H/K AVR-7200 or Sony STR-DA3000

CraigerM · 02-11-2004, 08:41 AM

Hello,

I'm looking for any real world recommendations for a new receiver. I listen to about 50/50 music/movies. Being a musician, music reproduction is important to me. I like a punchy, fat sound whether I am listening to Alan Parsons, or my son's Linkin Park....

I have an ailing Sony db-930, Pinnacle Towers, Axiom QS-8 surrounds, Outlaw ICBM and a Klipsch KSW-12 Sub. My room is about 12 x18. I have about $800-$900 to spend and I have narrowed down to two possibilites. The H/K AVR-7200 and the new Sony STR-DA3000.

I truly like the way the sound is now with cds or movies. Having the Bass Boost and EQ functions of the Sony helps that Fat low end. It is a little bit thin when I play SACD or DVD-A, unless I crank up the volume. I'd like to get that same punch at a lower decibel if possible. I am hoping a better receiver with a high current amp will do the trick. I know its going to be difficult at my price point, but I figured the new technology receivers may help.

Thank you for any advice, or recommedations.

Craig

Brandon D · 02-11-2004, 10:17 AM

When comparing those two you would be doing yourself a serious injustice if you didn't purchase the 7200.

I'm not singling out sony, but they've never melted my butter in terms of recievers - they're always buggy, quirky, and have issues. HK amp section are very stout and they're processing is very tight IMO.

Consider that you're comparing in reality a $1000 sony reciever to a $2000 HK reciever.

Michael__M · 02-11-2004, 10:43 AM

Brandon is just saying that because he just bought one. Then again so did I! I have had the 7200 for just a week but so far I can say it is a very nice piece. At the price they are going for right now, $800, I don't see that you wouldn't be happy with it. It has some serious power and has helped me overcome my bass issues with my set-up.

CraigerM · 02-11-2004, 11:25 AM

Thanks for the quick replys.

Im leaning towards the H/K, even though I will have to get a new rack or something to accomodate the extra size. I also had a friend recommend the Yamaha RX-V2400. I've heard Yamaha are noted for their clarity, but I'd have to hear it to see if it can deliver the music punch I need. I cant seem to find a place here on LI that carries both though.

NickScott · 02-11-2004, 11:43 AM

Hey, sony makes nice stuff, but I would buy one of there receivers. HK all the way!!

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Brandon D · 02-11-2004, 11:56 AM

doesn't that sony reciever have a digital amp section? That alone would make me abandon that idea.

To me you're still comparing a 2000 reciever to recievers in the 750 - 1000 range. It only makes sense to get the hk.

Stelios · 02-11-2004, 12:49 PM

Read this thread:

http://www.agoraquest.com/viewtopic....=9628&forum=51

Stelios

Brandon D · 02-11-2004, 01:18 PM

14 PAGES!!!

John Pine · 02-11-2004, 01:45 PM

Another vote for the 7200!

JackS · 02-11-2004, 03:02 PM

Tried and true analog which is the HK versus Sonys digital. It does seem to me that there is a premium to pay for these new amps since the HK right now is really the better bargain. If one were comparing using price as a guidline, the 7200 should be compared to the DA 5000. However, I've yet to see any great bargains offered on the Sonys. It appears that early production runs with the new Sonys have had their share of problems which would cause me pause to a purchase of one of these new receivers. If your purchase will be immediate, I'd suggest the HK.

Shiu · 02-11-2004, 08:29 PM

I would go for the 7200 also, unless you can find a analog STR-DA7ES. But then the 7ES is not much smaller or lighter than the 7200.

RolandM · 02-11-2004, 08:46 PM

Quote:

doesn't that sony reciever have a digital amp section? That alone would make me abandon that idea.

Though I must disagree with Brandon's comments about Sony [ES] receivers having "always been quirky/buggy", I would agree with him regarding the comparison...

You can't really compare the DA3000ES to the 7200--they aren't on the same level really. The 7200 handily wins as it is a higher end/more expensive receiver.

Perhaps a more appropriate comparison would be the Sony DA5000ES? As JackS has mentioned though, there haven't really been any great deals on the Sony DAx000ES receivers as of yet and some of the early ones did have some problems, therefore I'd say the H/K is a good bet.