[Greg121986]

In my last 2 years of college I bought a budget home theater system and I was quite happy with it. It has served me very well. It consists of a pair of Definitive Technology BP8B tower speakers, Def Tech C2 center channel, Polk Audio DSW Pro 600 subwoofer, Yamaha RX-v465 receiver, and very recently some Dayton B652 speakers. Now, I have listened to some ultra high end home theater and 2 channel audio systems and I get sad every time I go home to my Definitve Techs.

I think it is time for an upgrade.

I just scored some cheap Swan M1 speakers from Ebay. If I like them, I will likely use them as my rear speakers. I do really like the Dayton speakers. At $35 they are fantastic rear surround speakers. I bought the Swan speakers because I would like to eventually buy some Swan Diva 6.1 or 6.2 speakers and a matching center channel. If I like the M1's, I will likely buy some Swan Diva or maybe a higher class Swan speaker for the front speakers in my system.

So really what I am looking for now is an A/V receiver. I feel like my Yamaha RX-v465 is really holding back the Definitive Technology speakers, but the speakers are also a weak link in my system and I will replace them. I would like to spend about $1000-1500 on an A/V receiver. I know how fancy some systems can get, but I'd like to keep it relatively simple. If I can get a dedicated, high quality, A/V processor and separate amplifier for $1500 or less I would really be interested in that. Or if I got a single A/V receiver with a great power amp and processing capabilities, I would be happy with that. I am not sure what is available in the A/V receiver realm so I would really appreciate any help.

So far, I have considered Denon and Marantz. If I could find a used piece on Audiogon that would also be a huge advantage. I don't mind buying used equipment if I can pay the depreciated price for it.

TL;DR
I want a new receiver. Budget is $1000-1500. It will end up driving mid-fi home theater speakers. Source will be a Boxee via HDMI and Optical audio. Files will be MKV or other 1080p movie rips. It will mostly be used for home theater, but occasionally 2 channel audio if I end up choosing speakers that work well for 2 channel audio. I am looking at Denon and Marantz receivers. Audiogon used hardware is always a top choice!

 

[TheSchlaf]

For that price, I'd consider Onkyo's NR series receivers. The NR1008 and NR3008 are very good from the reviews I've read. I have a Pioneer Elite, but it's nowhere near the $1000-$1500 budget you have listed.

 

[Greg121986]

How about the Marantz AV line? Do these require an additional power amplifier? I have not read enough about the receivers to know which one requires a power amplifier.

This Perreaux power amp looks to be quite nice. I wouldn't mind pairing it with a $1000 processor/preamp.

 

[2thAche]

I really like Denon. The forums are full of help and info also.

 

[Bull]

Marantz has been on the up swing...though I have a Denon, if I ever upgrade again I'm looking into the Marantz line.

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/marantz-sr7005-receiver

 

[TUDJ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg121986;12994669
How about the Marantz AV line? Do these require an additional power amplifier? I have not read enough about the receivers to know which one requires a power amplifier.

You'd need both the AV7005 and the MM7055. The AV7005 is a pre-amp and processor, it handles all of the decoding and converting, it doesn't amplify the signal at all, it passes the signal to the MM7055 (or any power amp) to do the amplifying.

 

[Greg121986]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tUDJ;12994787
You'd need both the AV7005 and the MM7055. The AV7005 is a pre-amp and processor, it handles all of the decoding and converting, it doesn't amplify the signal at all, it passes the signal to the MM7055 (or any power amp) to do the amplifying.

Thanks. I was unsure of this. I have not been able to spend the time to really read into these products.

 

[gorb]

I would just get an inexpensive receiver that has preouts like the Onkyo TX-NR708, Pioneer VSX-1120k, or Yamaha RX-V667 and buy an amp like the Emotiva XPA-3

 

[Elton Noway]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg121986;12994557
... So really what I am looking for now is an A/V receiver. I feel like my Yamaha RX-v465 is really holding back the Definitive Technology speakers, but the speakers are also a weak link in my system and I will replace them. I would like to spend about $1000-1500 on an A/V receiver. I know how fancy some systems can get, but I'd like to keep it relatively simple. If I can get a dedicated, high quality, A/V processor and separate amplifier for $1500 or less I would really be interested in that. Or if I got a single A/V receiver with a great power amp and processing capabilities, I would be happy with that.

I want a new receiver. Budget is $1000-1500.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gorb;12994947
I would just get an inexpensive receiver that has preouts like the Onkyo TX-NR708, Pioneer VSX-1120k, or Yamaha RX-V667 and buy an amp like the Emotiva XPA-3

Although I am a long time fan on Denon (I own two Denon receivers, one AVR and two Denon DVD players)... I was getting upgrade fever due to the lack of HDMI ports on my older Denon equipment. I did a ton a research.

I couldn't help but notice a reoccurring theme... that the Yamaha RX-V series has been getting a lot of attention and some rave reviews. As you know, all receivers have their pros and cons. This series is no different... but... with the slew of HDMI ports they offer, great graphics and sound... I was won over.

I ended up getting the RX-V667. I would have preferred the RX-V867 so I could get the ethernet port and streaming capabilities. But, like you I also have a Boxie as well as a ROKU and my Blu-Ray also has streaming. Anyway... both the V667 and V867 have "discrete" channel amplifiers for each channel, as well as HDMI 1.4a support for 3D. (I don't have a 3D TV but there is not harm in being future proof) It also supports pass-through so my wife can watch TV without having to turn on the receiver. The 667 and 867 also support assignable amplifiers for bi-amp connection so you can add an external amps if you want.

The hardest part for me was to ignore a carrot being dangled by Amazon. Right now they have an awesome bundle deal going on thru April 30th for the RX-V667 and a set of Harmon Karman 5.1 speakers.

Current Amazon pricing on the RX-V667 is $549. Pricing on the http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-Theater-Speaker-System/dp/B0039UUPH6/ref=br_lf_m_1000579581_1_1_ttl?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=electronics&pf_rd_p=1292354802&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000579581&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0CKE8FBFQBFPWCHDMHY6] Harman Kardon HKTS20BQ [/URL] 5.1 speaker set is $699. But instead of paying $1248... the Special Amazon bundle package is only $699.... thats like getting the speakers for $150. Just look at the RX-V677 (or the HK speaker links provided above) and you will see a Blue Circle with the words Special Offer...just below the pricing info Due to budget constraints I didn't get the bundle... [sigh]...but I love the 667. No regrets.

 

[gorb]

I also have a RX-V667 because it was the cheapest new model with preouts

You probably should have have justified spending the extra money and bought the bundle and just sold the speakers for whatever you could get (maybe $300).

I bought mine a few days ago from newegg so I can't benefit from that bundle. The 867 would have been nice like you said, but the networking isn't THAT important to me.

 

[Elton Noway]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gorb I also have a RX-V667 because it was the cheapest new model with preouts You probably should have have justified spending the extra money and bought the bundle and just sold the speakers for whatever you could get (maybe $300).

Yeah... I thought long and hard about doing that but the old credit card was pretty much max'ed out ... oh well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gorb I bought mine a few days ago from newegg so I can't benefit from that bundle. The 867 would have been nice like you said, but the networking isn't THAT important to me.

What really sucks is over the weekend Newegg had a special on the RX-V867. If you purchased it for the regular price of $799... you'd get a $300 gift card! Not too shabby! But, I jJust checked and it looks like that deal is no longer available. However, I see Newegg is also running a RX-V667 Bundle special. Its a great deal... you basically buy a nice Klipsch speaker system worth $899 and you get the RX-V667 for free. But you have to act fast. It ends today 4/4/2011!

 

[Greg121986]

The Klipsch speaker system is far below what I intend to buy. I believe it is much below even what I currently have, especially my subwoofer. If they were to give me the Klipsch speakers for free, I would refuse them. I do not have a use for them.

I am looking into these speakers for mains.
Swan Diva 6.2
Swan Diva 6.1
Or, something like the Swan 6005F or RM600F. Or, I could get a deal on some Sonus Faber speakers. This shop is actually very near to me.

The Swan M1 is what I scored off Ebay for $133. They are an old design (especially the crossover), but I think for $130 they should be quite good.

 

[SlyFox]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gorb I would just get an inexpensive receiver that has preouts like the Onkyo TX-NR708, Pioneer VSX-1120k, or Yamaha RX-V667 and buy an amp like the Emotiva XPA-3

Second this.

Do you plan on buying a subwoofer for this system?

 

[Greg121986]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlyFox Second this. Do you plan on buying a subwoofer for this system?

I'm not sure if I will get a subwoofer or not. I'm not really happy with my current sub woofer. I think it does OK for movies, but it's not great for music. I would like to get some tower speakers that can handle the low frequencies for music listening. I will consider a subwoofer after I get the receiver and main speakers.

3000th post!

 

[gorb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elton Noway Yeah... I thought long and hard about doing that but the old credit card was pretty much max'ed out ... oh well. What really sucks is over the weekend Newegg had a special on the RX-V867. If you purchased it for the regular price of $799... you'd get a $300 gift card! Not too shabby! But, I jJust checked and it looks like that deal is no longer available. However, I see Newegg is also running a RX-V667 Bundle special. Its a great deal... you basically buy a nice Klipsch speaker system worth $899 and you get the RX-V667 for free. But you have to act fast. It ends today 4/4/2011!

Yeah, I saw that previous 867 deal. Unfortunate for me because I didn't have the money either D:

When I bought my 667 I did get a $125 gift card though, which was great.

 

[[CyGnus]]

Another vote for denon the 1911 is very good and not pricey at all compared to MarantZ or Rotel and the sound is just amazing

 

[R3d T34rz]

Check out the Pioneer Elite SC 35. It will drive anything and stays cool to touch. Those Iceamps in the 35/37 models sound very good. It will last you quite some time also. If your ok with buying used or last yrs model, check out the SC 25/27 models.