Looking for AVR along the lines of Onkyo 805

[fatchowmein]

I see the 805 is very popular and I'm wondering what else out there is comparable. I need at least 3 HDMI inputs and a 5.1 multi-channel input. Pre-outs mandatory. System will be used 60% movies (Blu-Ray and HD-DVD) and 40% music (SACD, SB3, CD). TV is a 30" 1080i CRT monitor that will be replaced within the next 12-24 months (holding pattern to see how 2009 will unfold).

$800 would be nice. I can handle $1000. $1200+ means messing up the family budget and I really don't want to go there unless there isn't anything worthwhile plus we're creaping into the price range of Gaara's Earthquake Cinenova Grande 5 listed in the classifieds. :D

[mantis]

Depending on which speakers you have , I suggest you check out the Pioneer Elite vsx92txh. If you can spare the extra cash, it would be worth going for the 94txh. They have great sound quality and excellent features. 3 HDMI on the 92 and 4 on the 94.

If you own Rti type speakers , you will love it.

Dan

[Face]

http://www.integrahometheater.com/model.cfm?class=Separates&m=DTC-9.8&p=i

A little on the pricey side, but it should suit your needs.

[kuntasensei]

You might look at the Denon AVR-2308 or its slightly more expensive brothers. Comparable product to the 805, but with more flexible options for the Audyssey MultEQ (i.e. selectable target curves).

[JDOGG]

They have them on sale right now at 6ave.com
http://www.6ave.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=ONKTXSR805B

[fatchowmein]

Depending on which speakers you have...


LSi15, C, 7 and an Outlaw LFM-1 Plus sub.

[kuntasensei]

If you're driving LSi series speakers... you might think about finding the 705 on the cheap (should be around $500 or less if you poke around) and using the money you save on external amplification. The 705 has everything the 805 has as far as processing goes, and for 4 ohm speakers I think you'd ultimately be happier finding an external amp to drive them.

[fatchowmein]

If you're driving LSi series speakers... you might think about finding the 705 on the cheap (should be around $500 or less if you poke around) and using the money you save on external amplification. The 705 has everything the 805 has as far as processing goes, and for 4 ohm speakers I think you'd ultimately be happier finding an external amp to drive them.

My bad. Running Emotiva LPA-1 amp. Right now, my Yamaha HTR-5760 is the very weak link. Man, a new receiver is exciting but I don't look forward to recabling everything. :(

[cubdog]

I got my Denon 2308 from Dakmart for under $600. It was a refurbished unit but it's mint in every way. Dakmart is an authorized Denon dealer and very nice to deal with. Plus they extend Denon's warranty an no charge. I usually stop short of recommending companies I've dealt with, I'm just saying in this case I had good luck.

cubdog

[fatchowmein]

What is it about the 2308 that everyone is liking?

[Gadabout]

While I'm not driving LSi's ....

I have no complaint with my Onkyo 705 and my LPA-1. Since you would be saving by getting the 705, you could easily add another amp for your mains.

If I ever get back home for a weekend, your welcome to come and listen to it see if it would suit your needs.

Scott

[xandra]

For the price at 6thAve, I'd say go with the 805 (assuming shipping costs don't aren't a deal-breaker)

There are a few worthwhile upgrades from 705: notably 1 extra A/V port, Burr-Brown DAC's, and a convenient Audio Select Button on front (allows you to toggle HDMI/analog/Multichan/Digital) if you've got multiple connections.--Yes, Im pyscho enuf to do this. Also the 30watt diff, might just be enuf to allow you only Amp the fronts.

[kuntasensei]

What is it about the 2308 that everyone is liking?

As I said before, the selectable target curve for Audyssey is the big difference to me. I'm happy with my Onkyo 705... but it uses the Audyssey curve (which rolls off the highs in much the same way as THX modes do). The Denons let you select Flat (no rolloff - flat response across the board), Audyssey (same but with a rolloff of highs for nearfield listening in home theaters) or Front (makes the other speakers match the frequency characteristics of the front speakers) curves. As I said, I'm happy with my 705 and the way it sounds with my Polks (RTi70 mains, CSi40 center, RTi28 surrounds), but I do wish Onkyo had given us the option of selecting the target curve.

[fatchowmein]

As I said before, the selectable target curve for Audyssey is the big difference to me. I'm happy with my Onkyo 705... but it uses the Audyssey curve (which rolls off the highs in much the same way as THX modes do). The Denons let you select Flat (no rolloff - flat response across the board), Audyssey (same but with a rolloff of highs for nearfield listening in home theaters) or Front (makes the other speakers match the frequency characteristics of the front speakers) curves. As I said, I'm happy with my 705 and the way it sounds with my Polks (RTi70 mains, CSi40 center, RTi28 surrounds), but I do wish Onkyo had given us the option of selecting the target curve.

Dammit. I've got some learning to do. Time to put the ol' thinking cap on and go research.

Thanks for the info.

[skykeys]

Dammit. I've got some learning to do. Time to put the ol' thinking cap on and go research.

Hello Fatchowmein,

Be careful; there is so much information out there, some of it contradictory, that it can make your head spin. :)

If you want to stick with a receiver (instead of going with separate components), I will suggest, in addition to the other fine recommendations you've gotten so far, to look at Yamaha. I happen to be a fan of Yamaha stuff; I think they are very good for the money. There are others who may have a different opinion, and that's fine; I only speak for myself.

I have an RX-V620, which is a seven year old model, and it works very well for me. But I will tell you, I am considering moving to separate components for a couple of reasons. I recently upgraded speakers (LC265i, LC-RTS-C, and LC80i). They are more power hungry than my previous speakers and I am curious as to what they will sound like with a more powerful amplifier. Also, the relatively new Class D amps (ICEpower and others) have peaked my interest. My only reservation about going with separates is that it becomes more complex and time consuming to match up other components properly, not to mention it's much more expensive. :)

Just researching the available Class D amplifiers has taken me down a slippery slope of time and obsession, and I haven't even started to look at what I think is at least as important as the amps, (if not more so), which are the pre-amps and the surround processors.

So, I haven't decided what I'm going to do. But for now, my Yamaha RX-V620 is doing just fine.

Regards.