Another request for help selecting an AVR (1 Viewer)

[Steve from Vt]

Looking for any help/opinions in selecting a new receiver. WARNING - I have posted this to other websites/forums seeking assistance, so you may have seen it already and I apologize for that if so. BTW, where should I post this? Here or elsewhere? Don't ask for details (doesn't really matter) but my job has a "Rewards" program where I can earn points and purchase a variety of things with my "earned" points. Below are some receivers that they have available w/ their cost to me (1 point is equal to $1.) And yes, I realize the points/costs assigned are a “little” high and I could get a much better deal thru Amazon or out on the street. But I’ve got the points and not the cash – so guess where I’m going to get my AVR? I have a separate room & system that is my primary audio listening room and will be using this new setup as my primary video system. Both are used for the other purpose but limited; guessing at about a 70/30 or 80/20 split. This may change in the future (when I can afford separates), but for now - two rooms, each w/ a dedicated system. Got a great deal on the Energy Take Classic 5.1surround system (love Energy speakers and after reading reviews on this, couldn’t pass it up @ $250 but likely to upgrade it in the future). Now need a receiver for it. Have a DVD player but will be getting a blu-ray player soon. Do not anticipate using this for games, just watching TV, movies and occasional music. Will be playing thru a Sharp LC-46LE820UN. The Sharp has several HDMI inputs including one w/ ARC that I plan on using as the main connection. Here are my choices. Marantz SR5006 $770 Denon AVR-1913 $645 Pioneer Elite VSX-52 $1050 Pioneer Elite VSX-40 $510 Yamaha HTR6080BL $880 Have done some feature/price comparison and have these listed in the order as I see them. Leaning towards the Marantz or Denon and probably not the VSX-52 as I would have to throw in some cash. BUT not set on this, for example – is the VSX-52 really worth the extra $$$$? some reviews talk about display/menu issues w/ the Marantz the Denon has Audyssey MultiEQ vice the Audyssey MultiEQ XT etc, etc How do you see them? Any input/comments/advice/suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanx

 

[schan1269]

If you plan on using the TV as you hub, just choose the cheapest one. There is no need for anything but a $200(original price) AVR is you are going to provide it with 2.0PCM all the time. Now if you'd rather do it the right way...I'd pick the yamaha 6080(it is 3 years old...but has pre-outs for all channels so it can be a pre-pro)

 

[gene c]

I think you have them listed about right,with exception of the Yamaha. From what I know about them (which isn't much) the 6080 is a pretty well featured receiver for the money. Also, you're right about the VSX-52. I t should be "priced" closer to the 5006. Marantz receivers are a bit over-priced in the retail market but compared to the others and considering your "rewards points" it's about right. I would narrow it down to the marantz and yamaha with the Denon in the mix only if you wanted to save some points. BTW, I have a 5005 and it's a very solid receiver, but not spectacular. I also have an Elite VSX-23 (a two year old version of the 52) and I'm also quite happy with it. The Pioneer has a solid remote and I love the 6 MCACC presets which also remember speaker/subwoofer volume levels. It's like having 6 seperate eq's which also remember individual speaker volume levels. Brilliant! It also has a few other settings which help with dialog. I'd pass on the VSX-40. It's the Cadillac Cimarron of Elite receivers. The Marantz has a very good remote, is very easy to setup and operate and has solid power and sound quality. I wish I new more about Yamaha receivers... there is no perfect receiver but you have a few good ones to choose from.

 

[TheGary]

I'm just going to throw the Pioneer SC-1222-K into the mix. Class D amplification and it's on sale for 550 @ Newegg.