Have a AVR 320 would like to try something different. what you suggest? (1 Viewer)

Jason-Pro · Apr 26, 2003

i have a harmon kardon AVR 320 and DVD 5 combo. id like to try out something different tho. what do you guys suggest?

ill only beable to spend about $5-600 on a reciever(ebay is ok) ive been looking at that denon 2802 but i only want a 5.1 reciever. (its just in a smaller bedroom no room for 6.1)

and id also like to try out a different dvd player. what would you all suggest ?

id like to spend like $2-300 on a dvd player.

RobWil · Apr 26, 2003

Personally , soundwise and performancewise, I don't think the Denon would be that much of an upgrade, if any, over the HK 320. I've auditioned the HK for 30 days and done some serious research on the 2802.
Sorry...can't comment on the DVD due to lack of knowledge :b
BTW, what kind of speakers are you using?

Jason-Pro · Apr 26, 2003

some of Johns(styrke) speakers (i built them myself tho)

the center channel isnt done yet but its the same as them 2 but with the tweeter in the middle and sideways

then the rears are the same but just 1 7" instead of 2.

Frank Carter · Apr 26, 2003

Is there something in particular you're not satisfied with?

Arup · Apr 27, 2003

Check out good deals on the discontinued Yamaha RXV-800 which has 6.1 sound. You might be able to get one for under $500

105x5 with 'Phantom' rear chanel. 6 chanel inputs for future processor upgrade.

Frank Carter · Apr 27, 2003

I had the Yamaha HTR-5280(HTR equivalent of RX-V800), I recently sold it on ebay for around $275. It's a good receiver and the phantom 6.1 works suprisingly well but I think it would be a downgrade from the AVR320.

Within your price range you could get a Sony STR-DA4ES, it has tweaks up the wazoo, powerful processor, and a robust power supply. I think I'm getting one soon.

Arup · Apr 27, 2003

I don't understand why it would be a downgrade as feature for feature it retains superiority over the AVR-320. If sky is no limit then the RX-V1 or RX-Z1 should be considered and there are few which can match their capabilities.

The RXV-800 has very good sound in audio mode and has the feature of upgradability with 6ch input. It has two sets of speaker outputs, also main, center and rear surround pre outs for seperate amp use. It even features a phono input which is a rarity today. The only thing it lacks over the AVR-320 is Dolby Pro Logic-II and I think that is hardly a neccesity.

RobWil · Apr 27, 2003

Well he never really said exactly what he was unhappy about. He says 'he'd like to try something different'. To me that kind of indicates sound not necessarily features, but who knows...he never really says. The yamaha just ain't gonna make an appreciable difference sound wise...maybe even a downgrade as far as I'm concerned.

Frank Carter · Apr 28, 2003

Arup,

It's a good receiver. I was using a HTR-5280(RX-V800) as a pre/pro and then switched to a HK AVR520(same processing section as as the AVR320 minus HDCD) and noticed a dramatic improvement in music listening and a better dynamics with HT. I quickly compared the internal amps and the HK's amps were vastly superior to the Yamaha. I know I tested the AVR520 which is more powerful but my speakers are 98db efficient so it was hardly a difficult load. Keep in mind this is just my opinion.

Frank

Ricky T · Apr 28, 2003

Maybe you can *try* a Nakamichi AV10 receiver (someone on audigon is selling one, along with the Nak DVD-10).

Arup · Apr 28, 2003

The Yamaha has a much heftier amp section with higher wattage rating plus a much superior DSP alogrithm than HK. It is obvious you like the HK sound compared to the Yamaha and that I can relate to as Yamaha is tricky to set up unless proper matching speakers are used. I have personaly liked the Yamaha sound and the only brands that match or come close are Marantz and Accuphase.

I have used high end HK amp before switching on to Yamaha as I never liked their sound or the promise of high current rating as my Yamaha amp cofortably drove my Martin Logans which had a nasty habbit of shutting the HK amp down.

I would say let the man's ears decide

Frank Carter · Apr 28, 2003

Exactly!

I'm still not sure of his motives for wanting to change his receiver though.

Arup · Apr 28, 2003

The Klipsch speakers tend to sound extra bright with Yamaha amps according to my experience. Yamaha amps go well with Magnepans, Cantons, MB Quart and Yamaha speakers. JBL too compliments them well. As I have said before in my earlier posts that sound is subjective issue. Yamaha takes a very different path and so it is a love it or like it matter. Yamaha bases it's sound signature on their musical instruments therefore room acoustics and speaker as well as source matching can be extremely tricky.

I guess the reason for change is to do with the sound and therefore I mentioned ears.

Lee-M · Apr 29, 2003

(Semi-shameless solicitation removed...)

RobWil · Apr 29, 2003

Hmmmm....well actually Frank said...

I know I tested the AVR520 which is more powerful but my speakers are 98db efficient so it was hardly a difficult load.

He was making a general statement based on the difference in the power ratings, but never said he compared the 320 to the 520 and found it to be sufficiently more powerful. Not to argue but I auditioned both the 320 and 520 at the same time with CC's 30 day return policy. After switching them back and forth several times I couldn't tell any difference at all. You're only talking 20wpc difference in power. They sounded identical. I also had high efficiency speakers however. I suppose if you had lower efficiency speakers and were right on the verge of not quite powering them sufficiently the 20wpc MIGHT make a difference. The 520 does give you the HDCD decoder and some extra bass management for the 6.1 channel connection, though.

Click to expand...

Chu Gai · Apr 29, 2003

I think you need to better define what your particular goals are or what you see as defincincies in your existing setup. Is this a bedroom that's being used for sleeping or one that's been converted into a small HT setup? After all, in a small area, it's not like you're going to have vast power requirements. Personally, if you're looking towards using it primarily for HT, I think you should consider moving away from the institutional 'light color' on the wall and strive to create a more encompassing color scheme involving richer, darker, colors. Also the rack for the DVD's while probably functional, makes everything look very cluttered. Just my 'Martha Stewart' approach on the decor.

Jerome Grate · Apr 29, 2003

I agree with Chu and other posts, not sure what you are looking for. If you are looking for 6.1, if you get let's say a AVR 520, you'll have more power, and if you use the pre-outs of the 520 and keep the 320, you will get DD EX/dts ES as well as 6.1 channel discrete by hooking all three pre-outs from the 520 surround left/right and back. As to what DVD player sounds best or what you are looking for, well we need to know what your preference is.

Chu Gai · Apr 29, 2003

Now what would Hefner try for something different in his bedroom? Somehow I think he's not agonizing over audio components!

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