Looking for new reciever

Zoomzilla
Zoomzilla Posts: 76
edited October 2009 in Electronics
I have an old Onkyo 5.1 and it's time to upgrade. I would like 7.1 with HDMI switching. I have looked at the Denon 2310 and the Pioneer Elite THX 23. I would like to stay around the 850 retail price (even though I will find it much cheaper than that). Anything you can say about those two or recommend something else. I would like the upconverting and analog to digital feature. It would be nice to run 1 HDMI cable to my TV and have it convert everything so it could be run on the 1 HDMI cable. I don't really care about multi room or networking, I can use my XBOX 360 media extender for the networking part.
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 26,002
    edited October 2009
    Yamaha should not be ruled out. They have a very good DSP and are generally well build. If you go used, you can score some great bargains.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon MiND2 Shunyata Triton

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited October 2009
    If you like Pioneer try to find an older SC elite model that has ICE-amplfication...you might be able to find one for around 900 or so....it's worth it.

    For AVRs your best deals are closeouts or even used! You can buy a lot more receiver in your price range for that.

    You could also get a refurb Denon 3808 for about the same price your paying for that newer, lower model, 2310 which I'm pretty sure doesn't even have pre-outs.

    I do think all Elites have pre-outs?

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • Zoomzilla
    Zoomzilla Posts: 76
    edited October 2009
    I don't really have a brand in mind, so any brand you want to throw out there is fine with me. I am just lookig for a decent upgrade from my old Onkyo. I have never owned a pioneer and have never thought that much about them, but I heard the new Elites are supposed to be good. I have always bought Onkyo, but Denon seems to be okay as well, but like I said, I am open to everything.
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited October 2009
    Nothing wrong with Onkyos....I have one myself as well as a Denon. But I'd go with an 876/906 or the newer 1000, 3000 and 5000 series...those are the better Onkyos.....good power....good feature sets...but pricey.

    The Pioneers also a great AVR (the Elites that is).
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,081
    edited October 2009
    cnh wrote: »
    If you like Pioneer try to find an older SC elite model that has ICE-amplfication...you might be able to find one for around 900 or so....it's worth it.


    cnh

    +1 I really like my Pioneer Elite even though it is not the SC series with the ICE amp, the sound is fantastic. SC-05's could be bought for under $800 at one time.

    search the forum regarding pioneer SC-07 reviews. You'll get some great info. I think the main difference between the two is the wpc. Seems some threads on the Denons aren't quite as favorable.
    ____________________________________________________________

    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, McIntosh C2300, Marantz AV7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Sim Audio Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
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  • mufsoman
    mufsoman Posts: 636
    edited October 2009
    I just picked up a SC-05 for $900 from BB with full warranty. Just happened to be in the right place at the right time. My Pioneer VSX-94 has served me well, just looking for more wpc, all channels driven, for my big room. I may still return the SC-05 and look for a SC-07 or Sc-25. Good deals are out there, just be wary of internet/Ebay sales that are not authorized dealers and the manufacturer will not recognize for warranty coverage......
    Sony 83A80L TV and Roku Ultra
    Denon 3800
    Parasound HCA-2205A
    SVS Prime towers, center channel and bookshelfs (side surrounds)
    Atmos: Mirage Nanosats x 4
    Turbo MFW-15 x 2
    Panasonic DP-UB820
    APC H15
    Morrow MA4 & AQ Cobra IC's, AQ Midnight speaker cables
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  • domflane
    domflane Posts: 653
    edited October 2009
    How do you guys feel about Harman Kardon? I started with an AVR 235 thats rated at 50 wpc, and have recently upgraded to an AVR 354 thats 75x7. I have auditioned lots of other avr's (denon, elite, etc) that are rated at a lot more power, but they never seem to stand up to the Harman in terms of volume and clarity. Plus, almost every HK has preouts
    Home Theater
    RTiA5 - CSiA6 - FXiA6 - PSW650 - Pioneer Elite SC-55 - Carver AV-505 - Sony 46" 120Hz - Monster HP 2400 - Xbox 360 - Playstation 3
    2 Channel
    Polk RTA 15TL - Harman Kardon HK3485 - HK DVD48 - Signal Cable IC's and speaker cables
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  • vc69
    vc69 Posts: 2,500
    edited October 2009
    No personal experience with HK though they are well though of around here.
    I have become an Onkyo fan and like the Pioneers as well. I think those SC's are quite capable.
    I think the high end Onks are really nice and have the added advantage of Audyssey room correction (as does Denon). I really like it for the HT rig. Pioneer has a similar feature.

    For that budget, an upper line Onkyo (Integra maybe?) would probably be my choice. I would also consider the Marantz and Denon lines but I would recommend some research into all of them.
    -Kevin
    HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
    2 Channel:
    Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Squeezebox Touch
    Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
    VTL 2.5
    McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
    B&W 801's
    Transparent IC's
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  • dvran
    dvran Posts: 280
    edited October 2009
    I have an Onkyo 607. Retail they are 599, I got mine in a combo for $360 from HHgregg. I think they have it now for $549.

    I've had mine for a month now and totally love it. My setup is all Polk RT series speakers.

    I have all my HDMI cables coming into the receiver: from the PS3, DVD player, and component cables from my DVR. Then I have one cable going to the TV set. What's nice is, the Onkyo up-converts the standard definition DVDs and also my DVR signal. Also, you can handle everything from one remote by just picking the function to switch to. For example, the HDMI from my PS3 goes into the "Game" HDMI on the Onkyo. This way you just hit "Game" on the Onkyo remote and it switches your TV to view the output for the PS3.

    The Audyssey microphone and setup makes setting up the system a charm. I primarily use the Onkyo for home theater, and the wattage of the receiver is enough to drive my speaker setup just fine.
    ~Dan

    Projector: Epson 705HD on 106" DaLite
    TV: Samsung 50" Plasma PN50B550
    Receiver: Onkyo 607
    Fronts: Polk 1000i
    Center: Polk Csi40
    Rears: Polk Fxi30
    Sub: Velodyne Minivee 10
    PS3 and Xbox
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  • ballen823
    ballen823 Posts: 110
    edited October 2009
    I believe 6ave.com is still running a Name Your Price promotion through the end of the day today. Try lowballing them into your $850 range for one of their nicer receivers.

    I managed to get an SC-07 from them for that price about 6 months ago.
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  • POIDOG
    POIDOG Posts: 391
    edited October 2009
    http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=5036142&CTID=
    5000300&ATRID=1000&DETYP=ATTRIBUTE

    might be able to find this on the open market in your price range
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  • Zoomzilla
    Zoomzilla Posts: 76
    edited October 2009
    Ok, so I like to put my hands on things before buying and I looked in the Magnolia room at BB and demoed the Denon, Pioneer Elite and the Onkyo 707. I am really leaning towards the Onkyo now. I am kind of an onkyo fanboi so it made me think twice about the Onkyo. I will keep looking though to make sure I get the exact one.
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  • vc69
    vc69 Posts: 2,500
    edited October 2009
    I would certainly shop online for prices. You may be able to step up to the 807 within your budget.
    -Kevin
    HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
    2 Channel:
    Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Squeezebox Touch
    Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
    VTL 2.5
    McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
    B&W 801's
    Transparent IC's
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  • buymesome
    buymesome Posts: 281
    edited October 2009
    I would sell you my onkyo 607 its realy a very good sounding receiver especially for bluray . I would rather have something that can power something like magnepan or Mlogans and the 607 cant handle 4 ohm loads . I would let it go for just over 300
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  • ballen823
    ballen823 Posts: 110
    edited October 2009
    If you like Onkyo, try Accessories4Less.com. 707 is $529, and the 876 is $850.

    Factory Refurbs with warranties at some great discounts. Hopefully I'm not out of line posting sites and prices.
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  • buymesome
    buymesome Posts: 281
    edited October 2009
    529 for the 707 ? holyf**k . I love onkyo's sound for movies and thats a great deal .I may have to pick one up

    Thats great info and should be shared among all polkies via the deal of the day thread
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  • vc69
    vc69 Posts: 2,500
    edited October 2009
    That 876 would be awesome and right on budget for the OP.

    BTW... I think Onkyo's online store has 706's for 499.
    -Kevin
    HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
    2 Channel:
    Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Squeezebox Touch
    Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
    VTL 2.5
    McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
    B&W 801's
    Transparent IC's
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  • Zoomzilla
    Zoomzilla Posts: 76
    edited October 2009
    Wow, the 876 has me really thinking. I wonder how good the 876 would be over the 707. I worry about some of the power in the 876. My surrounds are only rated at 125. I have a short blond creature in my house (wife), who can't get it loud enough. I wonder if she would blow my drivers if she cranked it. I know the general rule is more power is better. So I don't know which way to go. I can get the 707 from 6ave for 579. That would allow me to spend some money on wires and cabling. The 876 would blow my budget. Do I need all the extras the 876 has? as I stated I have the old RTi system. 250 watts for the front and center and 125 for the surrounds. I have a sub, but not sure which one it is.
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  • sTiLlLeArNiNg
    sTiLlLeArNiNg Posts: 805
    edited October 2009
    Late reply but i like Yamaha or Pioneer, have owned Pioneer in the past and moved up to Yamaha now and am/was happy with both product's performance for the money spent.

    Does Onkyo still have over heating issue's?
    Media Room 7.1
    Sharp lc37d64u | Sanus vmsab-03 | Sonax ZX8680 | Yamaha htr-6290b | Emotiva xpa1 x 2 & xpa5 | RTiA 9 & 7 | CSiA 6 | FXiA 6 | Sanus NF30B-03 | Velodyne dls-3750r | Dual 505-3 m97xe | Monster avs2000/hts5100

    HTPC
    Intel e5300 | Asus p5q DLX | LG ch08 BD | OCZ 4g reaper2 | WD 1TB | Sapphire 4890 VaporX 1g | Asus Xonar HDAV 1.3 | OCZ modXtreme 700w | Antec Fusion remote MAX

    A fool and his money are easily parted
    I don't drink Koolaid

    Need some cable's? Just ask :)
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  • ballen823
    ballen823 Posts: 110
    edited October 2009
    I wouldn't worry about blowing your speakers with the 876, especially if your fronts are 250 watts. You're more likely to blow something from cranking an underpowered reciever.

    I'd personally go with the 876. It's a beast, and much better then the 707. Buy your cables from monoprice.com and save money there.

    Edit. I just noticed you said you were looking for 850 retail but buying for less then that. My bad. I'm sure you wouldn't be disappointed in the 707.
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  • Zoomzilla
    Zoomzilla Posts: 76
    edited October 2009
    Thanks for all the responses. I am so wishy washy, just call me Brett Favre the Silver Fox. I am really leaning towards the NR807 now. Why? Well I don't know. Maybe because it's newer than the 876? I don't know. I have ruled out the 707 now, I decided I wanted more power. The 807 has 135 per channel. I would rather have more power than less.

    Ballen23, Monoprice is the ONLY place I go. Their stuff is great and the prices are fantastic.
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  • ballen823
    ballen823 Posts: 110
    edited October 2009
    I don't know much about the 807, but I feel networking is just a selling point. I thought I read that you stream to a PS3 or 360 now. I have a networked reciever and never use the feauture. It's a cumbersome interface. PS3 or 360 is much easier to use.

    I'm confident saying that the 876 is the better sounding and better video upscaling receiver. I certainly wouldn't discount it because it's last years model.

    You should make a list of what features are important to you and make your decision that way.
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  • Zoomzilla
    Zoomzilla Posts: 76
    edited October 2009
    You are right Ballen823, the networking is not something I NEED. The added power is what I am looking for. What I will need to do is to find out what the differences are between the 876 and the 807. What do I want from the new unit? Well to start I want a unit that will melt my face with power. I need the HDMI switching and upconverting for all sources. One that has all the latest stuff for Blu Ray soundtracks and a good solid unit overall. I watch movies, play video games and listen to music. I want one that does all of that well. I am still open to ideas, so keep them coming. I will decide probably this week some time, maybe into next week. I am still waiting to hear back from the guy on here I bought some speakers from. If you think the 876 is a better unit, then I will look into it. Care to share with me WHY you say you like it? I would like to know what I should be looking for in regards to the differences.
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  • ballen823
    ballen823 Posts: 110
    edited October 2009
    Sounds to me that the 876 is exactly what you're looking for. I'm about to hit the hay, but go to the reciever section at avsforums.com. Ton of info on both and a lot of good guys over there. I know they cheaped out on the DAC's they put in the 806, and I'm not sure if they did the same in the 807. Also, at the time I was researching, the upscaler in the 876 couldn't be beat.

    If it wasn't for the deal I got on my Pioneer SC-07, I'd be a proud 876 owner.

    Edit. Amazon has the 876 for $888 new. Good luck either way!!
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited October 2009
    The 876 is by far the superior Onkyo receiver for AUDIO and also pretty good for video as well..with the Realta chip set!

    The 800 series was down-scaled after the 805 (which I own..the 805 shared most of the audio features and internal design with the 875 and was almost as powerful...both receivers weighed over 50 lbs and had massive EL transformers, 2 X 15K large caps, and 60 or more amps of peak current! Very powerful for a mid-level AVR...in addition they both had Burr-Brown DACs...etc.).

    The 876 has all these features plus a few more...an excellent buy if you like Onkyos....plenty of power for your speakers! And yes, ONKYOs STILL get very HOT...so give them lots of breathing room or get a FAN on that back right end!

    Having said that...I still like the SC-05, and SC-07 if you can get a good price on them...but the Onkyo is no slouch!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • dvran
    dvran Posts: 280
    edited October 2009
    607 all the way. Love mine. Its all you need and you can grab one under 400 bucks!
    ~Dan

    Projector: Epson 705HD on 106" DaLite
    TV: Samsung 50" Plasma PN50B550
    Receiver: Onkyo 607
    Fronts: Polk 1000i
    Center: Polk Csi40
    Rears: Polk Fxi30
    Sub: Velodyne Minivee 10
    PS3 and Xbox
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  • Zoomzilla
    Zoomzilla Posts: 76
    edited October 2009
    I will close out this thread as well. Thanks for all the help in here. You guys have really helped me out. I just ordered the 876. You guys helped me see the light.
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