New receiver thoughts...

xj-boonie

I ordered new speakers (see thread here, and am thinking of upgrading my old Technics Receiver (a SA-GX690 from 95).

I'm currently looking at the following
Yamaha HTR-5790
Onkyo TX-SR702
Denon AVR-2805

All of them are available locally but not in the same store. I'm going to try to listen and play with all 3 this weekend. Any thoughts on one over the other, or something different?

I'm kinda leaning towards the Onkyo, because of the features, the remote, and the current good price at www.jr.com.

Thanks!

2+2

That's a good set of brands...I would add a comparable Harman to that list.....you may really like their sound.

Devo220

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4153_130866598_tab=B,00.html?compName=PNA_ProductDetailComponent
You might want to check this one out loads of features lots of power, Bi-ampable,Just like the Elite VSX52TH-K without the polished case and almost half the price. I hope the link works. You can get these on ebay for less than $400.00.

Toxis

2805 by FAR! The Yamaha you're looking at is their low grade receiver so you're not getting the quality of sound you could from the RXV line, but even then, it won't compare to a Denon or Onkyo. The Onkyo is a good receiver but personally, I feel the Denon images better and has more depth to it. Plus, Denon seems to be the easiest of them all to operate. I very RARELY get anyone calling me asking how to work/hookup their Denon but with H/K or Onkyo, It's almost 20-25% of my customers need help. Yamaha, well... I won't even go there. Way to many headaches and house calls for me...

Danny Tse

Not that I own a Yamaha receiver....or anything Yamaha. From the Yamaha website comes the below statement....

What Is The Difference Between The RX-V Line And The HTR Line?


There are many similarities between these two product lines. The RX-V line and the HTR line are produced in the same Yamaha factory using the same high quality parts throughout. The RX-V and equivalent HTR models have the same warranty periods, the same manufacturer's suggested retail price, the same features, and the same remote control units.

There is a cosmetic difference found on the front panels of these two lines. The RX-V line maintains the traditional white colored lettering normally found on most Yamaha components, while the HTR line provides a slightly different approach. Yamaha has created a new look by using gold colored lettering in selected areas on the HTR receiver series. However, both the RX-V line and the HTR line feature the same high quality front panel construction.

The amplifiers in the HTR and RX-V units are identical but rated differently to comply with the accepted measurement standards of their respective channels of distribution. Both ratings are FTC approved and are designed to handle the dynamics of today's audio and video sources. The RX-V line has the power amplifiers rated from 20-20000 Hz. The HTR line has the power amplifiers rated at 1000 Hz. Both lines can reproduce the full frequency response of 20-20000 Hz.

The RX-V line is typically sold through Yamaha authorized audio/video specialty retailers, and is not available for mail order sales, phone sales, or internet sales.

The HTR line is sold through mass merchants, catalog retailers, and department stores. You may also purchase the HTR line through the mail, by phone, or at authorized internet retailers.

All transactions must be done through the authorized Yamaha dealer network. Any purchase made from an unauthorized dealer/retailer voids the Yamaha manufacturer's warranty

Toxis

When I worked for a specialty shop that sold Yamaha, even the rep used tell us about how they are different internally. Granted this was 2.5 years ago so maybe they've changed but if they did, that's pathetic. I've done A-B comparison's between the best Yamaha BB sells vs. the H/K 230 and the Denon 1905. The Yamaha sounded so compressed it was horrible. The bass response (using JBL E80 towers) was phenominally better on the HK but nothing had quite the sound of the Denon. H/K and Denon were pretty close but I still lean towards the Denon. Yamaha was horrible. FYI, we used the same cd players (denon 380) with the digital outs to the receivers (same Monster cables) using identical cd's (not burnt). It was enlightening...

halo

I'm using a Yamaha HTR-5450 5.1 AVR in my HT & I've never had a problem & it sounds pretty good to me. Yamaha tends to give lots of features for the money too IMO.

On the other hand, I'm using an OLD Onkyo Integra TX-108 stereo reciever in my 2 channel set up and it blows the Yamaha away when listening to music. The Yamaha covers the top end nicely but doesn't have much bass. The Onkyo hits like a sledgehammer.

Sorry...Apples to Oranges (HT vs. 2 Channel).

Ultimately its up to you & your ears. Good Luck


As with anything else...different strokes for different folks!

2+2

Dont have a denon but I have a yamaha, onkyo and HK....models in my sig. Granted these are different animals but HK with least amount of power wins hands down in terms of music sound quality (w/o the rotel attached).....then onkyo, then yamaha...HK dacs sound awesome, even tho my receivers next to the cheapest model.

I personally think Yamaha is built the best in terms of feel of the buttons, knobs, etc. so their build quality feels pretty good...then onkyo, then HK...Hk feels a bit cheap and rickety...all my opinion.

Teejai

I would look into either the Denon or something from HK. My friend has the Denon 3805 and he loves it, I have the HK and love mine. Really the HK is not hard to setup and sounds great with the Polk speakers you bought. Onkyo isn't a bad choice either but I have heard they sound a bit more bright where the HK sounds warm.

janmike

Purchased a Yamaha RX-V1500 end of 2004. Very happy with receiver. Very easy to set-up with lots of features. Price was right too. My .02 worth.

xj-boonie

I've been looking at the Denon 2805 specs more and have a few questions:

Is the remote backlit?
Can you set a power-on volume and a max volume? (the Onkyo has both of these features)

Thanks
Mike

GZ

On the 2805, don't know about the power on/max volume capabilities, but according to the review in Dec '04 Sound & Vision mag the remote is NOT backlit. I'll reread the review tonight and see if it says anything about the power on/max volume and let you know.

Teejai

Originally posted by xj-boonie
I've been looking at the Denon 2805 specs more and have a few questions:

Is the remote backlit?
Can you set a power-on volume and a max volume? (the Onkyo has both of these features)

Thanks
Mike

How about a manual?
http://www.usa.denon.com/catalog/pdfs/AVR2805%20DFU.pdf

halo

From Crutchfiel.com:

Remote Control

RC-974 Remote Control: The AVR-2805 comes with a remote control which can operate the receiver as well as other remote control capable Denon components. In addition, the remote is pre-programmed with control signals for other brands of products, including cable boxes, CD players, TVs, Cassette decks, Laserdisc, DBS, VCRs, CD recorders, Minidiscs, DVD players and DVD recorders. The RC-974 is also a learning remote, and has illuminating source buttons and glow-in-the-dark volume and transport (Stop, Play, Pause, Rev, FFwd, etc) buttons.

System Call: The remote control is equipped with "System Call" (or macro) functions, allowing a series of remote control signals to be transmitted by pressing a single button. Up to 10 sequential signals can be stored in each of the 2 System Call buttons.

They have photos and specs and you can compare Onkyo vs Denon side by side if you like.

Hope this helps http://www.crutchfield.com/S-lk4uReIh7ho/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=10420&id=essential_info&i=033AV2805B

okiepolkie

Forget the factory remote and get an Harmony. The 768 is a favorite, but the 880 looks like it might be a good canidate as well.

GZ

I'll reread the review tonight and see if it says anything about the power on/max volume and let you know.

Nope, just looked at the review and no mention of the above.

pjdami

A couple of years ago the Yamaha HTR line did not have preouts while the RXV line did. Just another thing to look out for.

Personally, I wouldn't buy a receiver without preouts. Preouts helps with flexibility down the road.

mantis

I feel the Denon avr2805 is the perfect match for your new speakers. Nothing wrong with Yamaha but I feel it's a better match. Yamaha receivers tend to be on the bright side. Denon is a warmer sound. Depending on what you like will decied which you perfer. Tweeter sells Both Yamaha and Denon as well as all the polks you just got. If possible , go listen there and decide.

Whadyasay

I have the 2805 and use it as a digital pre/pro into a 5-ch amp. The remote has some glow-in-the-dark buttons, but it's not the same sort of push-screen, backlit remote as wit hthe 3805. The 2805 is at the same volume at switch-on as you left it when you switched off. I don't think there is another setting for this to always come on at a predetermined volume. I actually had an NAD T163 pre/pro, and I prefer the digital processing and surround characteristics of the Denon, plus the ergonomics. Even though I use a Sony TA-P9000ES 5.1-ch analog preamp for cd and sacd, the 2805's analog section sounds quite good...better than I expected, actually. I had the 2803 before, and I felt that there were considerable improvements made in the 2805 both feature- and sound-wise. At the same time, if you're just looking to go with a receiver and its internal amps only, ante-ing up the extra $ for the 3805 would definitely be worth it. However, for my purposes, the 2805 fits nicely.

xj-boonie

The Denon 2805 is looking pretty good. I think it's down to that and the Onkyo. I'd love toget the 3805, but even the 2805 is a bit more than I was thinking of paying. Anyone know where they might be cheaper?

AsSiMiLaTeD

I assume you checked out Audiogon and Ebay? Also, take a look at the 3803, it's a nice unit as well

woodyjacobs

I've used AV receivers from all of your chosen companies (although not those models) - I keep switching receivers just to try them all...call me weird...I just enjoy trying out different stuff. Here is what I've found:
Yamaha (I've owned an RXV-620 and a (HTR-5540) - I think the Yammies sound great for HT use (good power, very dynamic)...but sound kind of thin and bright for 2 ch music listening. They do however have a good all channel stereo mode...better than most if you like background music out of all of your speakers. Good build quality and good remotes.

Onkyo (I've owned TX-DS494, TXDS-595, TXSR600, TXSR700, HTR-500 and currently have an HTR-302 with an old TX-AV717 ProLogic receiver on the way) - Sound about as good as the Yamahas for HT use (perhaps a tad brighter, but the Cinema HQ feature cuts some of this out). Sound better than the Yamahas for 2ch music (more dynamic sounding). OK remotes (and they are lit on all but the low-end models, which is nice)

Denon (I've owned AV-1802 and currently have an AV-785) - Very good all-around. Excellent performance for both HT and 2 ch music...maybe a little heavier on the low-end than both the Onkyos and the Yamahas. Not the greatest remotes however...little bitty buttons, complicated use, etc.

HK (I've owned AVR20 (II), AVR120 and AVR525. Very dynamic sounding for HT. Richest-sounding bass of all of the AV receivers I've used. For music you get that HK sound...wonderful warm midrange and solid bass. But to me the highs are just a bit too rolled off...I like to hear cymbals sound nice and bright and I want guitars to scream when they should scream. I could never quite get that out of my HKs. But if you like their sound (and many really do) give them a serious listen.

Of course I haven't tried all of them and not the specific ones that you are considering, so try to get your demo on.

2+2

woody, that's quite a bit of experience that you have....thanks for sharing. ..it was an interesting read. I think you will like your 717 (SV??) when you get it. I am running my lsi7 with it and sounds pretty good...damn thing is heavy!!

woodyjacobs

Yes I'm looking forward to getting that 717. I wanted something cheap with a phono stage and decent power. And I think for two channel listening most prologic (or of couse stereo) receivers just dust the DD/DTS receivers. I'm not really sure why that is....maybe all the circuitry or something...I'm not that technical minded. Unfortunately I found both the 717 and a NAD 716 prologic receiver at about the same time for cheap buy it now prices...so I will have two to play with...and I imagine one will be heading to the flea market soon.

halo

I agree with you woody. IMO A good old stereo reciever is better for music - I prefer Onkyo & Onkyo Integra models from the '80's. I guess they just don't build them like they used to.

Frank Z

Originally posted by xj-boonie


I'm kinda leaning towards the Onkyo, because of the features, the remote, and the current good price at www.jr.com.

Important considerations, but perhaps the most important has been over looked. How does it sound with your speakers, your music...in your home. Price is always a major concern. Features? think about it before spending your cash. Does having 57 different DSP modes mean anything if you are only going to use one or two? THX, who really cares, it's not the be all, end all when it comes to what your ears tell you. Just how many different types of inputs and outputs does a guy need?

Sound, it really should be about sound. Gonna use it for video switching, cool. Just make sure it doesn't affect the video quality.

Let's face it folks, most receivers and preamps have more freakin bells and whistles than the any of use really need or will ever use. It's all about marketing to stay ahead of the competition.

Buy what sounds good, your ears will thank you, your checkbook will thank you.

xj-boonie

I think I'm going to buy and compare the Onkyo TX-SR702 and the Pioneer VSX-1014TX-K. I had a friend in College that had a pioneer stereo receiver that I always liked the sound from. I didn't have a stereo at the time, but I liked it better than my roommates sony.

xj-boonie

Just an update.

I went with the Pioneer VSX-1014TX-K. I like the sound, it's got enough inputs for me, and I'm not a big fan of DSP (never used the 4 options that were on my old rx). Plus the price was great

Now I just need some better interconnects (currently using what ever came with the components) and speaker wire (18 guage in there now....). But that's a question for another forum.

Thanks for all the input.
Mike