Considering receiver-RX-V3900 or?

ForceV4 · July 2011

Hi Polk people,

I hope I'm posting in the right section. I also hope that my signature shows my current set up appropriately. I've been lurking for quite a while and finally decided to sign up and join in the festivities.

Here is my situation. I'm thinking about a couple of options but can only afford one right now.

First, I'm considering a new (or used) AV receiver. I've had good luck with Yamaha and have had an eye on an RX-V3900. That receiver is probably way overboard but I love gadgets and set up options. Plus, I'm hoping to move in the next year or so and will have a lot more room.

Is this receiver worth the cost of admission considering what is available new? Even used this one is a bundle of money. Onkyo has quite a few very nice receivers for under a grand. I did have a 70pro years ago that was nothing but problems. I've read on the forum that Onkyo may be having QC issues right now. If the quality issues are blown out of proportion, the bang for the buck with Onkyo seems to be pretty darn good.

The other option I'm considering is getting an external amplifier to make my RTi12s sing the way they are supposed to. I figure I'll need to do this eventually anyway so perhaps this should be a higher priority. Maybe I could swing a nicer receiver down the road if I buy an amp now and wait on a receiver.

My knowledge of receivers is somewhat limited. My knowledge of amps is one step above zero. Emotiva and Adcom seem to be 2 decent yet relatively inexpensive options that come up when I search the forums. I've read about class A and A/B but need to learn about class D I think.

Any guidance or suggestions are appreciated.

mdaudioguy · July 2011

First, welcome to Club Polk!
Second, I'm really digging my Yamaha Aventage (RX-A) series - my third Yamaha AVR. I love the Yamaha sound and feature set - particularly their DSP. I'm also planning to make use of the Dialog Lift feature with the addition of presence channel speakers.
Also, the Pioneer Elite SC series gets some rave reviews around here.

Erik Tracy · July 2011

ForceV4 wrote: »

Hi Polk people,

I hope I'm posting in the right section. I also hope that my signature shows my current set up appropriately. I've been lurking for quite a while and finally decided to sign up and join in the festivities.

Here is my situation. I'm thinking about a couple of options but can only afford one right now.

First, I'm considering a new (or used) AV receiver. I've had good luck with Yamaha and have had an eye on an RX-V3900. That receiver is probably way overboard but I love gadgets and set up options. Plus, I'm hoping to move in the next year or so and will have a lot more room.

Is this receiver worth the cost of admission considering what is available new? Even used this one is a bundle of money. Onkyo has quite a few very nice receivers for under a grand. I did have a 70pro years ago that was nothing but problems. I've read on the forum that Onkyo may be having QC issues right now. If the quality issues are blown out of proportion, the bang for the buck with Onkyo seems to be pretty darn good.

The other option I'm considering is getting an external amplifier to make my RTi12s sing the way they are supposed to. I figure I'll need to do this eventually anyway so perhaps this should be a higher priority. Maybe I could swing a nicer receiver down the road if I buy an amp now and wait on a receiver.

My knowledge of receivers is somewhat limited. My knowledge of amps is one step above zero. Emotiva and Adcom seem to be 2 decent yet relatively inexpensive options that come up when I search the forums. I've read about class A and A/B but need to learn about class D I think.

Any guidance or suggestions are appreciated.

Depends...what can you the RX-V3900 for?

I have the V1800 and 'back then', the V1800 and V3800 got quite favorable reviews (except for the remote, but then most AVR remotes don't get good reviews..:rolleyes:).

If you can get a 'killer deal' on the V3900 and it has the features you want - then it's a worthy candidate.

ForceV4 · July 2011

Thank you mdaudioguy and Erik-this is a great forum with a tremendous amount of information.

I dig the dialogue lift feature of the Yamaha. I believe some of the Onkyo models have a similar feature. To be perfectly honest, that's one of the big reasons I'm thinking of Onkyo. I have nothing against Pioneer Elite. They seem to be quite popular and a lot of positive reviews.

I found a 3900 for 600 bucks on closeout about a year ago. Of course, I didn't buy it and I'm still kicking myself in the butt for that one. When I do see them for sale, people must have diamonds hidden inside to justify the prices. I've found them to hover around a grand.

Therein lies the debate. Is a $1000 used 3900 better than $1000 towards a new Onkyo, Pioneer Elite or Brand X? I'm not sure. After all of that, I'm still of the opinion that I don't have the power to properly drive the RTi12s.

This is just what I needed-another expensive hobby! :biggrin:

drummer86 · July 2011

If it were me I'd get an amp and a new sub. But I don't know why exactly you're looking to replace the receiver... Your priorities may be very different.

ForceV4 · July 2011

drummer86 wrote: »

If it were me I'd get an amp and a new sub. But I don't know why exactly you're looking to replace the receiver... Your priorities may be very different.

Drummer86, the sub is horrible. I don't really like it and would really like to replace it with something nicer when the budget allows. I found a 505 recently on Craigslist for $200 and almost jumped on it. I think I'm going to wait until I figure out an amp and/or receiver solution.

My receiver intermittently cuts out both center channels. If I turn it off and back on, that usually fixes the problem until I shut it back down. Estimates to have it fixed are around $200 bucks, maybe more if they find a surprise inside. I'd like a 7 channel and network capability (even though I don't really need it.

Erik Tracy · July 2011

ForceV4 wrote: »

Drummer86, the sub is horrible. I don't really like it and would really like to replace it with something nicer when the budget allows. I found a 505 recently on Craigslist for $200 and almost jumped on it. I think I'm going to wait until I figure out an amp and/or receiver solution.

My receiver intermittently cuts out both center channels. If I turn it off and back on, that usually fixes the problem until I shut it back down. Estimates to have it fixed are around $200 bucks, maybe more if they find a surprise inside. I'd like a 7 channel and network capability (even though I don't really need it.

Sounds like you need to start with a replacement for the AVR, or have it fixed.

If you are otherwise happy with the 3300, maybe pop for the $200 repair and use what's left in your wallet for a good external amp then a sub upgrade.

If you think the 3300 is getting too 'long in the tooth' and needs replacing instead of repairing, then that 3900 could be your first step. I'd be more inclined to get the used 3900 for $1K (a bit high though, imo) then getting a new AVR for $1K as the best 'bang for your buck', unless there are some 'new' features you are looking for.

Be sure to check out audiogon.com and videogon.com for used deals on AVRs.

For example:
RX-V3800 for $400
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?miscrcvr&1315665151&/Yamaha-RX-V3800-Yamaha-RX-V380

Marty913 · July 2011

ForceV4 wrote: »

Drummer86, the sub is horrible. I don't really like it and would really like to replace it with something nicer when the budget allows. I found a 505 recently on Craigslist for $200 and almost jumped on it. I think I'm going to wait until I figure out an amp and/or receiver solution.

My receiver intermittently cuts out both center channels. If I turn it off and back on, that usually fixes the problem until I shut it back down. Estimates to have it fixed are around $200 bucks, maybe more if they find a surprise inside. I'd like a 7 channel and network capability (even though I don't really need it.

You're using two center channels? With a splitter? Just curious, and sorry for interrupting the 3900 discussion.

ForceV4 · July 2011

Marty913 wrote: »

You're using two center channels? With a splitter? Just curious, and sorry for interrupting the 3900 discussion.

Marty, I have to charge you $20 for interruping this discussion. It will go towards the new sub/amp/AVR fund.

No worries, man. The RX-V3300 is a 6.1 receiver. Instead of a left and right rear speakers I've just got one. I may have used incorrect terminology when I referred to 2 center speakers.

I'm pretty sure that I will opt not to fix this receiver. I know I'll replace it in the not too distant future and I'll never be able to sell it for much. I could use it in a garage running music on 2 channels.

drummer86 · July 2011

Marty913 wrote: »

You're using two center channels? With a splitter? Just curious, and sorry for interrupting the 3900 discussion.

Marty, I think he's referring to the front AND back centers here... Pretty sure the 3300 is a 6.1 receiver.

Newegg.com had the psw505 new for 199 though it's back up to 229 (free shipping) today.

The receiver cutting in and out is anything but desirable. Unless you're absolutely in love with it, I'd vote to replace. Go with the $400 RX-V3800 on audiogon that Erik posted and you've got 600 left over for the sub right?:cool:

ForceV4 · July 2011

I'm trying hard not to clutter up the board with duplicate posts/questions so I'm adding to my own thread. I'm sure this question has been asked but I haven't found a definitive answer. I'm not sure if there is a definitive answer.

What would be a good amp to go with to happily drive the RTi12? A Polk rep told me to look for 250 watts or so. I do know that amps can sound differently and that rating comparisons aren't always apples to apples.

I'll be sticking with used because of a limited budget. Names that keep popping up are Adcom, Emotiva, Parasound, Carver, Hafler and a few others.

I'm eyeballing an Adcom 5500 on AudiogoN to see what it goes for. I found a Parasound HCA 1000 on my local Craigslist for $350 but didn't read a lot of favorable reviews on it.

It's really hard to shop for something when you don't quite know what you're looking for or at. I've read posts where people replace caps (capacitors?) and other parts-I will NOT be doing any amplifier lobotomies in my living room.

Any suggestions on what to look for, look out for, and how sounds differentiate between brands are welcomed.

ForceV4 · July 2011

Crickets are chirping away in here...

Erik Tracy · August 2011

ForceV4 wrote: »

Crickets are chirping away in here...

Aren't you going to solve the intermittent on/off problem with the AVR first?

That would drive me insane and the AVR would either be fixed or out the door ASAP.

ForceV4 · August 2011

I can't believe I forgot to look at my own post after asking a question...

The on/off issue only happens the first time I turn it on. If I shut it off and turn it right back on again then it's OK. And yes, it does drive me absolutely NUTS.

I'm keeping an eye peeled for a good price on a Yamaha RX-V3900 on Craigslist, Ebay and Audiogon.

In the mean time, everything I'm reading about the RTi12 says to feed them more power to make them happy. I just don't know squat about amps. A guy I talked to at Polk tech support suggested 250wpc. Adcom seems very reasonably priced. I just need to pick a brand and a model so I have something to search for. I keep looking up specs on amps I find for sale and all of the details are beginning to blur together.

Considering receiver-RX-V3900 or?

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