4less.com.

Mikey081057

I have good experience with the Marantz AV77xx pre pros and recommend them highly. A Marantz pre pro with some quality amplification can seriously upgrade your H/T experience.

simm

gp4jesus wrote: »

Separates? I like my Outlaw Audio 976 w/optional Bluetooth* module - my kids love it*!

https://www.outlawaudio.com/products/976.html
4K compatible.
Balanced and unbalanced outputs
7 channel and two Sub outs

A review I’ll read later
https://www.avnirvana.com/threads/outlaw-audio-model-976-7-2-surround-processor-review.3778/

They sell several robust 7 channel amps. Here’s 130WPC - they meet or exceed specs all channels driven.
https://www.outlawaudio.com/products/7000x.html

If you Decide Outlaw, I hafta warm you: my remote’s volume control sucks - but I got an early one. Does everything else just fine. Like Polk, they have their own forum. Look there, you’ll see a big 976 remote thread. My Harmony 665 works great.

Enjoy! Tony

How do you like the Outlaw combo for music?

rooftop59

I vote denon but you can’t go wrong with either brand. I had a marantz sr5007 and then moved to a denon avr-x4200w (admittedly a step or two up) and the difference was substantial. But apples to apples the marantz and denon are probably VERY similar...

mrloren

Denon or Marantz can't go wrong. I had an SR5010 for my main now my bedroom AVR. Denon AVR-X4400H is my main HT now. I like them both. Thing about the Marantz is that darn porthole display.

simm

Right now I am leaning towards the Marantz SR-8012. I’ve been doing a tremendous amount of research the last 2 days and hope to make a decision tomorrow. The Marantz covers all my needs and then some.

gp4jesus

simm wrote: »

gp4jesus wrote: »

Separates? I like my Outlaw Audio 976 w/optional Bluetooth* module - my kids love it*!

How do you like the Outlaw combo for music?

Music sound like... music! I much prefer the richer SQ of CDs* but I can’t deny Bluetooth’s convenience. I own a bunch* from the 80s & early 90s before the volume war escalation and SQ deterioration. Summer of 2023 (after I move my system) I’ll resurrect my Rega P3 TT and then really enjoy music!

A confession: I’ve heard/read great reviews for Outlaw amps but I haven’t “gotten my ears on any and don’t expect to. I still have my 975 (bought new; need to sell [wife])

I started “building” my system using amps of another make. To change/upgrade now means big bucks. On that note, earlier today I won number 4 - now I can bi-amp my surrounds.

I’m certain you will enjoy Outlaw products if you go that way. Regardless- Enjoy!

afterburnt

@gp4jesus you can't just sell your wife.

Grimster74

I second the Anthem approach. At the top end of your budget I'd go with the Anthem AVM-60 pre/pro ($3000) and an Outlaw 7000 ($950). You'd have a processor capable of 11.2 channels if you ever decided to expand, just have to purchase another amp of course. I'm running the AVM60 with an Outlaw 7900 & 5000 with full Polk LSiM series speakers and it's the best my room has ever sounded. Don't do a lot of 2-channel listening but what I have listened to sounded amazing.

gp4jesus

afterburnt wrote: »

@gp4jesus you can't just sell your wife.

oops🤔🤪!

FS: Outlaw 975!

simm

I ended up buying a Marantz SR 8012 and it arrived today. Going to hook it up later tonight. Strange but true story, I was going to disconnect my Yamaha receiver and decided to power it up one more time for old time sake before boxing it up and the damn thing works with the remote. I have raised/lowered the volume multiple times, changed inputs, and surround modes and everything works exactly as it should. My wife is never going to believe that it was not working.

Nightfall

You're all set now when you want to get into 4K and HDR though.

simm

Nightfall wrote: »

You're all set now when you want to get into 4K and HDR though.

I don’t regret it and am looking forward to the upgraded features. I just can’t believe the Yamaha started working correctly. I’ll find a use for it as I think it sounds great.

jeremymarcinko

I recommend going the Outlaw 976/7000 route. I love my outlaw setup with the LSIMs.

simm

Got it in the rack this afternoon. Will work on setup tonight.

zeppage2

since you got the Marantz, look into the DeRemote app.
http://www.deremote.com/