Upgrade to Denon AVR787?

Sansui

I'm considering upgrading my Onkyo TX-SR304 to a Denon AVR787 tomorrow. I, of course, have a few questions. I'm not interested in any other amps due to cost and availability. I'd rather carry it home as opposed to having it shipped.

Right now my speakers are the ones included in Polk's RM-20 package (3 front RM6901/RM201's and 2 back RM6801/RM101's) and a PSW10. At some time in the future I may want to upgrade my speakers and am thinking that if I upgrade my amp now while I can afford one this might be a decent one to get. Like I said, I'm not looking to upgrade my speakers and if/when I do I have no clue what those (from Polk) that I'd go with.

I've looked at the unit and notice that it supports Toslink input for my VCR/DVD combo unit which I like. So does the Onkyo though. I've looked at the stats and for the most part I don't understand whether it's that much better to put the money out for or not. Can someone explain to me in "English" what the "important" stats mean?

I think I've heard here that the Denon is not as "bright" as the Onkyo but that too escapes my limited understanding. That's probably because I upgraded to what I have now from a RCA HTIB which I bought in 1996.

Is it really hard to set up? I like the idea that the menu will show up on the TV screen. That leads me to believe it will "control" my video like my Onkyo does. Right now I'm using a RCA 27" regular TV but some time in the future I'm sure that will be replaced.

What are the advantages or disadvantages of upgrading my amp to the Denon at this time? Does it have the same and/or more of the surround capabilities (features?) that the Onkyo has? It doesn't support THX but it seems to me that all the DVD's out that has THX also supports Ditigal and DTS.

Will it sound that much better (whatever "that" is)? What's the deal with the "Auto Setup" (and included microphone)? I see it supports 7.1 and I have two extra RM6801/RM101's but I have yet to see 7.1 support at least on DVDs. Will 7.1 be the new "norm" in the future?

I can buy it from Circuit City for $330.00 (open box) or $450.00 (new). They have another Denon 787 on display right now. If I decide to upgrade (tomorrow) is the "open box" a "dangerous" buy? Could this be a "sucker deal" where when someone buys the "open box" unit and something doesn't work that Circuit City will hope they return it and buy a new one?

I'd really appreciate any help and/or information from you more knowledgeable people here!

disneyjoe7

If you're moving from an AVR that has no pre-amp outputs to one that has pre-amp outputs. Then good move. If not the Onk has pre-amp outs then an Amp now would be the best move.

ben62670

What he said /\

zacgo1

I recently went from an Onkyo 602 to a Denon AVR-687 and am happy with the switch. I looked at the 787 - it is very similar to the 687 execpt it has slightly more power and has preouts. I was not looking for preouts and am very happy with the Denon 687 - I think you will like the 787. I made the switch because I was looking for a specific feature - up to 200 ms audio delay to resolve AV lip synch issues. Anyway, I would say overall the Onkyos have more features. For instance my Onkyo could do handle wiring a zone two as well as zone one in 7.1. With the Denon if you wire a zone two, then your zone one has to be 5.1. But I do much prefer the sound produced by the Denon. The bass seems to be markedly better. I think the auto setup with mic is better on the Denon too. Not sure about on screen display - I know the 687 doesn't have that.

The Onkyo remote and Onkyo setup interface is much better and easier to use than the Denon, however. Though I don't know the Onkyo you mentioned, I think the Denon 787 is on par with the Onkyo 604, so without knowing the 304 I assume it would be a good upgrade. Sure setup is tougher, but don't worry, you will figure it out.

Mains: Polk RTi8
Center: Polk CSi5
Surrounds: Polk RTi4s
Sub: SVS PB10-ISD
Receiver: Denon AVR-687
TV: 56" JVC HD-56G787
Game Console and MP3 Streaming: Xbox 360
Remote: Harmony 880

disneyjoe7

If you where going to spend some $$ then an amp would give you greater improved sound over another AVR then anything. So again if the Onk you're looking to upgrade has pre outputs for an amp then that would be $$ better spent.

cfrizz

His Onkyo does NOT have preouts & the Denon DOES! So Sansui, you should definately go for it!

Sansui

Thank all of you for your advice!

LUKassz32

Your 304 is the bottom of the barrel receiver made by Onkyo. I think the 787 is a worthy upgrade!

Sansui

LUKassz32 wrote:

Your 304 is the bottom of the barrel receiver made by Onkyo. I think the 787 is a worthy upgrade!

Thank you for your recommendation.