7.1 Receiver upgrade: Marantz v Onkyo v Denon (1 Viewer)

[NeednewRecvr]

Hi,

Newbie to the forum here and feel inadequate (you guys know your stuff). I'm looking to upgrade to 7.1.

I have Klipsch main towers (dual 8" + horn) & Klipsch Reference Center. Our great room is 15x16x10, if that matters. I haven't purchased the In-walls for my rears yet, nor the Sub (looking at HSU VTK3.....overkill?). Soon to purchase a Pan DMP BD35k.

My AVR budget is $1000-$1300. Here are the candidates:

Onkyo SR876 vs Denon 2809CI vs Marantz SR6003

I've enjoyed my Onkyo for years and know their SR876 is priced right for the specs provided. I've read so/so reviews of the decoders (upconversions to be specific). Audio specs seem positive.

Denon has a great reputation. Can't afford the 3808 ($1500), which looks as if will be replaced by a 3809 based on the recent product releases. I could go with the 2809CI...kinda bummed only 1 HDMI output. The rest looks great.

Marantz (don't know alot about them, but same parent company as Denon). I understand they use a single PSU to cut cost, where Denon uses multi-psus. Does it matter? Just something I picked up in one of these threads. Anyhow, not many reviews to study up on.

Thanks in advance (everyone) for your help and assistance.

Cheers,

Blake

 

[David Willow]

Hi Thad,

If you like the Onkyo's, no reason not to get the 876.

 

[Kevin Stewart]

If you look real hard, you can probably find a Pioneer Elite SC-05 for under $1300. With the new ICE Amps, it'll blow any of those others out of the water.