New reciever time - I know you've got opinions

timlitton

I currently have a Sony STR DA555ES receiver. I really want to get a new unit with HDMI ports and an auto-setup routine using Audessy or something like it. I also want 4 ohm capability as I'll probably have this reciever a good while and I plan on going the LSi route eventually. I'd like decent power but it doesn't have to be ground-shaking (my fiancee has delicate ears it seems).

I'm debating on the Sony STR DA5300ES and the Onkyo TX-SR875.

I already foresee a flood of "get seperate amplification" suggestions. And I'm open to that. Is there any alternatives in the same price range that cover my needs?

Or does anyone have experience with either of these amps?

I know, I hate the "tell me what receiver to buy" threads as much as the next guy. But I've researched the AVR's I've listed. i just want to be as informed as I can.

Let er' rip.

Montoya

I have been researching receivers myself and have narrowed it down to a pioneer sc-05, or 07 and a Marantz sr8002. What is your drive behind your purchase media features or pure sound quality?

danger boy

How much does that Sony STR DA5300ES sell for? Maybe separates aren't that much more $$?

I would go with another Sony ES receiver.. since you've owned one for years.. and you would be familiar with it's layout and menu's. then when funds allow.. add a nice beefy amp.

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timlitton

Kex wrote: »

Check out NAD ...

I have to say, the NAD t755 looks enticing. I'll do some research.

criverajr

If you want to go the seperate route look for an older Pioneer Elite and a good amp, will be my route, LSi's need power, the more the better.

CRj

Conradicles

I have had Sony non ES (sucks IMHO), Onkyo (good), Denon (very good), HK (very good) and others not worthy to mention.
But I would say my Pioneer Elite is the best for 5.1 surround and my HK is best for 2 channel.
I have yet to own the higher end models like NAD, Carver, Adcom, etc...but they are next on my list. The NAD does look good.

Conradicles

Pioneer SC-05 is nice if you can afford it...but I don't know if it does 4 ohm.

Brian217

Conradicles wrote: »

I have had Sony non ES (sucks IMHO), Onkyo (good), Denon (very good), HK (very good) and others not worthy to mention.
But I would say my Pioneer Elite is the best for 5.1 surround and my HK is best for 2 channel.
I have yet to own the higher end models like NAD, Carver, Adcom, etc...but they are next on my list. The NAD does look good.

Which Pio Elite do you have? Im considering the 01...also considering Denon AVR-2309CI? Any suggestions?

Conradicles

I have an older model with no HDMI. The MACC (room eq set-up) on all Pioneer models is superb and the online experts will agree. I do not think I will upgrade anytime soon due to prices and technology changing so fast. Get the Pioneer...and then put your Sharp in the bedroom...and them get a Pioneer Plasma TV. That will be the best move you ever made.

timlitton

Seems to be a lot of Pioneer Elite suggestions. I don't know why, but I never consider Pioneer. I've always been turned off by them for some unexplainable reason. Maybe I got beat up by a Pioneer when I was young and blocked it out. I don't know.

The NAD t755 is probably a no-go for me after researching it.

No video upscaling, No HDMI audio support (video passthrough only), No HD audio decoding, poor GUI. I know it probably sounds like an angel singing, but I'll have to rule this one out unless I get a awesome deal.

Montoya, I really, really like the Marantz but it's a bit more than I'd planned on spending.

Conradicles, I agree... Non ES Sony units suck, but the ES line is vastly different than their Target dwelling cousins.

Montoya

timlitton wrote: »

Seems to be a lot of Pioneer Elite suggestions. I don't know why, but I never consider Pioneer. I've always been turned off by them for some unexplainable reason. Maybe I got beat up by a Pioneer when I was young and blocked it out. I don't know.

The NAD t755 is probably a no-go for me after researching it.

No video upscaling, No HDMI audio support (video passthrough only), No HD audio decoding, poor GUI. I know it probably sounds like an angel singing, but I'll have to rule this one out unless I get a awesome deal.

Montoya, I really, really like the Marantz but it's a bit more than I'd planned on spending.

Conradicles, I agree... Non ES Sony units suck, but the ES line is vastly different than their Target dwelling cousins.

Well if you can pop off 1300 you can get a factory refurbished Marantz not sure if that helps but just a sugestion.

Logic 7

I love my Denon 3808

ben62670

Have you even considered the HK's? Don't look at the watts. My 50wpc HK killed my 110wpc Yammi. NAD, HK, and a few others are a bit more honest about what they can do, and are 4ohm capable not just compatible;)
Ben

BTW I think those new Onkyo's are pretty ugly. I was at CC last night going over what's left. If you want Onkyo you may want to stop there for a clearance deal. I did feel like a crow at a funeral there:(

graco1

got me a marantz 5003 and i love it i was in the same boat looking too for a avr i had narrowed my choice down to the HK 354 and the marantz, the onky i was gonna buy when i went at a store and turn the volume up i heard a popping sound followed by some smoke that deterred me plus they are very warm to touch even with nothing playing just being on and my avr is on at all times since i hooked it up that way 3hdmi cords and speaker cable one to receiver,ps3 and hi dishnetwork receiver

timlitton

I've been sidetracked by the Emotiva XPA-5. Looks too good to be true. I'll have to do some more digging.

I love my Denon 3808

I love your Denon 3808 too.

Have you even considered the HK's?

I have. I'm open to get some Harmon Kardon if I find somethings that moves me.

I was at CC last night going over what's left...I did feel like a crow at a funeral there

I'd have 0 problems being a crow. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your point of view) my city's CC is staying open.

I'm gonna check out the Emotiva amp for the next day or so.

bigred7078

Logic 7 wrote: »

I love my Denon 3808

+1 on this. This is a fantastic receiver IMHO. I will be upgrading to this soon. I have a Denon 2809 for sale if your interested $865, its a little over a month old. I just came across a 3808 deal that i could not pass up;)

F1nut

Bigred7078,

We have rules for selling on this forum and your post above violates them.

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bigred7078

F1nut wrote: »

Bigred7078,

We have rules for selling on this forum and your post above violates them.

how can i edit it?

Unknown

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nm4710

There seems to be a lot of hatred for Sony in the audio world..but the 5300ES is a really, really nice receiver. Its menu system blows away anything I've seen, making it quite easy to use. The video performance is excellent, the sound is great. Shortcoming is the power. If you're going to add an external amp (prob should if you're going to run LSis w/this receiver), shouldn't be an issue.

Onk 875 is also an excellent piece. Great video performance, excellent sound. Little more power than the sony but less intuitive to set up and use.

That said if you're willing to sink this much money into a receiver, consider getting one with all the latest features (dynamic EQ and volume). The higher end Onkyos (876 and above) and the Denons (I'd look at 2809 and above) have these features. I've seen them demo'd...impressive. I'd consider upgrading for these features alone, so I certainly wouldn't purchase a new product without them.

Lastly, purchasing a receiver without the latest HDMI codecs and auto-calibration will leave almost everyone wanting to upgrade immediately. TrueHD and DTS-MA are the only recent surround sound formats that, in my honest opinion, have genuinely improved the listening experience.

bigred7078

nm4710,

Sony always gets hated on for its receivers. But for good reason, with the EXCEPTION of the ES line . The ES line is pretty darn good stuff. Feature loaded for sure. But to be honest i just dont think i could buy a sony AVR, must be a mental thing... But you bring up good points about getting a receiver without all the latest and greatest. It will most likely just make you unsatisfied, and remorseful.

Kex brought up a good point though, if your interested in going the LSi route you will really need an external amp to truly bring out the goodness of the speakers. With those impedence dips its much wiser to have a good amp to handle the power. OF course its not totally necessary, but IMO it would be wise to invest in a decent amp as well if you can swing it. But its not like you cant upgrade in the near future if you cant do that at this moment.