$300-$400 Receiver comparison, I want to know about every single one :) (1 Viewer)

[Joe Hsu]

I know, before you say it, I've done my searches, but I wanted to compile a thread where people say what they think about any receiver, so I can take my time and read over things and try to make a decision. I'll be buying it towards the end of summer (July-August), so if there will be any foreseen price drops, please include that as well. Basically, just let me know of any opinions you have for one, and especially any comparisions.

I'm looking for a receiver that has all your basics, but was hoping to get one that was decent enough to quell my upgrade itch for at least 2 years. I was looking for a good amount of power, as I'm hoping to buy some decently beefy speakers as well. If the receiver doesn't put out as much wattage as claimed, please do tell. I'm looking for 5.1 sound, so I doubt I'll be stretching that soon, but 6.1 wouldn't hurt if it has the capabilities. Looking for all the usual, but up to DPL II.

So far, I've seen the following receivers being mentioned in respect to the one I've been eyeing (The Denon 1802):

Denon 1802
Pioneer VSX-D811S
Yamaha 5560
Onkyo 600
Marant SR5200
YAMAHA HTR-5540 (Can't seem to get a price on this one tho...any help?)
Harman Kardon -> Don't know what model goes in this range, please help?

As for application, I'll be listening to primarily music, probably 80/20 music/other, maybe higher. I listen to all kinds of music, but usually it'll be rock or something like that...

I think that's all I can think of...if I've missed some criteria, please do ask, as that'll help educate me.

Thanks for all that respond, as this is a pretty big decision for me this summer, I want to be very satisfied with my purchase. lastly, I should be able to audition most of these receivers as well, but I wanted to get some opinions and build a knowledge-base first.

Thanks again all!

 

[Steve_Tk]

Well for HK the AVR320 is $499 at JandR.com-put this one because you have some recievers that that are more than the 300-400 range, at least at sites I've seen.

One below that is AVR220 I believe.

 

[Ash]

Hi, I bought the Denon 1802 after research (but within budget!) and find it's great value. The DPL II is worth having as opposed DD6.1, unless you can get both.

 

[MikeyWeitz]

I am opting for the VSX-d811s myself. Has the most bang for buck. Component switch (biggest factor for me), 6.1 DLPII, 100xs 6, etc.

 

[Norman L]

Same old story from me.

Running in 5-channel Stereo:OUTPUT

Onyko 600 - 34W/x5 -Mfg rated 80x6
Marantz 7200 - 29W/x5 Mfg 105W (The 5200 series)

Pioneer 811S and the Yamaha 5560 I am going to pay for them to be tested, since I want another receiver for my master bedroom that is inexpensive and I am using speakers that require 35 watts when the source is loud and strong.

I also believe a receiver should have pre-amp-outs
so you can always upgrade the power without buying a new unit. The Yamaha 5560, Pioneer 811S, Marantz 5200, Denon 1802 have them.

The Onkyo600, does not.

 

[Norman L]

There are two new Harmon Kardon AVR-125, AVR-225

I do not know about them but I think they do not have pre-outs.

 

[KyleGS]

Bump- I have been wondering the same thing...

 

[Wayne Ernst]

Pioneer 811S and the Yamaha 5560 I am going to pay for them to be tested

Norman, I'm looking forward to the results of these tests once you get them. I'm awaiting the arrival of the Yamaha 5560 in the coming week and would like to see how it fares with regards to its "true" output power.

 

[Russell _T]

Could someone please tell me the difference between the Denon 1602 and 1802 besides a couple of watts of power?
Thanks,

 

[Joe Hsu]

Cool, I'm getting replies. I'm gonna post a thread in the media section, since two of my friends just gave me my birthday gift (a month belated )...JIN-ROH, 3 DVD

 

[Scott Bourden]

Could someone please tell me the difference between the Denon 1602 and 1802 besides a couple of watts of power?

Russel, there are a couple differences. As you mentioned, the power difference. There are also more digital inputs on the 1802, plus an optic input on the front faceplate.
As well, the 1602 has no preouts for any channel, but the 1802 has preouts for the front soundstage (L-R-C)
A few more inputs and outputs here and there as well, I believe, but I don't know the number offhand, and I am not crawling behind my rack to check the back of my 1802

 

[Russell _T]

Hi Scott,
Thanks for the info. I guessed the 1802 would have a few more features, but am I right in assuming that the build quality is the same? Same amp quality? The only feature that interests me other than DD is PL2 and 5 channel stereo. As DSP's go, is the 5 channel stereo on these units pretty good? That's really what I'm shooting for, and does it makes it's stated rating? And one last question, does your 1802 play loud enough to suit you?
Thanks,

 

[Joe Hsu]

Hey! You're taking over my thread! just kidding.

 

[Russell _T]

Sorry, I was thinking I had kinda hijacked you, but at least we're getting a little education.

 

[Joe Hsu]

Every night, same time, same thing, it's almost 2AM, and I'm still checking the same sites for speakers and receivers. At least I'll get more sleep after I buy them...right...

 

[Wayne Ernst]

Thanks for the info. I guessed the 1802 would have a few more features, but am I right in assuming that the build quality is the same? Same amp quality? The only feature that interests me other than DD is PL2 and 5 channel stereo. As DSP's go, is the 5 channel stereo on these units pretty good? That's really what I'm shooting for, and does it makes it's stated rating? And one last question, does your 1802 play loud enough to suit you?

I own the 1802. Yes, it plays loud enough for me. I have mine setup in a room that is 21' x 15' x 8'. For music, I'm comfortable listening when the dial is in the -40 position. For movies, -30 is more suitable. I'm running 5 speakers that are of 90 dB efficiency with a 15" sub being driven by a 200 watt amp. I don't like the 5-channel stereo DSP mode, but prefer Dolby Pro Logic II for music.

 

[Russell _T]

Wayne,
Thanks for that information. It helps a lot.

Joe,
It sounds like you need to put together a complete system. Here is the best system for the money I can think of. You wouldn't be able to get anything better than this for considerably more money:
Diva by Swans 4.1 speaker package. $1200.00
Hsu VTF-2 10" subwoofer $ 450.00
Denon 2802 $ 550.00
Total not including shipping $2200.00