Help me pick a new AVR please.

OpticalSerenity

My system showcase link:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=74300

Currently I have a Denon AVR-1706. I love the AVR, and for the most part, its perfectly adequate. I do however have a need for more optical audio inputs. Right now I have both optical inputs and both coaxial digital inputs used. :eek:

I guess I'm maturing in my HT ways.

I have the following devices that output digital only by optical output:

DirecTV HR20
X-Box 360
AppleTV

And the following can use coaxial output:

LG Upconverting DVD player
Creative Labs Soundblaster (5.1 audio from media center pc)
Fortec Star Mercury II Free-To-Air satellite box

Being that, I'd love to have editable displays...and more modes. Such as, right now, it says TV or VCR or DVD or AUX, etc. I'd like it to say "DirecTV" or "X-BOX 360."

I'd really also love to be able to switch HDMI. Right now my TV has two HDMI input, and both are used. I'd love to have just HDMI running to my TV and HDMI and Component going into my AVR.

The caveat is, I don't want to spend too much. Is it ok to buy Denon's 3 digit series receivers? I have the chance to buy 3 digit series Denon receivers at a discount from work...so, are those ok? Otherwise, should I switch brands?

I'm trying not to spend too much here. I'd love to be able to spend less than $500 but I know I'm asking for a lot.

Also, remote doesn't matter as I'll be using my Logitech Harmony.

dane_peterson

The Denon 987 is pretty much a 2807 in a different shell. I'd go for that, especially if you get a discount. Otherwise, keep your eyes peeled for a 2807. You might be able to find one near your price range, and offers pretty much everything you want.

danger boy

look at the Marantz SR5001 7.1 ch receiver. it has 4 optical inputs and 2 coax inputs + HDMI.. that should help solve your problem with digital inputs.

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=34677

danger boy

Ebay ... Marantz SR5001 BIN $525 w/free shipping you may wanna take a look see.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Marantz-SR5001-AV-Surround-Receiver-Amplifer_W0QQitemZ220107755963QQihZ012QQcategoryZ3280QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

McLoki

danger boy wrote: »

Ebay ... Marantz SR5001 BIN $525 w/free shipping you may wanna take a look see.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Marantz-SR5001-AV-Surround-Receiver-Amplifer_W0QQitemZ220107755963QQihZ012QQcategoryZ3280QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I have heard good things about Marantz AVR's.

The SR5001 has the following for inputs:
4 optical
2 coax
2 HDMI (1.1 and it is listed under the video inputs, so I am not sure if it will pull sound from the HDMI or not)

Don't know if you need a perfect 3 and 3 split or not, but wanted you to be aware of it.

Michael

engtaz

I picked the Denon 4802 because of the audio and video inputs. 3 component,5 optical and three coxial digital inputs and 24 bit d/a.
Just make sure you get the amount of audio and video inputs you want. You can always add external amps if the AVR has preamp outs.

Good Luck
engtaz

JimBRICK

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Integra-DTR-8-2-Home-Theater-Receiver-7-1-Onkyo-NR_W0QQitemZ110121893850QQihZ001QQcategoryZ14981QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


this would fit your bill and cheap too

dane_peterson

Of those listed, the 987 and 2807 are the only ones with analog upconversion to HDMI. I'm a big fan of Marantz too, but in case you're wanting to just run one HDMI, thought I'd let you know.

vonnie123

If you decide to go with Marantz, accessories4less.com can save you a bit of money on refurbs. I have dealt with them and have had good dealings. They are a factory authorized dealer. Good luck.

http://www.accessories4less.com/

JimBRICK

Vonnie all that marantz and a yamaha receiver??? what gives:D :eek:

dragon1952

Despite what some may think of Yamaha, these newer models are really nice.
I just bought the Yamaha RX-V659 for my HT and background music system and couldn't be happier. The newer RX-V661 has the HDMI plus 4 optical inputs (3 rear, 1 front) and 2 coax digital inputs. You can get these on Ebay for under $400 shipped.
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=547398&CTID=5000300&ATRID=1020&DETYP=ATTRIBUTE
http://cgi.ebay.com/YAMAHA-RX-V661-RXV661-7-1-CHANNEL-AV-RECEIVER_W0QQitemZ130109725384QQihZ003QQcategoryZ14981QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

engtaz

Marantz, Denon, Outlaw Audio, Rotel are good names. Yammi is debate alot on this forum.
Good Luck

dragon1952

I get the feeling 2-channel audio is not a priority. I tell ya, for HT and DSP the Yamaha's are hard to beat, and they are improving in straight 2-channel audio performance. I've owned them in the past and these new ones are no comparison.