Help me find a good AVR

[themuskr]

Hey all! In the next few months i will be in the market for a new AVR. Just want to see what everyone would recommend.

My system- Full mirage nanosats with matching sub and Def tec sub running stacked. (dorm set-up :) ) All powered by a yamaha HTR-6140

What i want- I need something with at least 2 hdmi in, with the ability to decode all the new lossless audio.

And thats pretty much it!

My price range is probably around 500-600 ish. but its up to what the options are.

Look forward to seeing your suggestions!

-Mitch (themuskr)

[PrazVT]

I know for sure my Denon AVR-3311ci and the AVR-991 play FLAC, but they are a bit more expensive.

Of the few I checked online for, the Onkyo TX-NR708 is the least expensive AVR that supports FLAC (USB and networked) - and that one is ~ $600. So it's probably your best bet in your budget if you want FLAC support built in.

I checked the Yamaha 2065, but I don't think it supports FLAC. You could also check previous versions of some of these receivers (ex. AVR 990 ~$700 supports FLAC natively).

Just to be thorough, the other options are:

1 - Get any AVR you like (brand-wise, SQ-wise) that supports iPod connectivity and encode your music using Apple Lossless. You can do it in iTunes, but I find dbPoweramp music converter to be alot less painful. Caveat here is that if the receiver doesn't have USB input, buying the dock tends to add $50 - $80.

2 - Get a less expensive receiver that has the basic features you want (HDMI, blu-ray audio decoding, etc.) and pick up a squeezebox classic (~$200) and connect it via optical or digital coax and wifi / ethernet. The Caveat here is that the computer that has all the music would need to be on all the time.

Hope that helps some...

[B Run]

I was looking around the $600 budget not too long ago and narrowed it down to the Denon 3310, Onkyo 808, Pioneer 1120, Marantz 7002 and Yamaha Rx v1900. I ended up finding a Yamaha rx v1800 for really cheap so i jumped on it. I think each of those receivers have their trade offs, features vs power vs reliability etc. But that's a few i'd recommend looking into for ideas and figure out exactly which one suits your needs.

[PrazVT]

My apologies - I think I misinterpreted the Op's question. When I hear 'lossless audio', I think lossless music.

If you were referring to blu-ray audio formats, then I would agree with B run. There are a variety of AVRs from $250+ that would give you HDMI and all the blu-ray formats. It's a matter of narrowing down the features you want.

[BlueFox]

My apologies - I think I misinterpreted the Op's question. When I hear 'lossless audio', I think lossless music.

I was wondering why in the world is this guy talking about FLAC with an AVR. :D

[PrazVT]

Yeah - alas, the EDIT button wasn't available so I couldn't save face on that one lol. Sorry - this is what happens when I'm on a conference call and surfing the web at the same time :)

But on the topic, FLAC support is a nice AVR feature to have for music.

[themuskr]

Sorry for the confusion I meant true HD and master audio decoding, my mistake. But great suggestions none the less. I have always liked denon's products.

Keep the suggestions coming!

[BKSinAZ]

I have been a Yamaha owner exclusively since 1985 and recently made the change to the Pioneer Elite. I could not be happier.

[mole']

i have 2 Pioneer Elite AVR's. im happy with them

i think iskandam has a SC-05 FS

[themuskr]

i have always heard such good things about anything pioneer elite, I'll look into them

[sm88]

I just had the top of the line Pioneer Elite from around 2001 and sold it but it was a very nice unit, burr brown DAC's didn't sound bad at all. Had rosewood side panels and was completely lined with copper, surprised me with both sonics and aesthetics.

[PrazVT]

Though I did buy a Denon this time (VSX-33 hadn't come out yet, and I didn't feel like waiting), I too am very curious about the Pioneer AVRs. Will listen to one the next time I'm in the Magnolia section of BB. Otherwise, the only experience I have w/ Pioneer is the 6100BT HU in my Mazda 3 - but hey it's been great too :)

[mole']

Though I did buy a Denon this time (VSX-33 hadn't come out yet, and I didn't feel like waiting), I too am very curious about the Pioneer AVRs. Will listen to one the next time I'm in the Magnolia section of BB. Otherwise, the only experience I have w/ Pioneer is the 6100BT HU in my Mazda 3 - but hey it's been great too :)

i had the Denon 2311ci before i got my SC-07. im happy

only thjong i miss about the Denon is the on screen disply and setup.

[JuanR]

I have a Pioneer SC-07 that I use to power the VM30's, VM10's and a CSi5 Center and love it. This Pioneer AVR is well built and can handle just about any 8 ohm speaker with relative ease. On screen programming is simple and is loaded with all kinds of inputs, and if you ever wanted to use an external amp, you can use the pre-amp outs. I would definetly recommend this Pioneer.

On another note, most Denons have the Anchor Bay Video processing - which can be a very good thing for you.

All in all you should be able to find something decent in your price range. Good luck.

[themuskr]

Man there are so many choices in the mid level of AVR's. I will look into the pioneer

[codyc1ark]

I have an Onkyo TX-SR607 that I bought about a year ago to replace a 10 year old Sony AVR (which I miss dearly, the sony would PUSH some speakers). I love it, easy to use, mic setup, plenty of HDMI options. I have not had any issues with the Onkyo, I'd recommend it to anyone.

[themuskr]

Any opinions on this denon?
http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/5330.asp

[PrazVT]

I haven't heard the 1911, but I do have the 3311 and have ZERO complaints. I'd suggest you go to Frys or Magnolia and listen to them b/c at this price point, you're going to find alot of the same features in these receivers.

I have the 3311 and I love it thus far. Aside from the great sound quality, the Denons tend to be feature rich. I love the UI - it's responsive and there are a range of settings to explore. I find it easier to use than my Dad's Onkyo 707 and my other Yamaha 663.

Reliability-wise, I haven't had it long enough to comment. But no problems thus far. The 1911 is new as well, so I would expect a similar experience.

[JuanR]

Hey PrazVT, any comments on the video processing by Denon? Does yours have the Anchor Bay Processor?

[PrazVT]

Yes, the 3311ci has the Anchor Bay VRS processor/scaler.

By default, the scaler is set to auto and there are separate options for scaling analog signals and HDMI signals. I've played with it using different sources and generally the results have been great.

In general, I check the HDMI information menu to see what source the AVR is receiving and decide whether to stick w/ 1080p/60 or use 1080p/24 (my tv supports it).

- Comcast HD cable: upscale 1080i -> 1080p/60
-- 1080p/24 upscaling has given mixed results depending on the source; blu-ray discs that are natively 1080p/24 play as such.
-720p blu-ray rips: Still trying to figure out how to bypass the PS3's internal scaler.

But quality-wise, it has improved the cable picture immensely. On a large TV you can tell that comcast has somewhat limited the bitrates of the HD content, so the upscaler seems to clean up the picture a bit.

[lessthanzero]

I have been a Yamaha owner exclusively since 1985 and recently made the change to the Pioneer Elite. I could not be happier.

AMEN, brother........

[themuskr]

this is a pioneer i have also been looking at. i see that it has the anchor bay video processing
http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers...ml?tag=rvwBody

[mole']

this is a pioneer i have also been looking at. i see that it has the anchor bay video processing
http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers...ml?tag=rvwBody

cheaper pioneer elite. i like it

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...0-K.Kuro?tab=A

[themuskr]

cheaper pioneer elite. i like it

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...0-K.Kuro?tab=A

exactly i really like the full color on screen menus and the video processing. sounds like it's between this and the denon 1911

[mole']

they both dont have pre outs tho.

[PrazVT]

they both dont have pre outs tho.

He's using nanosats, so pre-outs probably aren't necessary right now.

themuskr - you get why mole' is pointing that out right? If you plan to get tower speakers in the future and want to use an external amp to power them, the receiver should have pre-outs.

If it's not a concern at this stage, then I'd say don't worry about it ...but here are some Pioneers in that price range that have pre-outs:

Pioneer (non Elite) VSX-1120-K ~$600
Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH (prev gen) ~ $600

Don't see any Denons in the $500 - $600 range that have pre-outs though.

[mole']

He's using nanosats, so pre-outs probably aren't necessary right now.

themuskr - you get why mole' is pointing that out right? If you plan to get tower speakers in the future and want to use an external amp to power them, the receiver should have pre-outs.

If it's not a concern at this stage, then I'd say don't worry about it ...but here are some Pioneers in that price range that have pre-outs:

Pioneer (non Elite) VSX-1120-K ~$600
Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH (prev gen) ~ $600

Don't see any Denons in the $500 - $600 range that have pre-outs though.

did not see that (He's using nanosats)

i think if your gonna buy a new AVR you should get the pre outs now, cause you more that likely gonna need them down the road. i made this mistake when i got my Denon AVR. it was a new 2311ci. it was a nice unit, but no pre outs. sold it and got a Pioneer Elite SC-07 and never looked back. also have a Pioneer Elite VSX 84TXSi for my bedroom setup. +1 for pioneer elite.

[themuskr]

yeah i was also looking at the 1120. What are the advantages of the 1120 vs. the 1020 besides the preouts?

[mole']

look for a used SC-05

[themuskr]

Anyone have any comments on the build quality of the new line on pioneers or pioneers in general?