Onkyo vs HK vs Denon vs Yamaha vs ?

organ

Yeah, I know, I should know this crap but I haven't been into HT for the past 3 years or so. I'm going to be getting a complete HT set and need to know which receiver will give me the best performance. I will only use 5.1 because the room will not allow a center surround. I'll probably just get something that's above the entry level model because I want to keep the cost low. I don't need pre outs.

The speakers I plan to use are Polk Monitor30 for fronts and surrounds with a CS1 center. I'm still thinking about Klipsch RB-15 and Paradigm Atom.

Which of these brands will give me the best dynamic range? I don't care for fancy surround modes but would like PLII music mode just for fun. From experience, I felt HK provided the most dynamic presentation but don't know which brand today will give me that.

Maurice

ND13

I like HK, myself. From the brands you've listed it's either HK or Denon.

1. HK
2. Denon
3. Onkyo
4. Yamaha

That's my order for receivers for a "decent" rig. In a round about way, you're saying that you don't want to go crazy in the $$$ area, and quite frankly I agree when it comes to HT.

organ

Thanks for the help ND. I got the idea from Doro when I was checking out his system showcase. Mounting small bookshelfs on the front wall is an excellent way to integrate HT into my 2ch system. I'll be asking a lot of questions along the way because I want to do this just once and get it right. I plan to buy the whole thing at once around Jan. The AVR135 looks very nice. I like my movies loud, do you think the 40w/ch is enough?

Maurice

organ

One thing I forgot to mention is that I hooked up a H/K AVR300 in my parents room for their music system. What I can do is buy them a 2ch receiver or let them use my NAD seperates and take my AVR300 back. Here's a link to the receiver... http://www.harmankardon.com/product_support/support_detail.aspx?Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&cat=&prod=AVR300&sjump=&#active

How do the new receivers compare to this older model?

Maurice

marker

ND13 wrote:

I like HK, myself. From the brands you've listed it's either HK or Denon.

1. HK
2. Denon
3. Onkyo
4. Yamaha

That's my order for receivers for a "decent" rig. In a round about way, you're saying that you don't want to go crazy in the $$$ area, and quite frankly I agree when it comes to HT.

^ +1, except for maybe flip flop #1 and #2 mainly due to reliability/QC.

Toxis

Well it depends on price point. 5-600 range than I'd put Denon #1. If it's 2-300 range, I'd put HK. Reason is, at the lower price point, the Denon just has no nuts behind it where the HK does. You have to get into the 2105 in the Denon line to have any headroom at all.

organ

Thanks for the help guys. So it's between HK and Denon. Still not sure on the models. I will only spend 500 tops.

Still didn't get an answer regarding the HK AVR300 I posted above. Still curious what you guys think about that piece.

Maurice

Toxis

I'd look around and find a 2105. Shouldn't be to hard I'd think... if you don't mind used.

organ

I don't mind used at all. Thanks for the recommendation. I'm gonna keep an eye out for the 2105.

Maurice

MSkeezer

If you want to save a little money, then I'd say use the 300. Over the past couple of years, I haven't heard much difference in the HK's. They've always had a warm, dynamic sound to them. Sure, you get more features in today's models, and the option of preouts in their less expensive units. It all comes down to what you're looking for. Soundwise, I think the 300 would do just fine. If you're needing something with more flexibility, then I'd say look at the HK 130 or 230. Or even the 330 or 430. If you shop around, you can find some amazing prices. I found my 430 for only $375 brand new, and it's got more power and features than I'll probably ever need.

mantis

In my opnion.

Denon makes the best all around receivers for speakers like the ones your going to use. They have the very best features and flexability. For a home theater receiver, there extremely hard to beat.

Go Denon and be done with it.

Dan

organ

Thanks MS and Dan. After spending a bit of time thinking, my plan is to use my current HK but if I can get a good deal on the speakers and have enough cash left, I will look into HK and Denon. I think I may be able to go 6.1. Not sure how it's going to work out because I sit right against the back wall.

Maurice

Toxis

if you're directly on the back wall, don't even worry about 6 or 7.1. You won't have the seperation enough to benefit from the surround backs. 5.1 is your friend.

organ

Thanks for the help, Toxis. I'll go 5.1.

Maurice

Toxis

np... I have to tell my customers this daily. Seems everyone wants more than their room will allow. Would you be to close to the TV if you moved your couch/chair up about 3-4 feet?

organ

Yeah, I'd be too close if I moved the couch up 3-4ft. 5.1 is fine for me. I'm not demanding when it comes to HT.

Maurice

Mike682

HK is #1 on my list....

reeltrouble1

Maurice,

I really doubt you are going "like" any of the receivers. They are all pretty much the same at their price points. Yea, they sound a bit different from each other, not necessarily better, just different.

You already know what I mean.

RT1

gregure

Personally, my experience with Denon has led me to believe they are the best of the brands mentioned above. Easier to use than HK, with excellent amps in the 2105 and above, and always on the cutting edge of technology (such as the new revamping to include HDMI switching and built-in XM receivers). HK have good amps too, but my experience with them was not fun (more features than necessary and not as easy to use, plus it created a loud buzzing in my speakers that I couldn't get to go away). That was the AVR635 by the way.
The Denon 2805 and 3805 are excellent units, and you should be able to find those used at a decent price in the next few months, or even new at drastically reduced prices one the new models come out. Keep an eye out.
Onkyo and Yamaha don't really compete until you get to their really expensive stuff. At that point you could look at Integra, the Acura of Onkyos. But that is an entirely different price bracket.

aaharvel

i say spend the extra money on the h/k235 over the 135. If you insist on just a 5.1 rig and not a 7.1 rig- buy the 235 over the 135 for Pre-Outs sake.

reeltrouble1

Maurice,

Did you catch what Doro is using as a receiver, there is a reason.

RT1