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First surround sound receiver
Hello,
This is my first post to the forums.
I am in the market for my first surround sound system and need some input. Some background on my current stereo situation may be in order before I ask my questions. My system is rather old in terms of technology (age too) and involves a analog tube TV and a stereo system. My nearly 20 year old Nakamichi TA-4A receiver is starting to have amplifier problems (too bad, I LOVE this receiver), so I will be starting the home theater system with a new receiver simply out of necessity.
A friend I have known for more than 2 decades likes Denon stuff and I do trust his judgment. Back in the days when I was really into stereo systems in a big way, Denon and Yamaha were next on my list below Nakamichi. Well, Nak doesn't exist anymore in the audio scene so I must look elsewhere.
Questions:
The Denon 3808CI looks cool. Do I really need 4 HDMI inputs or will I be able (as I assemble more and more stuff) to get by with 2 HDMI inputs like the 2808CI has? I am a little put off by the $1600.00 price and I missed a deal at 6ave.com for $1098.00 this past week. The 2808 suits my checkbook better, but I do not want to limit my future. How about the 2308?
Do HDMI switchers work well to expand the number of inputs to a unit like the 2808?
Should I be looking at other makes of receivers? I see the name Onkyo mentioned here and there. Twenty years ago I would not have given you a plug nickel for an Onkyo. No longer true? Any other manufacturers you recommend?
How about amplifier quality? I am not planning on using the receiver as a pre/pro and spending more money on amps, that simply isn't in the budget. Will any manufacturers amps give me better performance?
How about musicality? I love music and the system will not be dedicated to home theater, it will also be a music system. Just because something can make an explosion sound good doesn't mean it can reproduce Neal Pert's drums or Eddie Van Halen's guitars well. Not to mention the demands of classical music. Thoughts?
I know that I am expecting a whole bunch from the system, but that's not going to change any time soon.
What other information would be useful to answer my questions?
Thank you for your time and patience. There will be more questions on other sections of this site as more gear (and money) come into the picture.
Dave
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