Need Help on Receiver options

mu1166 · June 2009

I am finally looking to purchase a new receiver. I am not against buying used/refurbed but looking for a decent deal. Right now I have RTI-A3's for fronts, CSi-A4 center and a set of OWM3's for my surrounds. Looking for HDMI 1.3a cababilites.

I have been using an Integra 6.4 for my HT now and am just looking for somewhat of an upgrade.

I'm leaning towards the Onkyo 606 or maybe the 706 if the deal is right. I don't think I will ever add an external amp, but would I notice the power difference between the 606 and 706?

If there are any other/better options out there I will surely entertain any ideas. I'm looking to keep the cost to around 500 or under.

Thanks

tcrossma · June 2009

A few years ago I never thought I would add an external amp either, and now I'm on my 3rd one. I would strongly suggest making sure you have pre-outs on whatever receiver you decide upon, just in case. Good luck in your search.

thuffman03 · June 2009

+1 on preamp outs.

Think of it this way. Get your AVR you want with the pre outs and all the features you want. Down the road you can search for a nice 5 or 7 channel 200+wpc amp. Then when HDMI 2.9 or whatever comes out next all you need is to upgrade the preamp. You get into a good amp you will have it for many more years than an AVR.

mu1166 · June 2009

Is the refurbished Onkly 706 for 499.99 + shipping a pretty decent deal for this receiver? After reading about 1000 more posts, it seems that pre-outs are highly recommended if there is any chance at all that you may upgrade. I am starting to lean towards that unless there is a higher recommended receiver is that price range. I've have an HK 320, Integra 6.4 and an old yamaha receiver now. The HK sounds great but I don't like how the new ones look. Would not go over with the wife factor.

Thanks for any/all the help.

renowilliams · June 2009

I just went through the difficult task of deciding what avr to buy. I spent a lot of time reading reviews and reading in audio forums. In the end it came down to answering the following questions of myself;
1. How much do I want to spend.
2. How many and what impedance speakers do I want to drive.
3. Does the reciever have to handle video upscalling, given that Blue Ray and other sources already do that fuction.
4. How easy is the reciever to set up for H/T (is the imput menu a nightmare or nicely laid out).
5. Is the remote easy to use and can it learn and remove some other remotes from service.
6. How is the fit and finish quality of the reciever.
7. What tonal quality does it produce ie: bright, warm or neutral.

Take the time to go and listen to the different recievers you are considerring to purchase as sound is a very subjective thing. I for example have a Pioneer Elite reciever and love how it sounds with my speaker set up. You could very well like how a Yamaha reciever sounds over mine.

mu1166 · June 2009

I would love to have time to listen to all the different receivers, but I live in the middle of nowhere. I don't have any place within a couple hours to listen to much. I do like how my old HK sounds but I do not like the looks of them now. My Integra also sounds very nice. The yamaha is just used in the garage anymore. I am leaning towards something along the lines of the sound of the Onkyo. I am not sure how the Pioneer or Marantz would sound in comparison. Just trying to do as much research online in case I do happen to get somewhere to listen to a few different receivers.

RandyBox · June 2009

Refurbished H/K 354's go for ~$350 from harmanaudio on the bay...

That's the deal I'm shopping anyway.

Regards,
Randy

NewHTguy · June 2009

I bought a 605 and never thought about an amp. Big mistake. Even if you never add an ext amp you will likely have an easier time selling one with pre-outs.

rallyshark · June 2009

If you like the HK sound, you would probably like the Marantz sound to. Marantz tends to have a very warm musical side to it. I love mine. You can find used or factory refurbs less than $500 all day long. One good thing I can say about Marantz factory refurbs is they stand behind them just as their new models. I originally purchased a factory refurbished SR6001 from accessories4less, but it gave me issues. Long story short, Marantz replaced it with a new SR6003 because if my trouble. I will always be a Marantz customer for the customer service they gave me. That aside, I loved the sound of the SR6001, and my current SR6003 as well. You also said you didn't like the look of the new HK, but they still make some good receivers none the less. A lot of people seem to LOVE the sound of the ICE powered elites as well, but I don't know if you can find one in the sub $500 dollar range. I hope that helps:)

mu1166 · June 2009

I've never really listen to a Marantz. Is there a big differende between the SR6001 and the SR6003? I'm still leaning toward an onkyo unless the Marantz is a better bang for my buck.

wizzy · June 2009

Link to Harman Audio Recievers on E*Bay from official HK store

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Harman-Audio_Home-Theater-Receivers_W0QQ_fsubZ10225972QQ_sidZ26519532QQ_trksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em322

Link to official HK E*Bay store

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Harman-Audio

Paden501 · June 2009

Yeah pre-outs are prettymuch a must. I just ended up having to buy a new AVR the other day (new to me anyway) because I finally decided to amp my L/R channels and quickly found out that it's not that easy withouth pre-outs. It's worth it to spend the money up front.

slowpolky · June 2009

get yourself a 607 if onkyo's your thing. I got one and love it .They can be had for less than i payed, right now you can get them for 430 shipped on the bay

Marty913 · June 2009

mu1166 wrote: »

Is the refurbished Onkly 706 for 499.99 + shipping a pretty decent deal for this receiver? After reading about 1000 more posts, it seems that pre-outs are highly recommended if there is any chance at all that you may upgrade. I am starting to lean towards that unless there is a higher recommended receiver is that price range. I've have an HK 320, Integra 6.4 and an old yamaha receiver now. The HK sounds great but I don't like how the new ones look. Would not go over with the wife factor.

Thanks for any/all the help.[/QUOTE

The refurbished 706 would give you pre-outs, the 607 (new for a little less) would not give you pre-outs. It seems pre-outs in sub-$500 receivers are getting more & more rare.

mu1166 · June 2009

Well, I will add the HK to the short list also. I ran some pictures past the wife, and she is alright with amount of silver on the font. She's not a big fan of silver for some reason... Would it be worth going to the 354 over the 254? I do really like the sound of my old HK 320 though.

Any other ideas/options would be great.

Accessories4less just sold out of the refurbed 706's, so I don't know which route I will go yet. Thanks for all the help.

Lib0rat0r · June 2009

I think I have your winner...check out the latest Pioneer Elite receivers

Pioneer Elite VSX-01TXH, it has the pre-outs you are looking for, as well as a ton of other features. It should have everything you are looking for, and it should pass the wife approval test...I at least think it has the best appearance of any receivers out there at present.

It can also be had for $500 or less, despite its $750 retail as listed on Pioneer's website. Check Audiogon and Ebay for some nice deals. I highly, highly recommend it. I was in your exact situation just a short time ago.

RandyBox · June 2009

wizzy wrote: »

Link to Harman Audio Recievers on E*Bay from official HK store

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Harman-Audio_Home-Theater-Receivers_W0QQ_fsubZ10225972QQ_sidZ26519532QQ_trksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em322

Link to official HK E*Bay store

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Harman-Audio

I searched the closed auctions from the past 15 days and the selling prices on 24 AVR354's ranged from 340-410...

FWIW

Randy

mu1166 · June 2009

I would like to have a NAD receiver but that is a bit out of the price range that I'm looking into. With all the recommendations, I will be going to a model that has preouts. Started to narrow it down to the Onkyo 706, HK 354 or the Marantz 5003. The Marantz 6003 is pushing the budget limit. Since all of my Polk speakers have been refurbs and have been great to me, I am pretty much sticking to the refurb route just to get the best deal that I can on a receiver. I don't know about the Pioneer Elite yet. I haven't had much time to do some reading on them. Honestly have never heard one. Once again, thanks for all of your help.

comfortablycurt · June 2009

If you're into music a lot, I'd personally steer away from Onkyo. I have an Onkyo 606, and it's really not that pleasing for music IMO. In hindsight, I'm wishing I would have went with another brand really. The Onk's great for HT purposes, but for music it's a little harsh sounding, and bordering on bright sounding IMO. It also really takes away from the liveliness of most recordings.

RandyBox · June 2009

mu1166 wrote: »

I would like to have a NAD receiver but that is a bit out of the price range that I'm looking into. With all the recommendations, I will be going to a model that has preouts. Started to narrow it down to the Onkyo 706, HK 354 or the Marantz 5003. The Marantz 6003 is pushing the budget limit. Since all of my Polk speakers have been refurbs and have been great to me, I am pretty much sticking to the refurb route just to get the best deal that I can on a receiver. I don't know about the Pioneer Elite yet. I haven't had much time to do some reading on them. Honestly have never heard one. Once again, thanks for all of your help.

I bought my H/K 147 from the H/K ebay store and I'd swear it was brand new. They come with the full warranty and H/K replaced one previously within 5 days..

I'm pleased with them. As of now I bid $300 on every 354 just waiting one that bargain. However, next month I'll bite and get on between the $340-375 range.

BTW, I love the sound of the H/K 147. Even though it's suppose to be a little weak for my Monitor 70's...

Marty913 · June 2009

mu1166 wrote: »

I would like to have a NAD receiver but that is a bit out of the price range that I'm looking into. With all the recommendations, I will be going to a model that has preouts. Started to narrow it down to the Onkyo 706, HK 354 or the Marantz 5003. The Marantz 6003 is pushing the budget limit. Since all of my Polk speakers have been refurbs and have been great to me, I am pretty much sticking to the refurb route just to get the best deal that I can on a receiver. I don't know about the Pioneer Elite yet. I haven't had much time to do some reading on them. Honestly have never heard one. Once again, thanks for all of your help.

I think those are the best choices, with possibly adding Pioneer to the mix. I'm a huge NAD fan but the now affordable T755 has a few shortcomings. IIRC the HDMI is purely pass through. In other words, you must use an optical cable (or similar) input to get audio processed by the NAD. I believe you've settled in on the best choices and anyone of them will do the job. A little more feature comparison plus price/availability and you should be all set.

mu1166 · June 2009

I was probabily 80/20 HT to music before I bought my Polks, now I would say it's closer to 65/35 HT/Music. With that, I am leaning possibly in this order. Marantz 5003, HK 354, Onkyo 706 and maybe even Pioneer in the mix since I've read some pretty nice stuff on the Elite series. Thanks for all the help. Man, I wish I was a little closer to a larger city to take a listen to some of these receivers.

And the search goes on.......

renowilliams · June 2009

mu1166 wrote: »

I was probabily 80/20 HT to music before I bought my Polks, now I would say it's closer to 65/35 HT/Music. With that, I am leaning possibly in this order. Marantz 5003, HK 354, Onkyo 706 and maybe even Pioneer in the mix since I've read some pretty nice stuff on the Elite series. Thanks for all the help. Man, I wish I was a little closer to a larger city to take a listen to some of these receivers.

And the search goes on.......

Eventually you will just have to take the plunge and try something, if your not going to get to a place where you can audition these recievers. Like I mentioned before, don't discount the value of a used reciever. Mine retailed for $4,500 usd when new and I paid $800.00 cnd used. Its in like new condition.
I honestly would not part with it to buy a new elite reciever. I think the build quality is better and the sound is just as good. There are a lot of gems out there for sale, especially given the current economic situation.

RandyBox · June 2009

Kex wrote: »

Do not underestimate the little 147! I have one, and it's terrific IMO, even with my big RT55 and CS400, which is basically like driving five RTi A5 (the CS400 was sold recently, since I'll be changing everything at some point this year). It's not a NAD, but it's a good choice for a flawless starter system on a budget, or a secondary system (but no pre-outs, of course).

That's the reason I say its "suppose" to be a little weak for my 70's. Also why I'm in no hurry really to replace it. I'll wait for a $300 deal on a 354 for a while longer.

But, I don't believe I'll consider another brand for that price. I love my H/k!

Regards,
Randy

mu1166 · June 2009

I know that I would get pre-outs with the Onkyo 706, but other than that, would I noticed any difference between the 606 and the 706? Would the 10w increase be noticable?

Marty913 · June 2009

Actually you get a few more things with the 706. Some may be important, some not. Only you can decide. The 706 has THX Select2, 4Ohm certification, Phono input, 1080P upscaling, 12 volt trigger, learning remote, and Audyssey MultEQ. The 607 does not (it does have 1080i scaling and Audyssey 2EQ).

The 607 on the other hand has Dolby PLIIz and dynamic volume which the 706 doesn't.

mu1166 · June 2009

And now that they have some more in, the reconditioned Onkyo 706 just went up $30.... Man, I hate just missing out...

mu1166 · June 2009

Out of these receivers, which one would be the best for home theater? We are going to be moving the the tv out of the living room into it's own room and have a setup just for music in the living room. Anyways, out of these, what would be the best order for my movies.

Onkyo 606 or 706
Marantz SR5004
HK 254 or 354
Pioneer VSX-01THX

After this purchase, I get to start working on a dedicated 2 chanel setup....

Thanks for all the help/ideas

ViperZ · June 2009

mu1166 wrote: »

Out of these receivers, which one would be the best for home theater? We are going to be moving the the tv out of the living room into it's own room and have a setup just for music in the living room. Anyways, out of these, what would be the best order for my movies.

Onkyo 606 or 706
Marantz SR5004
HK 254 or 354
Pioneer VSX-01THX

After this purchase, I get to start working on a dedicated 2 chanel setup....

Thanks for all the help/ideas

I was in the same situation about 1-2 months ago. In my opinion, 5004 and 606 would be on par. I would never look at modern HK (too many problems).
Basically, I was ready to buy a brand new VSX-01TXH, and on the same day somebody posted very slightly used Onkyo 805 locally, so I jumped on that one (it's good when someone's wife says that silver will work better than black).

cnh · June 2009

A 10 watt difference is not really noticeable....but the 706 also has THX select2 processing that the 607 does not have--if that makes any difference to you.

IMO you really have to get up to the Onkyo TS-XR876 and higher to really hear a significant difference, unless you can get an old 805 which has similar guts. I can hear the difference between the 605 and the 805....but we're talking a 25 lbs/90 watt AVR vs. a 50+ lbs. 130 watt AVR.

The 805 was a real work-horse for the price....sound-wise.

cnh

vijayl · June 2009

I wud go w/ VSX-01n or a 805 (if u can get one)

Need Help on Receiver options

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