Deciding between these two B&K AVR's

kcoc321

I am upgrading my AVR to have 5.1 inputs and I need to decide between these two tomorrow....both have 150wpc@8ohm & 185wpc@4ohm.....

I don't care about HDMI inputs...I run HDMI direct to my TV and will run 5.1 analogs from my Cambridge Audio DVD99, although also run digital audio.

I have a AVR 101 and really like the sound...
I have a PT3 and ST-1400sII amp for 2 chnl

1. AVR 307 for $350 black (I "Almost" feel guilty buying this for so cheap)
+$50 for a silver face plate, if another guy gets back to me

or 2. AVR 507-silver for $750

From what I can tell, the only difference is Pro Logic II and maybe newer DTS: Neo versions are more upgraded. Unfortunately, I talked to B&K CS and they are no longer offering the upgrade to make the 307 into a 317 (replaces the processor with a 507 pc, so essentially becomes a 507)
[he did say B&K is coming out with some new gear in Nov, BTW]

IS the upgraded proc/ pc worth the $400?? (since I can run direct if I need)

That's the price of a 'more' decent (for me) amp or maybe a 3-channel amp. Of course $$ is always tight...or something else..TT...DAC.....??

Thank you

olilugo

"I don't care about HDMI inputs...I run HDMI direct to my TV and will run 5.1 analogs from my Cambridge Audio DVD99, although also run digital audio."

Even if you say you don't want hdmi. I would say you will be surprise by the upgrade hdmi gives you.

I have read many posts here, where people say that a new AVR possibly has equal or better sound quality to an older receiver, even when the older receiver was in its day consider a high-end AVR.

I can tell you I share that opinion. I rather buy a newer, lower end receiver and get all the new technology, than go with something old and get the old stuff.

I don't know what your budget is but for $700.00 you should be able to buy a very good new AVR and I will say it will perform better than the AVR 507.

kcoc321

Oli, Thanks for responding
I prefer better, older, but that is just me...course I like my Monitor 7's too...

Thanks for ALL your input guys

dorokusai

I have the AVR317 and the upgrade over the AVR307 was very noticeable and worth it....I'd pick up the AVR507. There's more than just a processor upgrade involved as the 307 had a few really annoying issues that were fixed with the upgrade and subsequent AVR507 SI debut.

dkg999

I have the B&K 507s2 and I can tell you that the people who are saying the mid-priced AVR's with HDMI sound as good or better are just trying to rationalize what they didn't get. If you can live without HDMI the B&K 507 has fantastic SQ and excellent build quality. I've had a string of mid-priced AVR's to try because having HDMI would be uber-convenient, however until you get into the $2,000 plus range they don't come close. JMHO!

kcoc321

I wish I had heard from you guys earlier..:(
But it's all good... I did pick up the 307...It seemed like too good a deal to pass up, and I will just have to "live" with it ..for now.. Course I see the 307's selling for $600+ on CL all the time......and at least it is an upgrade over my AVR-101...I will have to see about the 507 NOW that I know...$750 seemed a good deal also and the guy did not seem to be in too big of a hurry to sell it, at least he has not called to say he sold it. (hope)

Doro, what issues did you have?
I am just starting getting it setup...The only thing I see/ notice is the 'switch/ relay?' for the surround mode (Stereo 7 > surround 7 > THX mode) does make a loud 'click' that I didn't notice when I auditioned it.

I AM SURE I will have more questions once I get into it. I am looking forward to playing with all the x-over points...I REALLY like that it lets me adjust it for each speaker channel.

dkg: I agree with your philosophy...and "for me" HDMI" just seems to be an convience fator, and since I am using a Harmony remote...it is programmed to switch everything with one button.....

thanks B&K "team"...hehe

dorokusai

The relay switching will probably get worse.

kcoc321

dorokusai wrote: »

The relay switching will probably get worse.

that's great..:(

what other things did you have that led you too say "the 307 had a few really annoying issues that were fixed with the upgrade"